During this period, the income of 2 million 616 thousand citizens was increased. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov at a meeting of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on August 25.
At the meeting, the execution of the State Program for the implementation of the “Uzbekistan — 2030” strategy in the “Year of Mahalla Development and Society Advancement” in the first half of 2026 was discussed.
It was noted that during the reporting period, 2,756 mahallas were turned into “poverty-free” territories. 300 thousand services aimed at increasing the income of 227 thousand poor families included in the “Social Register” were provided.
As a result of the measures taken, the unemployment rate decreased from 4.8 percent at the beginning of the year to 4.5 percent. The poverty rate also stood at 4.5 percent.
In addition, the activities of 546 thousand informally employed citizens were legalized. In order to deepen the specialization of mahallas, 104 thousand micro-projects were launched, through which employment for 246 thousand residents was ensured.
Economic growth amounted to 8.5 percent
According to the report, in the first half of 2026, the real growth rate of Uzbekistan's gross domestic product amounted to 8.5 percent. The GDP volume reached 1,072.7 trillion soums.
During the reporting period, growth of 8 percent in industry, 9.2 percent in services, 13.7 percent in construction, and 4.7 percent in agriculture was recorded.
State budget expenditures amounted to 205.6 trillion soums. Of this, 105.8 trillion soums were allocated to social spheres.
In the first half of the year, foreign investment worth 28.1 billion dollars was absorbed in Uzbekistan. This is 34 percent more than in the corresponding period of the previous year. Of this, 26 billion dollars accounted for direct foreign investments and loans.
The country's exports, meanwhile, reached 15.9 billion dollars for the first time.
37.8 thousand new small business entities were established
Within the framework of supporting entrepreneurship, nearly 37.8 thousand new small business entities were established.
About 70 thousand business services were provided to business entities by the district and city branches of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
