Uzbekistan's GDP to exceed $180 bln in 2026 - Mirziyoyev

TASHKENT. June 17 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan's GDP will exceed $180 billion in 2026, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum.

"Many may remember that at the first forum, four years ago, we set the goal of increasing Uzbekistan's GDP to $100 billion by the end of 2026. We expect that this year our rapidly growing economy will surpass the $180 billion," Mirziyoyev said.

He said the presence of numerous foreign delegations at the forum was a powerful testament to the growing confidence of the international community in the reforms and development of New Uzbekistan. Over the past years Uzbekistan has attracted more than $150 billion in foreign investment, of which $123 billion has been secured in the last five years alone.

The stability of the national currency has been ensured, and the international reserves exceed $70 billion.

Uzbekistan's international credit standing continues to strengthen. This year, the country advanced 14 positions in the Index of Economic Freedom, calculated by the Heritage Foundation in conjunction with the Wall Street Journal, and, for the first time, joined the group of nations recognized as having a "moderately free economy."

"These achievements are tangible evidence that Uzbekistan's economy is gaining new momentum and entering a stage of new opportunities," Mirziyoyev said.

Uzbekistan's GDP was $154 billion at the current exchange rate in 2025. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Monetary Fund expect the Uzbek economy to grow 6.5% in 2026, the World Bank 6.4%, and the Eurasian Development Bank 7.9%.

The Tashkent International Investment Forum is taking place on June 16-18. Some 8,300 representatives of 100 countries are attending.