Industry as a Driver of Economic Growth in New Uzbekistan

    The 4th issue of 2026 of Uzbekistan's authoritative economic journal "Iqtisodiy sharh" ("Economic Review") published an analytical article by Iskandar Oʻroqboyev, head of department at the Centre for Sustainable Development, on the topic "Industry as a Driver of Economic Growth in New Uzbekistan."

    The article analyses the reforms implemented in Uzbekistan's industrial sector in 2017–2025, the role of industry in economic growth, and future development trends. The principal aim of the article is to assess structural changes in the industrial sector, investment processes, the development of the manufacturing industry, and the impact of "green" industrial transformation on the national economy.

    The article extensively examines the significance of industry in the global economy, demonstrating its role in gross domestic product growth, job creation, and the generation of high added value. It also identifies global trends such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, "green" energy, and high-technology production as key factors in future industrial development.

    The article analyses industrial reforms carried out within the framework of the Action Strategy, the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan, and the "Uzbekistan – 2030" Strategy. In particular, measures to liberalise the economy, support the private sector, improve the investment climate, and raise the level of localisation are assessed as important factors in industrial growth.

    At the same time, the article notes the rising share of the manufacturing industry, as well as high growth rates in the production of construction materials, machine building, textiles, and the chemical industry. The increase in the volume of foreign investment directed into industry and the creation of new production capacities are also presented as significant results.

    The article likewise outlines the pressing challenges facing industrial policy. Specifically, the development of high-technology production, the improvement of labour productivity, the acceleration of digital transformation, the diversification of exports, and the enhancement of energy efficiency are identified as important tasks.

    The concluding section emphasises that structural transformation processes have intensified in Uzbekistan's industrial sector, that the manufacturing industry has become the principal driver of economic growth, and that deepening innovation and "green" industrial development in the future will serve to enhance the country's competitiveness.