On 18 March IAIS hosted an expert meeting between Dr. Gavkhar Sultanova, Head of the Center for Economic Diplomacy, and Dr. Brent Hierman, Professor of International Studies and Political Science at the Virginia Military Institute, U.S. The discussion focused on the interim results of Uzbekistan’s economic reforms, as well as the broader structural and institutional changes accompanying the country’s ongoing transformation.

During the meeting, the participants examined key macroeconomic reforms, including currency, trade, tax, and monetary liberalisation, as well as Uzbekistan’s preparations for accession to the World Trade Organization. Particular attention was given to the Central Bank’s transition toward inflation targeting, the growing role of industry and services in the national economy, and the rapid expansion of the IT sector. The speakers also stressed that these reforms are closely connected to the development of human capital and the modernisation of higher education, both of which are essential for meeting the evolving needs of the labour market.

The meeting also covered issues related to financial stability, the expansion of consumer lending, dedollarisation trends, poverty reduction mechanisms at the mahalla level, and ongoing reforms in agriculture, including clustering, export diversification, and water-saving technologies.

The exchange further touched upon urbanisation, regional inequality, talent retention, and the modernisation of Uzbekistan’s energy infrastructure. Special attention was paid to measures aimed at attracting investment into the energy sector, expanding renewable energy capacity, and advancing plans for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Jizzakh region by 2030. The meeting provided a substantive platform for discussing both the achievements of Uzbekistan’s reform agenda and the policy challenges that will shape the country’s next stage of development in an increasingly competitive international environment.