Uzbekistan's 2025 State budget draft focuses on social welfare, entrepreneurship, and innovation

The draft law "On the State Budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2025" is being reviewed in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis. During committee meetings, deputies highlighted that the draft allocates funds to fulfill the state’s social obligations to citizens, with tax and budget policy changes aimed at boosting entrepreneurship. The draft also introduces mechanisms to involve citizens in budget formation, execution, and monitoring the use of funds. The Committee on Budget and Economic Issues discussed the effectiveness of changing revenue structures for district and city budgets, allowing some taxes to remain local from next year, following the President's instructions during his regional visits. They also made proposals on funds for first-level budget allocators, expenditure areas, and ensuring efficient use of budget transfers.

The Committee on Entrepreneurship, Competition Development, and Industry reviewed measures in the draft to align tax and customs laws with World Trade Organization (WTO) requirements to support trade development. The Committee on Agrarian and Water Management praised the allocation of funds for cotton growers to introduce drip and discrete irrigation systems, digitize the water sector, and improve canal infrastructure. They also proposed ways to ensure these funds are used effectively.

The Committee on Innovative Development and Information Technologies focused on funding for IT sector development, training youth in digital technologies, and implementing projects using artificial intelligence and space technologies. They emphasized the need for clear strategies and efficient use of these funds. The draft budget allocates funds to increase preschool education coverage to 80% and higher education coverage to 50% of graduates.

The Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs discussed how to effectively use these funds. The Committee on Combating Corruption and Judicial and Legal Issues examined funds for improving anti-corruption measures, reducing bureaucracy, ensuring transparency, and increasing digitalization in public services. They also looked into simplifying public service procedures and optimizing legislation. Finally, the Committee on Ecology and Environmental Protection plans an environmental campaign in each district next year, aiming to increase green areas to 30% by 2030 with public involvement.