New Uzbekistan

Book excerpt: This book reviews and analyses the comprehensive socioeconomic reforms undertaken in Uzbekistan since 2016 by the government led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The volume takes the reader through the different sectors of the economy and the effects of reforms on the country’s citizens. The various developments are detailed, examining the gains and the gaps in terms of policy and implementation. Using the broad tools of economics and, in particular, of development economics, the authors present evidence to drive their conclusions and recommendations, and also draw on comparative cases from policy and practice to illustrate alternative approaches and results from measures in other transition countries. Implementing Uzbekistan’s ambitious economic transformation into a market economy is a challenging process that takes time. This book provides the first systematic and comprehensive discussion of the government’s reform areas, including the macroeconomic fundamentals, business and investment climate, the energy, transport, health, education, social protection, financial, banking and agriculture sectors, regional trade, tourism and transport connectivity, reform of state-owned enterprises, as well as public services, citizen engagement and gender equality.