Together Towards a New Future: Celebrating Uzbekistan’s 34th Independence Day
By: Khalid Taimur Akram
Sep 1, 2025, marks the 34th Independence Day of Uzbekistan, a date that holds both historical and emotional weight. This day is of great importance for the people of Uzbekistan as it reminds them about their freedom, culture, and prosperous future. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan has been through a lot and faced numerous economic, political, and social challenges, but, over the years, Uzbekistan has shown remarkable growth and now it is moving confidently towards development and becoming a middle power in Central Asia.
Much of Uzbekistan’s recent success can be traced back to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership since 2016. His vision, hard work, reforms, and policies have helped transform Uzbekistan into a more open, modern, and growing nation.
Uzbekistan’s economy, during the early years of independence, was weak and highly dependent on agriculture, especially cotton. But over the past three decades, and especially under President Mirziyoyev, the country has made great progress. Important reforms, such as making it easier for people to start businesses, improving the banking system, and opening the country to foreign investment, etc. introduced by the government have played a pivotal role in the economic growth and development of Uzbekistan.
Today, Uzbekistan has a diverse economy. In addition to farming and natural resources, the country is investing heavily in manufacturing, construction, and services. The government is also working on modernizing roads, railways, and energy systems. For instance, new high-speed trains, modern highways, and power plants show how rapidly infrastructure is developing.
Tourism is another rapidly developing sector of Uzbekistan’s economy. Famous cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva attract millions of visitors every year. In fact, the number of tourists has increased from less than 1 million in 2016 to over 8 million in 2024. This has paved the way for new jobs, businesses, and a stronger global image for Uzbekistan.
Even in technology sector, Uzbekistan is also striving to become a leader. The government has launched the Digital Uzbekistan–2030 plan, which aims to develop IT centers, encouraging startups, creating digital jobs for youth, developing e-governance, and increasing the digital share of GDP. Uzbekistan’s new IT Park already provides opportunities for thousands of programmers and entrepreneurs, helping Uzbekistan become a technology center in the region.
Simultaneously, President Mirziyoyev is paying attention to the environment as well. Uzbekistan is investing in solar and wind energies, and the government is committed to transition towards a green economy and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This balance between growth and sustainability is key to the “New Uzbekistan” vision.
Under Mirziyoyev’s leadership, Uzbekistan has built stronger ties with neighbors like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, while also increasing cooperation with other countries. The country is actively participating in regional peace and development.
International organizations are also acknowledging the strategic importance of Uzbekistan. The country has been elected to major bodies like the UN Economic and Social Council and the International Labour Organization Governing Body. These roles enable Uzbekistan to have a more influential voice in world affairs.
The country is also taking significant steps in energy. In 2025, talks began with Russia’s Rosatom on building a nuclear power plant, which would make Uzbekistan one of the few countries in the region with advanced nuclear energy capacity. This shows its ambition to rise as a middle power with modern technology.
All these achievements are credited to the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Since assuming office in 2016, he has worked tirelessly to modernize Uzbekistan and improve the lives of common people. He introduced reforms that opened up the economy, improved international relations, and created jobs.
Notably, Mirziyoyev changed the manner in which the government works. He often says that “the people should not serve the government; the government must serve the people.” This new approach has brought hope to many citizens. His leadership style is more open and people-centered, which has made him widely respected both inside Uzbekistan and abroad.
Thanks to his reforms, hundreds of thousands of new job opportunities have been created, poverty levels have started to go down, and more young people have access to better education and technology. His vision of a “New Uzbekistan” is not just a slogan, it is becoming a reality.
As Uzbekistan celebrates its 34th Independence Day, the country has all the reasons to feel proud and self-satisfied. From a difficult beginning in 1991, it has become a growing, confident, and ambitious nation. Its economy is expanding, its cities are modernizing, its role in the region is getting stronger day by day, and its people are looking forward to a brighter future.
A notable share of this success belongs to the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, whose reforms and vision have set Uzbekistan on a path of lasting progress. Under his guidance, Uzbekistan is not only developing but rising as a respected middle power in Central Asia.
The story of Uzbekistan shows how much can be achieved in just 34 years when there is strong leadership, a clear vision, and the determination of a proud nation.
References:
- Independence Day (Uzbekistan). (n.d.). In Advantour (as cited in a neutral overview of Uzbek national holidays).
- Tourism in Uzbekistan continues to grow, with arrivals increasing nearly sevenfold between 2016 and 2023 (year unspecified). Daryo News.
- Uzbekistan’s Information Technology sector plans tenfold growth and stronger inclusivity by 2030. Daryo News; IT Park Uzbekistan project overview (n.d.).
- Uzatom and Rosatom collaborate on a 330 MW SMR project with phased implementation from 2029 to 2033. Kun.uz; Daryo News; Uzbekistan Nuclear Power Plant project summary (n.d.).
- Feasibility agreement for a large-scale nuclear plant (2–4 × VVER-1000 reactors) signed June 2025. UzA; UzDaily.com; Reuters.
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