Uzbekistan’s foreign trade surpasses $80 billion for first time

Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover exceeded $80 billion for the first time in history, with exports reaching $33.5 billion, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said during a video conference on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The country also attracted over $43 billion in foreign investment, reflecting a major push in economic diplomacy, Caliber.Az reports. 

Mirziyoyev explained that ambassadors are no longer limited to political dialogue but are expected to actively promote investment, open export markets, launch transport and logistics corridors, boost tourism, facilitate legal labor migration, and protect the rights of Uzbek citizens abroad.

He outlined new key performance indicators for diplomats, including export revenues from their host countries, tourist flows, and the placement of citizens in legal jobs overseas.

The president emphasised that strengthening economic diplomacy should create jobs, increase incomes, improve living standards, and ensure economic security as the foundation of national security.

The conference also noted an increase in the staff of embassies, consular offices, and missions to international organisations abroad, along with higher salaries for foreign ministry employees.

By Sabina Mammadli