Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A solemn ceremony was held in Tashkent to present state awards in honor of Uzbekistan’s 34th Independence Anniversary. Recipients from various sectors were recognized with honorary titles, orders, and medals for their contributions to the country’s development.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated attendees on the occasion, emphasizing the significance of the reforms carried out. He highlighted the country’s rapid economic growth: Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product reached US$115 billion over the past eight years, and according to the International Monetary Fund, it is expected to exceed US$130 billion in 2025 — a record figure since independence.

The President noted that these achievements were made possible through support for entrepreneurship, the construction of modern industrial complexes, development of the “green” economy, renewable energy, information technologies, tourism, and the financial sector. New cities are being built, and villages and mahallas are being modernized. Over the past eight years, more than 500,000 apartments have been constructed — four times more than in the first 25 years of independence. Infrastructure and improvement projects have received 60 trillion soums in funding, while investments totaling US$155 billion have enabled the implementation of over 100,000 projects, providing income for more than seven million citizens.

The President emphasized that economic growth has been accompanied by improvements in the social sphere. Funding for social infrastructure has increased sixfold, the number of kindergarten places has grown from 720,000 to 2.5 million, 466 new schools have been built, nearly one million student places created, student enrollment has risen from 279,000 to 1.5 million, and access to higher education now reaches 40 percent.

Special attention was given to the role of entrepreneurs in economic development. Industrial exports have grown from US$28 billion to US$62 billion in recent years, while tourism exports have exceeded US$3 billion. The Head of State stressed that the introduction of new knowledge and modern technologies across sectors contributes to the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs and the training of qualified specialists.

Concluding the ceremony, Shavkat Mirziyoyev underscored that the ultimate goal of independence is the welfare of the people, the enhancement of their dignity, and the improvement of living standards. “May the great happiness of seeing your work appreciated and enjoying the respect of society never leave you,” he said.

Award recipients expressed their gratitude for the recognition and wished continued prosperity to Uzbekistan and its citizens.