The Uzbek leader noted that overcoming global financial and economic crisis was priority for Uzbekistan in 2009.

President Islam Karimov said that over 2.6 trillion soums were directed to implementation of the state programme “The Year of Rural Development and Well-Being”, which was aimed at improving living standards in rural areas of the country.

He said that the volume of investments attracted to economy of Uzbekistan in 2009 rose by 33%, while real income of population increased by 26.5%.

Uzbek head said salaries, pensions, social allowances and stipends grew by 40% in average in 2009. He added that salaries, pensions, social allowances and stipends will raise it at least by 30% in 2010.