ANKARA, August 18. /Dunyo IA/. Lütfi Elvan, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Türkiye and Minister of Treasury and Finance and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Kalyon Holding”, has conveyed, through Dunyo IA, his sincere congratulations and best wishes to the people of Uzbekistan on the occasion of the 35^th Anniversary of the country’s Independence:

- My brotherly Uzbekistan has embarked on sweeping transformations over the past decade under the vision of a New Uzbekistan. These changes represent not only a success for the region, but also a particularly striking example of how sustainable development and steady economic growth can be achieved amid global instability. Drawing on its rich historical and spiritual heritage, Uzbekistan has, through far-reaching reforms encompassing all spheres of life, undoubtedly emerged as one of the region’s most dynamically developing centres today.

As a statesman who has served as Deputy Prime Minister of Türkiye, as well as Minister of Transport and Infrastructure and Minister of Treasury and Finance, I have followed with keen interest and genuine admiration, from the very outset, this historic process of awakening and transformation unfolding at the heart of Central Asia.

As an economist and former minister who was closely involved for many years in shaping Türkiye’s macroeconomic policy, structural reforms and economic development programs, I would particularly like to underscore the bold reforms undertaken in Uzbekistan’s economy. In particular, the strong political will, reform-oriented approach and strategic leadership of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev have been the driving force behind these transformations.

Historic decision to liberalise the foreign exchange market in 2017, taken under the leadership of the Head of State, marked a turning point in Uzbekistan’s integration into the global economy. This was followed by sweeping tax reform in 2019, the modernization of the banking system in line with contemporary international financial standards and measures to promote private entrepreneurship. Together, these reforms have helped establish Uzbekistan as a country with a reliable and stable investment climate, increasingly attractive to international investors.

Forward-looking policy of the New Uzbekistan has extended far beyond domestic transformation. It has also contributed to restoring the spirit of regional cooperation that Central Asia had lacked for many years. Uzbekistan’s foreign policy, grounded in the principles of mutual benefit, constructive engagement and humanitarianism, today serves as one of the important guarantees of peace and stability in the region.

At the same time, Uzbekistan’s practical initiatives on pressing global challenges, including climate change and sustainable development, are steadily enhancing the country’s standing and international prestige on the diplomatic stage.

Looking ahead to the coming decade, we envision Uzbekistan with even more advanced physical and digital infrastructure, a young population equipped with modern education and immense potential and a country emerging as a vital link in global supply chains.

I am also deeply pleased to see the relations between Türkiye and Uzbekistan growing stronger with each passing year. I firmly believe that this strong partnership between Türkiye, which is steadily strengthening its position as a global power, and Uzbekistan, which has emerged as a shining star of the region, will continue to advance through increased mutual investment and the implementation of joint strategic projects.

Taking this opportunity, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the brotherly people of Uzbekistan on the remarkable decade of the New Uzbekistan. I wish that, under the leadership of the esteemed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country’s noble path towards peace, prosperity and a brighter future will continue to advance with renewed strength.