ISLAMABAD, August 15. /Dunyo IA/. Pakistani International Relations expert and prominent analyst Khalid Taimur Akram, in an article for Dunyo IA, highlighted the results of socioeconomic reforms being implemented in our country under the leadership of the Head of State and elaborated on the significant achievements of Uzbekistan over the 35 years of Independence:

-  Celebration of Independence Day this year holds special significance, as 2026 marks the 35^th Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan. On the occasion of the 35^th Anniversary of Independence, Uzbek people will celebrate the impressive transformations the country has undergone over these three and a half decades: from a young independent state just beginning to define its place in the world, to an increasingly confident, modern and open nation that has won the admiration of people in all corners of the globe. A significant part of these transformations accelerated after the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, assumed office in 2016 and commenced the implementation of a large-scale reform agenda built around the vision of “New Uzbekistan”.

Changes taking place across Uzbekistan are hard to miss. The transformation is not limited to economic growth only. Over the past decade, Uzbekistan has liberalized its economy, increased its international engagement, expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, improved its infrastructure and embraced the principle that government exists not only for running the state but for serving its people. “The economy of the country has grown from $50 billion to $147 billion” said President Mirziyoyev, “and exports of goods and services have almost tripled”. The progress is reflected in the numbers.

During this journey of transformation, April 30^th, 2023, witnessed the most defining moment when nationwide referendum was held in Uzbekistan and the New Constitution was adopted. Under the new constitutional framework Uzbekistan was declared a democratic, legal, social and secular state. The New Constitution emphasizes the people centric approach, meaning it places people at the center of the state. It is the custodian of human dignity and freedoms. In addition, it also underscores that government institutions and officials are ultimately accountable to society and its citizens.

It is worth mentioning that this constitutional renewal was just a small part of the broader reform philosophy. This philosophy aims to create a more responsive state and a stronger social contract. The “New Uzbekistan” is increasingly defined not only by new buildings and infrastructure, but by new institutions, new opportunities and a new relationship between the citizens and the state.

Country’s digital transformation is another powerful example. Uzbekistan is emerging as a rising tech hub in Central Asia. The number of residents in the IT Park exceeded 2,800 by 2025 and exports of IT services have increased from $170 million to almost $1 billion in five years. Internet speeds had increased sevenfold and some 40,000 people aged under 30 were already earning large salaries in the sector.

Ambition goes further. Uzbekistan aims to increase IT-service and software exports to $5 billion and create employment opportunities for 300,000 young people in the sector. In 2026, the country is also expanding artificial-intelligence laboratories at universities and investing in computing infrastructure for the next generation of innovators.

For Uzbekistan’s young population, this is particularly significant. With about 9.5 million people aged 14–30, youth are not simply the future of the country, they are central to its present transformation. The new “Youth of New Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy, Uzbekistan’s first comprehensive long-term youth policy framework, launched by H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in April 2026, focuses on employment, entrepreneurship, education, vocational training, foreign languages and greater participation in society.

Tourism is another emerging sector of Uzbekistan’s transformation. Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent are no longer destinations known only to history lovers; they have now become an attraction for tourists. In 2025, Uzbekistan welcomed approximately 11.7 million foreign visitors, a 46.8 percent increase over the previous year.

Uzbekistan is famous for security and its hospitality. The country warmly welcomes tourists with open arms and good heart. In the first half of 2025, Uzbekistan ranked 25^th among the world’s safest countries in the safety ranking of “Numbeo” and was the highest-ranked country in Central Asia. When combined together, the historic cities, cuisine, welcoming people, architecture, and infrastructure make Uzbekistan a complete package for tourists. Due to all these factors, Uzbekistan has become a favourite destination for travellers seeking culture, authenticity and comfort.

At 35 years of age, Uzbekistan does not merely reflect upon the path of independence traversed - it looks toward the future with confidence. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and within the framework of his ongoing reform program, the country has embarked on a path of economic modernization, digital transformation, youth empowerment, constitutional renewal and active engagement with the global community.

History of the past 35 years is, above all, a history of evolution and profound transformations. And perhaps the most compelling chapter of this history is only just being written: the story of the “New Uzbekistan” - an increasingly interconnected, innovative, prosperous, secure and open state, looking confidently toward the future.