There has been a great growth in the service sector in Uzbekistan

^{Photo: Presidential Press Service}
Uzbekistan has seen significant development in the IT, financial services, tourism, aviation, education and healthcare sectors. This was announced at a videoconference meeting chaired by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, dedicated to discussing the main tasks for the development of the service sector.

According to the presidential press service, the head of state noted that the service sector development program adopted three years ago is bearing fruit. As a result, an additional 1.5 million people have gained a permanent source of income in the service sector, and the volume of services has increased from $19 billion in 2018 to $65 billion (an increase of 3.5 times).

It was noted that the demand for new services is also increasing due to the doubling of population incomes. Therefore, it was emphasized that ministers and governors should develop the service sector in line with demand.

However, it was noted that differences in the level of service provision between regions still persist. For example:

• In Nukus district, the volume of services reached 363 billion soums, an increase of 22%.
  
• In Gulistan district, although the population is twice as large, the volume of services is 30 billion soums less than in Nukus.
  
• In Namangan city, the volume of services per capita did not even reach 13 million soums (in Jizzakh city - 33 million soums).
  

It was noted that this situation still indicates the existence of a "hidden economy". The low volume of certain services in some regions was also criticized:

• In Nishan, Yangikurgan and Narpay districts, IT services lag behind in development.
  
• The volume of financial services has decreased in Samarkand, Yangier, Mirzaabad and Mirzachul.
  
• The volume of trade is not growing in Karshi, Zhambyl, Urgut, Urgench, Uchtepa districts.
  
• The volume of medical services has decreased in 7 districts of Fergana.
  

It was emphasized that all ministers and governors should conduct research on increasing the types of services.

It was announced at the meeting that the goals set by 2025 are to increase the volume of services by 15% to $82 billion, and exports to $8.5 billion, as well as to provide 2.5 million people with income in the sector. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”