Lawmakers unanimously approved the draft concept for the state budget for 2025.

During the plenary session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the draft law "On the State Budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2025" was reviewed in its first reading. The concept of the document was presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Jamshid Kuchkarov.

https://aktualno.uz/ru/a/14366-deputaty-edinoglasno-odobrili-koncepciyu-zakonoproekta-o-gosbyudzete-na-2025-god2024-11-26 09:44:08

In October of this year, the Ministry of Economic Finance presented the draft state budget for 2025. During a meeting of the lower house of parliament, it was highlighted that this bill allocates sufficient funds to meet all social obligations of the state towards its citizens, including timely payment of salaries, pensions, and benefits, as well as increasing their amounts to at least match the inflation rate.

The draft maintains a social focus on state budget expenditures for the organization of the education system, healthcare, and social protection, fully meeting the needs of the population and international standards.

Specifically, 20 trillion sums are planned to be allocated for poverty reduction. The document reflects measures aimed at enhancing targeting and ensuring the efficiency of funds allocated for social protection.

Furthermore, it is stated that the bill provides for maintaining the main tax rates unchanged in 2025, expanding the revenue base by reducing the "shadow economy", and gradually aligning tax, customs, and budget policies with the requirements of the World Trade Organization.

It was emphasized that next year, the real GDP growth rate in Uzbekistan's economy is expected to reach 6 percent compared to 2024, with a per capita income of 3,251 dollars. Growth rates are also projected at 6.1% in industry, 4.1% in agriculture, 14.5% in market services, and 14.2% in construction. Inflation is anticipated to be at 7%.

The attention of the deputies was drawn to the gradual implementation of the "Results-Oriented Budgeting" system. Specifically, discussions focused on initiatives aimed at further improving the practice of participatory budgeting. In 2025, specific measures against the coercive collection of votes in this process are planned for implementation. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for accelerating green budgeting reforms in the medium term.

Deputies expressed their opinions on the project. Following the discussions, parliamentarians unanimously approved the concept of the state budget bill for 2025 in its first reading.