Uzbekistan’s government appears intent on spending its way out of economic trouble. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s administration is making big bets on infrastructure projects in emerging economic sectors. And to hedge against the considerable risks, Tashkent is looking in all geopolitical directions to open new channels of trade and investment. Mirziyoyev’s approach seems driven more by necessity than a grand vision.
“However, one immutable fact is becoming ever more clear no country can solve such problems alone.” As he moves to liberalize the economy, Mirziyoyev is keeping a tight lid on political life in Uzbekistan. Individual rights and political pluralism are afterthoughts for the government as it pursues reforms. Authorities appear to believe that fostering a more stable economic environment will be sufficient to keep citizens content.