Mirziyoyev: “For Lack of Political Will, We Were Truly Slaves to Cotton”
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said the country had previously been excessively focused on cotton production, while reforms had transformed the structure of the economy. According to the president, the changes have been accompanied by industrial development, increased investment and a move away from dependence on cotton.
The remarks were made during a ceremony marking the launch of new industrial and social facilities. Ahead of Uzbekistan’s 35th anniversary of independence, 72 major industrial and service projects and 91 social-sector facilities were commissioned across the country.
Syrdarya Region Governor Erkinjon Turdimov said the region plans to attract $2 billion in investment in 2026. He said that over the past decade, the region had transformed its economic structure from predominantly agricultural to industrially oriented.
The development of the Syrdarya Free Economic Zone was also highlighted. While investment previously averaged $1 million per hectare, the figure has now reached $3.8 million per hectare for projects being implemented.
Commenting on the investment target, Mirziyoyev said: “Did anyone believe that $2 billion in investment could be attracted to Syrdarya? Nobody believed it. But, as it turns out, it is possible.”
Turdimov also linked the economic changes to the development of entrepreneurship, education reforms and stronger relations between Uzbekistan and neighbouring countries. He noted the transition to 11-year school education and said schoolchildren were no longer being sent to work in cotton fields.
Reflecting on the past, Mirziyoyev said: “For lack of political will, we were truly slaves to cotton. Twenty-four hours a day, 12 months a year, we were engaged in ploughing, topping, defoliation and harvesting. We did nothing else.”
The president stressed that the changes in the country were the result of consistent state policy.
Syrdarya Region Governor Erkinjon Turdimov said the region plans to attract $2 billion in investment in 2026. He said that over the past decade, the region had transformed its economic structure from predominantly agricultural to industrially oriented.
The development of the Syrdarya Free Economic Zone was also highlighted. While investment previously averaged $1 million per hectare, the figure has now reached $3.8 million per hectare for projects being implemented.
Commenting on the investment target, Mirziyoyev said: “Did anyone believe that $2 billion in investment could be attracted to Syrdarya? Nobody believed it. But, as it turns out, it is possible.”
Turdimov also linked the economic changes to the development of entrepreneurship, education reforms and stronger relations between Uzbekistan and neighbouring countries. He noted the transition to 11-year school education and said schoolchildren were no longer being sent to work in cotton fields.
Reflecting on the past, Mirziyoyev said: “For lack of political will, we were truly slaves to cotton. Twenty-four hours a day, 12 months a year, we were engaged in ploughing, topping, defoliation and harvesting. We did nothing else.”
The president stressed that the changes in the country were the result of consistent state policy.
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