by Eldor TULYAKOV
Executive Director of the Development Strategy Center
Uzbekistan’s reform agenda’s sudden trajectory focusing on political and socio-economic development brought a welcome surprise to much of the world community in 2016. Newly elected President Shavkat Mirziyoyev quickly initiated policies based upon the principles of pragmatism and transparency — a shift well received by foreign governments, international
organizations, and citizens alike and viewed as a watershed change in a country largely closed to the outsideworld since independence in 1991.
A new vision of what will define Uzbekistan for future generations emerged, new horizons that will bring long-sought-after potential and opportunities to its people.1