July 21, 19:23

Forecast: Average pension in Uzbekistan to reach 1.8 million soms by 2027

According to the Fiscal Strategy calculated for the period from 2027 to 2029, an increase is expected in both the size of pensions and the number of recipients in the pension system of Uzbekistan in the coming years.

Forecasts on Pensions and Recipients

The document prepared by the Ministry of Economy and Finance forecasts that in 2027, the average monthly pension amount nationwide will be about 1.8 million soms. If the average pension was expected to be at the level of 1.7 million soms in 2026, then in 2027 this figure will increase by approximately 100 thousand soms, corresponding to a growth rate of almost 5.9% based on aggregate data. The strategy does not specify the exact percentage increase in pensions themselves.

The number of pensioners will also grow. According to the Fiscal Strategy, by 2027, the number of pensioners may reach 4 million 592 thousand people, which is an increase of approximately 165 thousand people compared to 2026. Medium-term forecasts show a steady growth in this indicator: 4.76 million people are expected in 2028, and 4.94 million people in 2029.

Further Growth and Financial Burden

Simultaneously with the increase in the number of pensioners, a gradual increase in the average pension amount is forecasted. Calculations show that in 2028, the average pension will be 1.9 million soms, and in 2029—about 2.1 million soms.

The increase in the number of pension recipients leads to an increase in the Pension Fund's expenses. According to the strategy, the fund's expenses in 2027 will amount to 95.7 trillion soms, which is 11.1% more than in 2026, and could reach 119.4 trillion soms by 2029. An increase in the fund's revenues is also forecasted: in 2027, they will amount to 73.8 trillion soms, representing a growth of almost 14%. The main part of these revenues, 71.4 trillion soms, is planned to be formed through social taxes.

Need for Budgetary Support

Nevertheless, the fund's resources will be insufficient to fully cover pension payments. Therefore, a transfer from the republican budget amounting to 23 trillion soms has been planned for timely financing of pensions, which was also set for 2026.

The Fiscal Strategy notes that without practical reforms, the dependence of the pension system on the state budget will remain high. Experts cite the main reasons for the high level of informal employment, social tax benefits for some legal entities, and the limited base of social tax payers. In this regard, the government puts forward a number of proposals. Among them are the gradual inclusion of self-employed individuals who currently do not pay social tax, providing the opportunity to form work experience through voluntary payment of social tax for family members of citizens who are not working but have official income, as well as limiting new social tax benefits and gradually revising existing ones.

Current Situation at the Beginning of 2026

As of June 1, 2026, more than 4.35 million pensioners are registered in the country. Of these, about 3.6 million are age pensioners, 484.5 thousand are disability pensioners, and 260.6 thousand are survivors' pensioners. During this period, the average pension was 1.58 million soms. From July 1, 2026, pensions were increased by an average of 7%. By region, the highest average pension was recorded in the city of Tashkent, amounting to 2.16 million soms.

The forecasts established in the Fiscal Strategy demonstrate positive dynamics in the pension system. However, alongside the increase in pension amounts, the financial burden on the state budget is also growing. Thus, ensuring the long-term stability of the pension system, reducing informal employment, and expanding the social tax base become some of the most important tasks for the coming years.

uza.uzJuly 19, 18:19

Weekly Events Review: Increase in Pension Payments in Uzbekistan

The 'Hafta Tafsiloti' broadcast covers various events, including the increase in the size of pension payments in Uzbekistan.

Social Changes in Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, there is an increase in the amount of pension payments. Additionally, it is noted that five thousand residents of Andijan are receiving permanent employment in Belarus.

Changes in Assessment Methods

The old method known as 'ob'yektivka' is being abandoned when assessing personnel.

International Events

The broadcast also examines important occurrences on the world stage.

sputniknews.uzJuly 12, 14:12

Eight Controversial Moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup That Sparked Criticism

The 2026 FIFA World Cup left behind not only unexpected results but also disputes related to refereeing, political interference, racism, ticket prices, and the excessive commercialization of the tournament.

Key Issues of the Tournament

Among the most discussed events of the 2026 World Cup were controversial referee decisions, political influence, instances of racism, high ticket prices, and the transformation of breaks into advertising pauses.

Details of Controversial Incidents

Eight key incidents that generated the most discussion during the 2026 World Cup were compiled.

Political Pressure and Disqualifications

American forward Folarin Balogun received a red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. His automatic one-year suspension was later postponed to a probationary period, allowing the player to play against Belgium. US President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of this decision. This situation intensified discussions about the influence of politics on football decisions, to which UEFA reacted sharply by criticizing FIFA's decision.

Racist Incidents and Complaints

After France defeated Paraguay, Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla insulted Kylian Mbappé using racist remarks, calling him a 'Cameroonian' due to his skin color and African origin. Mbappé called the senator unworthy of his position, and the French Football Federation announced its intention to take legal action.

Furthermore, the Egyptian national team filed an official complaint with FIFA after the match against Argentina. Despite Egypt leading 2-0 in the semi-final, they ultimately lost 2-3. Mostafa Zico's goal was disallowed via VAR, and the penalty that the Egyptians demanded late in the game was not awarded.

Technology and Controversial Goals

In the Croatia vs. Portugal match, Josko Gvardiol equalized in extra time. However, a sensor installed in the ball registered a slight touch from Igor Matanovic, leading to the goal being disallowed for offside. A minor touch, almost imperceptible to the human eye, caused dissatisfaction from the Croatian side. Luka Modric commented on the use of technology, and the Croatian Football Federation requested clarification from FIFA.

Questions for Referees and Stars

In the first match between Argentina and Jagoira, Lionel Messi made a dangerous tackle from behind against defender Ayse Mandi. The referee awarded a free kick, but Messi did not even receive a yellow card. Following this incident, when Balogun received a red card in a similar situation, fans and experts began discussing preferential treatment for star footballers.

There were also disputes surrounding the penalty in the England vs. Ghana match. In the 0-0 game, an infringement was called during an aerial duel between Ezri Konsa and Kwabena Prince, but the referee did not award a penalty, and VAR did not review the incident.

Commercialization and Breaks

Ghana captain Charles Keirush called on FIFA to review the use of the VAR system. Antoine Semenyo emphasized the need for players to more actively demand reviews of referee decisions.

High ticket prices also caused discontent among fans: group stage tickets started from $140, and finals tickets from $4,000. After criticism, FIFA introduced a limited batch of special tickets at a price of $60. Fan organizations, however, consider the prices unreasonably high.

Another point was the three-minute water breaks in the 22nd and 67th minutes of matches. FIFA explained this as concern for player health. Nevertheless, when television channels began showing advertisements during these breaks, suspicions arose that the decision was made for commercial purposes, although FIFA denied these claims.

uza.uzJuly 9, 15:19

Career Fair 'TalabaExpo – 2026' Held in Navoi as Part of the 'Step into the Future' Program

The career fair 'TalabaExpo – 2026' took place in the city of Navoi at the Alisher Navoi recreation park. The event was organized with the participation of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, JSC 'Uzmilliibank', the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Navoi Region Administration, and the Youth Affairs Agency as part of the 'Step into the Future' program.

State Policy for Youth Support

Ensuring decent employment for young people in the country, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, and increasing the economic activity of young individuals are among the key directions of state policy. An important legal basis is the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated February 14, 2025, on 'Additional Measures to Facilitate Employment of Higher Education Graduates.'

Goals and Scale of the Event

In accordance with this decree, special attention is paid to ensuring graduate employment, supporting their business ideas, and expanding opportunities for using preferential financial resources. Systematic work is also being carried out in the Navoi region under this resolution. The event, organized to ensure graduate employment, their placement, direction to internships and traineeships, and support for startup ideas, gathered over 100 companies and organizations.

Regional Education Statistics

Currently, more than 8 thousand students are completing their studies in four higher education institutions in the Navoi region during the 2025-2026 academic year. Additionally, 4676 graduates from other regions are under constant monitoring. According to available information, Navoi State University graduates 4876 students in the 2025/2026 academic year. Of these, 1942 people found permanent employment, 83 became individual entrepreneurs, 663 self-employed, 737 are in childcare, 24 have disabilities, and 1427 are awaiting employment.

Success Stories and Partnership

Bahora Abdukodirova, a native of the Narpay district of Samarkand region, shared her experience: 'I graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Navoi State University. At this fair, I met vacancies presented by organizations and companies. Company representatives provided me with detailed information about open positions. I got a job at one of the state organizations. I am very happy about this.' The 'Step into the Future' program provides students with the opportunity to choose a suitable place of work, and the program itself is one of the initiatives that helps youth find jobs, direct them according to labor market needs, and create a direct link with employers.

Financial Support for Projects

Mirjon Qahhorov, Director of the 'Step into the Future' Center at the Navoi Regional Hospital of JSC 'Uzmilliibank', reported that JSC 'Uzmilliibank' has concluded cooperation agreements with four higher education institutions in the Navoi region through the Navoi Regional Administration. Regional branches of the 'Step into the Future' centers have also been established at Navoi State University and Navoi State University of Finishing and Technology. Through these centers, students' business ideas are refined into full-fledged projects, promising initiatives are financed, and graduate employment is ensured in cooperation with employers. In the 2024-2025 academic year, preferential loans totaling 8 billion 809 million soms were allocated to 168 projects presented by graduates. As a result, 185 young people found employment. Of these, 154 self-employed projects received a loan of 1 billion 540 million soms, and 14 legal entities received 7 billion 269 million soms, which provided permanent employment for another 41 young people.

Prospects for 2026

Similar events continue in 2026. Since the beginning of the year, credit funds totaling 25 billion 717 million soms have been directed to support graduates and young entrepreneurs for 150 projects. Consequently, employment was secured for 171 young people. 133 projects were financed with preferential loans under the 'Step into the Future' and 'Future Entrepreneur' programs amounting to 13 billion 97 million soms. The remaining 17 projects received commercial loans totaling 12 billion 620 million soms.