Government provides interest-free loan of 90,000 rupees and credit cards under PM Svanidhi Yojana scheme

Uzbekistan has become one of five countries that have achieved the most significant positive changes in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. According to Sputnik correspondent, $43 billion in investments was attracted to Uzbekistan in 2025.

This was announced at an international scientific and practical conference held in Tashkent on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of state sovereignty. The conference was themed 'Independent Uzbekistan – The Path to Development for 35 Years: Reforms, Results, and Prospects.' Representatives from the parliaments of Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as members of the Oliy Majlis parliament, UN staff, the diplomatic corps, the expert community, and scientific circles took part in the event.

It was emphasized that the country's economic volume increased from $50 billion to $147 billion, and Uzbekistan entered the group of middle-income countries. Furthermore, the annual rate of housing construction has increased tenfold over the past decade, reaching 238 thousand households in 2025. Uzbekistan has transformed into a country open to tourists, and the volume of electronic services in public services, taxation, banking, and payments is expanding.

According to Oliy Majlis speaker Nuriddin Ismoilov of the Legislative Chamber, the social protection system has reached a new level. Over the past three years, the number of social services has increased from 23 to 140. Government policy to reduce poverty has been raised to a high level. The incomes of 8.5 million needy citizens have increased, and the poverty rate has decreased from almost 35% to 5.8%.

As a result of systematic work in education, preschool education coverage has grown from 27% to 78%, and higher education coverage has increased from 9% to 44%.

The strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and South Korea is enriched with new practical content every year. Thanks to the efforts of the Agency for the Development of Medicine and Pharmaceuticals, bilateral cooperation in the fields of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and advanced medical technologies is reaching a new qualitative level.

During the latest business visit of the delegation led by the Agency Director Abdulla Azizov to South Korea, agreements were reached, memorandums were signed, and major investment projects were planned. These initiatives will undoubtedly contribute to the active modernization of the country's medical and pharmaceutical industries.

When discussing ways to grow capital in the modern era, two main approaches are highlighted: the traditional option using fixed deposits (FD) in banks and post offices, and the option through mutual funds implemented via Systematic Investment Plans (SIP). The question arises as to which of these instruments is more profitable, especially when considering an investment period of 15 years.

To illustrate this dilemma, examples of two friends—Prakash and Vikas—are examined, who chose different strategies for utilizing their savings. It is assumed that over this period, the bank offers a maximum annual interest rate of 8% for FD, while the SIP mutual fund yields an average of 12% per annum.

Prakash opted for the absolutely safe approach because he did not wish to take any risks. He had a lump sum of 10 million rupees, which he placed for 15 years in a bank FD at a fixed rate of 8% per annum.

The invested capital was 10,000,000 rupees. The interest rate was 8% annually. After 15 years, the total amount reached 3,172,169 rupees, with a profit of 2,172,169 rupees. Thanks to the 8% rate, Prakash's funds increased by more than three times over 15 years, and his principal capital remained protected with guaranteed income.

On the other hand, Vikas did not have a large sum of 10 million rupees for a lump-sum investment. However, he could save 10,000 rupees monthly from his income. He started investing these funds through SIP in a mutual fund, expecting a potential return of 12% per annum.

The monthly SIP was 10,000 rupees, totaling 1,800,000 rupees accumulated over 15 years. With an assumed return of 12% per annum, the total amount after 15 years will reach 50.46 lakh rupees, with a profit of 32.46 lakh rupees. Moreover, if a return of 15% is assumed, Vikas's fund will grow to 67.69 lakh rupees, exceeding Prakash's amount (31.72 lakh rupees) by more than 35.97 lakh rupees.

The main reason for Vikas's superiority lies in benefiting from compound interest in the mutual fund, whereas Prakash received a limited annual return of 8%. This allowed Vikas's annual return to grow to 12–15%, and over the long term of 15 years, compound interest turned this difference into profits amounting to millions of rupees.

If your priority is completely safe income and preserving funds without market risks, then FD, like Prakash's choice, is the preferred option. However, if you aim to build substantial capital in the long term, outpacing inflation, and are willing to accept some risk, then SIP, as Vikas did, is the most effective means to achieve your financial goals. (Note: It is recommended to consult a financial advisor before investing in mutual funds).