Uzbekistan Adapts Chinese Poverty Reduction Model to National Context

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — China has become a global leader in poverty reduction, achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals a decade ahead of schedule.

The country’s unique experience, which lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty in a relatively short period, has drawn interest from many nations, including Uzbekistan.

In Tashkent, this experience is being adapted to local conditions. The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) has initiated the implementation of the Chinese model across 32 areas, originally presented at the Multidimensional Poverty Peer Network (MPPN) meeting in August 2024.

At the beginning of 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the adoption of new approaches based on the Chinese model. Proposals developed by CERR were incorporated into a presidential decree titled “On Measures to Ensure Employment and Reduce Poverty in 2025.”

Some initiatives are already being implemented locally. For example, following the model of Yinshan County, agricultural cooperatives are being established where low-income families receive land leases, subsidies, and participation in sustainable supply chains. Nearly 500 such cooperatives are planned.

The model, based on the village of Shanggan, includes expanding cooperatives with low-income households in livestock, fisheries, and beekeeping. About 4,000 households across 30 districts will participate, supported by leading entrepreneurs.

Specialized crop production inspired by Fupin County has started on 20,000 hectares of forest land, involving over 10,000 low-income families. A pilot project on cultivating and processing brussonetia has also begun, with seeds and tens of thousands of seedlings already purchased.

An ecological public welfare system, similar to the project in China’s Sanjiangyuan National Park, provides subsidies to families for tree planting. In tourism, the Huamao village experience is being applied to develop 53 mahallas, providing employment for more than 1,300 people.

In energy, solar power plants with a total capacity of nearly 108 MW are being built in 300 mahallas. Following the example of Lunnan, e-commerce initiatives are expanding: 5,000 young people are taking free IT courses, and post offices are becoming centers for online trade support.

In 28 high-poverty districts, free technical colleges have opened for children from low-income families. Over 2,300 students are currently enrolled, with plans for employment support from local businesses.

Healthcare for low-income populations is also included in the program, targeting about 700,000 people from 140,000 families. Plans include opening 10,000 additional home-based medical units providing free diagnostics and treatment.

Experts note that Uzbekistan’s adaptation of the Chinese model is not a mechanical copy but takes into account the country’s socio-economic and cultural characteristics. CERR, acting as an analytical center, ensures a link between research and practical reforms, translating analysis into concrete policy decisions.

China’s experience in poverty reduction and its adaptation in Uzbekistan demonstrate how international best practices can be integrated into national policy, creating sustainable and inclusive approaches to economic growth and social development.