Against a backdrop of global supply chain disruptions, Uzbekistan is exploring the use of air freight to secure essential goods, with the government offering to partially subsidize the costs. This strategic shift was announced by Ilkhom Norkulov, First Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, following the government meeting chaired by the president on Monday.

"Given the current geopolitical climate, the heightened level of uncertainty, market volatility, and fractured logistics chains, the president has issued clear directives to all sectors—economy, investment, export, construction, and agriculture—to operate in a unified and highly coordinated manner," Norkulov stated.

While GDP growth for the first quarter is projected at a robust 7.5%, officials are turning their full attention to the second quarter, which is viewed as the "make-or-break" period for the year’s economic targets. The Deputy Minister noted that the Head of State emphasized the need for "agile, real-time responses" across every region and sector to prevent stagnation.

To ensure supply chain resilience, the government is looking toward the skies.

"The president noted that the state is prepared to compensate a portion of air transport expenses where necessary," Norkulov reported. "Essentially, if traditional road transport becomes too restricted or unreliable, we will pivot to air freight to keep goods moving."

In addition to logistical shifts, the government is ramping up support for struggling industries. Dilmurod Kasimov, Deputy Prosecutor General, outlined plans to assist enterprises facing production slumps. "Specific mandates have been issued to help businesses restore and scale up their output. We are also tasked with providing targeted aid to districts where industrial production has dropped by more than 10%," he told the Uzbekistan 24 news channel.

To fuel this regional recovery, the government previously announced an additional allocation of 2.3 trillion soums and $500 million for nine key regions. Furthermore, 3.9 trillion soums have been earmarked for local budgets across 33 districts and 330 neighbourhoods, with an equivalent sum dedicated to supporting 37 economically disadvantaged districts and 903 neighbourhoods.