Uzbekistan, World Bank to develop new national statistics strategy

Uzbekistan is working with the World Bank to develop its National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) for 2026–2030, the Director of Uzbekistan's Statistics Agency, Behzod Khamrayev, said at the 3rd International Statistics Forum held in Baku, Report informs.

"In addition, we are promoting the transition to the IMF's Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) and expanding the use of artificial intelligence, big data, and digital tools at all stages of statistical production," he said.

Khamrayev also revealed that, in 2026, Uzbekistan will conduct its first-ever joint population and agricultural census using a hybrid approach.

"We are implementing initiatives supported by the World Bank aimed at boosting computing power, improving system integration, and modernizing core infrastructure. A key milestone will be the launch of a modern data center, which will allow for higher-frequency data collection and storage, improved quality control, and advanced analytics," he noted.

As a result, Uzbekistan will be able to better process satellite and drone imagery for agricultural research and integrate geospatial data into statistical production. He also highlighted plans to enhance staff skills in big data, cloud technologies, and AI - reflecting the evolving role of official statistics.