Uzbekistan outpaces forecasts: World Bank raises 2026 GDP growth to 6.4% amid global slowdown to 2.5%

The January forecast has been revised upward by 0.4 percentage points. The economy grew 7.7% in 2025 and is expected to expand 6.7% in 2027. The World Bank warns of risks: Middle East conflict, rising energy prices and renewed inflationary pressures.

As reported by CCTV+, the World Bank has raised its 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for Uzbekistan to 6.4%, according to the latest edition of the bank's "Global Economic Prospects" report. The new forecast is 0.4 percentage points higher than the bank's January estimate for 2026. The World Bank estimated the country's GDP growth at 7.7% in 2025 and projects growth of 6.7% in 2027.

The report notes that global economic growth is expected to slow to 2.5% this year amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has led to higher energy prices and renewed inflationary pressures. The World Bank warned that regional economic prospects remain subject to downside risks, including a protracted or escalating conflict in the Middle East, tighter global financial conditions and persistent uncertainty over international trade policy.

The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and analytical data to developing countries. Its semi annual "Global Economic Prospects" report is one of the most authoritative guides for governments and investors.

Uzbekistan is the largest economy in Central Asia. Growth above 6% makes the country one of the region's leaders against a sluggish global backdrop. However, dependence on commodity exports and external shocks remains.

The world is slowing — Uzbekistan is accelerating. As the global economy chokes on oil spikes and geopolitical fever, Tashkent is posting numbers that others can only dream of. 6.4% against a global 2.5% is not just statistics. It is evidence of structural reforms, openness, and perhaps a fortunate location between major markets. But the World Bank's warning sounds like a cold shower: risks have not disappeared. Conflict, inflation, uncertainty — they are breathing down the necks of even the fastest growers. Sustaining this pace means turning temporary success into lasting leadership.