On 17 November of this year, a practical conference titled “A New Stage in National Statistics: Towards Transparency and International Standards” was held in Tashkent. The event focused on the population and agricultural census, the results of the GDP recalculation, the alignment of inflation methodology with international standards, and the transformation of the national statistical system.
The conference was attended by representatives of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Organization for Migration, ministry and agency representatives, and media outlets.
In the first session, detailed information was presented on the preparatory work for conducting the census. Deputy Chairman of the National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan Zohidjon Ziyayev, First Deputy Chairman of the Uzbekistan Mahallas Association Jovdatkhon Inagamov, IOM Head of Office in Uzbekistan Andrew Gray, FAO Deputy Representative in Uzbekistan Sherzod Umarov, UNFPA Demography Expert Azam Toshpulatov, and World Bank Deputy Chief Statistician Olivier Dupriez (online) discussed the use of modern technologies, strengthening cooperation, international best practices, and ensuring data accuracy. Recommendations were voiced on digitalization, data collection and processing, and population coverage mechanisms.
During the next discussion block, the results of the GDP recalculation reflecting newly identified volumes were presented. Chairman of the National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan Behzod Hamrayev, representative of the Ministry of Economy and Finance Abdumalik Jalilov, Head of the Department of Macroeconomic Indicators and National Accounts Umarjon Obidov, and IMF expert Levan Gogoberishvili (online) explained the recalculation processes, integration of data sources, and methodological clarifications. It was emphasized that this work, carried out in line with international practice, strengthens accuracy, transparency, and reliability in GDP calculations.
The third session focused on improving inflation calculation methodology. Deputy Chairman of the National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan Rustem Maxammadiyev, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank Nodirbek Achilov, and Head of the Price Statistics Department Muhriddin Abdullayev spoke about transitioning to international standards for CPI calculation, increasing observation units, using digital sources for price monitoring, and updating formulas. Experts stressed the importance of methodology updates for economic policy and public welfare.
The conference continued with discussions on the prospects of transforming the national statistical system. Member of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis Odiljon Mamadaliyev, Director of the Institute for Personnel Development and Statistical Research Shuhrat Shukurov, Head of the International Cooperation Department of the National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ulugbek Noipov, and World Bank Deputy Chief Statistician Olivier Dupriez delivered presentations on digitalization, data quality improvement, global statistical innovations, and expanding international cooperation. Participants emphasized the importance of data openness and strengthening public trust in statistics.
At the conclusion of the event, it was noted that ongoing reforms in the national statistical system are an important factor in the country's socio-economic development and that improving statistical data quality forms the basis for accurate and well-founded decision-making.
Experts also provided comprehensive answers to media inquiries.
The practical conference concluded with initiatives and recommendations aimed at further advancing the national statistical system.