Economic Activities in Uzbekistan: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

As of 2025, Uzbekistan has a population of approximately 37.5 million, making it the most populous country in Central Asia. Located in Central Asia, it spans 448,924 square kilometers, ranking 56th globally, right after Papua New Guinea.

As of 2024, Uzbekistan’s economy stands at a GDP of approximately $114.97 billion. The GDP per capita in Uzbekistan is about $3,162.

Uzbekistan’s economic position reflects steady growth and development, with real GDP expanding by 6.5% in 2024, and there is potential for further advancement in various sectors to enhance its global standing.

What are the economic activities of Uzbekistan?

• Primary activities (agriculture): 19.2% of GDP (2024).
• Secondary activities (industry): 26.4% of GDP (2024).
• Tertiary activities (services): 47.4% of GDP (2024).

Primary Sector of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s primary sector, dominated by agriculture, thrives due to its diverse climate and abundant natural resources. With 58.3% of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a variety of crops and animal products, including milk, wheat, carrots/turnips, cotton, potatoes, tomatoes, grapes, vegetables, watermelons, and apples.

Despite contributing about 19.2% to the GDP (2024), agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy, providing sustenance and livelihoods. The sector’s significance lies in the wide range of products it offers, ensuring food security and economic stability.

The country boasts diverse geological formations, enabling a rich array of natural resources. Its primary sector thrives on abundant reserves of natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver, copper, lead, zinc, tungsten, and molybdenum. These resources play a pivotal role in driving the economy and shaping various industries.

Uzbekistan’s oil economic activity is significant, with a daily production of around 5,090 barrels. Despite ranking 60th globally, the country’s oil reserves of 594,000,000 barrels represent only 0.04% of the world’s total reserves.

As of 2024, Uzbekistan’s natural gas production was approximately 44.5 billion m³, having declined in recent years as the country shifted toward becoming a net gas importer.

Secondary Sector of Uzbekistan

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?

The secondary sector comprises industries that transform raw materials from primary activities into finished products for consumption. In Uzbekistan, main industrial products include textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy, hydrocarbon extraction, and chemicals. These industries play a crucial role in the country’s economy by producing goods for domestic use and export.

Manufactures in Uzbekistan’s total exports account for 39.79% in 2023, indicating their significance in driving the country’s economy and global trade relations.

Tertiary sector of Uzbekistan

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?

The tertiary sector in Uzbekistan encompasses a wide range of services that contribute to the economy through knowledge and time. This sector involves intangible goods such as attention, advice, and expertise, catering to both consumer and business needs. The main tertiary activities in Uzbekistan include healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, communication and information exchange, tourism and hospitality, transportation and logistics, and security and protection. These services play a crucial role in enhancing productivity, performance, and meeting the diverse needs of the population.

Highlighting these, Uzbekistan’s tourism plays a vital role in its economy, contributing significantly to its GDP. As of 2024, the country welcomed about 8.2 million foreign visitors, and the industry continues to thrive. Popular destinations include the historical cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, renowned for their architectural marvels. Uzbekistan’s cultural richness continues to attract visitors globally.

Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular economic sector, with approximately 35.7 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth by enhancing connectivity and fostering digital innovation across various industries.

Biggest company in Uzbekistan

Which is the biggest company in Uzbekistan? As of 2024, the largest company is Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company (NGMK), a state-owned gold and uranium producer and the country’s single largest taxpayer, with revenue of around US$7.4 billion in 2024. Operating in the primary sector, it is one of the world’s leading gold producers.

International Trade of Uzbekistan

Import Activities of Uzbekistan

The import activities of Uzbekistan are of high importance, with imports totaling approximately $38.98 billion in 2024.

Uzbekistan’s major import activities include vehicle parts/accessories, packaged medicine, cars, wheat, and refined petroleum. Its top import partners include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Turkey.

Exports Activities of Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, with exports totaling approximately $26.94 billion in 2024, export activities play an important role in driving economic growth and stability.

Uzbekistan’s export activities are diverse, with top partners being Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, and Kazakhstan. Key commodities include gold, cotton yarn, garments, natural gas, and refined copper.

Uzbekistan economy challenges in 2024

In 2024, Uzbekistan faces challenges with increasing poverty despite positive growth. As a lower middle-income economy, it relies on natural gas, cotton, and gold exports. Being landlocked and environmentally fragile adds to its struggles. The country is not part of the EAEU and aims to maintain its position in the CIS Free Trade Area.

Sources

• World Bank Data: Uzbekistan
• CIA World Factbook: Uzbekistan
• IMF: Uzbekistan
• Trading Economics: Uzbekistan GDP
• Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan
• OEC: Uzbekistan Trade Profile

Last updated: June 19, 2026