世界银行-为您服务_乌兹别克斯坦服务导向型增长的前景（英）-2024_86页_7mb

Uzbekistan's Services Sector: Analysis and Recommendations

The services sector is central to Uzbekistan's economic growth, contributing about half of all jobs and driving structural transformation. However, productivity gaps persist compared to advanced economies, and linkages with other sectors remain weak. Key policy areas—contestability, connectivity, and capabilities—must be addressed to leverage services-led growth.

Key Insights

1. Services Sector Role: Accounts for 50% of employment and is critical for offsetting declines in agriculture and industry. Female employment is concentrated in low-skilled services, with limited productivity gains.
2. Productivity Gaps: While global innovator services (IT, finance) have high productivity, low-skilled services lag. Public spending drives social service growth, but private sector-led growth is needed.
3. Policy Framework:
   • Contestability: Reduce trade barriers, enhance competition (telecom, transportation).
   • Connectivity: Improve digital and physical infrastructure (broadband, logistics).
   • Capabilities: Enhance education, skills training, and management practices.

Recommendations

1. Liberalize Services Trade: Remove restrictions on cross-border delivery, especially for IT and financial services.
2. Strengthen Digital Infrastructure: Expand 4G/LTE coverage, improve internet speeds and affordability.
3. Boost Educational Capabilities: Increase tertiary enrollment, vocational training, and STEM graduates.
4. Enhance Transportation: Liberalize air and rail freight markets, improve logistics efficiency.
5. Develop Global Innovator Services: Expand IT Parks, attract foreign investment, and improve data localization policies.
6. Support Low-Skilled Services: Promote digital adoption in retail and hospitality, simplify land access for tourism growth.

These reforms are crucial for unlocking services sector potential, driving productivity, and achieving sustainable economic growth in Uzbekistan.