Summing up the results of the past year, which was proclaimed the Year of Social Protection, the head of the state said it was “successful in many aspects and left an indelible trace in the life of the country and the society”.

The country has made a big step towards dynamic development and democratic renewal, Islam Karimov said. He supported his words with the following figures: GDP increased by 9.5%, industrial growth made up 12.1%, growth in agriculture 6.1%, exports increased more than 1.4 times, gold reserves grew by more than 50% and real salaries, pensions, stipends and allowances by 40%. At the same time, inflation did not exceed 6.8% last year.

Speaking about the recent presidential elections, Islam Karimov said they were held in compliance with the principles of democracy and openness, and had demonstrated the people’s increased political and legal culture.

The President thanked the people of Uzbekistan for showing him high trust at the elections. “I have no other purpose and no other life than serving you, my people, with faithfulness and devotion,” he stressed.

Outlining the policy priorities for the new year, the head of the state said they were increasing the efficiency of the reforms, attraction of foreign investments and modern technologies in the country, creation of preferences for small business, ensuring high economic growth, improving people’s well-being and strengthening stability.

The President reminded the target to increase the salaries minimum twice during 2007-2009 and said one of the important tasks in 2008 would be the gradual increase of the salaries, pensions, stipends and allowances.

2008 was proclaimed the Year of Youth, and it is important to give the young people wide opportunities to participate in the implementation of the tasks set before the country. “Our youth should become a real decisive force of today and tomorrow, and occupy a worthy place in the life of our society,” Islam Karimov said.