The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) has analyzed the results of the 2026 Index of Economic Freedom prepared by The Heritage Foundation in cooperation with The Wall Street Journal.
The Index of Economic Freedom is an annual international study reflecting the state of the institutional environment, economic policy, and the degree of openness of national economies.
According to the results, Uzbekistan ranked 86th out of 184 countries, scoring 60.3 points, which is 2.3 points higher than the previous year. This result corresponds to the category of a “moderately free economy.” In terms of the overall score, Uzbekistan exceeds both the global average (59.9) and the Asia-Pacific regional average (58.6).
The ranking leaders are Singapore (84.4 points), Switzerland (83.7), Ireland (83.3), and Australia (80.1), all classified as “free economies.”
An analysis of sub-indices shows that Uzbekistan improved its performance in 8 out of 12 areas, remained unchanged in 2 indicators, and recorded a slight decline in 2, which overall reflects the positive dynamics of structural reforms.
In the area of government size, the tax burden is assessed at 95.0 points, government spending at 73.7 points, and fiscal health at 79.9 points. All indicators exceed global averages (78.4, 66.3, and 65.9, respectively).
Within the regulatory efficiency category, business freedom stands at 62.5 points, labor freedom at 48.4 points, and monetary freedom at 65.1 points.
In terms of market openness, trade freedom reached 80.6 points, investment freedom 70.0 points, and financial freedom 60.0 points, all of which are also above global averages (70.2, 53.4, and 48.1, respectively).
In the rule of law category, Uzbekistan scored 43.1 points in property rights protection, 13.7 points in judicial effectiveness, and 32.0 points in government integrity.
The report notes that the country continues to implement reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and modernizing the financial sector. At the same time, state-owned banks still maintain a dominant position in the banking system.
Overall, the results indicate a gradual improvement in the institutional environment and the strengthening of market mechanisms, forming a basis for further expansion of economic freedom and sustainable growth in the country.
For reference: The index methodology is based on the assessment of four key categories – rule of law, government size, regulatory efficiency, and market openness. These categories are constructed from 12 sub-indices.
All indicators are measured on a scale from 0 to 100, where a higher score indicates more favorable conditions in terms of economic freedom. The values represent normalized assessments; therefore, a higher score in certain indicators, such as tax burden, reflects a lower actual pressure on the economy.
CERR Public Relations Sector
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