The Uzbekistan Ministry of Economy and Finance reported the completion of a training and seminar program on future-readiness, the new economy and long-term growth, held from May 12 to June 10 in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank. More than 250 participants from the ministry, the Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies, Samarkand State University and the Samarkand business community took part. The sessions were led by Samer Chidiac, a specialist in international innovation and future-readiness and a former innovation lead at Microsoft. They focused on foresight-based long-term planning, new economy models, global development trends, artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, digital platforms and analytical tools, with discussion linked to Uzbekistan's national priorities, institutional reforms and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The program included four training seminars for about 80 participants involving ministry and institute specialists, a separate seminar for about 70 ministry staff, and a final session at Samarkand State University attended by about 120 entrepreneurs and business representatives. Practical exercises produced about 60 mini-scenarios to analyze expected trends and opportunities, along with eight strategic ideas aimed at supporting diversification, competitiveness and innovation-led economic development. The ministry framed the initiative as part of efforts to develop future-oriented approaches at an institutional level and align innovation, new technologies and strategic planning with the country's long-term economic development goals.

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