Challenge for Uzbekistan: Alongside population growth, the development of human capital must also increase.

According to them, alongside the growth of the population, human capital must also increase. If state policy is conducted incorrectly, the rise in population will only lead to an increase in the export of labor from Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan ranks 43rd in the global population ranking. Looking at the countries above it, one can see Afghanistan (42 million), Pakistan (241 million), Nigeria (224 million), Bangladesh (170 million), Ethiopia (109 million), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (105 million). These countries have significant populations, but their economic development leaves much to be desired.

For instance, Nigeria, which is among the top ten most populous countries, has over 232 million residents but unfortunately is impoverished. Despite its rich oil resources, the oil sector contributes only 9% to its GDP. Most of the population is employed in agriculture, yet the income from this sector does not match the population size. Once, Nigeria was a food exporter, but now it is forced to import food.

Ethiopia, which closes the top ten most populous countries, also remains impoverished. With a population exceeding 132 million, its GDP is only 145 billion dollars. The country has an external debt of about 30 billion dollars and hopes to become a middle-income economy by 2025.

The pace and quality of demographic growth matter

Population growth is beneficial, but for it to have a positive impact, a number of challenges must be addressed, believes economist Shukhrat Rasul.

"From an economic logic perspective, population growth should contribute to the state's economic development. This means an increase in labor resources, producers, goods, services, and consumers. The foundation of the economy is the consumption of goods and services. In the modern world, the more consumers there are, the faster the economy should develop.

However, demographic growth does not always lead to economic progress. It becomes a driver of development only when it is qualitative. If the state elite is irresponsible, ignores the laws of market economy, and disregards the interests of the people, there will be no development. Simply increasing the population is not enough. For people to become an economic resource, they must be provided with quality housing, education, healthcare, clean drinking water, fresh air, and energy resources," the economist emphasizes.

Strengthening the middle class is a key factor

One of the tools that determine a state's geopolitical power is its population. A small population does not allow for significant economic heights. At the same time, it is essential that this population possesses high potential. Political scientist Kamolidin Rabbimov notes that small and sparsely populated states are not powerful.

"There is a strong correlation between economic power and population size. With a small population, it is impossible to achieve great economic power. Today, Uzbekistan ranks 2nd in population among the CIS countries and leads in population growth rates in this region. If the population growth is of low quality, it is always negative. But if the growing population comes from the middle class rather than the extremely poor or rich segments, it is very positive. A larger population indicates high energy in the state and society. With the proper implementation of economic, political, and administrative reforms, along with the reduction of poverty and destitution, demographic growth becomes the foundation of economic power," the political scientist highlights.

Population growth, in turn, requires the establishment of primary infrastructure for a decent life. First and foremost, it is essential to provide housing, food, jobs, a quality healthcare system, education, and financial stability. All these factors influence the level of development of the state.

If by 2030 the population exceeds 40 million, then, while proudly discussing this now, one should also consider the other side of the issue we raise.

You can watch the full version of the conversation in the video material.

The material was prepared by Shohrukh Majidzoda.