REGIONAL WAGE DISPARITIES IN UZBEKISTAN, 2017–2025: DIVERGENCE AT THE TOP, CONVERGENCE IN THE MIDDLE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22959445Abstract
This thesis examines regional wage disparities in Uzbekistan during 2017–2025 using ofcial statistical data. The analysis shows that overall wage dispersion increased mainly due to faster wage growth in Tashkent city, while most other regions demonstrated greater convergence in relative wage levels. The relationship between regional labour productivity and wages also weakened during the period. The study identifes a pattern of club convergence among middle-income regions and a distinct wage trajectory for Tashkent city. The fndings may be useful for assessing balanced regional development and improving approaches to regional labour policyKeywords
regional wages, wage disparities, regional convergence, labour productivity, regional development, Uzbekistan.References
1. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-21 of 16 February 2026 “On Additional
Measures to Consistently Continue Reforms within the Priority Areas of the Country’s Development
until 2030 and Bring Them to a New Stage” [Electronic resource]. – URL: https://lex.uz/docs/8050769
(accessed: 25.09.2026).
2. Barro R.J., Sala-i-Martin X. Convergence // Journal of Political Economy. – 1992. – Vol. 100, No. 2. – P.
223–251. – DOI: 10.1086/261816.
3. Campbell D., Ronnas P. Towards Full and Productive Employment in Uzbekistan: Achievements and
Challenges [Electronic resource]. – Moscow: ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team and Country
Ofce for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, 2021. – URL: https://www.ilo.org/media/386616/download
(accessed: 25.09.2026).
4. Combes P.-P., Duranton G., Gobillon L. Spatial Wage Disparities: Sorting Matters! // Journal of Urban
Economics. – 2008. – Vol. 63, No. 2. – P. 723–742. – DOI: 10.1016/j.jue.2007.04.004.
5. Elhorst J.P. The Mystery of Regional Unemployment Differentials: Theoretical and Empirical Explanations
// Journal of Economic Surveys. – 2003. – Vol. 17, No. 5. – P. 709–748. – DOI: 10.1046/j.1467-
6419.2003.00211.x.
6. National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Average Nominal Wages (Annual), 2017–2025
[Electronic resource]. – URL: https://api.siat.stat.uz/media/uploads/sdmx/sdmx_data_500.xlsx (accessed:
25.09.2026).
7. National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Number of Employed Population (Annual)
[Electronic resource]. – URL: https://api.siat.stat.uz/media/uploads/sdmx/sdmx_data_567.xlsx (accessed:
25.09.2026).
8. National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Volume of Gross Domestic (Regional) Product
(Annual) [Electronic resource]. – URL: https://api.siat.stat.uz/media/uploads/sdmx/sdmx_data_1299.xlsx
(accessed: 25.09.2026).
9. Quah D.T. Twin Peaks: Growth and Convergence in Models of Distribution Dynamics // The Economic
Journal. – 1996. – Vol. 106, No. 437. – P. 1045–1055. – DOI: 10.2307/2235377.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 GREEN ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
