By: Trends Editorial Team
Shavkat Mirziyoyev was born on July 24, 1957, in Zaamin District of Jizzakh Region to a family of doctors. He is Uzbek by nationality and has a higher education. In 1981, he graduated from the Tashkent Institute of Engineers of Irrigation and Mechanization of Agriculture with a degree in mechanical engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Technical Sciences and is an Associate Professor.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev started his career in 1981 at the Tashkent Institute of Engineers of Irrigation and Mechanization of Agriculture, where he served as a junior research fellow, senior lecturer, associate professor, and the vice rector for academic affairs.
In 1990, he was elected as a deputy of the Supreme Council serving as the Chairman of the Credentials Committee. In 1992, Shavkat Mirziyoyev was appointed as the khokim (governor) of Mirzo Ulugbek District in the city of Tashkent. From 1996 to 2001, he served as the khokim of Jizzakh Region and from 2001 to 2003, he was the khokim of Samarkand Region. He made a signifi cant contribution to the socio-economic development of the aforementioned districts and regions. While working in the executive branch and concurrently serving as the deputy of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan from 1995 to 2003, he actively and fruitfully participated in the elaboration and adoption of important legislative acts concerning the political and socio-economic development of the country and the implementation of democratic reforms. Shavkat Mirziyoyev was appointed as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2003 and subsequently re- approved three times (in 2005, 2010, and 2015) in his post by both Chambers of the Oliy Majlis. From the early years of Uzbekistan’s independence, Shavkat Mirziyoyev earned high trust from the fi rst President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, by selfl essly working as his colleague and close associate. As the head of the government, he has shown tremendous abilities and outstanding leadership in the implementation of wide-ranging socio-economic reforms, modernization, improvements of the country, realization of major and unique projects, development and protection of private property, radical increase in the share of small businesses, private enterprise in the economy, and consolidation of their legal security. During his time in offi ce, Shavkat Mirziyoyev attached special signifi cance to economic development on an industrial basis, improving the country’s exporting potential, transforming the agricultural sector through the extensive advancement of farming enterprises, deep processing of agricultural products, providing food security for the nation, and guaranteeing the supply of goods to the population at reasonable prices. In order to drastically uplift the living and working conditions of people, Shavkat Mirziyoyev had taken effective measures for large-scale construction and improvement works in all regions of the country. This includes improving the quality of public services, integrated development of cities and districts, and even remote rural areas. In addition to his socio-economic dimension, Mirziyoyev places signifi cant emphasis on education, science, and healthcare as priority focuses. This is done in accordance with modern requirements and the creation of necessary conditions for the formation of a healthy and comprehensively advanced younger generation. Furthermore, he is dedicated to the protection of motherhood and childhood. He has paid much attention to further enhancing the credibility of the unique institution of self-government – makhalla and other social organizations. There is consistent consolidation of their role in the community through broad involvement in the process of democratic reforms, as well as the preservation and enrichment of national spiritual values.
Along with this, in relation to economic and social issues, Shavkat Mirziyoyev directly supervised the efforts to build up comprehensive, mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, international organizations, and financial institutions. He also prioritized important agreements that serve the national interests and economic development of the country. On September 8, 2016, based on a joint resolution of the Legislative Chamber (Lower House) and Senate of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) of Uzbekistan adopted at a joint session, Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev was temporarily assigned the duties and powers of the president. On October 19, 2016, the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businessmen – Liberal-Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (UzLiDeP) nominated Shavkat Mirziyoyev as their candidate for the presidential elections during its Eighth Convention in Tashkent. Shavkat Mirziyoyev was elected president with 88.61 percent of the vote based on the results of the presidential elections that took place on December 4, 2016. He offi cially assumed the post of president on December 14, 2016. On October 24, 2021, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was re- elected for a second fi ve-year term, winning 80.1% votes. In recognition of his many years of productive work in government and management, an enormous contribution to the development of the country, and improvement of the people’s welfare, Shavkat Mirziyoyev was awarded the Order “Mekhnat Shukhrati” (‘Glory of Labor’) and “Fidokorona Khizmatlari Uchun” (‘For Selfl ess Service’). Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev has been awarded a number of orders and honorary titles for many years of fruitful work in government and administrative bodies, for achievements in the development of the country and improvement in the welfare of the people, and also for his contribution to the consolidation of international cooperation, friendship and peace: “Danaker” (Kyrgyz Republic), “Dustyk” (Kazakhstan), “Zarrintaj” (Tajikistan), “Alexander Nevsky” (Russia).
Shavkat Mirziyoyev was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of the Turkmen State University named after Magtymguly and Honorary Doctor of the University of Nagoya, the award “For Merit to Eurasia” and other awards. The Association of Journalists of Asia in December 2018 named Shavkat Mirziyoyev “Person of the Year in Asia”. The President of Uzbekistan was awarded the title for his efforts to establish peace and interaction between the countries of Central Asia. In honor of the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a new variety of orchids was named after him in addition to being solemnly awarded the badge of an honorary citizen of the city of Seoul.
