We listened with great excitement to the Address of our esteemed President Shavkat Mirziyoev to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan.

The Address provided an in-depth analysis of the results achieved over the past nine years, and based on these achievements, outlined strategic tasks for the country's socio-economic development not only until 2026 but also until 2030.

The initiatives put forward in it are aimed at ensuring stability and consistency in public administration reforms, as well as the socio-spiritual development of society.

It is significant that the issue of ensuring economic growth in the President's speech is highlighted not merely through figures or indicators, but from the perspective of its impact on human life and the well-being of the population. While tasks such as economic diversification, modernization of industry and infrastructure, and improvement of the investment climate are aimed at increasing the national economy's resilience to external threats, the priority given to education, healthcare, and social protection in the social sphere once again confirms that the individual is at the center of state policy.

The year 2026 has been declared the "Year of Makhalla Development and Society Enhancement" in our country. This decision signifies that state policy is more explicitly focusing on the individual, their daily life, and their role in society. In the context of Uzbekistan, the makhalla is not just an administrative structure, but a social foundation of society, an important institution that ensures mutual assistance, solidarity, and responsibility among people. In this sense, dedicating an entire year to the makhalla demonstrates that the state is not limiting reforms to high-level decisions, but striving to extend them to the grassroots level of the population. Through this initiative, it can be observed that emphasis is being placed on developing society based on a "bottom-up" rather than a "top-down" approach.

Moreover, the use of the phrase "enhancing society" in this designation implies a comprehensive approach aimed at encompassing not only infrastructure or household issues, but also social consciousness, civic engagement, and the spiritual environment. This indicates that the role of the makhalla is now being re-examined not just as a system for distributing social assistance, but also as a platform for supporting citizens' initiatives and strengthening a sense of responsibility and involvement in society.

Six priority areas have been identified in the Address.

The first priority is to further improve the infrastructure of makhallas, bringing them the image of New Uzbekistan, it was stated.

The President said that people will evaluate our reforms based on the problems in the makhallas, namely the provision of roads, water, electricity and transport, and the conditions in kindergartens, schools and family polyclinics. It was emphasized that, first and foremost, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for people so that they have confidence in the future. This direction indicates that Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex should further increase its social responsibility. In particular, work will continue based on a completely new approach to improve the quality of life of the population in the city of Almalyk and adjacent territories by upgrading the infrastructure of makhallas, supporting roads, social facilities, educational and healthcare institutions.

This year, in accordance with the President's directive "On Further Accelerating Efforts to Increase Employment and Income of the Population by Organizing the Effective Use of Household Plots in Makhallas," the complex was assigned to the Urtachirchik and Chinaz districts of Tashkent region, the city of Nurafshon, and the Oltiariq district of Fergana region. Currently, under the sponsorship of Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, roads in these makhallas have been paved with asphalt, practical work has been carried out to provide residents with drinking water, artesian wells have been dug, and the electrical grid has been improved. Additionally, to help residents use their household plots effectively, 12 lightweight greenhouses were constructed for low-income families.

Furthermore, the special boarding school in Syrdarya district has been completely reconstructed and reopened with a new appearance. At present, the "Dukent" House of Culture in Angren city is also undergoing intensive reconstruction.

The second priority direction is to transition the economy to a model of technological and innovative growth.

Currently, large investment projects are being implemented at the plant to introduce modern technologies, digitalize production, develop new deposits, and modernize production facilities. These processes serve not only to increase production volumes but also to manufacture products with high added value, improve energy efficiency, and ensure competitiveness in foreign markets.

In this direction, specifically within the framework of automating business and technological processes and optimizing management and operational spheres, 20 projects were launched this year alone. Additionally, within the framework of the Presidential Decree dated September 16, 2025, "On Measures to Further Accelerate the Implementation of Digital Technologies in Regions, Sectors, and Industries of the Republic," 7 more projects are being implemented.

Artificial intelligence technologies, which are penetrating every sphere of our lives, are also being incorporated into the plant's production processes. In particular, a mining and transport management system has been launched at the "Qalmoqqir" and "Yoshlik-1" deposits. As a result, "online" data collection and processing have been established. At the "Yoshlik-1" deposit, the "excavator - dump truck" operational control system has been implemented, and dump trucks are being automatically assigned to excavators.

Artificial intelligence-based functionalities for monitoring ore sizes, excavator bucket teeth, and driver fatigue have been implemented. A video analytics pilot project called "Machine Eye Control" is being tested during the ore enrichment process.

Control and measurement cabinets were installed at the copper enrichment plant to automate the "ore-water" ratio. The U-flotation intelligent system is being implemented to automate flotation processes, which analyzes the process in real-time and makes management decisions. It increases production efficiency and reduces losses and costs.

Due to the installation of 3 additional concentrators at the copper enrichment plant, the extraction rate of valuable components from the ore has increased by 1-3%. As a result of adjusting the equipment in the grinding and washing section of the 2nd copper enrichment plant, emergency shutdowns have been reduced by 30%. At the copper smelting plant, an automated information system controls the loading of finished products.

The acid warehouse of the sulfuric acid workshop and the grinding and charge preparation department of the metallurgical workshop are being monitored online through an automated dispatch system.

Electronic recording of chemical and express analysis results for the composition of the charge loaded into the furnaces of the metallurgical workshop has been established. As a result, paperwork has been reduced by 50 percent.

The President's address emphasized economic development, improving the investment climate, and attracting advanced technologies, indicating the necessity to further develop and accelerate efforts in this direction. Collaborating with various international organizations, foreign companies, and the USA in attracting advanced technologies is also crucial. Currently, plans to modernize the national economy through expanding joint projects with American and European companies, as well as attracting modern technologies and management expertise, are being considered. This cooperation will contribute to increasing the competitiveness of Uzbekistan's economy, expanding export opportunities, and producing high value-added products.

The third priority is the development of domestic market demand.

As our President noted, the creation of a favorable business environment, the increase in job opportunities, and the expansion of product ranges will serve to enhance the income and well-being of our people.

Within the framework of industrial cooperation, Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex is collaborating with enterprises such as the "First Rubber Technology Plant" in Angren, "Apiteks" in Tashkent, "Steel Pipe Company" in Ohangaron, "Carbon Polymer" and "Almalyk Foundry Mechanical Plant" in Olmaliq. This cooperation not only facilitates the production of import-substituting products but also contributes to the development of the domestic market and the creation of new job opportunities.

It is possible to create a stable demand environment in the domestic market by expanding production chains and supporting entrepreneurship.

Therefore, we consider one of the urgent tasks before us to be the further development of work within the framework of the "industrial triangle" program.

The development of professions and the creation of a new labor market architecture mentioned in the Address is the fourth priority of the program for the coming year.

In the President's address, human capital, education, and youth policy were identified as priority tasks. In this regard, cooperation with foreign countries in the fields of education, science, and innovation is of particular importance. Academic exchanges, joint educational programs, and scientific projects create a solid foundation for the country's long-term development by enhancing the knowledge and intellectual potential of the younger generation.

The Combine's Training Center, Engineering School, and Advanced Engineering School, established in 2025, serve as the main implementers in this direction. Professional specialists are retrained at these schools through modern equipment and advanced training programs adapted to new technological processes.

The main goal was also set to create a "guaranteed bridge" for future employment by organizing ongoing internships for students of higher educational institutions and vocational schools.

Additionally, training sessions and skill enhancement courses are regularly conducted with the participation of foreign partners to prepare potential personnel for the combine's new investment projects, particularly for new Copper Enrichment Plants, aimed at improving workers' qualifications.

These measures are directed at creating a modern, competitive, and most importantly, responsive labor market in Uzbekistan.

The fifth priority direction is ensuring ecological balance, "green" energy, and rational use of water resources.

This direction is crucial for the combine. In 2025, the aspiration systems designed for cleaning the air from dust, gas, and other industrial waste at Copper Enrichment Plants were completely reconstructed.

Additionally, 30 systems in main and auxiliary facilities underwent comprehensive repairs, and 130 outdated ventilation and aspiration units received routine maintenance. As a result, their operational efficiency was increased to 99.5%.

Equipment for automatic analysis and monitoring of emissions has been installed in the sulfuric acid workshop of the copper smelting plant and integrated into a unified system across the republic.

Furthermore, the construction of a new sulfuric acid workshop with a capacity of 180 thousand tons is nearing completion at the Zinc Plant. Once the workshop is operational, sulfur dioxide will be completely captured without being released into the atmosphere.

As highlighted in the Address, work will commence on the construction of a new metallurgical complex at Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, with an investment of 2 billion 700 million dollars and a capacity of 300 thousand tons of copper cathode. As a result of implementing this strategic project, copper production at the plant will increase from 148.5 thousand tons to 300 thousand tons capacity. The new metallurgical complex will introduce modern furnaces operating on "Flash Smelting" and "Flash Converting" technologies. Thanks to this technology, exhaust sulfur dioxide will be completely captured and redirected towards producing a by-product - up to 1.8 million tons of sulfuric acid annually.

A number of initiatives have also been implemented at Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex to transition to "green energy." Currently, solar panels with a total capacity of 9 megawatts are operating in more than 80 locations. By the end of this year, they will generate 7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. This indicator demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of investments in clean energy.

Water scarcity is becoming an increasingly pressing issue worldwide, elevating the rational use of water to the level of state policy. Consequently, at the complex, water reservoirs are regularly cleaned, and the sealing of pumping equipment and main pipelines is closely monitored.

The sixth priority direction is the continuation of reforms in the sphere of modern public administration and a fair judicial and legal system.

In the Address, the issues of digitalization of public administration, reduction of bureaucratic barriers, and systematic strengthening of the fight against corruption were interpreted not only as administrative reforms but also as crucial conditions for fostering an atmosphere of justice and trust in society.

It is worth noting that the firm stance on reducing bureaucracy and combating corruption is aimed at increasing efficiency and transparency in the government system. Certainly, the success of initiatives in this direction will largely depend on their implementation, the effectiveness of control mechanisms, and the extent of public participation ensured.

An open and transparent anti-corruption system has been established at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, which is gaining recognition at national and international forums.

Notably, the international rating agency "Sustainable Fitch" awarded the complex the 3rd ESG rating with the highest score in the country. At the Anti-Corruption Forum held in October, the openness and transparency of the complex's activities were specifically highlighted.

The complex ranked first in the country on the "openness index." This year, it also achieved the highest position among joint-stock companies.

Certificates of compliance with national and international ISO standards for the anti-corruption management system were obtained.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the Address of December 26, 2025, demonstrates that the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan in recent years have reached a certain stable stage, and now state policy is focused on quality, efficiency, and results. This document can be viewed as an important political statement aimed at modernizing the country, harmonizing economic development with social responsibility, and strengthening mutual trust between the state and society.

A.Khursanov,

Chairman of the Board of JSC "Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex,"

Member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis