Author: master

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Distinguished participants of the event!

I sincerely welcome you at the inauguration ceremony of construction of the new China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.

The first-ever full-fledged Agreement on the implementation of this strategic trans-regional project was signed six months ago. The preparation of technical documentation has been completed in a short span of time. And today, we are launching relevant construction works.

This is a truly historic event, which marks the 30 years-long journey of our friendly countries.

A new transportation artery of international significance is being formed.

It will connect the Central Asian region with China through the shortest overland route and further expand multifaceted cooperation and strengthen the strategic partnership among our countries.

The project is also perfectly aligned with the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative, today uniting many countries of the world for the benefit of common sustainable development and prosperity.

In this regard, I would like to once again express my gratitude to my esteemed colleagues – Mr. Xi Jinping, the President of the People’s Republic of China, and Mr. Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, for their personal contribution and active efforts in promoting the project.

Dear participants of the ceremony!

I would like to underscore the great impact that the construction of the new railway will have on the economies of our countries and our vast region.

This major infrastructure project envisages extensive cooperation with cutting-edge engineering, innovative and digital solutions, while complying with high environmental standards.

A total of 20 stations, 42 bridges and 25 tunnels will be built along the Kashgar – Torugart – Makmal – Jalal-Abad – Andijan route.

In addition, state-of-the-art transit and logistics infrastructure, as well as warehouses and terminals will be developed.

It is estimated that the commissioning of this road will have a multiplier effect on regional trade and investment, significantly reduce transport costs and unlock the enormous transit potential of Central Asia.

I would like to point out a few more figures.

The annual freight traffic along the corridor will total 15 million tons.

The distance and delivery time of goods from China to European markets will reduce by several thousand kilometers and almost a week.

There will be an opportunity to organize regular passenger traffic services.

In the long run, interlinking of this railway with the Trans-Afghan corridor will effectively connect and strengthen the transport and communication interconnectivity of China, Central and South Asia.

Obviously, all our countries will feel the economic benefits. Hundreds of new enterprises and tens of thousands of jobs will be created.

And, certainly, this project will facilitate the revival of the Great Silk Road, the development of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and further bringing of our peoples closer together.

Dear friends!

Uzbekistan is committed to active participation in all stages of the construction of the railway, making full use of all available technical and intellectual resources.

I am convinced that with joint efforts this transport corridor will become another symbol of our strong friendship, partnership and progress.

On the eve of the New Year, I wish every success to the engineers, construction workers, and all those involved in the implementation of this strategic project. Today your hands are building the shared future of our countries and our region.

Thank you for your attention.

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Events within the program of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to St. Petersburg have concluded.

Today, the Head of our state addressed the regular session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

Yesterday, on December 25, the leader of Uzbekistan participated in the informal summit of the heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Having completed his working visit, the Head of our state departed from Pulkovo International Airport to Tashkent. The distinguished guest was seen off by the governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov and other officials.

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In a telephone conversation on December 26, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed deep condolences to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in connection with the numerous human losses as a result of a passenger airliner crash near the city of Aktau.

The Head of our state conveyed words of sincere compassion and support to the relatives and friends of the victims through the Azerbaijani leader, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all the injured.

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On December 25, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in an informal meeting of the CIS heads of state in the city of St. Petersburg.

The event was attended by President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

In the course of the meeting the main results of joint work in 2024 were summarized and priority tasks of multilateral cooperation for the coming year were considered. 

The importance of developing joint measures to expand intra-regional trade and cooperation was emphasized, primarily through further elimination of barriers to mutual trade.

Opinions were exchanged on the prospects for the development of multifaceted partnership in new areas. These include the creation of engineering schools, development of Internet technologies, big data industry, creative economy, green energy and peaceful atom, implementation of digital solutions. 

Topical issues of the regional and international agenda, expansion of practical cooperation within the CIS in the fight against common challenges and threats were also discussed.

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President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has arrived on a working visit to the Russian Federation.

At Pulkovo International Airport, the distinguished guest was met by the governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov and other officials.

Upon arrival the Head of our State, accompanied by the governor, took a walking tour of St. Isaac’s Square.

As part of the program of his visit in St. Petersburg, on December 25-26 the leader of Uzbekistan will take part in an informal meeting of CIS heads of state and a regular meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in the status of an observer.

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On December 23, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on the priority tasks for 2025 to utilize additional opportunities, increase investments and increase employment in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

This year has been very fruitful for Karakalpakstan. New industrial enterprises, tourist facilities, energy facilities, as well as IT-park were launched in the region. A new road and railway bridge with a length of 423 meters was opened, which connected Karakalpakstan with Khorezm. As a result, the distance for cargo and passenger transportation was reduced by 180 kilometers.

At the cost of $323 million, a 240-kilometer part of the “Kungrad-Beyneu” highway was built and put into operation. This creates prerequisites for increasing transit and other services by $200 million a year.

Work will soon begin on electrification of the 196-kilometer section of the “Miskin-Nukus” railroad.

The region has more than 50 privileges and preferences in the field of industry, entrepreneurship and infrastructure. In particular, only in Karakalpakstan investors can receive land plots for projects directly.

This year, an open dialogue between the President of Uzbekistan and entrepreneurs took place in Nukus, demonstrating the potential of the region. Foreign investors and specialists note the emergence here of wide opportunities for making profits.

Thus, a comprehensive analysis of the economic potential was conducted, which revealed opportunities in the agro-industrial complex, tourism and services worth $2.5 billion.

Currently, an average of 28 centners of cotton per hectare is harvested from 87 thousand hectares, with low profitability in 10 districts. Experts suggest reducing the area under low-productive cotton, replacing it with fodder crops and sesame. According to calculations, the cultivation of fodder crops could generate additional profit of 6.5 trillion soums from meat and milk production, while sesame exports could be increased by $500 million. At the same time, a significant amount of water will be saved.

In addition, Muynak alone has the potential for at least $1 billion worth of tourism projects. By developing integrated tourist facilities, it is possible to receive 1 million tourists annually and provide jobs for 5 thousand local residents.

In the field of ethno- and ecotourism, not all opportunities have been implemented yet. There are more than 200 cultural heritage sites such as Chilpik, Ayazkala and Tuprakkala, as well as more than 10 types of folk games. All this has the potential to attract 3 million tourists and keep them in the region for days.

It was noted that the leaders of the republic, which has such potential, as well as khokims of 17 districts should increase personal responsibility. It is necessary to demonstrate to entrepreneurs the opportunities of the region, offer them investment projects and provide support. Such approach will create new jobs, increase added value and exports, and thereby increase the income of the population.

At the meeting, Chairman of Jokargy Kenges of the Republic of Karakalpakstan presented plans to utilize available resources, increase investment and create jobs. 

The Head of State drew attention to the structure of the announced projects. In particular, out of $3.1 billion of investments planned for the next year, only $500 million will be allocated to regional projects.

In this regard, the need to use all opportunities in the regions and increase this share was emphasized. For this purpose, additional regional projects worth $1 billion will be formed, which will enable the launch of 120 new enterprises and increase exports to $500 million.

In addition, 85 large enterprises will be brought to full capacity. By organizing new production, trade and service sites, 150 thousand people will be employed, resulting in reducing the unemployment rate to 5.4 percent. New sources of income will be opened for 20 thousand low-income families, reducing the poverty rate by 7.6 percent.

A 1 GW wind power plant is currently under construction in Karakalpakstan. Projects have been launched to build similar plants with a total capacity of 9.3 GW, which will generate 33 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. The region also has significant natural gas reserves. In this regard, the expediency of locating large-scale energy-intensive enterprises of metallurgical, chemical and construction industries in Karakalpakstan was underlined.

It is also necessary to increase efficiency in agriculture. It is planned to create industrial orchards and vineyards with a total area of 3 thousand hectares on irrigated lands. It is envisaged to grow sesame on 31 thousand hectares and mungbean on 22 thousand hectares with a focus on exports. Besides, within three years a project on cultivation of licorice on 30 thousand hectares will be implemented.

All these measures reflect only a part of Karakalpakstan’s potential, and their effective implementation will ensure dynamic development of the region. 

Therefore, a project office will be established in the republic, focused on developing three main areas – agriculture, industry and tourism. This structure will analyze the “growth points” of each district, provide recommendations on the choice of agricultural crops and increasing land use profitability. It will prepare and provide district khokims with projects on processing raw materials and producing finished products, develop proposals on opening new tourist destinations and organizing appropriate infrastructure there.

Responsible persons have been instructed to ensure special control over the progress of investment projects, implementation of employment and export plans. They have been instructed to elaborate a development strategy for each district with the involvement of international consulting companies.

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On December 20 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with country’s active entrepreneurs. Year-end results on entrepreneurship support and plans for 2025 were discussed at the meeting in a video format.

At the beginning of the meeting the Head of State delivered a speech outlining main objectives and achievements:

– Development of entrepreneurship – our strategic goal. Entrepreneurs are our strongest support and greatest strength. Therefore, their support should become the daily business of all leaders – from the center to the lowest level. Especially at the local level, hokims should interact more often with entrepreneurs, visit enterprises, and live in their concerns. We should cherish and appreciate business representatives, talented and with great potential. They are very valuable people for us, – emphasized Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In this connection, the activity of the Public Council for Support of Entrepreneurship established under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been mentioned. The Council has become a bridge between the state and business, putting forward concrete proposals. This year, 5 laws, 101 decrees and resolutions have been adopted on the most pressing issues of business support.

In recent years, the economy has seen an increase in liquidity. This has provided the ground for sustainable financing of investment projects. Funds in the accounts of enterprises in banks have increased by 20 trillion soums, reaching 107 trillion soums. Deposits of the population increased by 25 trillion soums and amounted to 105 trillion soums.

According to the year-end results, the total volume of issued loans reached 275 trillion soums. In 2025, this figure will exceed 300 trillion soums. Particular attention will be paid to lending to small businesses: its share will increase from 28 to 40 percent, reaching 120 trillion soums.

To meet the needs of entrepreneurs, banks plan to attract $6 billion from external sources without state guarantees in 2025. Owing to the expansion of factoring opportunities, these services have been provided this year in the amount of $100 million.

For the development of infrastructure – roads, water supply, electricity and gas supply, railroads – 35 trillion soums were allocated in 2024, and next year it is planned to allocate 43 trillion soums.

To supply enterprises with stable power supply, electricity production has reached 82 billion kilowatt-hours. Due to the capacities introduced in 2024, the production will increase to 90 billion kilowatt-hours in 2025. In 2025, 25 projects worth $6.4 billion will add 4.8 gigawatts of additional capacity.

Currently, there are 24 independent power producers in the country. In 2025, an online wholesale electricity market will start operating for the first time. As an experiment, the power grids of Samarkand, Jizzakh and Syrdarya regions will be transferred to the management of the private sector.

In the tourism sector, entrepreneurs have invested 6.5 trillion soums in construction of hotels for 24 thousand beds. In 2025, this number will grow by another 30 thousand. Another 25 complexes will be added to the 17 trade and tourist facilities commissioned this year.

A separate company has been set up to promote trade, which has allocated $350 million in export financing. For every dollar invested, entrepreneurs received $6 in export revenue. In 2024, another $300 million will be allocated for this purpose.

In 2024, entrepreneurs acquired 3 thousand state-owned properties and 4 thousand hectares of land with a total value of 11.5 trillion soums. In 2025, another 4.5 thousand buildings and 6 thousand hectares of land will be offered for business.

Private sector involvement in the repair and maintenance of roads, which have long been in the monopoly of the state, is expanding. In 2024, 260 kilometers of roads were handed over to entrepreneurs, and in 2025 this figure will increase to 3 thousand kilometers. With support from the Asian Development Bank, 841 kilometers of roads in 86 districts will be built by local contractors.

In the railway industry, digitalization and improved operational efficiency reduced freight transportation time by 40 percent. By increasing the time for free unloading of cargo at stations from 2 hours to 3 days, entrepreneurs saved 57 billion soums over the year.

In the aviation sector, the number of private companies reached 14. Additional 6 cargo and 16 passenger airplanes were put into operation. Airports in Bukhara and Namangan have been transferred to private management, tenders for airports in Andijan and Urgench are underway.

The President emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable tax policy to maintain an attractive business environment. The main tax rates will remain unchanged. From January 1, 2025, state property and land will be sold VAT-free, excise tax on mobile communications will be abolished, and double land tax on agricultural land outside the city limits will be discontinued. Publishing enterprises will be exempted from income tax for 5 years.

Preferences for IT park residents, exempting them from all kinds of taxes, will be extended until 2040. Preferences for private schools, kindergartens and foreign specialists will be valid until 2030.

The process of Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) is reaching its final stage. In this regard, privileges contrary to the WTO rules are canceled. At the same time, all conditions will be created for market participants to work in a fair competitive environment.

Transportation and logistics infrastructure also remain in focus. The work of the “Khanabad”, “Mingtepa”, “Karasuv” and “Uchkurgan” border points has been resumed. In 2025, additional corridors will be built at “Gishtkuprik”, “Navoi”, “Davut-ota”, “Shavat” and “Gulbakhor” border crossings, which will increase their capacity fivefold.

Despite the challenging geopolitical environment, the country’s economy grew 6.3 percent in 2024 reaching $111 billion. Industry, agriculture and services attracted $38 billion in investment, while exports exceeded $26 billion.

The President noted the key role of entrepreneurs who create jobs and reduce poverty in achieving these results, expressing gratitude to them. 

Next year, it is planned to increase GDP to $120 billion, exports to $30 billion, and investment to more than $42 billion.

At the meeting, opinions were exchanged on the necessary steps to achieve these goals. The entrepreneurs suggested simplifying business procedures, deepening processing of raw materials, increasing production of high value-added products and boosting exports. Having listened to the views expressed, the Head of State defined corresponding measures.

Primarily, the importance of increasing the incomes of private sector workers was emphasized. In this regard, textile and leather enterprises that pay their employees a salary of at least 2.5 million soums and have at least 15 percent of employees from low-income families will receive tax benefits. For such companies, the rate of profit tax and income tax for their employees will be only 1 percent.

The Head of State noted that similar social criteria for granting benefits can be applied in other sectors of the economy.

The President underlined the need for entrepreneurs not to limit themselves to bank loans, but to adapt to international standards and independently attract funds from abroad. For this purpose, a center will be created, which will support entrepreneurs’ access to international financial markets with the participation of international consulting companies.

There are 142 so-called “champion” companies with more than 5,000 employees and annual revenues exceeding 1 trillion soums. They become multi-profile corporations, contributing to the development of related industries.

To support such promising entrepreneurs and stimulate others, it is proposed to provide them with land and buildings directly, as well as transfer state-owned enterprises into long-term management.

It is known that 7 out of 10 richest companies in the world work in the field of information technology and fintech services. Additional benefits will be provided for the establishment of such companies in Uzbekistan. In particular, duty-free import of laboratory equipment and technological installations for research and development (R&D) centers will be allowed.

Uzbekistan has about a thousand deposits with reserves of more than 100 types of minerals. To utilize them for production of high value-added products, 400 new deposits will be put up for auction in January.

Land released from cotton and grain crops will be auctioned in large lots of up to 50 hectares and sold to professional investors to create industrial plantations. On plots of up to 20 hectares it will be possible to create blast freezing, sorting and packaging facilities.

It is planned to develop an updated Customs Code, which will meet the requirements of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and modern conditions.

At the end of the meeting, the Head of State once again reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives and projects of entrepreneurs.

– The entrepreneurial movement in Uzbekistan is turning into a great force, and this process is irreversible. No matter what high goals and objectives we set for ourselves at the state level, we and our people count on you above all. The richer our entrepreneurs are, the richer our people and the greater the power of our state will be. The success of an entrepreneur is the success of our entire nation – underscored the President.

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On December 19, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting dedicated to the current state and measures to further increase gas production.

Chairman of “Uzbekneftegaz” JSC presented a report on work accomplished in the current year and priority tasks for 2025.

It was noted that work on a number of projects with the participation of foreign companies is underway. In cooperation with them, projects to stabilize gas production next year have been formed. In particular, new production wells will be drilled and existing production wells will be repaired using modern technologies.

Insufficient attention to geological exploration for many years was named as the main problem of the industry. As a result, some fields have almost exhausted their reserves, while the efficiency of others remains low. To solve this problem it is planned to introduce modern technologies and start geological exploration at 15 promising areas. The area of seismic exploration will be increased to 6.5 thousand square kilometers. 

Responsible persons have been instructed to develop with the involvement of major foreign companies and experts a program for the development of geology and the development of new deposits in 2025.

The transformation of “Uzbekneftegaz” JSC will continue, and one of the main tasks will be to reduce production costs and improve its international credit rating. Next year it is planned to attract funds from international sources to finance production and exploration projects. 

The Head of State also pointed that along with investments and new technologies, the personnel issue is also important. Instructions have been given to improve the quality of education and training of modern specialists, invite qualified compatriots operating abroad. 

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President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the project of the international tourist center planned to be built in Bostanlyk district of Tashkent region.

With the expansion of international ties and the development of our country’s infrastructure, our country’s tourism potential is growing rapidly. One of the most attractive centers of tourism is undoubtedly Bostanlyk district. Featuring the Charvak reservoir, rivers, snowy mountains and picturesque forests, this place is ideal for recreation at any time of the year.

In recent years, due to constant support from the state, many new complexes have been created in Bostanlyk district, including Amirsay and “Beldersay-Chimgan-Nanay” resorts. In particular, over the past five years, more than 2 trillion soums of investments have been attracted to the district, 59 new tourist facilities for 13 thousand places have been put into operation.

These achievements attract the attention of foreign investors and open doors for implementing even more ambitious projects. For example, Azerbaijani entrepreneur Emin Agalarov and a number of other major investment companies have expressed readiness to build an international tourist center “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan” on the shore of the Charvak reservoir.

The project will include recreation areas, beaches, sports grounds, hotels, cottages and residential complexes. It is also planned to open stores under international brands, restaurants and service outlets. Various festivals, concerts and cultural events will be organized here. A bridge across the bay will be built for the convenience of visitors. In the future, the center will become a unique tourist hub offering year-round recreation and living.

The President supported the proposal, noting the need to design and gradually develop the center based on the best international practices. An instruction was given to create a commission headed by the Prime Minister and develop the legal framework for the implementation of the project, as well as assist in solving infrastructural issues.

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On December 16, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting  devoted to the priority tasks of providing employment and raising incomes in mahallas with the participation of banks.

In recent years, the activity of the banking system on the ground has yielded tangible results. In particular, in Uychi district of Namangan region due to support of 3.2 thousand active clients by banks 9 thousand people were employed, and the number of low-income families decreased by 6 thousand.

In Saykhunabad district of Syrdarya region, projects were implemented in 3.2 thousand households, resulting in 12 thousand people learning to earn money from homestead plots.

In Zarbdar district of Jizzak region 13.5 thousand jobs were created, and in Gijduvan district of Bukhara region – 28 thousand. As a result, more than 10 thousand residents have been lifted out of poverty.

A total of 3.3 million people in four districts – Uychi, Saykhunabad, Zarbdar and Gijduvan – have received a permanent income since the beginning of the year as part of these initiatives. The total number of formally employed people reached 10.5 million for the first time.

In addition, in such districts as Khojeyli, Asaka, Vabkent, Bulungur, Yangiyer, Kushtepa, Shavat and others, the unemployment rate has fallen to less than 5 percent.

The President noted that the Central Bank and regional banks should expand this positive experience and become a real support for the population.

– The year 2025 will be decisive in providing employment and reducing poverty – underlined Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The meeting considered new opportunities and plans for the future. 

Over the past six years, under the family entrepreneurship program, 750 thousand citizens have repaid their loans on time and launched profitable businesses. Of these, 58 thousand opened new businesses. Now banks should support such clients and help them to move to the level of small and medium-sized businesses.

In this connection, a loan without conditions in the amount of 300 million soums will be provided within the framework of the program “Support for Small Business”. This will create jobs for 1.5 million people in the coming years.

Previously, banks received funds for family entrepreneurship programs exclusively from the state. The People’s Bank took the initiative and began issuing loans of up to 50 million soums without requiring excessive documents and collateral under the “Financial Inclusion” program supported by the Asian Development Bank.

Following this example, next year nine state banks plan to allocate $1 billion in loans, which will provide income for 250,000 people.

Good results have been achieved in 27 districts thanks to the cooperatives established with the participation of active entrepreneurs. Next year, cooperatives on fish farming, rabbit farming, cattle breeding and beekeeping will be organized in 30 districts. 500 billion soums will be allocated for this purpose.

Startup projects that attract investment and create jobs will receive support. State banks will establish venture capital companies and allocate $50 million to support startups in mahallas. Each bank has been recommended to find a private partner to create business acceleration centers.

During the meeting, particular attention was paid to reducing unemployment in the lagging areas. For this purpose, it is planned to attract experienced entrepreneurs from other regions, providing them with soft loans and additional funds for infrastructure. This will make it possible to provide income to 1.3 million people.

If the state creates the necessary infrastructure, entrepreneurs are ready to realize 3.5 thousand projects worth 31 trillion soums and create 200 thousand new jobs. Next year, 1 trillion soums will be allocated for the infrastructure of these projects.

The analysis also showed that 85 thousand hectares of land are growing unprofitable crops, which reduces their efficiency. These lands will be consolidated into large contours and subleased to leading entrepreneurs. The lessee will be paid rent and a share from the sale of products.

It was noted that 60 advanced cities and districts have the potential to completely eliminate unemployment and poverty. This required 2 million people to be employed and 417,000 families to be lifted out of poverty.

Achieving this goal demands that the banking system be financially sound. It was noted that it is important not to rely only on state funds, but to attract $6 billion from external sources. Also the task was set to increase the volume of deposits of the population to $11 billion next year.

This year microfinance and factoring services worth 5.5 trillion soums were provided. Now state-owned banks will be able to open their own microfinance and factoring companies, attracting foreign investors.

The meeting also discussed the problems faced by banks and proposed solutions. For example, banks have 3 thousand real estate objects on their balance sheet, their sale would provide additional resources and create 150 thousand jobs.

Banks will be allowed to sell these properties directly at market value. In addition, it is proposed to amend the legislation to simplify the process of foreclosure of pledged property and accelerate its sale.

The Head of State emphasized the need to strengthen financial discipline and personal responsibility at all levels of the financial and banking system.

At the meeting, regional heads and heads of banks outlined plans for 2025 to provide income for more than 5 million people and lift 1.5 million citizens out of poverty.