TASHKENT, July 26 (Xinhua) -- As of July 1, 2025, the poverty level in Uzbekistan has fallen further to 6.8 percent, the presidential press service said in a statement Friday.

By the end of 2024, the poverty rate in Uzbekistan had decreased to 8.9 percent, according to previous official data.

Friday's statement also said President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on new approaches to the employment and vocational education system.

Since the beginning of the year, models based on international experience have been introduced in this area. In particular, the banking system has begun to actively interact with local neighborhood communities known as mahallas, providing support in ensuring employment, it said.

"In the first half of the year alone, more than 3 million people were involved in gainful employment," the statement said.

"The system created to reduce poverty and the funds allocated for this purpose are already yielding results -- as of July 1 of this year, the poverty level in the country has fallen to 6.8 percent," the press service said.

The presentation also showcased new initiatives and measures aimed at reducing poverty. According to the new approaches, employment authorities should transform from supervisory bodies into partnership structures serving employers.

As Mirziyoyev said in September 2024, poverty reduction in Uzbekistan would become "a nationwide movement." ■