Publication Details
Abstract
This article examines the current dynamics of regional external economic activity and analyses the relationship between export potential diversification and the enhancement of regional competitiveness, with particular reference to the Republic of Uzbekistan. The research addresses the critical need to understand how regions can transcend mono-product and geographically concentrated export models to achieve sustainable, broad-based economic growth. An integrated analytical framework combining the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI), Balassa's Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) coefficient, shift-share analysis, and multi-criteria competitiveness assessment was applied to regional export data for 2018–2023. Empirical analysis reveals that national export volumes grew from USD 13.2 billion in 2018 to USD 21.3 billion in 2023 (+61.7%), while the HHI diversification index improved from 0.387 to 0.294, indicating a meaningful structural shift away from commodity concentration. Cross-regional analysis identified significant disparities: Tashkent city and Tashkent region display the highest levels of diversification and competitiveness, while southern and remote regions remain highly specialised in low-value agricultural and extractive commodities. The textiles, agro-food, and IT sectors demonstrate the strongest upward RCA trajectories. Strategic export diversification—encompassing horizontal, vertical, geographic, and sectoral dimensions—is a prerequisite for elevating regional competitiveness. Policy interventions aligned with smart specialisation principles can accelerate this transition. The findings carry direct implications for regional development planning under Uzbekistan's Development Strategy 2022–2026.