Trends in The Development and Diversification of the Services Sector in Uzbekistan in Connection with Population Employment

This article examines the development trends of the service sector in the economy of Uzbekistan and its diversification processes in close relation to employment. Based on official statistical data for the period 2020–2025, as well as reports from the World Bank and the International Labour Organization (ILO), the study analyzes the share of the service sector in gross domestic product (GDP), its sectoral structure, regional distribution, and the dynamics of employment within the sector. The findings indicate that in 2024 the service sector accounted for 47.4% of GDP, becoming the main driver of the country's economic growth. However, employment remains concentrated in low-productivity activities, such as retail trade and transportation, while knowledge-intensive services, including information and communication technologies (ICT), financial services, and professional services, account for no more than 4% of total employment. The article proposes practical recommendations for diversifying the service sector, increasing labor productivity, and creating high-quality employment opportunities.