President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting focusing on the region's development and key objectives slated for completion by year-end. Highlighting both achievements and disparities in the area's progress, the President called for concerted efforts to ensure comprehensive advancement across all districts, Republic of Uzbekistan governmental portal reported on August 25.
While the region has exhibited consistent growth over recent years, a notable unevenness across districts is evident. The city of Samarkand, for instance, accounts for nearly half of the region's industrial output. Impressively, foreign direct investments totaling $600 mn were infused into the region over the past seven months, with a substantial 78 percent of these contributions coming from Samarkand city, Kattakorgan, Pastdargom, and Samarkand districts. However, concerns persist, including a 1.5-fold increase in electricity consumption over the last five years and challenges surrounding agricultural productivity and water conservation.
In light of these analyses, President Mirziyoyev underscored key opportunities in entrepreneurship, investment, industry, and tourism. He emphasized the importance of supporting local entrepreneurship and agriculture, particularly in rural areas, suggesting an expansion of grape and pistachio cultivation and the creation of employment opportunities in service sectors along highways.
Allocations of 170 bn soums (over $14 mn) have been earmarked this year to develop infrastructure within the Urgut free economic zone across 15 districts and 106 industrial zones in the region. However, substantial vacant land measuring 620 hectares remains unutilized. Officials were charged with rectifying this issue and attracting entrepreneurs to invest in these spaces.
To address the energy sector's needs, the President mandated the upgrade of substations in Akdarya and Pastdargom, in addition to the launch of two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 250 megawatts in the Kattakorgan district and Samarkand city by year-end.
Notably, the potential for significant job creation and exports in the tourism sector was highlighted. An estimated 20,000 permanent positions can be generated within the tourism industry in the region, along with an anticipated export boost to $500 mn. The strategy involves enhancing appealing programs, improving transportation infrastructure, and developing new travel destinations, especially in neighborhoods and villages boasting high tourism potential. The President directed officials to initiate new travel options based on the "tourism mortgage" program in approximately 100 such areas.
In concluding his visit to the Samarkand region, President Mirziyoyev underlined the urgency of fulfilling ambitious goals and leveraging existing opportunities to drive local development. He emphasized the responsibility of local leaders in fostering productivity, job creation, and economic growth.
At the meeting, regional governors, district officials, and sector representatives presented their insights and updates, aligning their strategies with the President's vision for the region. As the visit concluded, President Mirziyoyev returned to Tashkent, leaving in his wake a renewed sense of purpose and direction for Samarkand's development trajectory.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Threads pages to keep up to date on world news.
Comments (0)