Uzbekistan’s Navoi region has experienced economic growth over the past seven years, with 6,500 projects valued at $8bn contributing to the local economy. On November 1, a meeting was held in Navbahar district to discuss strategies for further developing the region's economy, increasing the income of the population, and enhancing social infrastructure.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev opened the meeting by reflecting on the recent democratic elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the Jokargy Kenes of Karakalpakstan, and local councils. He expressed gratitude to citizens for their responsible participation in these elections.
The president emphasized the importance of Navoi, named after the renowned poet Alisher Navoi, as a model for spiritual education and cultural advancement. To honor this legacy, he proposed declaring 2025 as the "Year of Alisher Navoi," which will include various cultural initiatives such as literary contests, publications, and the construction of a statue and museum in his name.
The meeting highlighted economic achievements in Navoi, where the economy has risen from the ninth to the third position in regional rankings, reaching UZS 82 trillion ($6.42bn). This year alone, 577 projects worth $2.2bn are set to be implemented, with an expected creation of 10,000 high-income jobs.
Navoi is strategically located at the center of the country, endowed with rich natural resources and robust infrastructure. The region boasts 20% of Uzbekistan's mineral wealth, valued at over $5 trillion, presenting a wealth of opportunities for investors. Annual industrial production exceeds UZS 100 trillion ($7.83bn), and per capita income ranks second in the republic, stresses the potential for growth in local entrepreneurship, trade, and tourism.
In terms of energy production, Navoi currently generates 11bn kilowatt-hours and is poised to launch an additional 5.2 gigawatts of wind and solar power. This energy capacity is crucial for supporting the operation of new industrial enterprises.
The president announced plans to attract $3.7bn in foreign investment by 2025, leading to the establishment of 600 new enterprises and the creation of 15,000 high-paying jobs. Notably, the Ministry of Mining and Geology will open a territorial department in Navoi to streamline the licensing process for resource exploration and development.
A key topic at the meeting was employment, with 16,000 families classified as poor and over 8,000 individuals unemployed in the province. Strategies were discussed to utilize additional resources in economic sectors to provide jobs and improve living standards. The goal is to lift these families out of poverty within the year.
Agriculture plays a vital role in the region's economy, yet only 100,000 hectares of land are currently cultivated. To enhance agricultural productivity, plans include introducing advanced seeds and technologies from Turkey and China, renovating orchards, and utilizing drones for pasture improvement. The aim is to increase livestock numbers tenfold over the next three years.
The rapid population growth in Zarafshan city necessitates infrastructure expansion. Plans include increasing the city's territory by 2,000 hectares to accommodate future residents. As the population in Zarafshan, Uchkuduq, and Tomdi districts grows, enhancing public services and facilities is crucial to attracting foreign investment.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for new educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and improvements to drinking water systems. Training programs will also be developed to empower 9,000 women interested in entrepreneurship.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from regional leaders across Uzbekistan to adopt similar strategies for economic development and employment enhancement. Plans for the upcoming year were outlined, focusing on industrial, agricultural, and service sector projects that will drive economic growth and foster entrepreneurship.
Earlier, President Mirziyoyev inaugurated a set of 15 new projects totaling $3.6bn, which marks an important advancement in the region's industrial and economic development. Joined by local officials, he attended a ceremony celebrating the launch of three new enterprises and the beginning of construction on twelve more.
Uzbekistan holds one of the most diverse mineral portfolios in the world. Its confirmed mineral reserves alone in 2023 were estimated at $970bn, while its overall mineral potential exceeds a staggering $3.5 trillion.
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