Next year, Samarkand is set to embark on a transformative journey with plans to invest at least $1.85bn, create 20,000 new jobs, and generate an additional UZS 1.2 trillion ($93.2mn) in production through a series of regional programs.
On November 20, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting to outline key measures aimed at driving the socio-economic growth of Samarkand and improving the living standards of its population.
Located at the heart of Uzbekistan, Samarkand has long been a cornerstone of the nation's trade, industry, tourism, transport, and agriculture. Building on the progress made since President Mirziyoyev's visit in August 2023, the region is now setting new development goals that will further enhance its potential.
To guide these efforts, meetings with local residents and entrepreneurs identified 120 projects worth $4.1bn. These initiatives will play a crucial role in meeting the region’s ambitious development targets for the coming year.
Several of these projects are already showing promise. For example, a special industrial zone spanning 234 hectares in the "Chimboyabad" area of Pastdargom district is planned. Entrepreneurs are prepared to invest $500mn to launch projects in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electrical engineering, construction materials, and food production.
The expansion of the Urgut free economic zone is also being considered. By adding 25 hectares of land around the Zarafshan River, the region will attract $30mn worth of projects. Notably, a 35-kilometer tourist corridor along the Dargom canal and a gastronomic bridge over the Narpai canal are among the developments that will be implemented in the first phase, valued at $500mn.
Aiming to transform pasture and dry land into economic assets, the region has identified several opportunities. For instance, in Samarkand district, 350 hectares of dry land could be converted into a tourist-recreational area, accommodating 1,000 entrepreneurs and creating 3,500 jobs.
In Bulungur, plans are in place to shift 6,000 hectares of inefficient grain fields to fruit and vegetable cultivation. This transition will increase income per hectare to over $10,000, provide employment for 45,000 people, and generate $52 million in export revenue.
The grape industry will also benefit from the establishment of an experimental station in Ishtikhon, designed to use advanced planting methods and boost productivity by 25-30%. This will increase exports by an additional $20mn.
Moreover, the region’s mineral resources could be harnessed for economic growth, with the potential development of mineral processing enterprises in mining areas across Koshrabot, Ishtikhon, Nurabad, Pastdargom, Pakhtachi, and Urgut.
During the meeting, the governor of Samarkand presented these proposals, which President Mirziyoyev approved. He emphasized the importance of improving the investment climate and business environment in the region and tasked officials with creating more jobs and modern housing to further enhance the welfare of local residents.
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