President Shavkat Mirziyoyev convened a meeting in Kashkadarya’s Kukdala district to review and expand socio-economic development efforts, stressing the region’s vast untapped potential and ongoing reforms transforming its industrial and agricultural sectors.
The president highlighted that rapid reforms are transforming the region and creating new opportunities for its people. He noted that while Kashkadarya's industry was once heavily reliant on oil, gas, and chemicals, diversification efforts have shifted the balance. Today, 54% of industrial output comes from growing sectors such as electrical engineering, building materials, textiles, and furniture.
Based on expert analyses, Kashkadarya holds an estimated $15bn in unrealized economic potential. If even a third of this is converted into viable projects, the region's gross regional product could grow by over $10bn in five years.
As part of the accelerated development program, “Reform Headquarters” will be established across the region to coordinate investment and development projects. This model has already shown success in Shahrisabz, Yakkabog, and Kokdala.
The region's greatest asset lies in its agricultural capacity, with 515,000 hectares of irrigated farmland and 45,000 hectares of horticultural plots—the highest in the country. In addition, Kashkadarya has 1.3mn hectares of pasture and forest lands.
To boost the effective use of these lands, a new joint-stock company will be created and headed by the Prime Minister. Backed by an initial $100mn investment, it will introduce modern irrigation techniques like laser leveling and water-saving technologies on 200,000 hectares over two years.
A regional livestock development program will also be launched, offering 14% loans for up to 12 months to support 127 farmers in reaching full production capacity. Additional support will be provided to those who manage both land and farms.
Fruit and vegetable exports from Kashkadarya have doubled since the beginning of 2025, reaching $62mn. Tomato cultivation will now be expanded across 6,000 hectares in 13 districts. Additionally, preferential loans at 10% interest will support potato farming, while high-quality seed imports will benefit from tax exemptions and VAT refunds.
Efforts to combat unemployment and poverty are yielding results. In 2025, the region aims to employ 470,000 people and lift 150,000 out of poverty. Kitab, Karshi, and Shahrisabz are being transformed into “zones free of unemployment and poverty.”
Tourism will also play a key role. New resorts are planned in Shahrisabz, Kamashi, Guzar, and Chiraqchi, while improvements are underway at the Chiyal market to support local food vendors. A blacksmith center will be opened in the Karasuv neighborhood to promote traditional crafts and attract tourists.
Programs to train unemployed residents in foreign languages and support labor migration to high-income countries are in development. Plans also include creating 70,000 jobs by launching enterprises on over 120 properties and 400 hectares of auctioned land.
This year, Kashkadarya has attracted $3.5bn in investment. Notably, exploration has uncovered 39 tons of gold in Kitab and 10,000 tons of rare metals in Chiraqchi. Sixteen building material projects worth $150mn are in the pipeline.
An innovative industrial zone will be established around the Mubarak Gas Processing Plant, featuring major projects in petrochemicals, robotics, and electrical engineering.
Although Kashkadarya leads in cotton production, its role in textile manufacturing remains small. To address this, 35 projects worth $400mn will be implemented to increase yarn processing capacity to 51% in 2025 and 100% by next year.
Major infrastructure upgrades are planned, including the reconstruction of 106 kilometers of the Karshi–Shahrisabz–Kitab highway, expansion of the Guzor–Bukhara–Nukus–Beyneu road, and development of a bypass around Kamashi and Yakkabog. Additionally, with support from the Islamic Development Bank, a 60-kilometer section of the Tashkent–Termez highway will be expanded.
To improve living standards, 7,700 single-family homes will be constructed, alongside 183 kilometers of new water and sewage infrastructure and eight new water facilities.
Recognizing the importance of youth engagement, the President called for broader inclusion of young people in the “Youth Business” and “Step into the Future” programs to foster entrepreneurship and support university graduates.
“As you can see, we have a lot of work planned in Kashkadarya,” said President Mirziyoyev. “With the hardworking and noble people of this region, we will undoubtedly achieve the great goals we have set.”
The meeting concluded with presentations from regional and district leaders, and feedback from entrepreneurs and public representatives.
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