President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on March 3 to assess the effectiveness of ongoing reforms in the Khorezm Region and to outline priority tasks for the near future, presidential press service informs.
Industrial output in the region increased from UZS 2.8 trillion (around $230mn) in 2016 to UZS 34.3 trillion (over $2.8bn), while the gross regional product reached UZS 63 trillion (around $5.2bn). In 2025, the region attracted more than $1bn in investment.
Despite these results, it was noted that existing indicators do not fully reflect Khorezm’s economic potential, particularly in tourism. Although the region has notable historical and cultural heritage, the average stay of tourists remains limited to one or two days.
Demographic trends were also discussed. More than 1mn young people reside in the region, with approximately 35,000 entering the labor market annually. The regional administration was tasked with strengthening education, vocational training, and employment opportunities for youth, as well as developing systemic approaches to youth development inspired by historical figures such as Jaloliddin Manguberdi, Al-Biruni, Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Zamakhshari.
With 67% of the population living in rural areas, the reduction of unemployment and poverty through the creation of additional income sources was identified as a priority. Specific measures discussed included expanding pedigree livestock breeding in 135 mahallas across the Gurlen, Tuproqqala, Yangibazar and Koshkupyr districts, potentially lifting at least 10,000 people out of poverty.
Plans were also presented to specialize mahallas in Urgench, Khanka, Koshkupyr and Shavat districts in the production of construction materials, textiles, crafts and furniture, as well as to establish six industrial and service micro-centers in Urgench, Koshkupyr, Khanka, Yangiaryk and Shavat districts.
Although 12.5mn domestic and foreign tourists visited the region last year, authorities acknowledged shortcomings in service quality and tourism diversification. Instructions were issued to create service facilities in tourist mahallas in the city of Khiva and in the Bagat and Khiva districts. A master plan for 14 commercial streets in 59 settlements is also to be developed and presented to entrepreneurs.
Additional directives include preparing a comprehensive development program for the 10.8-hectare Suleimankala Fortress site and developing a master plan for tourist and service infrastructure along the Shavat Canal in the city of Urgench.
