At a meeting on March 6th, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan highlighted that the economic development of the Tashkent region "completely does not correspond to its potential." The state press service noted the underutilization of trade, land, water, and transit opportunities in the region, with certain indicators showing a lag behind even remote areas.
The Tashkent region, consisting of 15 districts and 7 cities, boasts a strategic geographical location as a vital transport corridor connecting the capital with other regions. However, despite the dynamic growth of the capital, the surrounding regional districts are falling behind in pace. In several districts, industrial production is significantly lower than in neighboring areas, indicating a similar trend in the construction sector.
The press service highlighted that the potential of the districts is not translating into economic benefits due to a lack of initiative among local leaders to identify and utilize growth opportunities. Some officials are superficial in their approach, neglecting support for entrepreneurs and job creation efforts.
President Mirziyoyev warned officials in the cities and districts of the region about the necessity for operational changes, emphasizing that their positions would be reviewed if improvements were not made.
The meeting acknowledged a development imbalance in the regions despite government support. Particularly lagging are the Parkent, Yangiyo'l, Chinaz, and Akkurgan districts, which hold strong tourism, transit, and economic potential.
Following the president's directives, assessments were conducted on the current status and potential of the regions, including proposals from entrepreneurs. Subsequently, growth opportunities were identified for each district.
In Parkent, road repairs leading to tourist attractions, microbus transportation organization, and land allocation for commercial and service points construction were suggested. The utilization of lands along the Parkent, Kyzylsay, and Chovlisay rivers was also proposed.
Yangiyo'l aims to establish a small industrial zone specializing in food and hygiene product manufacturing to address land acquisition challenges for entrepreneurs.
Chinaz could benefit from the construction of a trade and entertainment complex, a modern fish market, expanded roadside commerce, and increased greenhouse numbers in private households.
Akkurgan plans to set up textile enterprises within the district to reduce the need for women to seek work in other areas, thus utilizing unused buildings effectively.
An Uzbek-Hungarian industrial zone will be created in Akhangaran, hosting projects worth $100 million, while Angren's free economic zone will see investments of $400 million in various sectors.
Officials are tasked with analyzing other regions to identify additional growth points and enhance revenue sources.
The meeting also discussed accelerating economic and social projects through foreign direct investments, gradually relocating industrial facilities from the capital to create new opportunities for the Tashkent region, aiding self-employed individuals in transitioning to small businesses, and revitalizing inactive businesses.
Lessons from the Chinaz district will be applied to establish compact greenhouses and processing complexes through cooperation.
Furthermore, measures to increase local and foreign tourist influx to 5 million and boost tourism exports to at least $300 million this year were deliberated upon. Special attention was given to women and youth training for professions and ensuring their employment opportunities.
