President Mirziyoyev Chairs Meeting on Navoi Region’s Socio-Economic Development
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: Shavkat Mirziyoyev on February 10 chaired a high-level meeting to review ongoing work and outline priority tasks for the socio-economic development of the Navoi region, emphasizing diversified growth, increased foreign investment, and improved living standards.
Diversification Beyond Major Enterprises
Previously, Navoi’s economic performance was largely associated with major industrial giants such as Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company, Navoiyuran, Navoiyazot, and Qizilqumcement.
However, as part of comprehensive territorial development efforts and economic diversification, regional investment unrelated to large sectoral enterprises reached $1.4 billion in 2025. Authorities have set a target to increase this figure to $2 billion in 2026.
Macroeconomic stability was maintained last year, with the gross regional product growing by 7.7 percent to 168 trillion UZS. Industrial output rose by 8.3 percent, agriculture by 4.7 percent, and services by 13.7 percent. A total of 161,000 new jobs were created, reducing unemployment and poverty rates to 4.2 percent.
District-Level Development Based on Comparative Advantage
The President underscored the importance of developing each district according to its unique strengths.
- Nurata and Gazgan – decorative stone production and tourism
- Tamdy and Uchquduq – mining
- Navbahor – textiles and horticulture
- Kanimekh – pasture-based livestock farming
- Zarafshan – jewelry and IT
- Karmana – chemicals and cultural tourism
- Navoi city – mechanical engineering and services
Despite the region’s average industrial output per capita standing at 177 million UZS, districts such as Tamdy, Nurata, Khatyrchi, Navbahor, and Qiziltepa remain below the national average.
To address disparities, proposals were approved to establish an industrial granite park, a granite processing cluster, and a decorative stone market on 50 hectares in Nurata district. A 50-hectare small industrial zone will also be created in Khatyrchi district, hosting high-yield projects worth $100 million.
To ensure skilled labor supply, a specialized training center in mining and chemical industries will be established at the Navoi Digital Technologies Technical School.
Investment, Exports, and SME Support
The President stressed the importance of attracting $4.2 billion in foreign investment this year and increasing exports to $1.5 billion. Enhanced support for small and medium-sized enterprises and their participation in localization processes was also prioritized.
Agricultural and Environmental Initiatives
Although Navoi has 9 million hectares of pastureland, existing agricultural opportunities are not fully utilized. In 2026, small ruminants, pedigree camels, and horses will be imported, and 150 billion UZS will be allocated for well construction on pastures.
Overall, 3.3 million hectares of pastureland will be brought into agricultural circulation under a project-oriented approach. Measures to combat desertification, drawing on China’s experience, will also be implemented.
Advancing Education and IT
Navoi remains a leading region in education, with higher education enrollment reaching 71 percent and 10 schools achieving a 100 percent university admission rate last year.
From the upcoming academic year, specialized IT classes will be introduced in Navoi and Zarafshan under the “One school – one IT class” initiative. One hundred teachers will upgrade their qualifications in IT and artificial intelligence domestically and abroad. Additionally, a full-time program in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity will be launched at the Zarafshan branch of Tashkent University of Information Technologies.
Tourism Expansion Plans
In 2026, Navoi region aims to attract 600,000 foreign and 3 million domestic tourists, create 72 new accommodation facilities, and generate 500 jobs.
Key initiatives include:
- Developing tourism-oriented infrastructure in 18 high-potential mahallas
- Establishing guest houses and service outlets along international highways
- Opening a national embroidery center in Nurata
- Transforming villages in Nurata and Kanimekh into tourist destinations
- Developing Langar and Angidon mahallas in Khatyrchi
A master plan for a recreational zone around Sarmishsay in Navbahor could triple tourist inflows and create over 200 jobs.
In Navoi city, modernization of Alisher Navoi Park and Yoshlik Lake under a unified development concept was emphasized to meet modern standards.
In Karmana, plans were supported to establish the cultural-tourist center “Ancient Karmana,” incorporating the historic Qasim Sheikh Khanaqah, Mirsaid Bahrom Mausoleum, the old city market, and Yangi Avlod Park. The initiative aims to extend tourist stays along the historic Silk Road corridor between Samarkand and Bukhara.
Drawing on the experience of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, desert and pastureland tourism will also be developed.
Infrastructure Modernization
Between 2026 and 2028, 312 kilometers of water supply lines and 124 kilometers of sewerage pipes will be replaced in Navoi, Zarafshan, Uchquduq, and Zafarabad. Modern sanitary conditions will also be ensured in all schools, kindergartens, and medical institutions.
Concluding the meeting, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the approved plans must deliver tangible improvements to citizens’ lives and instructed officials to ensure effective and timely implementation.
