President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Chairs Key Meeting on Fergana’s Socio-Economic Development

Fergana, The Gulf Observer: Shavkat Mirziyoyev on April 28 chaired a high-level meeting in Fergana city to review the region’s socio-economic progress and outline ambitious targets for future growth, underscoring the need for innovation, digital transformation, and inclusive development.

The President highlighted significant economic advancements in recent years, noting that investments totaling $8.2 billion have led to the establishment of 8,000 modern production facilities across the region. Over 100 trillion UZS has been allocated to support entrepreneurship, while commercial space has expanded by 10 million square meters. The number of small and medium-sized enterprises has nearly doubled with the creation of 13,500 new businesses.

These efforts have driven robust economic growth, with the gross regional product increasing 1.7-fold, industrial output rising by 1.5 times, and the services sector expanding threefold. Social indicators have also improved markedly, as unemployment declined from 9.2 percent to 4.6 percent and poverty fell from 11.6 percent to 5.2 percent over the past four years.

Housing development remains a key priority, with multi-apartment buildings comprising 2,500 units constructed in Margilan’s Ipakchi and Kirguli mahallas. An additional 6,500 families are expected to move into new residential complexes in Navruz mahalla this year. Similar housing initiatives are ongoing in Yazyavan, Quva, Kokand, and Fergana.

The President also underscored progress in education and healthcare, noting that over the past decade, new schools with 74,000 seats, kindergartens with 145,000 places, and hospitals with 3,000 beds have been established. The creation of 167 private schools has further strengthened educational access, contributing to Fergana’s rise to third place nationwide in higher education enrollment.

Agricultural reforms have led to the development of 15,000 hectares of industrial orchards and vineyards, alongside the restoration of 6,000 hectares. As a result, fruit and vegetable exports have tripled to $400 million. Meanwhile, tourism continues to expand rapidly, with foreign visitor numbers surpassing 500,000 for the first time and domestic tourism exceeding 3 million. Tourism service exports reached $185 million.

“The people of Fergana expect even greater results from us,” President Mirziyoyev stated, setting targets of 9.1 percent economic and industrial growth for the year, alongside $4.5 billion in foreign investment and export expansion to $2 billion.

A key focus of the meeting was the integration of modern technologies and artificial intelligence. The region is expected to serve as a model for digital transformation, with initiatives under the “Five Million AI Leaders” program gaining momentum. Authorities were instructed to digitalize government services and leverage AI for economic planning, including identifying sectoral advantages at the mahalla level.

In the IT sector, service volumes have quadrupled in recent years, with exports exceeding $23 million. Plans are underway to expand technical education in programming and robotics, establish a branch of IT Park University in Fergana, and open a campus of Inha University in Margilan specializing in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The President also emphasized the development of e-commerce, directing the creation of at least 100,000 square meters of warehouse infrastructure and training entrepreneurs in digital trade platforms across 126 mahallas.

Agricultural efficiency was another focal point, with plans to modernize outdated orchards and utilize underperforming land to boost production. A large-scale initiative will establish super-intensive orchards across 50,000 hectares, aiming to significantly increase fruit, vegetable, and rice output while enhancing export capacity.

Investment strategies were also reviewed, including the effective utilization of 1,077 hectares designated for industrial zones and the implementation of projects worth $5 billion. Proposals to establish a free trade zone in Besharyk district and a $70 million trade complex in Kokand received support.

Tourism development remains a strategic priority, with plans to double or triple foreign tourist inflows by promoting pilgrimage, eco, and medical tourism. Major projects, including resort zones and agro-tourism clusters, are underway, with 50 initiatives worth $300 million scheduled for completion by next year.

Cultural heritage preservation was also highlighted, including initiatives to promote literature, establish model libraries, and host international reading festivals. The development of traditional arts such as askiya was reaffirmed, with support for young talent and cultural institutions.

The meeting concluded with reports from regional leaders and stakeholders, as President Mirziyoyev reiterated the importance of sustaining reform momentum and ensuring tangible improvements in the livelihoods of the people of Fergana.