President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Outlines Strategic Initiatives for Samarkand Region’s Socio-Economic Development

Samarkand, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a significant meeting on November 20 to discuss measures for the socio-economic development of the Samarkand region and strategies to enhance the well-being of its population. This meeting builds on the directives issued during the President’s visit to the region in August 2023, aimed at achieving transformative milestones across key sectors.

Situated at the heart of Uzbekistan, the Samarkand region boasts well-developed trade, industry, tourism, transport, and agriculture sectors. During the meeting, President Mirziyoyev reviewed the progress of previously outlined goals and emphasized the need for further advancements.

Ambitious Development Plans

The meeting highlighted plans for the implementation of 120 projects valued at $4.1 billion. Key goals include attracting $1.85 billion in investments in 2025, creating 20,000 jobs, and generating products worth 1.2 trillion UZS.

Specific initiatives discussed included:

1. Special Industrial Zone in Chimboyobod:
   In the Pastdargom district, a special industrial zone covering 234 hectares is planned, with entrepreneurs committing $500 million in investments. This zone will host projects in pharmaceuticals, chemistry, electrical engineering, construction materials, and the food industry.
2. Expansion of the Urgut Free Economic Zone:
   By incorporating 25 hectares of rocky land around the Zarafshan River, $30 million worth of projects will be implemented. Plans also include developing a 35-kilometer tourist route along the Dargom Canal and a gastronomic bridge on the Narpay Canal, with investments totaling 500 billion UZS.
3. Development of Dry Lands for Tourism:
   In Samarkand district, 350 hectares of dry land will be transformed into a tourist and recreational hub, creating 3,500 jobs and accommodating 1,000 entrepreneurs.
4. Fruit and Vegetable Production in Bulungur:
   Optimizing 6,000 hectares of underutilized grain land for fruit and vegetable cultivation could yield $10,000 per hectare, employ 45,000 people, and add $52 million in export revenue.
5. Grape Production Enhancement:
   In Ishtykhan, Urgut, Payaryk, and Koshrabot, plans to establish an experimental station of the Scientific Institute of Horticulture and Viticulture were proposed. The station will introduce high-yield grape varieties, boosting yields and increasing exports by $20 million annually.
6. Mineral Processing Enterprises:
   Potential enterprises based on mineral deposits in Koshrabot, Ishtykhan, Nurabad, Pastdargom, Pakhtachi, and Urgut will further stimulate economic growth.

Comprehensive Measures

The Hokim of the Samarkand region presented additional measures to capitalize on untapped opportunities. President Mirziyoyev approved these proposals and directed the drafting of a resolution to enhance the investment climate and business environment in the region.

Key instructions included ensuring project alignment with the region’s master plan, creating more employment opportunities, building modern housing, and uplifting the population’s standard of living.

With these forward-looking strategies, Samarkand is poised to strengthen its position as a leading economic and cultural hub in Uzbekistan.