Tashkent region’s large reserves are the basis for investment and jobs

On December 10, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting dedicated to the issues of effective use of untapped opportunities, increasing the number of jobs and investment inflow in the Tashkent region, the press service of the head of our state reports.

The Tashkent region has enormous potential in all areas – industry, agriculture, services and tourism. Over the past seven years, the region’s economy has grown 1.5 times, and the number of industrial enterprises has doubled and reached 12 thousand.

However, the existing opportunities are not fully utilized. For example, only 25 percent of all land in the region is used in agriculture. The level of income per hectare remains lower than in other regions. In cities such as Bekabad and Akhangaran, as well as in the Akkurgan, Chinaz and Piskent districts, the processing of agricultural products is at an extremely low level. Ensuring food security and the export of fruit and vegetable products also do not meet the potential.

At the meeting, which was held in a critical spirit, measures were outlined to improve the efficiency of land use. In particular, each cluster, farm and dehkan enterprise will be entered into the information system ‘‘Agroplatform’’. The system will include data on sown areas, production volumes, number of employees and tax revenues. Next year, in seven districts specializing in fruit and vegetable products, on an area of ​​52 thousand hectares, it is planned to organize three-time harvesting. Also, industrial gardens and vineyards will be created on 5 thousand hectares.

In general, the lands in 22 districts and cities of the region will be connected with processing and export enterprises. It is noted that this will allow next year to procure 3.5 million tons of fruit and vegetable products and export them for 500 million dollars.

The infrastructure and logistics of the Tashkent region are favorable for entrepreneurship. However, over the past three years, the area of ​​production, trade and service facilities has increased by only 1.6 million square meters, which is 3.5 times less than in the capital. Of the 9,000 hectares of land allocated for investment projects, 2,000 hectares remain unused. A number of state facilities are idle.

Meanwhile, investors are expressing interest in building a ‘‘smart city’’, a medical cluster and ‘‘green’’ power plants in the region. Thousands of entrepreneurs from the capital and other regions are looking for sites to expand their businesses, build new enterprises, hotels, shopping and tourist complexes.

Shortcomings in the relevant work of the State Assets Management Agency and responsible persons of the region were pointed out. Instructions were given to auction buildings and land on favorable terms for entrepreneurs, as well as to increase investment volumes, create new jobs and increase exports due to these facilities.

The Khokim of Tashkent region presented plans for next year to attract $5 billion in investments and increase exports to $2 billion.

The head of state drew attention to the fact that half of the expected investments are planned to be directed to already developed cities – Almalyk, Angren, Chirchik, as well as Akhangaran, Zangiata and Kibray districts. In this regard, it was noted that it is necessary to develop additional projects in relatively lagging districts, such as Akkurgan, Bekabad, Buka, Parkent, Piskent, Kuyichirchik and Chinaz, in order to create new jobs.

It was emphasized that due to the capabilities of the Tashkent region, it is possible to achieve an increase in the income of the entire population. The task has been set to provide employment for 700 thousand people next year, reduce the unemployment rate to its natural level, lift 22 thousand families out of poverty, reducing the poverty rate from the current 7.2 to 4 percent, and also provide jobs for labor migrants returning from abroad.

The President also spoke with entrepreneurs of the region who participated in the meeting. Having paid special attention to their proposals and initiatives, he gave appropriate instructions to the responsible persons.