Measures to develop the economy of the Navoi region and increase the population’s income were discussed

On November 1, a meeting was held in Navbahor district on the development of the economy of the Navoi region, increasing the population’s income and improving social infrastructure, the press service of the head of our state reports.

At the beginning of his speech, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that the recent elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the Jokargy Kenes of Karakalpakstan and local councils of people’s deputies were held in the spirit of democratic principles, and expressed gratitude to citizens for their active participation in them.

The region, named after the great ancestor – Alisher Navoi, should become an example of spiritual education and enlightenment. In this context, the head of state proposed declaring 2025 the Year of Alisher Navoi in the region. As part of this initiative, a national competition and Navoi readings will be held, books for young people will be published and films based on the poet’s works will be made. A majestic monument and museum will be built in the town of New Navoi.

In terms of the economy, indicators and plans were analyzed in detail. Over the past seven years, 6.5 thousand projects worth $8 billion have been implemented in Navoi, which has created added value of 27 trillion soums. The number of entrepreneurs has tripled. During this time, the region’s economy moved from ninth to third place and reached 82 trillion soums. This year, 577 projects worth $2.2 billion will be implemented, which will create 10 thousand high-income jobs.

However, there are still significant opportunities for development. Navoi region is located in the center of the country and has rich natural resources, developed infrastructure and high human potential. The region contains 20 percent of Uzbekistan’s mineral resources, estimated at more than $5 trillion. This allows us to meet the requirements of any investor.

Every year, the region produces industrial products worth more than 100 trillion soums. Per capita income ranks second in the country, which creates great opportunities for the development of local entrepreneurship, trade, services, catering and tourism.

The region produces 11 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, and wind and solar power plants with a total capacity of 5.2 gigawatts will soon be commissioned. This will ensure the uninterrupted operation of new industrial and service enterprises.

In this context, the question was raised about how effectively the regional khokim, khokims of 11 cities and districts, government organizations and banks, as well as the ‘‘seven’’ in 330 mahallas use these opportunities.

In 2025, it is planned to attract $3.7 billion in foreign investment to the region, which will allow opening 600 new enterprises and creating 15 thousand high-income jobs. These projects will contribute to the development of not only Navoi, but also the surrounding areas.

In accordance with the new law ‘‘On Subsoil’’, a new system will be introduced, according to which all deposits of strategic resources will undergo international assessment. A regional department of the Ministry of Mining and Geology will be created in the Navoi region. Now the department will independently resolve issues of licensing, issuing permits and putting deposits up for auction.

The Zarafshan and Akdarya rivers, as well as 256 kilometers of streams and more than 2 thousand kilometers of canals pass through the territory of the region. It was ordered to build small hydroelectric power plants on them. 10 million dollars will be allocated for this, and the hydroelectric power plants will be transferred to entrepreneurs on the basis of industrial mortgages.

Next year, the task has been set to attract 500 thousand foreign tourists to Navoi and increase the volume of export of services to 150 million dollars. The possibilities of creating trade and service points from lightweight structures along the roads were also noted.

Particular attention at the meeting was paid to employment issues. There are 16 thousand low-income families and more than 8 thousand unemployed citizens in the region. It was noted that by using additional potential in the economic sectors, it is possible to ensure their employment. The employment and social protection systems have been set a goal of lifting 16 thousand families out of poverty within a year.

It was emphasized that it is necessary to create food reserves and provide markets daily to stabilize prices. In this context, agriculture plays an important role, but only 100 thousand hectares of irrigated land are cultivated in Navoi, 72 percent of which are irrigated using pumps. Despite the presence of 9 million hectares of pastures, the number of livestock is small.

Next year, it is planned to bring seeds and technologies from Turkey and China to increase cotton yields to 70 centners, renew 7 thousand hectares of orchards and vineyards, and prepare all irrigated lands for sowing 10 thousand hectares of sunflower as a secondary crop. Seeds of forage, medicinal plants and spices will be scattered by drones over pastures and distributed among 50 thousand residents. In general, 3 million hectares of pastures will be improved in three years, and the number of livestock will increase 10-fold.

Issues related to infrastructure were also touched upon. Due to the rapid population growth of the city of Zarafshan, its territory will be expanded by 2 thousand hectares at the expense of the Tamdy district to create conditions for 150 thousand residents.

A total of 200 thousand people live in the city of Zarafshan, Uchkuduk and Tamdy districts. Many foreign investors also come here. For their convenience, it was proposed to use the airport in Zarafshan and lay additional power lines to the village of ‘‘Yangi Tomdi’’ to increase the number of entrepreneurial projects.

Tasks have been set to renovate 18 old schools and drinking water supply systems in remote areas, build kindergartens and schools, and improve the health of the population. It is necessary to train 9 thousand women interested in entrepreneurship in professions and provide employment.

Preparations for the autumn-winter season and the implementation of the ‘‘Yashil Makon’’ program were also considered.

Responsible persons, heads of districts and industries presented information to the regional asset and the population on the results expected this year and plans for next year.

The leadership of Karakalpakstan and all regions joined the meeting via video link. Responsible persons confirmed that their regions also have opportunities to implement the directions specified in the Navoi region, stated that they will draw appropriate conclusions and direct all efforts to improve efficiency. In particular, measures were announced to accelerate projects in the fields of industry, construction, agriculture, tourism and services for the development of the regional economy and ensuring employment by promoting entrepreneurship and career guidance. Plans were defined for the rest of the year and for next year.