Plans for the socio-economic development of the Jizzakh region were discussed

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting to discuss the effectiveness of ongoing reforms in the Jizzakh region and future priorities, the press service of the head of our state reports.

Thanks to the reforms and systemic measures implemented in recent years, the region’s economy has undergone a structural transformation. The region’s economy has diversified and reoriented itself from the agricultural sector to manufacturing, services, and modern agricultural clusters. New growth drivers have emerged, including textiles, construction materials, automotive manufacturing, electrical engineering, and tourism.

The share of industry in the gross regional product increased from 9.1 to 18.8 percent, while agriculture’s share decreased from 50 to 36 percent. Unemployment and poverty rates decreased by 4.9 and 5.8 percent, respectively. Exports increased by 1.8 times, services by 1.6 times, and industrial production by 1.9 times.

Over the course of the year, 25 large and 533 medium and small investment projects were implemented, attracting $1.4 billion in foreign investment. The number of exporters reached 160, and export volume amounted to $285 million.

The meeting discussed plans to further reduce poverty and unemployment, as well as ensure accelerated growth in industry, services, and agriculture.

Specifically, in 2026–2027, it is planned to increase the gross regional product growth rate to 8.5 percent, increase industrial production by 8 percent, attract $5 billion in foreign investment, and increase annual exports to $500 million.

It was noted that while investments had previously been primarily directed toward raw material extraction and simple assembly lines, in the future, priority will be given to high-value-added projects.

Furthermore, this year, the unemployment rate is expected to be reduced to 3 percent and the poverty rate to 2.8 percent, as well as 182 mahallas (neighborhoods) to become crime-free.

The President emphasized that achieving these goals is impossible without deep specialization of the mahallas.

In this regard, a new development model will be implemented in the region over the next two years. The comparative advantages of 304 mahallas have been analyzed, and a program for their specialization in horticulture, livestock farming, vegetable and melon growing, industry, services, and tourism has been developed.

The program includes planting certified seedlings on 5,000 hectares of old orchards and vineyards, creating 4,600 hectares of industrial plantations, cultivating high-yielding, export-oriented produce on 10,000 hectares of private and leased land, reproducing 101,000 head of livestock, establishing five micro-industrial centers, constructing six large tourist complexes, and creating parks and landscaped public spaces in every district center.

It was noted that 200 billion soums will be allocated this year to strengthen the infrastructure of “driver” projects. Major investment projects worth a total of $2.7 billion are planned for 2026-2027 to develop industry. The need for the efficient use of deposits of lead, zinc, tungsten, gold, and other non-metallic minerals in the region is also emphasized.

During the meeting, information was presented on the project to create an agro-scientific industrial park in the Zaamin district, which will process corn and produce high-value-added products, including high-fructose syrup and allulose.

Measures are also envisaged for the development of livestock farming, the purchase of breeding stock, the development of camel breeding, and the reconstruction of the Zhaiyilma Canal.

The head of state noted the need to realize the potential of the region’s mountainous and desert areas through special approaches. Specifically, this year, it is planned to bring 25,000 hectares of rainfed and pasture land into cultivation and develop a three-year program for the efficient use of pastures.

The meeting also analyzed the tourism potential of the Jizzakh region. It was noted that the potential of the Aydar-Arnasai lake system, as well as the Bakhmal, Farish, Zafarabad, Sharaf-Rashidov, and Gallyaaral districts, is underutilized.

In this regard, plans were considered for the creation of tourist complexes in the aforementioned districts, the expansion of Arnasay Airport, and the construction of shopping and service centers along international highways.

This year, $30 million will be allocated for the construction of social facilities, roads, drinking water supply systems, sewerage systems, and electricity networks in mahallas, with an additional $10 million allocated next year.

These funds will be used to build and repair social facilities in 14 mahallas, 105 kilometers of roads connecting 28 remote mahallas, 50 kilometers of drinking water supply and electricity networks, and 65 kilometers of sewerage networks in 13 mahallas.

In the urban development sector, master plans for the Bakhmal, Zafarabad, and Gallyaaral districts are to be developed based on spatial planning.

Furthermore, the city of Jizzakh and the Sharaf-Rashidov district will be developed as a single agglomeration. The master plan includes the construction of a 10-kilometer bypass road to reduce traffic congestion, the creation of a unified public transportation system, and the construction of a single administrative building for government agencies.

Following the meeting, responsible officials were instructed to ensure the implementation of each project within the region’s development framework, with mandatory linkages to increased employment and improved living standards.