Priority tasks for the socio-economic development of the Sokh district have been identified

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on socioeconomic development measures for the Sokh district of the Fergana region, the press service of the head of our state reports.

It was noted that Sokh was previously a hard-to-reach area with limited transportation and logistics capabilities and weak economic ties. In recent years, thanks to regional cooperation and strong political will, new opportunities have opened for the comprehensive development of this region. New roads have been opened, border crossing procedures have been simplified, business conditions have been improved, and modern kindergartens, schools, clinics, and housing have been built.

Currently, 88,600 people live in Sokh’s 25 mahallas. The region has 29 preschools, 33 schools, two secondary vocational schools, 14 medical facilities, and two cultural facilities. Last year alone, 13,921 jobs were created, and 1,667 families were lifted out of poverty.

Overall, the changes in Sokh are not simply an infrastructure upgrade, but a practical manifestation of the district’s increased economic activity, strengthened public confidence, and expanded opportunities for youth. Modern Sokh is gradually reintegrating into the regional economic system.

At the same time, it was noted that the poverty rate in the district is 7.9 percent, and the unemployment rate is 5.5 percent, which remains above the national average.

During the presentation, officials announced plans to attract $40 million in investment and generate $15 million in exports this year. This is expected to drive industrial growth by 9 percent, service sector growth by 17.1 percent, and agricultural growth by 7.6 percent.

The meeting placed particular emphasis on the district’s tourism potential.

It was noted that Sokh’s unique natural environment, clean air, rivers, and cool climate make it possible to develop this sector into a key economic driver. For example, new tourist facilities could be built on the banks of the Sokh River, which flows through the Sarikand, Ravan, and Istiklol mahallas. Furthermore, all the conditions exist here for establishing a Medical Services Cluster, bringing together rehabilitation, physical therapy, pharmaceutical logistics, and medical education.

Plans have been announced to attract a total of $60 million in investment in tourism and services, create approximately 2,000 jobs, increase tourism services by 15 billion soums, and expand exports by $2 million.

Creating a convenient infrastructure for living and working, developing entrepreneurship, and creating employment were discussed as key objectives.

Furthermore, 10 microprojects, for a total of 300, will be launched in each mahalla, and vocational training will be provided to 8,600 residents. Banks will allocate $64 billion in loans for these projects, with an additional $74.5 billion allocated for social services and infrastructure. Transport and logistics issues were also discussed in detail. Practical measures were identified to strengthen the district’s connectivity with other regions, expedite border crossings, and expand economic ties.

Given that the bulk of the district’s population’s income comes from agriculture, the need for widespread adoption of modern approaches and new technologies in this area was emphasized.

For example, proposals were made to create orchards on 425 hectares of pasture in the Kayrak massif, saffron plantations on 60 hectares in the Chashma mahalla, and implement potato cultivation projects on 100 hectares in the Ozod and Sokh farms. A project for the development of fish farming in the Navobad mahalla was also presented. It envisages the creation of 30 reservoirs, each measuring 50 acres, with the capacity to grow 50 tons of trout in each.

It was also noted that the construction of an 8-kilometer gravity-fed irrigation network between the villages of Devairon and Tuldasht will make it possible to develop 500 hectares of land for orchards and 300 hectares for crops.

The head of state emphasized that the main goal in developing the Sokh district is to ensure a tangible improvement in people’s lives, increase incomes, create jobs, and further strengthen the district’s transportation links. Responsible officials were instructed to ensure the implementation of the tasks assigned to the district.