Possibilities for the development of the Fergana region were analyzed

On December 3, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on measures for socio-economic development, further improvement of the investment climate and business environment in the Fergana region, the press service of the head of our state reports.

As a result of attention to the regional economy, new opportunities are opening up in Fergana. Over the past seven years, the number of industrial enterprises has increased almost threefold and reached 13 thousand. As a result of investment projects, 116 thousand jobs have been created.

The trip of the head of our state in July of this year gave a new impetus to the development of the economy. Over 10 months of this year, the volume of foreign investment amounted to 1.5 billion dollars, regional exports – 910 million dollars.

It is necessary to maintain the pace and increase the number of investments, jobs, and exports next year. At the meeting, the President pointed out specific opportunities in this direction.

Recently, the ‘‘Kokand’’ free economic zone was expanded by 210 hectares due to the city of Kuvasay. This territory can accommodate 185 projects worth a total of $1 billion and create about 12,000 jobs. Also, the organization of a technology park on 71 hectares in Kokand at the first stage will allow the creation of enterprises worth $900 million and 5,000 jobs.

Investment agreements worth $1 billion have been reached with Chinese businessmen, and $240 million with South Korea. To implement them, it is necessary to create industrial zones in the districts and cities of the region with an area of ​​1,210 hectares. Future enterprises will employ 30,000 people, including representatives of poor families.

Construction of a trade and logistics center has begun in the Besharik district. It will be turned into a free trade zone similar to the one operating in Termez, and stores will be leased to entrepreneurs. As a result, the region’s exports will increase by $50 million, and the number of jobs will increase by 2,000. A similar complex can also be built in the city of Kuvasay.

There are also great opportunities in agriculture. In Fergana, the population has 91 thousand hectares of land at their disposal, along roads and at the edges of fields, in water and forest resources. It is necessary to use them effectively, increase production and processing of products.

For example, 6 thousand tons of raspberries are grown annually in 15 makhallas of the Fergana region. An entrepreneur proposed increasing the added value by 2.5 times by establishing storage, processing and packaging of raspberries if land is provided in the nearby territory. Another enterprising entrepreneur wants to rent forest lands in Sokh and grow ferula on 800 hectares and saffron on 50 hectares.

By laying 9 kilometers of pipes to two pumping stations in Altyaryk and increasing their capacity, it is possible to create an intensive garden with an area of ​​1 thousand 400 hectares. An additional 55 thousand tons of export-oriented fruits will be grown on this territory.

At the meeting, the khokim of the Fergana region presented his plans for using such opportunities. In particular, next year it is planned to attract 3.7 billion dollars in investments and increase exports to 1.5 billion dollars. The task has been set to provide employment for 500 thousand citizens and lift 22 thousand families out of poverty.

The head of state instructed to finalize these proposals and prepare a resolution on the development of the region’s economy. The need to create all conditions for exporters, promote employment and reduce unemployment was emphasized. The importance of increasing the responsibility of khokims and other officials in this area was noted.