Effectiveness of reforms and future priorities in Bukhara region discussed

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, chaired a meeting on the effectiveness of ongoing reforms in Bukhara region, the efficient use of the region’s economic potential, and further priority tasks.

Bukhara region has considerable potential in industry, agriculture, services, and tourism, similar to other regions. Here, two large oil and gas chemical plants operate, with another under construction. Additionally, construction is underway for 10 major solar and wind power plants with a combined capacity of 4.5 gigawatts, valued at $5.2 billion.

In 2025, the gross regional product increased by 7.2 percent to reach 86.6 trillion UZS, industrial growth was 7.1 percent, agriculture rose by 4.3 percent, and services grew by 14 percent. The unemployment rate dropped to 4.7 percent, and poverty declined to 6 percent compared to 2024.

At the meeting, key target indicators for the socio-economic development of Bukhara region for 2026 were reviewed. In particular, the task was set to increase the gross regional product to 102.1 trillion UZS, achieving 9.1 percent growth, and to expand industry by 9.1 percent, agriculture by 5.9 percent, and the services sector by 20.1 percent. It is also planned to reduce unemployment and poverty rates to 2 percent and to create income sources for 381,500 people.

To this end, targeted measures will be taken to transform the cities of Bukhara and Kagan, as well as the districts of Alat, Peshku, Karakul, Shafirkan, Gijduvan, and Karaulbazar, into areas free from unemployment and poverty.

The Head of State highlighted that Bukhara is an ancient city with a 3,000-year history, and that only a few cities in the world have such a rich cultural heritage and such a concentration of historical monuments in one location. It was noted that this potential should be harnessed to boost economic growth, create new jobs, increase household incomes, and improve infrastructure.

In the fields of investment and exports, the goal is to attract $3.3 billion in foreign investment in 2026, secure $1.5 billion in exports, and implement investment projects totaling $9.2 billion.

Particular attention was given to industrial development. As noted, 61 major projects with a total value of $2.2 billion have been formed across industrial sectors. Consequently, it is planned to create 18,000 new jobs and raise industrial output per capita from 25.6 million UZS to 29.6 million UZS.

In particular, plans are in place to establish an annual production of 80,000 electric and hybrid vehicles in Kagan district. The project is valued at $350 million and will create 500 jobs.

Additionally, a $220 million project is planned in Bukhara district to produce benzene, toluene, xylene, pentane, hexane, bitumen, and calcium chloride using pyrolysis. Plans also include expanding production of AI-91 and AI-92 gasoline through an $85 million project in Karaulbazar district, as well as establishing the manufacture of paper and cardboard products in Kagan district.

Plans were also discussed to produce 100,000 tons of mineral fertilizers annually in Karaulbazar district and to expand gypsum board manufacturing in Kagan district.

At the same time, priority areas have been identified for new production capacities to be placed on vacant land plots within 61 existing industrial zones. In particular, priority will be given to the food and furniture industries in the city of Bukhara and Bukhara district, to the leather and textile industries in Vabkent district, to the petrochemical industry in Kagan and Karaulbazar district, to the pharmaceutical and food industries in Shafirkan district and Peshku district, and to the construction materials industry in Gijduvan district.

It was noted that introducing modern land-use technologies and irrigation systems in agriculture will enable the development and utilization of 100,000 hectares of land. This will significantly boost the region’s economic activity and export potential.

The introduction of new approaches to the productive use of 3 million hectares of pastureland in Bukhara region, the development of livestock farming, and the expansion of fodder-crop areas were also discussed at the meeting. This year, it is planned to sow 59,200 hectares with fodder crops. In addition, 82 projects in the livestock sector with a total value of 454 billion UZS are envisaged, including the import of 20,000 head of pedigree cattle, 30,000 sheep, and 200 horses.

Specific tasks have also been defined in cotton growing, grain production, and the rational use of water resources. In particular, in 2026, it is planned to increase cotton yields to 52 centners and grain yields to 100 centners per hectare, improve water supply and land reclamation conditions on 96,800 hectares, save 453.5 million cubic meters of water, and import 742 units of agricultural machinery.

A proposal was considered to establish modern mini-farms in each district, calculated for 50 head of pedigree cattle. Under this program, 110 projects will be implemented, 5,500 head of pedigree livestock will be imported, 3,750 new jobs will be created, and capacities will be formed to produce an additional 51,500 tons of milk.

In the fields of services and employment, plans include implementing 49 projects aligned with neighborhood specializations, establishing 33 trade and service streets, developing 2 coastal and 10 roadside zones, and creating 4 tourist neighborhoods. A total of 12.5 trillion UZS will be allocated for these initiatives, including 7.5 trillion UZS to support small and medium-sized businesses.

It was noted that tourist activity is currently mainly concentrated in the city of Bukhara, while the potential of other districts in the region has not yet been fully utilized. It was emphasized that Jondor, Gijduvan, Bukhara, Karakul, and Vabkent districts have significant opportunities to implement coastal and roadside driver projects, create new jobs, and develop modern recreational spaces for the population.

In this regard, the goal is to attract 3.5 million international and 5.5 million domestic tourists in 2026, increasing the total number of visitors to 9 million. To achieve this, 73 new lodging facilities will be opened in 2026, and 15 new tour operators and travel agencies will be established.

The new tourist center under construction in Bukhara plans to establish five hotel complexes of international brands, develop the “Khoja Orif” tourist village in Shafirkan district, and create the “Chor Bakr” and “Yorjon” tourist villages in Bukhara district. Additionally, the project aims to organize the “Mohi Khosa” tourist mahalla in Bukhara. The importance of implementing a separate administrative management system in Bukhara’s historic center, in line with UNESCO requirements, was emphasized.

In addition, proposals were considered to establish a tourist town centered around six historical sites in the city of Kagan.

Particular attention was also given to personnel training. Plans include opening a joint faculty with Danube University Krems and transferring the Bukhara Tourism and Cultural Heritage College to this university’s management. The importance of establishing a training system for specialists and retraining managerial personnel entirely based on dual education was highlighted. Additionally, this university will assist in developing a new management model for the 24-hour streets being created in Bukhara.

The issues of housing development and infrastructure in line with population growth were also addressed. In particular, major urbanization projects were discussed, including the construction of a modern residential complex with more than 10,000 apartments on 63 hectares in Rabotak mahalla of Bukhara district, the establishment of a new administrative center in Bukhara, the development of the “New Uzbekistan” residential area and its namesake park, as well as the construction of a new campus for Bukhara State University.

Several tasks were also planned to improve road and engineering infrastructure. The region intends to build 7 bypass roads totaling 33.1 miles, reconstruct a 78-kilometer section of the “Guzar – Bukhara – Nukus – Beyneu” road, and a 71-kilometer segment of the “Samarkand – Bukhara – Turkmenbashi” highway, auction 30.8 hectares of land along the A-380 road, and establish 403 service facilities.

In addition, in three districts and 36 mahallas classified as “difficult”, as well as in two districts and 35 mahallas categorized as “New Uzbekistan image” areas, work will be carried out to improve road, electricity, water supply, and irrigation networks based on new approaches. A total of 593 billion UZS will be allocated for these purposes.

It was emphasized that for the development of social and industrial infrastructure in 2026, a total of 4 trillion 484 billion UZS will be allocated, and hundreds of projects for the construction and renovation of schools, kindergartens, medical institutions, as well as communal and transport infrastructure, will be implemented.

The President instructed responsible officials to utilize the potential of Bukhara region, turn each initiative into a concrete project, and ensure effectiveness in investment, industrial production, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure.

UzA