On November 22, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on measures for the socio-economic development of Surkhandarya region and further improvement of the investment climate and business environment.
Broad opportunities are also opening up as a result of systemic work aimed at developing the regions. Next year, Surkhandarya plans to attract $2 billion in investment, provide employment for 425,000 people, and increase exports to $320 million.
For example, the international trade zone “Ayritom” sells products worth an average of $5 million per month. By expanding its territory to 150 hectares, projects worth another $250 million can be implemented.
Chinese investors propose investing $2.7 billion in copper-silver mines in the territory of Babatag and creating 2 thousand jobs. As a result, it will be possible to export finished products worth $600 million per year.
The territories of Vandob and Chorbog in Sherabad are rich in mineral reserves such as tungsten, coal, table salt, and quartz sand. These deposits are planned to attract $320 million in investments and create 1.5 thousand jobs. A Termez Free Economic Zone branch is scheduled to be opened on 50 hectares in Bandikhan district.
There are also many untapped opportunities in agriculture. For example, the nature of Baysun and Uzun districts is favorable for growing ferula. Providing the population with 18 thousand hectares of pasture and forest land for these purposes will employ 4 thousand people. Sheep and cattle breeding complexes can be organized on similar pastures in Uzun, Shurchi, and Kumkurgan districts.
The water collected in 17 collectors of Muzrabad allows for growing rice on almost 4 thousand hectares. Thanks to this, 8.5 thousand tons of rice will be produced annually, 400 people will be employed permanently, and another 4.5 thousand will be employed in seasonal work.
The creation of greenhouses on 300 hectares in Qiziriq district and vineyards on 1,000 hectares in Oltinsoy district will have a good economic effect from growing popular products.
A program will be developed to improve tourism conditions in Sangardak, Omonkhona, and Baysun and attract at least 1 million tourists.
At the meeting, the Hokim of Surkhandarya region presented plans for using such opportunities.
The Head of state gave instructions on implementing entrepreneurial initiatives, producing finished products based on deposits, and developing trade and services. It was emphasized that every inch of land allocated for agriculture should serve to ensure employment and food security.
UzA