On April 16, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on the socio-economic development of Andijan region in Buloqboshi district.

It was noted that the spirit of the New Uzbekistan is reaching every district and every mahalla of Andijan. Last year, more than 4,000 new entrepreneurs began their activities in the region, and 450,000 people were employed.

A total of 1.5 million square meters of housing and 850,000 square meters of non-residential buildings were constructed. As a result, trade and services increased by 13 percent, and industry by 7.5 percent.

However, life does not stand still. Andijan has vast economic potential, with new projects and initiatives ahead.

The meeting focused on key tasks related to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, increasing investment and exports, and advancing the construction and social sectors.

First and foremost, it was emphasized that economic growth in the region at a rate of at least 6 percent in 2025, raising the gross regional product to 105 trillion UZS, providing employment for 305,000 people, and lifting 150,000 individuals out of poverty, is possible.

For example, Andijan has a well-established machine tool industry. However, the region imported equipment worth $1 billion over the past two years. Localizing the production of such equipment within the country would create an additional source of income for the economy and generate new jobs. It is necessary to support such entrepreneurial initiatives and assist them in obtaining certifications and required components.

Centers for machine-building and engineering design will also be established. Technical specifications of imported equipment in demand by the industrial sector will be studied, and alternatives will be proposed for local enterprises. Entrepreneurs seeking to localize the production of such equipment will be eligible for concessional loans of up to 5 billion UZS.

The region has 13,000 hectares of hilly land that could be cultivated if water is supplied. However, using pumps to irrigate such areas entails electricity costs. Therefore, financial instruments will be introduced to support the installation of solar panels. An industrial-type intensive orchard and vineyard covering 300 hectares will be established in Kurgantepa.

Inefficient greenhouses from other regions will be relocated to Andijan and leased to the population. Affordable seeds and mineral fertilizers will be delivered directly to mahallas.

The Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction has established greenhouses on 5 hectares in Baliqchi and Oltinkul districts, enabling 100 low-income families to earn an income. This successful experience will now be extended to Ulugnor, Pakhtaabad, Khojaabad, Markhamat, and Andijan districts. Mahalla chairpersons who successfully organize modern greenhouses will receive a 100 percent salary bonus.

Only 23 percent of the region’s artificial reservoirs are used for intensive fish farming. A project has been developed to attract $15 million from the Asian Development Bank to cultivate fish using intensive methods across 320 hectares and in cooperation with 500 households. Instructions were given to keep the project under close supervision and promote the development of fish farming across the country.

Andijan has significant tourism potential. To increase tourist inflow, tourism facilities can be established in Kampirovot mahalla of Khanabad, Shirmonbuloq mahalla of Buloqboshi district, and the Tosh-ota mahalla of Khojaabad district. This year, the goal has been set to complete 25 tourism projects worth $125 million, attract 3.5 million foreign and domestic tourists, and raise tourism exports to $200 million.

Special attention at the meeting was given to investment and export issues. This year, foreign investment in the region is expected to reach $3.1 billion, with the launch of 23 large-scale and 321 small and medium-sized projects totaling $1 billion. There is potential to increase exports to $1.5 billion and raise the volume of localized production to 10 trillion UZS.

Andijan exports goods worth $200 million to Kyrgyzstan annually. Free trade and industrial zones in Kurgantepa and Khojaabad were proposed to expand mutual trade.

The importance of auctioning 360 underutilized real estate properties in the region and creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurial projects was also highlighted.

It is possible to build small and micro hydroelectric power stations with a total capacity of 75 megawatts on irrigation ditches and canals with high water flow speeds. Entrepreneurs participating in these projects will be eligible for loans with a 7-year term at 12 percent interest, including a 3-year grace period.

Tasks related to construction and infrastructure development were also discussed. This year, 245 apartment buildings comprising 9,700 units are planned for construction, which will employ 10,000 people and repair more than 1,000 kilometers of roads and bridges.

Due to insufficient capacity in the main water pipeline from Khanabad to Andijan, 510,000 people in six districts are experiencing water supply issues. In this regard, it was emphasized that a second pipeline must be constructed with the support of the Asian Development Bank.

Instructions were given to improve the capacity of roads connecting the region with neighboring countries and to develop public transportation between the city of Andijan and its surrounding districts.

Social sectors have a direct impact on the quality of life. In Andijan, the share of high-tech surgical operations is expected to reach 40 percent. 15,000 vocational school graduates will be employed, and 6,000 students will be engaged in dual education programs. Four higher education programs in engineering, medicine, economics, and agriculture will receive international accreditation.

In this regard, measures will be taken to further develop medical education and medical tourism and to increase the number of 24-hour private medical centers in mahallas.

As is known, an incentive system is in place for school principals who enhance their institutions’ potential and performance. This system will now also be introduced in vocational colleges.

At the President’s initiative, an annual Artists’ Festival will be held in the city of Babur. The winners will be awarded a special presidential prize: a car.

“Today we have outlined the key tasks for bringing Andijan to a new stage of development, addressed all current issues, and determined the necessary resources for the region”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said. “If we all work together in unity, our achievements will multiply, there will be no heights we cannot reach, and Andijan will become even more prosperous”.

Deputy prime ministers, ministers, and other responsible officials presented reports on their respective areas. It was emphasized that the regional hokim, along with the hokims of 16 cities and districts, must meet with residents and entrepreneurs daily, maintain the current pace, and take full responsibility amid global economic fluctuations.

UzA