Discussion on the effectiveness of reforms and priority tasks in Tashkent region

On April 8, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting to review the progress of ongoing reforms in Tashkent region and to discuss priority tasks for the future.

The Head of State noted that the proximity of the Tashkent region to the capital creates certain expectations among residents – the levels of employment, income, and quality of life here should be similar to those in Tashkent. It was emphasized that the region should set an example by improving the business and entrepreneurial environment and by developing industry, services, and agriculture.

Recently, extensive work has been undertaken in the region. Notably, in 2024-2025, 23 resolutions were passed to develop the area, allocating significant resources through budget funds, bank loans, and foreign investments. During this time, 14 new industrial zones were created, 115 investment projects were implemented, 237 new exporters emerged, and over 300,000 new jobs were created.

Over the past year, major projects in electrical engineering, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, mechanical engineering, and mining have been initiated in Parkent, Akhangaran, and Almalyk. Work has begun on relocating 87 enterprises that negatively impact the capital’s environment to Tashkent region. So far, more than 15 textile enterprises have been moved, and 4,700 residents have found employment at the new sites.

Overall, in 2025, the region’s gross regional product increased by 7.1 percent, industrial output by 6.6 percent, agriculture by 4.2 percent, services by 15.2 percent, and construction by 9.8 percent.

In 2026, the plan is to grow the region’s economy by 9.1 percent, industry by 8.8 percent, services by 17.2 percent, construction by 15 percent, and agriculture by 6.6 percent. The plan also aims to attract $6.2 billion in investment and generate $2.8 billion in exports.

It was noted that from now on, districts’ potential will be analyzed with artificial intelligence to identify new opportunities in industry, investment, and exports. To improve this effort, a proposal to establish a Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development in the region was supported.

A new industrial management system is being implemented in the region. The performance evaluation criteria for the Deputy Hokim for Industry will include specific efficiency indicators focused on increasing investment and exports, as well as boosting the share of finished and semi-finished products.

The task has been set to transform 883 mahallas into poverty- and unemployment-free areas this year, to ensure permanent jobs for 84,700 residents, to formalize 37,000 informal employment positions, and to provide training for 13,300 unemployed individuals.

Several new projects have been identified as sources of additional industrial growth. Notably, a project to manufacture ceramic and porcelain tiles is underway in Angren, while in Nurafshan – textile and knitwear products. In Yangiyul district, a project is underway to establish the “Tinchlik” small industrial zone, in the Parkent district – the “Parkent Pharma” free economic zone, in Urtachirchik district – a furniture cluster, mushroom farms, and sweet corn production, and in Yangiyul – a fish farming complex.

Issues related to agriculture and food security were also discussed separately.

As noted, production volumes in livestock and poultry farming still fall short of meeting the needs of the capital and the region. Accordingly, a dedicated program to develop livestock farming and expand the feed base will be implemented in Akhangaran district. Plans include establishing a scientific and production center for breeding sheep and goats, and importing 50,000 heads of pedigree small livestock. Additionally, a mechanism will be introduced in Akhangaran to allocate, through auctions, 60,000 hectares of pastureland not covered by forests and managed by the forestry sector.

Overall, in 2026, plans include implementing 78 livestock-sector projects worth 2.1 trillion UZS and creating 496 new jobs. Additionally, water-saving technologies will be introduced across 35,000 hectares, along with the development of new lands and the establishment of orchards and vineyards.

In Akkurgan and Akhangaran districts, projects valued at $45 million will be carried out to develop poultry farming, enabling the production of 30,000 tons of poultry meat annually. It was noted that the profitability per hectare of onions and garlic is several dozen times higher than that of grain crops. In this regard, a proposal was approved to replace grain crops with high-yield crops in Akhangaran gradually.

It was emphasized that the “Amirsoy” winter resort complex and the “Beldersay Resort” recreation area in Bostanlyk have, in a short time, become international-level tourist centers. It was noted that similar projects can now be implemented in the mountainous areas of Parkent, Gazalkent, Akhangaran, and Angren. In particular, a ski zone will be created in Parkent at the summit of “Oltin Bel” and the adjacent territories, including a hotel, chalet-style houses, and leisure and entertainment facilities. Additionally, in Akhangaran district, a modern tourist complex will be established based on the “Blue Mountains” recreation area.

Additionally, plans include establishing tourist villages in the settlements of Lashkarak and Yangiabad in Angren city, developing eco- and hunting tourism facilities in Bekabad district, creating the “Kumushkan” tourist complex in Parkent district, and adding family recreation areas and guest houses in Parkentsay. The accommodation capacity is expected to increase to 35,500 beds.

The task has been set to raise tourism service exports in the region to $600 million and increase the number of foreign and domestic tourists to 16.5 million.

At the meeting, it was noted that 956 billion UZS have been allocated for the implementation of 231 projects in the region’s “difficult” districts, as well as in districts, cities, and mahallas being developed under the “New Uzbekistan” initiative. Instructions were issued to accelerate improvements in housing conditions, electricity supply, water delivery, sewage systems, and roads in mahallas.

In particular, 39 mahallas without access to drinking water will receive a full centralized water supply, and in 81 mahallas, 166.7 kilometers of water supply networks will be rebuilt. Additionally, 121 outdated transformers will be upgraded, and 443.6 kilometers of power lines will be replaced in 145 mahallas.

Major social and innovation initiatives were also discussed at the meeting.

In particular, the plan to build the Tashkent Medical Smart City international innovative medical cluster, valued at $5 billion, on 400 hectares in Yuqorichirchiq district was discussed. Additionally, projects such as establishing a Future Technologies Center in Nurafshan worth $35.4 million, involving over 100 foreign IT companies and aiming to increase service exports to $20 million annually, as well as a multidisciplinary medical cluster with 670 beds, a social institutions center, and a regional state archive building, were considered.

Additionally, the current situation and plans regarding public appeals, public safety, green economy development, and youth policy were reviewed.

Following the meeting, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed responsible officials, along with the regional reform headquarters, to fully utilize the existing potential and based on it to achieve tangible results in creating new jobs, increasing incomes, and improving living conditions. It was emphasized that the main goal should be to transform the Tashkent region into a poverty- and unemployment-free area, serving as a model for other regions.

UzA