On November 1, a meeting was held in Navbakhor district to discuss the development of the economy of Navoi region, increase incomes of the population and improve social infrastructure.
At the beginning of his speech, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that the recent elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, Jokargy Kenes of Karakalpakstan and local councils of people’s deputies were held in the spirit of democratic principles, and expressed gratitude to citizens for their active participation in them.
The region, named after the great ancestor – Alisher Navoi, should become an example of spiritual upbringing and enlightenment. In this context, the Head of State proposed to declare 2025 the Year of Alisher Navoi in the region. Within the framework of this initiative, a national contest and Navoi readings will be held, books for youth will be published and movies based on the poet’s works will be filmed. A majestic monument and a museum will be built in the town of New Navoi.
In terms of economy, indicators and plans were analyzed in detail. Over the past seven years, 6.5 thousand projects worth $8 billion have been implemented in Navoi, which created an added value of 27 trillion soums. The number of entrepreneurs has tripled. The region’s economy moved from ninth to third place during this time and reached 82 trillion soums. This year, 577 projects worth $2.2 billion will be implemented, which will create 10 thousand high-income jobs.
Nevertheless, significant opportunities for development remain. Navoi region is located in the center of the country and has rich natural resources, developed infrastructure and high human potential. Twenty percent of Uzbekistan’s mineral resources, estimated at more than $5 trillion, are concentrated in the region. This makes it possible to meet the requirements of any investor.
Annually, the region produces industrial products worth more than 100 trillion soums. The per capita income ranks second in the republic, which creates great opportunities for the development of local entrepreneurship, trade, services, catering and tourism.
The region produces 11 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, and wind and solar power plants with a total capacity of 5.2 gigawatts will soon be commissioned. This will ensure uninterrupted operation of new industrial and service enterprises.
In this context, the question was raised as to how effectively the regional hokim, hokims of 11 cities and districts, state organizations and banks, as well as the “sevens” in 330 mahallas use these opportunities.
In 2025, it is planned to attract $3.7 billion of foreign investments to the region, which will allow opening 600 new enterprises and creating 15 thousand high-income jobs. These projects will contribute to the development not only of Navoi, but also of neighboring oblasts.
In accordance with the new law “On Subsoil”, a new system will be introduced, according to which all deposits of strategic resources will undergo international evaluation. A regional department of the Ministry of Mines and Geology will be established in Navoi region. Now the department will independently solve the issues of licensing, issuing permits and auctioning of deposits.
Zarafshan and Akdarya rivers, as well as 256 kilometers of streams and more than 2 thousand kilometers of canals pass through the territory of the region. It was instructed to build small hydroelectric power plants on them. Ten million dollars will be allocated for this purpose, and the HPPs will be transferred to entrepreneurs on the basis of industrial mortgage.
Next year the task is to attract 500 thousand foreign tourists to Navoi and increase the volume of export of services up to $150 million. Opportunities to create trade and service outlets from lightweight structures along the roads were also noted.
Special attention at the meeting was paid to employment issues. There are 16 thousand low-income families and more than 8 thousand unemployed citizens in the region. It was noted that with the use of additional potential in the sectors of economy it is possible to provide their employment. The employment and social protection systems have a goal to lift 16 thousand families out of poverty within a year.
It was stressed that it was necessary to stockpile food and provide markets on a daily basis to stabilize prices. Agriculture plays an important role in this context, but Navoi has only 100,000 hectares of irrigated land, 72 percent of which is pump irrigated. Despite the availability of 9 million hectares of pasture, the number of livestock is small.
Next year, it is planned to bring seeds and technologies from Türkiye and China to increase cotton yield up to 70 quintals, renew 7 thousand hectares of orchards and vineyards, and prepare all irrigated lands for sowing 10 thousand hectares of sunflower as a repeat crop. Seeds of fodder, medicinal plants and spices will be spread by drones over pastures and distributed to 50 thousand residents. In total, 3 million hectares of pastures will be improved in three years and the number of livestock will increase 10 times.
Issues related to infrastructure were also raised. Due to the rapid population growth of Zarafshan city, its territory will be expanded at the expense of Tamdy district by 2 thousand hectares to create conditions for 150 thousand residents.
A total of 200 thousand people live in Zarafshan city, Uchkuduk and Tamdyn districts. Many foreign investors also come here. For their convenience it was proposed to use the airport in Zarafshan and to lay additional power grids to “Yangi Tomdi” settlement to increase the number of entrepreneurial projects.
Tasks have been set to renovate 18 old schools and drinking water supply systems in remote areas, build kindergartens and schools, and improve public health. It is necessary to train and provide employment for 9 thousand women interested in entrepreneurship.
Preparation for the autumn-winter season and implementation of the “Yashil Makon” program were also considered.
Responsible persons, heads of districts and branches presented information to the regional activists and population about the results expected this year and plans for the next year.
The leadership of Karakalpakstan and all regions joined the meeting via a videolink. The responsible persons confirmed that in their regions there are also opportunities for realization of directions indicated in Navoi region, stated that they will make appropriate conclusions and direct all efforts to increase efficiency. In particular, measures were announced to accelerate projects in the spheres of industry, construction, agriculture, tourism and services to develop the regional economy and provide employment by promoting entrepreneurship and career guidance. Plans for the rest of the year and next year were outlined.
With this President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Navoi region concluded.