On November 29, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting focused on identifying additional opportunities, increasing investment inflows, and creating jobs in the Bukhara region.
Historically, the economy of this region was primarily linked to agriculture. However, over the past seven years, more than $4 billion has been attracted to the region, enabling the development of sectors such as energy, electrical engineering, chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and leather production. During the current year, Bukhara welcomed 1.5 million foreign tourists.
The President's visit to the region from May 31 to June 1 provided a new impetus for its development. All the tasks set during this visit are expected to be fully completed by the end of the year.
Additionally, it is crucial to ensure further growth of economic indicators in 2025, enhance employment, and improve the population's welfare. To this end, a working group has studied additional opportunities in the region and factors hindering the development of entrepreneurship.
During the meeting, which was held in a critical tone, it was noted that the economic indicators of the region do not align with its potential. The efforts to harness investments, reduce poverty, and unemployment were deemed unsatisfactory.
As a result, khokims, their deputies, and sector leaders will switch to an emergency work mode for six months. The entire focus will be on improving these three areas. Special attention will be given to the implementation of 70 driving projects based on the experiences of Saykhunabad, Uych, Zarbdar, and Gijduvan. These initiatives are expected to provide income to 150,000 people and lift 40,000 individuals out of poverty.
It was noted that each district in the region could specialize in a specific industry. For instance, Peshku and Shafirkan could focus on the production of building materials and textiles, while the city of Kagan, Alat, and Jondor districts could concentrate on the food industry, and Gijduvan and Romitan on chemicals. This would facilitate the realization of entrepreneurs' projects amounting to $150 million, create 411 small enterprises, and generate 12,000 jobs.
In Vabkent, Karakul, Jondor, and Alat, the construction of four textile factories is planned, with a total investment of $320 million. This will double the output of finished knitwear and textile products, creating 5,000 jobs.
Next year, the number of foreign tourists is expected to reach 2.2 million, with tourism service exports projected at $600 million. This will be supported by the opening of 69 new hotels and 2,000 craft shops and stores.
There are plans to develop an additional 20,000 hectares of land, which will allow for the cultivation of an extra 100,000 tons of agricultural products and provide employment for 2,000 people. Trees and food crops will be planted on vacant lands of household plots, along canals, and at the edges of fields.
Another opportunity lies in pastures. The area of pastures in the Bukhara region exceeds 2 million hectares. As part of the decisions made at a recent meeting regarding the development of fruit and vegetable farming, plans are underway to grow pistachios on unused pastures.
The khokim of the Bukhara region presented plans to utilize these opportunities. Overall, next year, it is anticipated that 106 projects will be implemented with foreign investments totaling $2 billion, creating 105,000 permanent jobs and increasing exports by $350 million.
The head of state pointed out the inadequacy of these plans, instructed to intensify efforts, and improve results. It was ordered to review the proposals again and submit a draft of the corresponding resolution.