Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- At the meeting with the Navoi region’s activists, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined the tasks for integrated development of the region.

At the meeting, it was noted that despite the fact that Navoi region occupies a leading position in gross regional product, its reserves and opportunities are not fully utilized. The region’s economy depends on several large enterprises, while small business and private entrepreneurship are developing at a slow pace.

– In order to give a powerful impetus to the development of entrepreneurship in the region, it is necessary to create such a favorable and attractive business climate, which would increase the interest in engaging in entrepreneurship among not only local residents, but also the population of other regions. From now on, Navoi region should become an area of entrepreneurs, – said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The Head of the state proposed to turn the Navoi region into a free economic zone for innovative and high-tech industries focused on export. It was noted that a special commission led by the Deputy Prime Minister will be created for this, a system of benefits and preferences for the participants of this economic zone will be defined.

At the meeting, special attention was paid to the issues of actively attracting investments, creating modern enterprises and providing employment to the population.

It was noted that a program for 2019-2020 consisting of 511 investment projects worth 26 trillion 368 billion soums for Navoi region is developed. Within the framework of this program, it is planned to master US$1 billion of foreign direct investment and loans, create 17.4 thousand new jobs. In particular, it is planned to implement 12 major projects at Navoi Thermal Power Station, in joint-stock companies Kyzylkumcement, Navoiazot and in other industries.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev gave instructions on analyzing the possibilities of the region in agriculture, taking measures for increasing production of sewing and knitting products, and karakul, increasing exports.