Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 20 November 2024, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting focused on measures for the socio-economic development of the Samarkand region and the improvement of living standards for its population.

The region, a central hub in the country, boasts well-developed trade, industry, tourism, transportation, and agriculture. The meeting also reviewed the progress achieved since the President's visit in August 2023 and set new goals for the future.

Following meetings with residents and entrepreneurs, opportunities for implementing 120 projects totaling US$4.1 billion were identified. Under regional programs for 2024, the region plans to attract US$1.85 billion in investments, create 20,000 new jobs, and increase production output by 1.2 trillion soums.

One of the proposals includes the establishment of a special industrial zone on 234 hectares of land in the village of Chimboyobod in the Pastdargom district. Entrepreneurs are prepared to invest US$500 million in projects related to the pharmaceutical, chemical, electrical, construction materials, and food industries.

Plans were also discussed for developing the Urgut Free Economic Zone on 25 hectares of rocky land near the Zarafshan River, with US$30 million worth of projects. Tourism will also see advancements, including the creation of a 35-kilometer tourist route along the Dargom Canal and a gastronomic bridge over the Narpay Canal.

To enhance agricultural efficiency, it was proposed to integrate pastures and rainfed lands into the economy. For example, a tourist and recreational zone spanning 350 hectares in the Samarkand district will be established, creating 3,500 new jobs.

Particular attention is being paid to viticulture. Plans include setting up an experimental station in Ishtikhon for cultivating high-yield grape saplings, which will increase productivity and boost exports.

Additionally, enterprises for processing mineral resources based on local deposits in several districts of the region have been proposed. The regional governor of Samarkand presented initiatives for implementing these projects.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved the initiatives and instructed officials to prepare a decree to improve the investment climate and business environment in the region. Directions were also given to create new jobs, improve housing conditions, and raise the population's overall well-being.