Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 25 October, in the city of Karshi, under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a meeting was held on the socio-economic development of Kashkadarya region.

It was noted that against the backdrop of increasing tension in the world, for the development of our country it is necessary to fight the feeling of indifference and work with full dedication.

- In the name of peace in the country, a prosperous future for our people, we need to create new enterprises, enter new markets, attract investments, create jobs and sources of large income. If global market turbulence and trade restrictions in partner countries continue, where and how will we sell our products? Which businesses and what support do they need for this? - Shavkat Mirziyoyev asked questions.

In this regard, the meeting focused on the development of industry, tourism, agriculture and entrepreneurship.

For example, in the industrial zones of Dehkanabad, Kitab and Karshi districts, 100 hectares of land are empty. Entrepreneurs took the initiative to invest US$300 million there and create 3.5 thousand jobs. There is also the potential to launch US$50 million worth of meat, dairy and vegetable processing projects.

The head of state said that the economy of Kashkadarya should not depend only on large enterprises. The growth rate of production of consumer goods in the region is 3 times less than the republican indicator. Moreover, the region ranks last in terms of the share of small businesses in industry.

For example, in Kashkadarya, 150 thousand tons of polyethylene granules are produced per year, while only 4 percent of this product is processed in the region itself. It is possible to launch the production of a wide range of products based on cement, gypsum and marble in Kamashi, graphite in Shakhrisabz district, quartz sand in Yakkabag, manganese in Chirakchi, dolomite and clay in Kitab.

The region is able to attract tourists all year round. However, tourism is now limited to the city of Shakhrisabz and mountainous areas. Since the beginning of the year, 180 thousand foreign tourists have come to Kashkadarya, and 3.5 million to neighboring Samarkand and Bukhara.

The head of our state showed ways to create favorable infrastructure and increase the number of tourists.

In particular, together with German partners, a master plan for three tourist mahallas in the Shakhrisabz district has been prepared. This will create an additional investment of US$450 million and infrastructure that will attract 1 million tourists per year. The projects aroused great interest among entrepreneurs. Thanks to this, Shakhrisabz is expected to receive an additional 500 billion soums from tourism, as well as the creation of 5 thousand new permanent jobs.

In addition, reception of civil aviation will be established at Shakhrisabz airport. From 1 January, local flights to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khorezm and valley regions will be increased. The number of Tashkent-Karshi flights will increase from 2 to 7 times a week. As a result, the cost of air tickets may decrease by 2 times, the flow of foreign and local tourists may increase by 3 times.

Also, to facilitate travel to the region by car, requirements for travel through the Takhtakorach Pass will be relaxed. Next year, construction of a new tunnel and road will begin at the pass. The 30-kilometer road connecting Samarkand and Shakhrisabz, and the 100-kilometer section of the Guzar-Bukhara road will be repaired.

In general, the goal is to increase the number of foreign tourists to 500 thousand next year.

There is also great potential in agriculture. Kashkadarya is the largest producer of grain and cotton in the republic. However, the textile industry, which can provide many jobs, processes only 30 percent of its raw materials, and there is no fabric dyeing capacity. Through the development of these industries, it is possible to provide 500 billion soums in revenue and employ an additional 60 thousand young people and women.

In this regard, 33 major projects worth US$370 million will be launched in the region next year. Due to this, the production of finished knitted products will increase by 1.6 times, the production of fabrics by 3.1 times, and 8 thousand jobs will be created.

It was noted that it is necessary to create a textile technology park in the region and attract well-known European brands there.

There are 1.4 million hectares of pastures in the region. This is a natural food source for 7 million heads of large and small livestock. But in Mirishkor, Mubarek and Nishan, 20 percent of pastures are degraded, and another 25 percent lack green cover.

In this regard, next year a planting program for 100 thousand hectares of pasture land will be implemented. At the same time, seed farms for crops resistant to drought, heat and desertification will be organized, fruits and vegetables and medicinal plants will be planted, tree groves will be created, and water-saving technologies will be introduced. Solar pumps will be installed and a pilot sprinkler irrigation project will be launched.

In addition, a laboratory for genetic research of livestock will be created, and new national breeds will be developed based on the Spanish Assaf sheep breed.

Responsible officials have been tasked with creating an electronic map of 1.4 million hectares of pastures and providing employment for 100 thousand people.

The President noted that the issue of providing crops with water is becoming more and more difficult every year. This problem is especially relevant for Kashkadarya. However, water-saving technologies have been introduced on only 16 percent of 515 thousand hectares.

Therefore, 15 laser levels will be brought to the region for the needs of farmers in Kasan, Mirishkor, Kasbi and Nishan, where water supply is difficult.

It is emphasized that 30 percent of water can be saved by gradually converting the irrigation network to a closed system. Officials were given instructions for concreting canals, purchasing additional pumps and equipment, and modernizing the Pakhtaabad canal.

Particular attention was paid to the issue of working with youth. It was noted that in the region there is insufficient training of personnel for such areas as electrical engineering, the food industry and the production of building materials. For example, IT centers have not been created in any region except the city of Karshi. The vacant premises of 60 colleges can accommodate both production and practical training.

The President approved the initiative of a Kitab entrepreneur to open an IT cluster and university.

Khokims of regions and districts were instructed to determine the need of employers for mid-level specialists, to open practical workshops and workshops of employers in educational institutions. 30 billion soums will be allocated for these purposes.

It is indicated that 42 percent of the region’s population is experiencing an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes due to the problem of excess weight. The President expressed concern about the current situation and emphasized the need to strengthen the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and increase the capacity of the healthcare system in the region.

For this purpose, a modern cardiology center will be created in Kitab together with Russian partners. Plans have been defined for the launch of mobile clinics and the creation of a modern clinic with 600 beds on the basis of the regional multidisciplinary medical center.

Khokim of Kashkadarya region M. Azimov reported on plans for the next year to attract US$1 billion in investments, produce industrial products worth 40 trillion soums, export goods worth US$500 million, reduce exports by US$200 million, attract 500 thousand foreign tourists and provide jobs for 550 thousands of people.

Ministers and khokims presented reports on each issue on the meeting agenda.

This completed the trip to Kashkadarya region, the head of our state returned to Tashkent.