Tashkent region’s large reserves are the basis for investment and jobs

Tashkent region has enormous potential in industry, agriculture, services and tourism. Over the past seven years, the region’s economy has grown 1.5 times, and the number of industrial enterprises has doubled and reached 12 thousand.

However, the existing opportunities are not fully utilized. For example, only 25 percent of all land in the region is used for agriculture. The level of income per hectare remains lower than in other regions. In cities such as Bekabad and Akhangaran, as well as in Akkurgan, Chinaz, and Piskent districts, agricultural processing is at an extremely low level. Ensuring food security and export of fruit and vegetable products also do not meet the potential.

At the meeting, which was held in a critical spirit, measures were outlined to improve land use efficiency. In particular, each cluster, farm and dehkan enterprise will be entered into the information system “Agroplatform”. The system will include data on sown areas, production volumes, number of employees, and tax revenues. Next year, seven districts specializing in fruit and vegetable products are planned to organize three-time harvestings in an area of ​​52 thousand hectares. Also, industrial gardens and vineyards will be created on 5 thousand hectares.

In general, the land in 22 districts and cities of the region will be connected to processing and export enterprises. It was noted that this will allow next year to procure 3.5 million tons of fruit and vegetable products and export them for $500 million.

The infrastructure and logistics of Tashkent region are favorable for entrepreneurship. However, over the past three years, the area of ​​production, trade, and service facilities has increased by only 1.6 million square meters, which is 3.5 times less than in the capital. Of the 9,000 hectares of land allocated for investment projects, 2,000 remain unused. Several state facilities are idle.

Meanwhile, investors are interested in building a smart city, a medical cluster, and green power plants in the region. Thousands of entrepreneurs from the capital and other regions are looking for sites to expand their businesses and build new enterprises, hotels, shopping, and tourist complexes.

The shortcomings in the relevant work of the State Assets Management Agency and responsible persons of the region were noted. Instructions were given to auction buildings and land on favorable terms for entrepreneurs and to increase investment volumes, create new jobs, and increase exports due to these facilities.

The Hokim of Tashkent region presented plans for next year to attract $5 billion in investments and increase exports to $2 billion.

The Head of state noted that half of the expected investments would be directed to already developed cities – Almalyk, Angren, Chirchiq, Akhangaran, Zangota, and Qibray districts. In this regard, it was noted that developing additional projects in relatively lagging areas such as Akkurgan, Bekabad, Buka, Parkent, Piskent, Quyichirchiq, and Chinaz is necessary to create new jobs.

It was emphasized that due to the capabilities of Tashkent region, it is possible to achieve an increase in the income of the entire population. The task has been set to provide employment for 700 thousand people next year, reduce the unemployment rate to its natural level, lift 22 thousand families out of poverty, reduce the poverty rate from the current 7.2 to 4 percent, and provide jobs for labor migrants returning from abroad.

The President also spoke with the region’s entrepreneurs who participated in the meeting. Having paid special attention to their proposals and initiatives, he gave relevant instructions to the responsible persons.