Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 1 November, a meeting was held in Navbahor district of Navoi region, focusing on economic development, increasing population income, and improving social infrastructure.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev began his speech by mentioning the recent elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the Jokargy Kenes of Karakalpakstan, and local councils of people’s deputies, emphasizing the democratic nature of the process and expressing gratitude to citizens for their active participation.

The President noted that Navoi region, named after the great poet Alisher Navoi, should serve as a model of enlightenment and spiritual development. He proposed declaring 2025 as the Year of Alisher Navoi in the region, which will include national competitions, Navoi readings, the publication of books for youth, and adaptations of the poet’s works. A monument and museum in his honor are planned to be built in the city of New Navoi.

The meeting reviewed the region’s economic achievements. Over the past seven years, 6,500 projects worth US$8 billion have been implemented in Navoi region, resulting in a value addition of 27 trillion soums. The number of entrepreneurs has tripled, and the region’s economy has risen from ninth to third place, reaching a volume of 82 trillion soums. In the current year, 577 projects worth US$2.2 billion are planned, which will create 10,000 high-paying jobs.

The region possesses significant potential for further growth. Located in the center of the country, Navoi region has vast natural resources and developed infrastructure. It accounts for 20% of Uzbekistan’s mineral resources, valued at US$5 trillion, making it attractive for investors.

The region produces industrial goods worth over 100 trillion soums annually, and its income level is the second highest in the republic. This creates significant opportunities for the development of small businesses, the service sector, and tourism.

The region generates 11 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, and the launch of wind and solar power plants with a capacity of 5.2 gigawatts is expected soon, meeting the needs of new industrial enterprises.

The President tasked local leaders, state organizations, banks, and community leaders with effectively utilizing these resources and opportunities.

In 2025, it is planned to attract US$3.7 billion in foreign investment, open 600 new enterprises, and create 15,000 jobs. These projects will contribute to the development of the region and neighboring areas.

The implementation of a new law “On Subsurface Resources,” which provides for international evaluation of strategic resource deposits, was also discussed. A regional office of the Ministry of Mining and Geology will be established in the region to handle licensing and auctioning of deposits.

Water resource issues were also addressed, with directives to build small hydropower plants on rivers and canals in the area, utilizing US$10 million and transferring these facilities to entrepreneurs under industrial mortgage terms.

Next year, it is planned to attract 500,000 foreign tourists and increase service exports to US$150 million. Projects for creating trade and service points along roads were discussed.

Special attention was given to employment: the region has 16,000 low-income families and over 8,000 unemployed individuals. The employment system has been tasked with lifting 16,000 families out of poverty within a year.

Food security and price stability remain critical. Despite limited irrigated land, plans are in place to improve agricultural conditions, including projects to increase yields and introduce new technologies.

For infrastructure development, it was proposed to expand the territory of Zarafshan city by incorporating the Tamdinsky district to enhance conditions for the growing population and foreign investors.

Plans for modernizing schools, water supply systems, and constructing social facilities were also reviewed. Objectives were set for training 9,000 women in vocational skills and ensuring their employment.

The meeting summarized the current year’s results and outlined tasks for the upcoming year, confirming that similar potential exists in other regions of the republic.

Thus concluded President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Navoi region.