03.12.2024

On December 3, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on measures of socio-economic development, further improvement of investment climate and business environment in Ferghana region.

As a result of attention to regional economies, new opportunities are also emerging in Ferghana. Over the past seven years, the number of industrial enterprises has almost tripled and reached 13 thousand. As a result of investment projects, 116 thousand jobs have been created.

The visit of our Head of State in July this year gave a new impetus to the development of the economy. For 10 months of the current year the volume of foreign investments amounted to $1.5 billion, regional exports - $910 million.

It is necessary not to slow down the pace and next year increase the number of investments, jobs and exports. At the meeting, the President pointed out specific opportunities in this area.

Recently, the free economic zone “Kokand” was expanded by 210 hectares due to the city of Kuvasay. This territory can accommodate 185 projects worth $1 billion and create about 12 thousand jobs. Also the organization of technopark on 71 hectares in Kokand at the first stage will allow to create enterprises worth $900 million and 5 thousand jobs.

Investment agreements for $1 billion have been reached with Chinese businessmen and $240 million with South Korea. In order to implement them, it is necessary to create industrial zones in the districts and cities of the region with an area of 1,210 hectares. The future enterprises will employ 30 thousand people, including members of poor families.

In Besharyk district, construction of a trade and logistics center has begun. It will be turned into a free trade zone similar to the one operating in Termez, and stores will be leased to entrepreneurs. As a result, $50 million dollars will be added to the region's exports, and the number of jobs will increase by 2,000. Such a complex could also be built in the city of Kuvasay.

There are also great opportunities in agriculture. There are 91 thousand hectares of land in Ferghana at the disposal of the population, along roads and along the edges of fields, in water and forest funds. It is necessary to use them effectively, increase production and processing of products.

For example, 6 thousand tons of raspberries are grown annually in 15 mahallas of Ferghana district. An entrepreneur proposed to increase the added value by 2.5 times by establishing storage, processing and packaging of raspberries if land in the nearby territory is provided. Another proactive entrepreneur wants to lease forest land in Soh and grow 800 hectares of ferula and 50 hectares of saffron.

By laying 9 kilometers of pipes to two pumping stations in Altyaryk and increasing their capacity, an intensive orchard of 1 thousand 400 hectares can be created. Additional 55 thousand tons of export-oriented fruits will be grown on this territory.

At the meeting, the khokim of Ferghana region presented his plans to utilize such opportunities. In particular, next year it is planned to attract $3.7 billion of investments and increase export to $1.5 billion. The task is to provide employment for 500 thousand citizens and lift 22 thousand families out of poverty.

The Head of State instructed to finalize these proposals and prepare a resolution on the development of the regional economy. The need to create all conditions for exporters, promote employment and reduce unemployment was emphasized. The importance of increasing the responsibility of khokims and other officials in this respect has been stressed.