Bukhara will prioritize investment development, poverty reduction, and unemployment reduction

On November 29, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev led a meeting focused on identifying new opportunities, increasing investment inflows, and creating job opportunities in Bukhara region. The region’s economy was previously centered around agriculture, but in the past seven years, over $4 billion in investments have allowed for the growth of industries such as energy, electrical engineering, chemical production, pharmaceuticals, textile and leather manufacturing. Additionally, 1.5 million foreign tourists have visited Bukhara in the past year.
The President’s recent visit to the region has given a boost to its development, with all outlined tasks set to be completed by the end of the year. However, there is a need for further economic growth, employment, and improved welfare for the population. To address this, a working group has identified additional regional opportunities and barriers to entrepreneurship.
During the meeting, it was noted that the region’s economic indicators do not match its potential, and efforts to develop investments and reduce poverty and unemployment have been deemed inadequate. As a result, hokims, their deputies, and sector heads will operate in emergency mode for the next six months, with a focus on improving these three areas.
Special attention will be given to implementing 70 driver projects based on the successful models of Saykhunobod, Uychi, Zarbdar, and Gijduvan, which are expected to create income for 150,000 people and lift 40,000 people out of poverty.
Each district of the region will have a specific industry specialization, such as building materials and textiles in Peshku and Shafirkan, food production in Kagan, Alat, and Jondor, and chemical production in Gijduvan and Romitan. This will lead to the implementation of entrepreneurial projects worth $150 million, the creation of 411 small businesses, and the provision of 12,000 jobs.
Four textile factories with a total value of $320 million will be constructed in Vabkent, Karakul, Jondor, and Alat, resulting in a doubling of finished knitwear and textile production and the creation of 5,000 jobs.
Next year, the number of foreign tourists is expected to reach 2.2 million, with tourism exports projected to reach $600 million. This will be supported by the opening of 69 new hotels and 2,000 craft shops and stores.
Furthermore, an additional 20,000 hectares of land will be developed, allowing for the cultivation of 100,000 tons of agricultural products and providing employment for 2,000 people. Unused land on household plots, along canals, and field edges will be used to plant trees and food crops.
Another opportunity lies in the region’s vast pastures, which exceed 2 million hectares. Plans have been made to grow pistachios on these unused pastures as part of the recent decisions on fruit and vegetable growing development.
The Hokim of Bukhara region presented plans for utilizing these opportunities, including the implementation of 106 projects with foreign investments of $2 billion, the creation of 105,000 permanent jobs, and an increase in exports by $350 million.
The President emphasized the need for more intensive efforts and better results, instructing for a review of proposals and a draft of a corresponding resolution to be submitted.