Vast opportunities highlighted in Navoi region of Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, Aug 08 (UzA/APP) : President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting to discuss the effectiveness of ongoing reforms and new development plans for Navoi region.
Navoi region holds enormous potential in the areas of subsoil use, industry, and agriculture. Over the past eight years, more than 7,000 projects totaling $8 billion have been implemented, creating 73,000 jobs. The number of entrepreneurs has tripled, from 10,000 to 30,000.
The Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of December 12, 2024, “On additional measures for the socio-economic development of Navoi region”, has expanded existing opportunities. In the first six months of this year alone, the volume of investments reached $643 million, and exports exceeded $635 million. New production capacities worth $550 million were commissioned, along with 1,140 trade and service facilities.
Nevertheless, a significant number of resources remain underutilized. The Head of State emphasized that, in addition to large-scale industry, the region has vast opportunities for the development of pastures, livestock breeding, and the expansion of service sectors.
The region accounts for 20 percent of the country’s total mineral resources and 43 percent of its pastures. The presence of large enterprises and developed infrastructure generates demand in related sectors as well.
To unlock this potential, a reform headquarters has been established in Navoi region. During the meeting, a presentation was given on new projects developed based on proposals from local entrepreneurs.
In particular, investors expressed readiness to invest $566 million in the development of eight mineral deposits in Gazgan, Nurata, Khatirchi, Navbahor, and Uchquduq. The implementation of these projects is expected to increase industrial output by 2.5 trillion UZS and boost exports by $100 million.
For example, Nurata district holds reserves of 750 million cubic meters of granite. It has been proposed to establish an industrial zone spanning 50 hectares for its processing.
In 10 neighborhoods of the district, more than 5,000 women are engaged in embroidery, providing income for their families. Plans are now underway to open Embroidery Centers in 28 neighborhoods.
Measures are also envisioned to support low-income families by providing solar panels and mobile trade pavilions as part of poverty alleviation efforts.
The region’s 3 million hectares of pastureland represent a significant reserve for the agricultural sector. For instance, an entrepreneur from Qiziltepa has implemented sprinkler and drip irrigation systems on 1,000 hectares and is cultivating export-oriented crops. He now plans to expand into livestock farming and dairy processing.
Overall, an additional project portfolio worth $1.6 billion has been developed for the region. The implementation of these initiatives is expected to create 10,000 new jobs, generate 1 trillion UZS in budget revenue, and increase exports by $238 million.
The President issued instructions to enhance the economic efficiency of the proposed projects.
Attention was drawn to the lack of cooperation between large and small enterprises. A key task was to connect small entrepreneurs with major manufacturers, introduce a system of guaranteed orders, and double the share of small businesses in the region’s economy.
The need to support the provision of water resources for pasturelands, ensure their efficient use, and increase food production volumes was emphasized.
The average salary in Navoi region is 1.5 times higher than in other regions, which stimulates both demand and supply in trade and the service sector. In this regard, instructions were given to establish modern recreational areas, develop tourism, and expand the range of services offered.