Category: News

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Bostanlyk district of Tashkent region and reviewed the progress of construction works.

Tourism is undoubtedly the main driver of development of this picturesque mountainous region. In recent years, the infrastructure has been improved, which allowed creating conditions for recreation at any time of year. Recreational, health-improving, skiing and other types of complexes, as well as catering enterprises have been established. Sanatoriums and children’s campgrounds have been reconstructed.

In particular, five years ago there were 26 facilities in the district with a total of 2,240 accommodations. During this period, more than 2 trillion soums were invested in tourism development, enabling the opening of 59 large tourist facilities with more than 13 thousand accommodations. The main highway was repaired and additional highways were built.

As a result, tourism in the region is developing rapidly: the number of tourists has increased 12 times. If five years ago Bostanlyk was visited by 850 thousand people a year, then in 11 months this year alone 12 million visitors came here.

The Head of State got acquainted with the new projects.

The “Charvak Gate” tourist complex is under construction on the bank of the Chirchik River. On an area of about 25 hectares 16 multi-storey houses, 3 hotels, 2 supermarkets, as well as more than 60 consumer service facilities, cafes and restaurants, a bank office, a water park, a musical fountain and a parking lot will be established. Solar panels will be installed on the roofs of the buildings, and a glass bridge will be built over the river.

The complex will be able to receive more than 5 thousand visitors a day. With seasonal needs taken into account, 2.5 thousand jobs will be created here.

The President instructed to expand the range of services, develop active tourism and design similar complexes in other districts. Special attention was paid to environmental issues and development of green areas in the complex.

On December 6, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev viewed a new electric train for the Tashkent – Khojikent route.

In accordance with the President’s decree dated October 10 last year, the joint-stock company “Uzbekistan Temir Yollari” is undergoing transformation. Six independent enterprises engaged in infrastructure, car maintenance and passenger transportation have started operating within its structure.

The train fleet is also being expanded. Particular attention is devoted to improving convenience for passengers and tourists. New trains have been purchased, and “Afrosiab” electric train services between Tashkent and historical cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Karshi have become more frequent.

Over the past time more than 3 thousand kilometers of railroads have been electrified in the country. Electrification of the Bukhara-Urgench-Khiva railroad lines is at the final stage, and work on the Miskin-Nukus route continues at an accelerated pace.

An electrified road has also been built in the vicinity of Tashkent, increasing train capacity by 30 percent.

Now a new electric train has been put into operation on the Tashkent – Khojikent route. The President took the train to Khojikent and got acquainted with its capabilities.

The train cars are spacious and comfortable. It has 586 passenger seats. Information boards and a fire safety system have been installed. The train is capable of speeding up to 120 kilometers per hour.

There will be three trips per day in each direction.

During the trip, the Head of State received reports on developing railroad infrastructure, improving conditions for passengers, electrifying the railroads and improving the territory along the tracks.

The President instructed to include the areas adjacent to the railroad between Tashkent and Khojikent in the renovation program for 2025 and bring them in order. The need to straighten the winding sections of the route was also pointed out in order to increase the number of daily trips of express trains and serve even more passengers.

Works under the “Yashil Makon” project were also discussed. The need for landscaping of railway sidings, planting of drought-resistant plants using international experience in regions with limited water resources, as well as importation of seedlings adapted to the local climate was highlighted.

In a telephone conversation on December 5, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov discussed in detail the pressing issues of further strengthening Uzbek-Turkmen relations of strategic partnership and expanding multifaceted cooperation.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people conveyed greetings and best wishes of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Head of our state.

The parties focused their attention on the course of implementation of the previously reached agreements and preparations for the upcoming high-level meetings.

Notable intensification of mutual contacts and exchanges was particularly welcomed. Last month, the Forum of Regions, industrial exhibition and Days of Uzbek Culture in Turkmenistan were successfully held. In addition, Ashgabat hosted the presentation of a collection of works in Uzbek language and the screening of a joint feature film about the outstanding philosopher and poet Magtymguly Fragi.

Since the beginning of the year, trade turnover has exceeded $1 billion. Cargo transportation is growing, including through Turkmenbashi port. The “Shavat-Dashoguz” cross-border zone is under construction. Cooperation in industry, agriculture, transport and other areas is deepening.

Prospects for further development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the sphere of energy and water use were discussed.

An exchange of views on the current international situation and regional agenda was also  held.

During the conversation, the Head of our state warmly congratulated the Leader of Turkmenistan on the upcoming holiday – the Day of Neutrality of the country, sincerely wishing welfare and prosperity to the brotherly Turkmen people.

Distinguished participants of the conference!

Ladies and gentlemen!

I extend my heartfelt greetings to all participants of the international conference dedicated to the relevant issues of peaceful use of atomic energy and its development.

I would like to express special gratitude to Mr. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, for the strong support of the initiative to host such an important and prestigious forum in our country and for his personal participation.

We are particularly delighted that this event is taking place in the ancient city of Samarkand, which has historically bridged East and West, and today is emerging as an effective center of global dialogue on the most urgent issues of international cooperation.

Dear participants of the conference!

Under current conditions, when the negative impacts of climate change and the scarcity of traditional energy sources are becoming ever more evident, peaceful nuclear energy becomes an essential alternative solution for improving the quality of life and achieving national development strategies.

In this regard, it is not by chance that at the COP28 Climate Summit held last year in Dubai many national leaders reached significant agreements to triple nuclear power generation by 2050 in order to drastically reduce the negative environmental impact of hydrocarbon energy sources.

Ensuring reliable, safe, cost-effective and ecologically friendly energy sources for our country is one of the top priorities in the large-scale reforms carried out in New Uzbekistan.

We have established a National Agency to strengthen the regulatory and legal framework in this sector, adopted a Law on the Peaceful Use of Atomic Energy, a long-term Concept of Nuclear Power Development, and a strategy aimed at strengthening human resources in the field. We have introduced a system of training highly skilled specialists for the industry.

Our country was one of the first in the world to begin the construction of small nuclear power plants in accordance with international requirements and standards. We consider the IAEA as our major partner in the successful implementation of these projects, as well as a number of healthcare and scientific programs.

There is no doubt that the introduction of advanced nuclear power technologies will give a powerful impetus to the development of our country, create opportunities for new scientific and technical developments, and transitioning to an innovative economy.

Ladies and gentlemen!

I would like to underscore that this conference will serve as an important platform for the exchange of vast knowledge and experience accumulated in this field, establishment of comprehensive cooperation and development of specific recommendations and practical proposals for the effective use of peaceful nuclear energy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The agenda of the Conference includes highly pressing issues as the construction of nuclear power plants, ensuring their safety, and environmental aspects of nuclear technology development in coordination with the IAEA. I believe that the event will also focus on innovations, nuclear medicine, promotion of education in this area and training of skilled personnel.

I am confident that all the insights and initiatives discussed during the conference will promote dialogue and international cooperation in this vital field, strengthen energy security and ensure the sustainable development of countries.

Uzbekistan is always ready to cooperate closely with all foreign partners in this priority area.

I wish you all sound health, great achievements in your noble endeavors and success in the conference.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On December 5 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on priority tasks in automotive industry for 2025.

This topic was discussed last month and the responsible officials were instructed to critically review the plans. During the current presentation, improved measures developed pursuant to the President’s instructions were presented.

The primary focus is on increasing production and improving quality. Currently, more than 400,000 vehicles are sold annually. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years due to rising incomes of the population. This creates opportunities for manufacturing products that meet the demand.

In particular, due to localization of 60 parts for “BYD” cars in 2025 it is possible to reduce the production cost of electric cars. The management of this company highly appreciated the potential of domestic enterprises. In this regard, the task was set to use the capabilities of the Localization Promotion Center and double the production volume in cooperation with regional enterprises.

Another important issue was export. In recent years, more than 40 thousand auto kits have been exported to neighboring countries. Next year it is planned to increase exports to more than $700 million. At the same time, the necessity of bringing to foreign markets the enterprises producing buses and trucks in Samarkand was noted.

The Head of State specifically emphasized the economic and social importance of the industry. In this regard, he stressed the importance of adapting to modern requirements, ensuring stable production, as well as constant work on marketing and product quality.

Prospects of fundamental expansion of bilateral cooperation and advancing new areas of practical partnership were considered in detail during the meeting of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi on December 4. 

Uzbekistan is a member state of the IAEA since 1994. During this period over 40 joint projects were implemented with the technical assistance of this reputable organization. Currently 5 projects in strengthening legal base and potential of national structures, developing nuclear science, healthcare and other areas are under implementation.

The Head of our state highly assessed the fruitful results of the meetings and events held today by the IAEA delegation in ministries, agencies and scientific organizations of Uzbekistan. The joint organization of the International Conference on nuclear energy that will be held on December 5 in Samarkand with participation of leading experts in the field was noted with satisfaction. 

Among the priorities of cooperation were noted such areas as improving competence and potential of national agencies, preparing high-skilled personnel, prospective projects in nuclear energy, agriculture, water use, healthcare and ecology in the framework of IAEA programs.

In the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached on adopting a joint “road map” on expanding multidimensional cooperation in peaceful atom development. 

On December 4, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on measures to ensure food security, increase investment and reduce poverty in Kashkadarya region.

Kashkadarya has high potential in all leading spheres, such as industry, energy, agriculture, and tourism. Since the beginning of the year, $2 billion dollars of investments have been utilized in the region. Employment of 565 thousand people has been provided, 90 thousand people have been lifted out of poverty. It is expected that by the end of the year the gross regional product will grow by more than 6 percent, and exports will reach $555 million.

If the region’s potential is fully utilized, the results will be much more substantial. The meeting considered additional opportunities and new projects in this area.

Above all, the issue of food security will be a priority. From next year Kashkadarya will switch to full self-sufficiency in potatoes, fruits, poultry meat and eggs. In this direction, 16 large projects have been developed with participation of foreign investors.

For example, a modern garden of 300 hectares will be created in Guzar, Kamashin and Shakhrisabz districts. Here additional 4 thousand tons of fruit will be grown per year and 600 jobs will be created. Organic cultivation of melons and vegetables will be expanded in Kukdala, Chirakchi, Shakhrisabz, Kasan and Nishan districts. Production of watermelon concentrate, blast freezing and freeze drying will be established.

The region pays particular attention to the development of livestock breeding. 62 thousand heads of sheep and about 10 thousand heads of cattle will be imported from the countries of the region and Europe, to be bred on the basis of cooperation with the population and livestock farms. A livestock cluster for 1 thousand heads and a poultry farm for 1 million heads will be created in Karshi and Kamashi.

In order to increase the share of finished products in the cotton sector, 5 textile enterprises will be launched worth $233 million. As a result, the fabric production capacity will increase by 51 percent.

Tourism around the villages of Miraki in Shakhrisabz and Maydanak in Kamashi, Achinkul and Sechankul in Mirishkor district is developing dynamically. It is planned to invest $300 million dollars in such facilities, create more than 200 guest houses and a thousand retail outlets. They will employ 5 thousand people.

Entrepreneurs propose to produce finished products on the basis of 147 non-metallic deposits of the region. They will invest $209 million dollars in this, the deposits will be gradually put up for auction.

In accordance with the decree of the President, from November 1 of this year, the program “From Poverty to Prosperity” was launched in our country. Six large enterprises of Kashkadarya province contributed to this noble cause and took the initiative to lift more than 10 thousand citizens out of poverty next year. In addition, it is planned to launch 86 driver projects and 33 thousand micro projects with the participation of banks, which will provide income to 70 thousand more people. Owing to this, the poverty rate in the region will decrease from the current 8.6 to 6.5 percent.

At the meeting, the khokim of Kashkadarya region presented his plans. In particular, next year it is planned to attract $3.5 billion of investments, increase exports to $1 billion, and create 300 thousand jobs.

The Head of State noted that today’s indicators do not correspond to the region’s capabilities and gave instructions to improve performance. The task has been set to develop additional projects worth $300 million in industry, agriculture and services together with the initiators.

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.

On December 2, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the progress of transformation programs of metallurgical enterprises and their plans for 2025.

Over the past seven years, production in this industry has grown 1.5 times. In particular, the annual volume of gold production increased by 26 tons, silver – by 77 tons, copper – by 32 thousand tons compared to 2016.

Over the past five years, the mining and metallurgical industry attracted about $9.5 billion of investment, allowing the launch of 15 major projects. As a result, the industry has become the most important driver of economic transformation, accounting for a third of the country’s total industrial output.

The mining sector stimulates the growth of such industries as electrical engineering, construction materials, chemicals and jewelry, providing them with the necessary raw materials. In addition, the plants actively collaborate with more than 60 small and medium-sized enterprises on a cooperative basis.

Continuing this work and improving economic efficiency remain an urgent task. The enterprises of the industry should become attractive companies in the international financial markets.

At the meeting, the Minister of mining industry and geology, as well as the heads of the plants presented plans for the future.

In 2025, it is planned to attract $1 billion of investment in mining and geology projects. Kaolin production should increase by 50 percent, and coal mining should reach 10 million tons.

Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Complex this year placed Eurobonds on the international market for the first time and attracted $1 billion at a low rate. Next year it plans to issue Eurobonds worth another $500 million.

The Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex will commission its third copper ore beneficiation plant and the Uzbek Metallurgical Complex will commission a new foundry and rolling complex. The Uzbek Technological Metals Plant will expand production of rare earth metals, which are in demand in the green economy.

The President emphasized that next year the factories must implement large-scale changes through transformation in order to improve their competitiveness in the global markets.

Among the most important tasks were highlighted: reducing production costs, fully digitalizing operations, attracting funds from international markets, introducing new technologies and automating production processes.

The President noted that enterprises should quickly adapt to changes in the global economy and demonstrate initiative. Measures were identified to cut costs based on the principles of economy and efficiency, as well as to ensure uninterrupted supply of necessary raw materials to the industry.

On November 29, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev convened a meeting dedicated to identifying additional opportunities, increasing investments and jobs in Bukhara region.

Previously, the economy of this region was mainly linked to agriculture. However, over the past seven years, the region has attracted more than $4 billion investments, enabling development of such industries as energy, electrical engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles and leather. In the past period of the current year, 1.5 million foreign tourists visited Bukhara.

The visit of the Head of State to the region on May 31-June 1 gave a new impetus to its development. All the tasks outlined during the visit will be fully accomplished by the end of the year.

At the same time, it is important to ensure further growth of economic indicators in 2025, increase employment and well-being of the population. To this end, the working group studied additional opportunities of the region and factors hindering entrepreneurship development.

The critical meeting emphasized that the region’s economic performance does not correspond to its potential. Work on investment absorption, poverty and unemployment reduction was recognized as unsatisfactory.

In this regard, the hokims, their deputies and sector heads will be put on emergency duty for a period of six months. The entire focus will be on improving these three areas. Special attention will be paid to implementing 70 driver projects based on the experience of Saikhunobad, Uychi, Zarbdar and Gijduvan. They will provide income to 150 thousand people and lift 40 thousand people out of poverty.

As it was mentioned, each district of the region can be specialized for a certain industry. For example, Peshku and Shafirkan – for production of construction materials and textiles, Kagan city, Alat and Jondor districts – for food industry, Gijduvan and Romitan – for chemical industry. This will make it possible to implement projects of entrepreneurs worth $150 million, create 411 small enterprises and provide 12 thousand jobs.

Four textile factories are planned to be built in Vabkent, Karakul, Jondor and Alat at a total cost of $320 million. This will double the volume of finished knitwear and textile products and create 5,000 jobs.

Next year, the number of foreign tourists is expected to reach 2.2 million and tourism exports are expected to reach $600 million. This will be supported by opening 69 new hotels and 2 thousand handicraft stores.

It is planned to develop additional 20 thousand hectares of land, which will allow to grow additional 100 thousand tons of agricultural products and provide employment for 2 thousand people. Trees and food crops will be planted on vacant homestead land, along canals and field edges.

Another opportunity is pastures. In Bukhara region their area exceeds 2 million hectares. As part of the decisions made at a recent meeting on horticultural development, it is planned to grow pistachios on unused pastures.

Hokim of Bukhara region presented plans to utilize these opportunities. In general, next year 106 projects will be implemented, 105 thousand permanent jobs will be created, exports will be increased by $350 million due to foreign investments worth $2 billion.

The Head of State pointed out the insufficiency of these plans and instructed to intensify efforts and improve results. He tasked to revise the proposals again and draft a relevant resolution.