President Mirziyoyev Sets Ambitious Targets for Tashkent Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held an expanded meeting on 8 April to review the outcomes of reforms in the Tashkent region and define priorities through the end of 2026.

The head of state emphasized that the region's geographical proximity to the capital creates high expectations among residents, asserting that employment levels, income, and quality of life in the province must be comparable to those in the city of Tashkent. Consequently, the region is expected to become a national model for improving the business environment and developing industry, services, and agriculture.

Between 2024 and 2025, significant budget funds, bank loans, and foreign investments were directed to the region under 23 development decrees. During this period, 14 new industrial zones were established, 115 investment projects were implemented, 237 new exporters emerged, and over 300,000 jobs were created.

Large-scale production facilities in the electrical, metallurgical, pharmaceutical, textile, engineering, and mining sectors were launched in Parkent, Akhangaran, and Almalyk. Additionally, the relocation of 87 enterprises with negative ecological impacts on the capital began, with over 15 textile companies already moved, providing jobs for 4,700 residents at new sites.

By the end of 2025, the region's gross regional product grew by 7.1 percent. Industrial production increased by 6.6 percent, agriculture by 4.2 percent, services by 15.2 percent, and construction by 9.8 percent. For 2026, higher targets have been set: the economy is projected to grow by 9.1 percent, industry by 8.8 percent, services by 17.2 percent, construction by 15 percent, and agriculture by 6.6 percent. To achieve these figures, the region aims to attract US$6.2 billion in investment and ensure exports totaling US$2.8 billion.

A fundamental management innovation will be the use of artificial intelligence to analyze the potential of districts and identify opportunities in industry, investment, and exports. A proposal to open a Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development in the region was supported. Simultaneously, a new performance evaluation system for deputy khokims in charge of industry is being introduced, featuring specific indicators for attracting investment and increasing the share of finished products in exports.

In the social sphere, the task has been set to transform 883 mahallas into territories free from poverty and unemployment within the current year, providing permanent employment for 84,700 residents and legalizing 37,000 informal jobs. New industrial initiatives include ceramic and porcelain tile production in Angren, textile manufacturing in Nurafshan, the "Tinchlik" small industrial zone in Yangiyul, the "Parkent Pharma" free economic zone, and a specialized livestock center in Akhangaran.

The agro-industrial sector received significant attention, with a focus on meeting the capital's demand for meat and poultry. Projects worth US$45 million in poultry farming are underway in Akkurgan and Akhangaran, targeting 30,000 tons of meat annually. Tourism was highlighted as a strategic pillar, with plans to replicate the success of the Amirsoy and Beldersay resorts in Parkent, Gazalkent, and Angren. A new ski zone will be established at the Oltin Bel peak, and the total accommodation capacity is expected to reach 35,500 beds, with tourism service exports targeted at US$600 million.

Among major infrastructure and social projects, the construction of the Tashkent Medical Smart City stands out—an international innovative medical town worth US$5 billion located in the Yukorichirchik district. Additionally, Nurafshan will host a US$35.4 million Center for Future Technologies involving over 100 foreign IT companies.

To improve living conditions, 956 billion soums have been allocated for 231 projects in disadvantaged areas, focusing on providing centralized drinking water to 39 mahallas and modernizing 443.6 kilometers of electrical grids. Concluding the meeting, the President instructed officials to fully leverage the region's potential to ensure it becomes a benchmark for prosperity and innovation across the country.