Shavkat Mirziyoyev Discusses Socio-Economic Development of Sokh District

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting dedicated to measures for the socio-economic development of the Sokh district in the Fergana region. Previously considered a hard-to-reach region with limited transport options and weak economic integration, Sokh has seen new development prospects emerge in recent years.

Modern roads have been constructed, border crossing procedures improved, and conditions for entrepreneurship established. Additionally, new kindergartens, schools, clinics, and residential buildings have been built.

The district is home to 88,600 people and features 29 preschools, 33 schools, two specialized secondary education institutions, 14 medical facilities, and two cultural sites. Last year, 13,921 jobs were created, and 1,667 families were lifted out of poverty. Despite this progress, the poverty rate stands at 7.9% and unemployment at 5.5%, both of which remain higher than the national averages.

During the meeting, plans were discussed to attract US$40 million in investment and increase exports by US$15 million. Industrial growth is projected at 9%, services at 17.1%, and agriculture at 7.6%. Particular emphasis was placed on tourism development; the district’s unique nature, clean air, rivers, and cool climate provide significant potential for new tourist sites, including those along the Sokh River. Plans are also underway to organize a Medical Services Cluster, integrating rehabilitation, physiotherapy, pharmaceutical logistics, and medical education.

The government aims to attract US$60 million in investment to the tourism and service sectors, creating 2,000 jobs, increasing tourism services by 15 billion soums, and expanding exports by US$2 million. To improve living standards, a micro-project program is being implemented: 10 projects will launch in each of the 30 mahallas (neighborhoods), and 8,600 residents will receive vocational training. Banks will allocate 64 billion soums for these micro-projects, while 74.5 billion soums will be directed toward the social sphere and infrastructure.

Transport and logistics issues were also addressed to strengthen the district's connectivity with other regions and accelerate border crossings. In agriculture, plans include establishing orchards on 425 hectares, saffron plantations on 60 hectares, and potato fields on 100 hectares. Furthermore, trout farming will be developed with 30 reservoirs of 0.5 hectares each. A project to build an 8-kilometer irrigation network will enable the cultivation of 500 hectares of orchards and 300 hectares of crops.

The President emphasized that the primary goal of developing the Sokh district remains improving the population's standard of living, increasing incomes, creating jobs, and strengthening transport connectivity. Responsible officials were given specific instructions to implement the outlined tasks.