Shavkat Mirziyoyev Outlines New Development Priorities for Syrdarya Region at Reform Meeting

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held an extended meeting to review the effectiveness of ongoing reforms and define the strategic development priorities for the Syrdarya region.

During the session, it was noted that over recent years the region has undergone a profound structural transformation. Once predominantly agricultural, Syrdarya has evolved into a dynamic industrial center with a strong services sector and an emerging class of modern entrepreneurs. Economic indicators in the region continue to demonstrate stable positive growth.

In 2025, the region’s economy grew by 9.8 percent, and in terms of industrial production, Syrdarya ranked fourth nationwide with an 8.2 percent increase. Particularly notable is the rise in per capita gross regional product, which nearly quadrupled—from 10 million soums in 2017 to 38.1 million soums in 2025.

Last year’s investment portfolio included 42 major projects totaling US$333 million, creating more than 17,500 jobs. The region’s development strategy emphasizes leveraging international experience and attracting foreign investment, with Syrdarya being positioned as a zone for advanced innovation modeled after Chinese provinces.

Agreements have also been reached with investors from South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and France. Key initiatives include the construction of a livestock complex in the Gulistan district valued at US$300 million, the launch of a baby food production facility, and the Bonduelle project in Yangiyer. New initiatives encompass the digital economy, including the establishment of a data center in Shirin and business acceleration centers in Gulistan.

For the current year, the regional administration has been tasked with attracting US$3 billion in investment and increasing exports to US$500 million. Projected gross regional product growth is set at 9 percent. Alongside economic expansion, poverty reduction remains a priority, with last year’s rate declining from 11.3 to 6.2 percent. This year, 10 trillion soums have been allocated to support entrepreneurship, expected to provide employment for 185,000 people and reduce poverty to 3 percent. Targeted programs in several cities and districts, including Gulistan, Shirin, and Yangiyer, aim to eliminate unemployment entirely.

The social infrastructure agenda includes a comprehensive reconstruction program. With an allocated budget of US$100 million, renovations are planned for 47 schools, 45 kindergartens, and 35 medical facilities. In utilities, drinking water coverage is to reach 89.5 percent, and approximately 350 kilometers of power lines will be constructed. Housing construction in 2026 will include 80 multi-apartment buildings, including in the “New Uzbekistan” residential areas.

In agriculture, the President emphasized improving land-use efficiency. Despite sufficient water resources, exports of fruits and vegetables remain at US$60 million. To address this, the company “Syrdaryo Agro Invest” will implement water-saving technologies and provide ready agribusinesses covering 12,000 hectares to local communities. Additionally, a pilot “Smart Village” project based on Hungarian experience will launch in the Khavast district, introducing digital management of mahallas.

The meeting concluded with President Mirziyoyev issuing specific directives for projects in the Syrdarya Special Economic Zone, the construction of a US$100 million solar panel plant, and the preparation of a feasibility study for the Sultanhovuz reservoir. Particular emphasis was placed on workforce development, with plans to train at least 2,000 young people in modern professions and foreign languages according to international standards.

The President stressed that the ultimate measure of success for each project must be tangible growth in the income and quality of life of the region’s population.