Shavkat Mirziyoyev Reviews Reform Outcomes and Development Plans for Jizzakh Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting to review the outcomes of ongoing reforms in Jizzakh Region and to define priority objectives for the period ahead.

Reforms and systemic measures implemented in recent years have contributed to the structural transformation of the regional economy.

Jizzakh Region has succeeded in diversifying its economy, shifting its focus from agriculture toward industry, services, and modern agro-clusters. New drivers of growth include the textile industry, construction materials production, automotive manufacturing, the electrical engineering sector, and tourism.

The share of industry in gross regional product increased from 9.1 percent to 18.8 percent, while the share of agriculture declined from 50 percent to 36 percent.

Unemployment and poverty rates fell by 4.9 percent and 5.8 percent respectively. Regional exports grew by 1.8 times, the volume of services by 1.6 times, and industrial output by 1.9 times.

Over the year, 25 large-scale and 533 medium and small investment projects were implemented, with US$1.4 billion in foreign investment attracted. The number of exporters reached 160, and export volumes amounted to US$285 million.

The meeting discussed plans to further reduce poverty and unemployment, as well as to ensure accelerated growth in industry, services, and agriculture.

In particular, for 2026–2027 it is planned to achieve gross regional product growth of 8.5 percent, increase industrial output by 8 percent, attract US$5 billion in foreign investment, and raise annual exports to US$500 million.

Whereas previously investments were largely directed toward raw material extraction and simple assembly operations, priority will now be given to projects with high value added.

In addition, this year it is planned to reduce unemployment to 3 percent and poverty to 2.8 percent, and to transform 182 mahallas into crime-free areas. The President emphasized that achieving these goals is impossible without deep specialization of mahallas.

In this context, a new development model will be introduced in the region, providing for an analysis of the comparative advantages of 304 mahallas and their specialization in horticulture, livestock breeding, vegetable and melon farming, industry, services, and tourism.

The program includes the planting of certified seedlings on 5,000 hectares of old orchards and vineyards, the establishment of 4,600 hectares of industrial plantations, the cultivation of high-yield and export-oriented crops on 10,000 hectares of household and leased land, the renewal of livestock breeds numbering 101,000 head, the establishment of five micro-industrial centers, the construction of six major tourist complexes, and the creation of parks and landscaped public spaces in each district center.

In the current year, 200 billion soums will be allocated to strengthen the infrastructure of priority projects.

In 2026–2027, major investment projects totaling US$2.7 billion are planned for industrial development. Particular attention will be paid to the efficient use of deposits of lead, zinc, tungsten, gold, and other non-metallic mineral resources in the region.

The meeting also presented information on a project to establish an agro-scientific industrial park in Zomin District, which предусматривает the processing of corn and the production of high value-added products, including high-fructose syrup and allulose.

Measures to develop livestock breeding, procure pedigree livestock, expand camel breeding, and reconstruct the Jayilma Canal were also reviewed.

The President stressed the need to unlock the potential of the region’s mountainous and desert areas through tailored approaches. This year, 25,000 hectares of rain-fed and pasture land are to be brought into productive use, and a three-year program for the efficient use of pastures will be developed.

Special attention was given to developing the tourism potential of Jizzakh Region. It was noted that the opportunities offered by the Aydar–Arnasay lake system, as well as the Bakhmal, Forish, Zafarabad, Sharaf-Rashidov, and Gallaorol districts, are not being fully utilized.

In this regard, plans were discussed to establish tourist complexes in these areas, expand Arnasay Airport, and build trade and service complexes along international highways.

This year, US$30 million will be allocated for the construction of social facilities, roads, drinking water supply systems, sewerage, and power networks in mahallas, with an additional US$10 million planned for next year.

These funds will be used to build and renovate social infrastructure facilities in 14 mahallas, construct 105 kilometers of roads connecting 28 remote mahallas, lay 50 kilometers of drinking water and power supply networks, and install 65 kilometers of sewerage networks in 13 mahallas.

In the urban development sphere, master plans will be developed for the Bakhmal, Zafarabad, and Gallaorol districts based on spatial planning principles. The city of Jizzakh and Sharaf-Rashidov District will be developed as a single agglomeration.

The master plan provides for the construction of a ten-kilometer bypass road to reduce traffic congestion, the creation of an integrated public transport system, and the construction of a unified administrative building for government agencies.

Following the meeting, responsible officials were instructed to ensure the implementation of every project within the region’s development program, with a mandatory linkage to job creation and improvements in living standards.