Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has concluded a working visit to the Jizzakh region, where he reviewed the progress of an ambitious program aimed at accelerating the region's socio-economic development.

Approved on 31 December last year, the program targets the attraction of US$2 billion in investments, an increase in exports to US$285 million, and the creation of 168,000 jobs by the end of 2025.

In the first six months of this year alone, 200 investment projects have already been implemented in the fields of industry, services, and agriculture across the region. Total investments attracted have reached US$662 million. To improve the effectiveness of reforms, a special coordination headquarters has been established in the Zaamin district to oversee regional development.

During the visit, the President reviewed several promising initiatives. In Zaamin, an Agrocenter has been set up following a “one-stop-shop” model, consolidating all key agricultural services in one place. The use of modern agrotechnologies is boosting crop yields and increasing farmers' incomes.

Particular attention is being paid to the development of potato cultivation. The Zaamin Experimental Research Station is engaged in the seed production of 12 high-yielding potato varieties, both domestic and foreign. Thanks to a new technology, the seed-growing cycle has been shortened from 6–7 years to just two, allowing faster introduction of new varieties. As part of farmer support measures, 12 tonnes of super-elite seeds will be distributed free of charge to households.

Irrigated agriculture is also being actively developed. In Zarbdor district, work is underway to construct pumping stations and lay main pipelines. Additional plans include the sowing of leguminous crops.

The region’s tourism potential is being actively harnessed as well. With its rich natural diversity, Jizzakh is transforming into a center for ecotourism. As part of the development of the Zomin area, the local airport has been reconstructed, new roads have been built, and recreational zones have been created along six canals. A major tourism cluster is also set to be launched near the Aydar-Arnasay lake system.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized that areas previously lacking industrial infrastructure are now seeing the emergence of modern enterprises, growth in small business, and the revival of traditional crafts. Particular focus is being placed on youth and the creation of opportunities for their well-rounded development.

In this regard, a cultural and educational center is being built in the newly established Kukdalin district, which will include a palace and a school of arts, a general education school, and a sports complex. A similar cultural cluster will also be created in the Zaamin district, where a 300-seat culture palace will host the folkloric-ethnographic ensemble “Zomin Saykali” and 13 creative groups serving over 45,000 residents.

The President instructed officials to ensure the effective implementation of all planned projects, stressing the strategic importance of developing each district and providing the younger generation with conditions for a successful and dignified life.