Uzbekistan Senate Approves Expansion of Samarkand City

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan’s Senate has approved a resolution abolishing Samarkand district in Samarkand region and changing the boundaries of Akdarya, Pastdargom and Taylak districts, as well as the city of Samarkand. The Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan reported this.

The resolution is aimed at expanding the territory of Samarkand, increasing its investment and tourism appeal, diversifying economic sectors, and developing high-tech industries and modern services, senators said. Samarkand is the most densely populated district in the region, and expanding its boundaries is expected to reduce population density, improve transport infrastructure, prevent traffic congestion and support the development of modern urban infrastructure.

Under the decision, 17,226.5 hectares of land will be incorporated into the city of Samarkand. At the same time, Samarkand district will be abolished as part of efforts to optimize administrative and territorial management, with 28,295 hectares of its land transferred to Taylak district.

Senators highlighted the socio-economic importance of the decision. Samarkand’s population will reach 880,000, bringing the city closer to the status of a city with a population of one million. The newly incorporated areas are planned to accommodate small industrial zones, technology parks and high-tech enterprises, as well as thousands of new jobs in the services, tourism and construction sectors.

Particular attention during the discussion was given to preserving agricultural land and maintaining ecological balance. The designation of 6,263 hectares of the transferred land will remain unchanged. It was noted that the boundary changes had been widely discussed and approved at meetings of citizens’ assemblies of mahallas, as well as city, district and regional Councils of People’s Deputies.

According to senators, the boundary changes will improve Samarkand’s architectural appearance, increase its appeal to foreign and domestic investors, enable more effective use of the city’s tourism potential, accelerate the development of modern business, financial and tourism infrastructure, and ultimately improve residents’ welfare.