As noted, in recent years, positive results have been achieved in many areas thanks to the rational use of the region’s available potential. The volume of industrial production increased from 2.8 trillion UZS in 2016 to 34.3 trillion UZS, while the gross regional product reached 63 trillion UZS. Last year, more than US$1 billion in investment was attracted to the region.
At the same time, the achieved indicators do not fully correspond to the region’s potential. This is particularly concerning for the tourism sector – in a region with unique historical and cultural heritage, the average length of tourist stay is limited to one to two days.
More than 1 million young people live in the region, and 35,000 young men and women enter the labor market each year. It was noted that the regional leadership must consistently focus on their education and upbringing, on the acquisition of modern professions, and on the provision of employment. A task has been set to develop new systemic approaches to raising a new generation worthy of figures such as Jaloliddin Manguberdi, Beruni, Khwarizmi, and Zamakhshari.
Given that 67% of the region’s population lives in rural areas, the importance of reducing unemployment and poverty by creating additional sources of income, specifically in rural districts, was emphasized.
For example, there is an opportunity to lift at least 10,000 people out of poverty by increasing the number of pedigree livestock in 135 mahallas of Gurlen, Tuproqqala, Yangibazar, and Kushkupyr districts, by specializing mahallas of Urgench, Khanka, Kushkupyr, and Shavat districts in the production of construction materials, textiles, handicrafts, and furniture, as well as by establishing six industrial and service micro-centers in Urgench, Kushkupyr, Khanka, Yangiariq, and Shavat districts.
Last year, the number of foreign and domestic tourists visiting the region reached 12.5 million. However, the volume and quality of services provided, the organization of new tourist routes, and the substantive enhancement of visitor sites remain insufficient.
A task has been set to create service facilities in the tourist mahallas of the city of Khiva, as well as in Bagat and Khiva districts, to develop a master plan for establishing 14 vibrant streets in 59 settlements, and to present it to entrepreneurs.
It was instructed to develop a comprehensive development program to transform the “Suleymankala” fortress, located on an area of 10.8 hectares, into a new tourist site. In addition, plans include developing a master plan for tourist and service facilities, as well as entertainment centers, along the Shavat Canal, which runs through the city of Urgench.
At the meeting, increasing investment and exports was identified as a priority task. The need to implement major industrial projects through the effective use of the potential of Khazorasp, Urgench, Shavat, and Tuproqqala districts, as well as the city of Urgench, was emphasized.
The possibility of forming a unified machinery manufacturing cluster was noted by expanding the capacity of the automobile plant in the city of Pitnak and raising the level of localization to 62%. In addition, new projects are planned in the chemical, textile, and food industries in Khazorasp, and in the furniture and textile sectors in Shavat.
It was reported that $1.6 billion will be allocated for the modernization of cities and districts in the region, as well as for improving road and water infrastructure.
Overall, this year’s task is to increase foreign investment to $2 billion and exports to $510 million. This will make it possible to raise the gross regional product by 8.4%, industrial output by 9%, services by 16.2%, and agriculture by 5.7%.
The reduction in the poverty rate in Khorezm region, from 11.9% to 6.7% last year, was the highest in the country. However, it was noted that the poverty level still remains above the national average. In this regard, the main objective has been defined as reducing unemployment and poverty to at least 3% by the end of the year.
At the same time, instructions were given to transform Khazorasp, Khanka, Shavat, Yangiariq, Yangibazar, Tuproqqala, Khiva, and the city of Urgench into territories free from unemployment and poverty.
Following the meeting, several specific instructions were given to the responsible officials.
In particular, tasks included reconstructing 158 kilometers of canals in Gurlen district, allocating $81 million for entrepreneurial projects, replacing 270 pumping units with energy-efficient equipment, financing activities in the Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan border trade zone, and allocating 100 billion UZS for the repair of social facilities and infrastructure.
The President instructed the responsible officials to organize their work in a way that brings concrete changes to people’s lives and is results-oriented, and to ensure a targeted approach in each district and mahalla.
