Why is this important
The development of the Sokh district is aimed at reducing the territory’s isolation and aligning its socio-economic conditions with other regions of the country. Strengthening transport connectivity and launching new projects directly affect employment and household incomes. With poverty and unemployment levels remaining above the national average, a focus on investment and infrastructure becomes a key driver of growth.
What happened
- Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on measures for the socio-economic development of the Sokh district in the Fergana region.
- The meeting reviewed ongoing changes in the district, including infrastructure development, job creation, and the expansion of entrepreneurial activity.
- Plans to attract investment, develop tourism and agriculture, and improve transport and logistics connectivity were also presented.
Numbers and facts
- 88.6 thousand people live in 25 mahallas of the Sokh district; the area has 29 preschool institutions, 33 schools, 2 secondary specialized educational institutions, 14 medical facilities, and 2 cultural facilities.
- Over the past year, 13,921 jobs were created, and 1,667 families were lifted out of poverty. The poverty rate stands at 7.9 percent, and the unemployment rate at 5.5 percent.
- This year, it is planned to attract $40 million in investment and achieve $15 million in exports, which will increase industrial production by 9 percent, services by 17.1 percent, and agriculture by 7.6 percent.
- In the tourism and services sector, an additional $60 million in investment is planned, along with the creation of about 2,000 jobs, an increase in tourism services volume by 15 billion UZS, and a $2 million rise in exports.
- It is planned to launch 10 micro-projects in each mahalla, totaling 300, as well as to provide vocational training to 8,600 residents.
- Banks will allocate 64 billion soums in credit funds for these purposes, while an additional 74.5 billion soums will be directed to the social sector and infrastructure.
- Plans include establishing fruit orchards on 425 hectares, saffron plantations on 60 hectares, and potato cultivation on 100 hectares.
- As part of a fish farming project, it is planned to create 30 reservoirs of 50 sotkas each, with the capacity to produce up to 50 tons of trout.
- Through the construction of an 8-kilometer irrigation network, it is planned to develop 500 hectares for orchards and 300 hectares for crops.
Context
- For businesses, this opens up new opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and the service sector through accessible financing and infrastructure projects.
- Residents of the district will gain additional jobs and access to training programs, which can increase income levels and reduce poverty.
- For the state, implementing these measures means gradually reducing the region’s isolation and integrating it into the national economy.
