Why is this important
Surkhandarya region is considered one of the key regions for accelerated socio-economic growth and poverty reduction. Large-scale investment and infrastructure plans directly affect employment, household incomes, and the region’s export potential. At the same time, the identified imbalances compared to other areas emphasize the need for point-based and systemic solutions.
What happened
- The leader of Uzbekistan held a meeting on measures for the socio-economic development, creation of jobs, and poverty reduction in Surkhandarya region.
- According to the results of the current year, the volume of industrial production is expected to be 17.2 trillion soums, which means it will double.
- Surkhandarya Region Governor Ulugbek Qosimov presented plans for utilizing the identified opportunities.
- The President gave instructions on road repairs, housing construction, and social infrastructure development.
Numbers and facts
- In 2025, it is planned to lift 126,000 families out of poverty, and the poverty rate should decrease from 9.3% to 5.6%.
- The laying of a pipeline from the Töpalang reservoir has completely solved the drinking water problem for 2 million people in eight districts of the region.
- The volume of industrial production in Surkhandarya region is 1.5 times less than in Syrdarya region, 1.8 times less than in Jizzakh region, and 2 times less than in Khorezm region.
- Fruit and vegetable exports lag behind those of Samarkand, Tashkent, Fergana, and Khorezm.
- The region’s mineral resources are estimated at $600 billion, with less than 10% of the potential being utilized.
- The task was set to launch projects based on 114 mineral deposits in 2026.
- It is planned to implement 91 projects worth $3.2 billion, of which $2 billion worth of projects should be launched next year.
- 175 billion soums will be allocated for the infrastructure of driver initiatives.
- This will allow the implementation of 36 projects with a total value of 1.2 trillion soums and the creation of 9 thousand jobs.
- In the tourism sector of the region, there are 47 hotels operating, there are no hotels of the 4 and 5 star categories, and there are no brand hotels.
- In agriculture, 60% of fruit and vegetable production comes from six districts of the region.
Context
- The focus of state policy regarding Surkhandarya region is shifting towards accelerated economic growth and more full utilization of its resource potential.
- The emphasis on investments, infrastructure, and new projects indicates an attempt to reduce the gap with other regions. Social indicators, including poverty reduction and employment expansion, are considered key guidelines for regional development.
- In recent years, state policy has emphasized the comprehensive development of regions through investments, infrastructure projects, and economic diversification, including industry, agriculture, and tourism.
