On March 6, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on fully utilizing the capabilities of districts and cities in the Tashkent region.

The Tashkent region encompasses 15 districts and 7 cities. Its strategic location serves as a crucial transport hub linking the capital to the surrounding regions in the oasis and valley parts of the country.

Despite its potential, the economic development in the region falls short. Opportunities in trade, land and water management, transportation, and transit remain underutilized. Some indicators are even lower than those observed in remote areas where similar facilities may not even be available.

During the meeting, unused reserves and the lack of proactive engagement from the leaders were highlighted.

As the capital experiences dynamic growth, neighboring regional areas struggle to keep pace. For instance, in Zangiata, Qibray, Yuqorichirchiq, and Urtachirchiq districts surrounding Tashkent, industrial production volumes are significantly lower compared to those in other neighboring capital districts. This trend is also evident in the construction industry.

Several small entrepreneurs have ceased their activities. The production has decreased in 29 large enterprises and Bekabad and Yangiyul cities. Despite having a significant amount of agricultural land available, the production volume in the region remains nearly equivalent to that of the Andijan region.

The districts' potential for economic benefits remains untapped due to a lack of initiative among hokims to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities.

During the meeting, the region’s city and district officials were warned of the necessity to adapt and refine their approaches, Failure to enact these changes may prompt a reassessment of their suitability for their positions.

It was observed that despite the supportive conditions provided by the state, there exists an imbalance in the development of districts. Specifically, Parkent, Yangiyul, Chinaz, and Akkurgan districts, which boast favorable tourist attractions, transit infrastructure, and economic incentives, are notably lagging. In this regard, following the President’s instructions, an assessment of the current situation and the potential of the districts, along with proposals from entrepreneurs were reviewed. Growth points were also analyzed during the meeting. 

Particularly in the Parkent district, it is proposed to repair roads leading to tourist attractions, launch minibus routes, and allocate land to entrepreneurs to construct trade and service points along the roads. Furthermore, effective utilization of vacant land can be achieved by clearly delineating the protected areas along the banks and reinforcing the banks of the Parkentsay, Kyzylsay, and Chovlisay rivers.

In the Yangiyul district, numerous entrepreneurs express interest in implementing projects and attracting investments. Yet they face challenges in locating available land for their projects. As a solution, plans are in motion to establish a small industrial zone within an empty building, focusing on the production of food and hygiene products, to address this issue.

In the Chinaz district, there are prospects for developing a shopping and entertainment complex, as well as a modern fish market. Additionally, opportunities exist for expanding trade and services along roads, and the increase in the number of greenhouses in private households.

Because of the limited industrial capacity in the Akkurgan district, many women seek employment in textile enterprises in Tashkent and neighboring districts. To address this, plans are underway to establish textile enterprises within unused buildings of the district. 

The Head of State has outlined measures to enhance the economies of the districts. Officials have been assigned the responsibility of thoroughly analyzing all areas within the region, identifying additional growth points, and enhancing income sources.

Several plans have been developed for this purpose. Specifically, a Uzbekistan-Hungary Industrial Zone is set to be established in the Akhangaran district, hosting projects valued at $100 million. Additionally, projects totaling $400 million will be implemented in the Angren Free Economic Zone, focusing on the production of household appliances, rolled metal, and fruit and vegetable processing. Furthermore, projects worth $260 million are slated for implementation in the Eltech Industrial Technology Park.

The meeting addressed the acceleration of economic and social projects through the attraction of foreign direct investment. It was emphasized that a gradual transfer of industrial enterprises from the capital beyond its borders is planned, creating significant opportunities for the Tashkent region.

Support will be extended to self-employed individuals to facilitate their transition into small businesses, and efforts will be made to revive the operations of entrepreneurs who have ceased activity. Drawing from the successful experience of Chinaz, establishing compact greenhouses, and complexes for storing and processing products will be created through cooperation. 

Discussions also centered around initiatives to boost local and foreign tourism to 5 million visitors and to elevate tourism exports to a minimum of $300 million this year.

Special focus was placed on the training and employment opportunities for women and youth in various professions.