President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on December 3rd to discuss measures for further improving the socio-economic development, investment and business environment in the Fergana region. This was reported by the Presidential press service.
As a result of attention to the economy of the regions, opportunities are also emerging in Fergana. Over the last 7 years, the number of industrial enterprises has increased nearly threefold, reaching 13,000. As a result of investment projects, 116,000 jobs have been created.
The visit of our state leader in July this year gave a new impetus to economic development. In the 10 months of this year, the volume of foreign investments reached 1.5 billion dollars, and the export indicator reached 910 million dollars.
Now it is necessary to continue this trend next year and increase investment, jobs, and exports. At the meeting, the President demonstrated some of the opportunities in this regard.
Recently, the “Kokand” free economic zone was expanded by 210 hectares at the expense of the city of Kuvasoy. In this area, it is possible to place 185 projects with a total value of 1 billion dollars, creating almost 12,000 jobs. Also, the establishment of a techno park on 71 hectares in Kokand will open up companies with 5,000 jobs in the first phase, with investments amounting to 900 million dollars.
Investment agreements worth 1 billion dollars with Chinese businessmen and 240 million dollars with South Korea have been reached. To implement them, it is necessary to establish industrial zones over 1,210 hectares in the districts and cities of the region. The upcoming enterprises will employ 30,000 people, including representatives of poor families.
Construction of a trade and logistics center has begun in the Beshariq district. It, like the one in Termez, will be transformed into a free trade zone, with shops being leased to entrepreneurs. As a result, the region's exports will additionally increase by 50 million dollars, and the number of jobs by 2,000. Such a complex can also be established in the city of Kuvasoy.
There are also great opportunities in agriculture. In Fergana, there are a total of 91,000 hectares of land available to the population, along roads and field edges, water, and forest funds. It is necessary to make efficient use of them and increase both production and processing.
For example, in the Fergana district, 15 neighborhoods annually produce 6,000 tons of raspberries. If land nearby these neighborhoods is provided, an entrepreneur has proposed to arrange for the storage, processing, and packing of raspberries, thereby increasing the added value by 2.5 times. Another initiator plans to rent forest land in Sokh to grow 800 hectares of paulownia and 50 hectares of saffron.
By laying 9 kilometers of pipes to two pump stations in Oltiariq, their capacity can be increased, making it possible to create an intensive garden over 1,400 hectares. This will yield an additional 55,000 tons of export-quality fruits.
At the meeting, the governor of the Fergana region presented plans for utilizing such opportunities. Specifically, it is planned to attract 3.7 billion dollars in investment next year, increase exports to 1.5 billion dollars, ensure employment for 500,000 citizens, and lift 22,000 families out of poverty.
Our state leader instructed to refine these proposals and prepare a decision on developing the region's economy. It was emphasized that it is necessary to create all the conveniences for exporters, help with employment, and reduce unemployment. The responsibility of governors and other officials in this regard was specified to be increased.
