Navoi region targets investment growth and employment expansion

Plans are underway to establish industrial enterprises on pasturelands near the chemical technopark in the Karmana district. These projects, leveraging existing infrastructure and resources, will focus on producing kaolin, quartz, silicon dioxide, and textile dyes by 2025.

Chinese investors have expressed interest in quartz and granite mining and processing in the Khatirchi district. Additionally, 11 mineral deposits in Konimekh, Navbahor, and Uchkuduk districts have been identified as promising for development.

A 150-hectare recreational zone is set to be created near Lake Aydarkul, capable of hosting up to 10,000 tourists and generating 200 jobs. In villages like Sentob, Langar, and Angidon, 200 family guesthouses will be established, aiming to attract 600,000 tourists annually.

Despite 43% of Uzbekistan's pasturelands being in Navoi region, only 5% are utilized. A plan to sow forage, medicinal, and aromatic crops across 350,000 hectares using drones will maximize land productivity. These lands will then be allocated to local residents. Goat and sheep farming will also be developed in Tamdy and Uchkuduk districts.

Efforts to cultivate marketable crops are gaining momentum. Plans include importing sunflower seeds from Italy to plant on 10,000 hectares as a secondary crop, expected to generate additional income for 5,000 residents. The oil produced will meet the annual demand of the region.

The region has already employed 111,000 people this year. By 2025, authorities aim to provide jobs for 140,000 individuals and lift 10,000 families out of poverty.

At the meeting, Navoi regional governor Normat Tursunov presented plans to attract $2 billion in investments and increase exports to $320 million by 2025. However, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that these targets do not fully reflect the region's potential and instructed a review of the plans.

Priority will be given to new projects in Konimekh, Nurota, Khatirchi, and Tamdy districts. Additionally, the government aims to train unemployed individuals in modern professions and secure high-paying jobs for them both domestically and abroad.