Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 7 August, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting focused on assessing ongoing reforms and discussing new initiatives for the development of Navoi Region.

The President emphasized that the region possesses significant potential in mining, industry, and agriculture. Over the past eight years, more than 7,000 investment projects worth a total of US$8 billion have been implemented in Navoi, resulting in the creation of 73,000 new jobs. The number of entrepreneurs has tripled, rising from 10,000 to 30,000.

Special attention was given to the outcomes of the presidential decree dated 12 December 2024, "On Additional Measures for the Socio-Economic Development of Navoi Region." In the first half of 2025, the region attracted US$643 million in investments and reached US$635 million in exports. New production capacities worth US$550 million were launched, and 1,140 new retail and service facilities were opened.

Despite these achievements, the President noted that the region’s full potential remains underutilized. Beyond its robust industrial base, Navoi has extensive opportunities for pasture development, livestock farming, and expansion of the service sector. The region accounts for 20% of the country’s mineral reserves and 43% of its pasturelands. Its developed infrastructure and large industrial enterprises create stable demand in related sectors.

To ensure comprehensive use of available resources, a regional reform task force has been established in Navoi. During the meeting, new projects — proposed by the business community — were presented.

Investors expressed readiness to invest US$566 million in the development of eight mineral deposits located in Gazgan, Nurata, Khatirchi, Navbahor, and Uchkuduk. These projects are expected to increase industrial output by 2.5 trillion soums and boost exports by US$100 million.

As an example, the Nurata district was cited, where 750 million cubic meters of granite have been identified. A proposal was made to establish a 50-hectare industrial zone for granite processing. In addition, more than 5,000 women in 10 mahallas of the district are engaged in embroidery. Plans are in place to open embroidery centers in 28 more mahallas to support women’s entrepreneurship.

As part of efforts to combat poverty, low-income families will be provided with solar panels and mobile retail units.

With 3 million hectares of pastureland, the region holds strong potential for agricultural development. For instance, an entrepreneur in Kyzyltepa district has implemented modern irrigation techniques on 1,000 hectares and launched the cultivation of export-oriented crops. He now plans to expand into livestock farming and dairy production.

In total, an additional investment portfolio worth US$1.6 billion has been formed in Navoi Region. The implementation of these projects is expected to create 10,000 new jobs, generate 1 trillion soums in budget revenue, and increase exports by US$238 million.

The President instructed that the economic impact of these initiatives be maximized. He drew attention to the weak cooperation between large and small enterprises and tasked officials with building connections, establishing a guaranteed order system, and doubling the contribution of small businesses to the regional economy.

He also stressed the need to improve pasture irrigation, enhance their utilization, and expand food production.

The average wage in Navoi Region exceeds the national average by 1.5 times, driving consumer demand and calling for the development of trade, services, and tourism infrastructure. In this regard, instructions were given to create modern recreational areas, parks, and expand tourism services.