Namangan’s economic and infrastructure development discussed

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev heard reports from responsible officials on the region’s development at the Namangan Regional Situation Centre.

Uzbekistan is consistently working to develop its regions through modern technologies, to digitalize public administration and service delivery, and to make extensive use of artificial intelligence capabilities.

A smart situation center has been established in Namangan to analyze developments in cities and districts through a unified digital system, enable prompt management decisions, and create a convenient and safe environment for the population.

A project for a Mahalla Information and Service Centre, to be established in the Yangi Namangan mahalla of Norin district, was presented.

Through the center, more than 27,000 residents of eight mahallas are expected to receive 980 types of services locally through a one-stop-shop system. Information on social protection, employment, crime prevention, taxation, education, and other key indicators for the area will be integrated into a unified digital system.

During a presentation aimed at improving the effectiveness of prevention inspectors, it was reported that 18 types of crime-prevention processes had been digitalized and integrated into the officers’ tablets. In addition, inspectors have been equipped with modern body cameras, and their activities are closely linked to the situation center.

The President was also briefed on new priority areas for the socio-economic development of Namangan region.

It was noted that in recent years, industrial output in Namangan has increased from 4.6 trillion UZS to 40 trillion UZS. This year, targets have been set to increase gross regional product by 9.2%, industrial output by 9%, services by 17%, and agriculture by 6.8%. Mechanical engineering, metallurgy, light industry, services, and sectors of the “new economy” were identified as the main drivers of the region’s development.

To strengthen the scientific approach to regional development, 14 think tanks nationwide will adopt a new working model based on Namangan’s experience. They will conduct economic assessments in districts and cities and identify new reserves in labor productivity, investment quality, cooperation, business activity, and value chains.

The responsible officials were instructed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of each district’s industrial potential by September 1 this year and to develop a new program based on the findings. It was emphasized that every research proposal prepared by the think tanks must be implemented and contribute to the development of the region or sector.

To promote entrepreneurship and improve business infrastructure, 4.5 trillion UZS has been allocated to the Namangan region from the state budget this year. An additional 6.5 trillion UZS in resources is being channeled to support small and medium-sized businesses.

The region has been tasked with providing permanent employment for 80,000 people by the end of the year, increasing the incomes of 314,000 citizens, and lifting 21,000 families out of poverty.

Over the first five months, 23,500 people secured permanent employment, while more than 8,000 families were lifted out of poverty. At the same time, criticism was expressed that unemployment and poverty rates remain high in several districts. The responsible officials were instructed to improve the effectiveness of efforts to promote employment, develop entrepreneurship, and reduce poverty.

New opportunities in agriculture were also highlighted. Tasks were set to develop livestock farming in Kasansay district, cultivate fodder crops on 4,700 hectares, and double the number of cattle and sheep by the end of the year.

Instructions were given to make effective use of hilly land in Pop district and expand the practice of establishing industrial-scale organic orchards. By the end of the year, orchards are planned to be planted on a further 400 hectares of such land, while practical work on an additional 2,800 hectares is to begin within one month.

Particular attention was paid to preparing young people for modern professions. Instructions were given to establish at least five private training and assessment centers in Namangan that meet international standards and to begin training 20,000 young men and women as early as this year.

The responsible officials were instructed to formulate workforce requirements for modern professions based on the latest labor market needs, allocate premises for training and assessment centers in technical college buildings, and complete renovation and improvement work at existing technical colleges before the start of the new academic year.

Investment and export issues were also discussed. This year, a target has been set to attract $5 billion in foreign investment to Namangan region and increase exports to $1.2 billion. Agreements were reached at the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum on implementing 43 projects in the region worth $3 billion.

To increase export potential, instructions were given to work separately with each district and city and to introduce, based on Namangan’s experience, a unified export ecosystem covering the entire process, from production to standardization, certification, packaging, logistics, and customs clearance.

This year, 703 billion UZS has been allocated for the construction of 130 kilometers of water supply networks, 2.5 kilometers of sewerage networks, and nine new water facilities. As a result, 34,000 residents will gain access to a centralized water supply for the first time, while 25,000 people will be connected to the sewerage system.

Plans also include reconstructing a 75-kilometer section of the Pungan – Namangan highway, converting it into a four-lane concrete road, and building 21 bridges and 22 pedestrian crossings.

To develop public transport, instructions were given to procure 90 buses, 50 electric buses, and 30 minibusses by September 1 this year, followed by a further 105 electric buses by July 1 next year. Practical work to reconstruct the sewerage system in the city of Namangan through public-private partnership mechanisms will begin this year.

In healthcare, plans were outlined to introduce a new primary healthcare model in Kasansay and Uychi districts as well. In addition, a national program to combat myocardial infarction and stroke will be launched in the Namangan, Andijan, and Fergana regions in October this year.

The issues of reducing the shadow economy, preventing offenses, and conducting targeted work with young people were also addressed at the meeting.

Reports were heard from Deputy Prime Ministers, regional leaders, and other responsible officials.