On November 25, an extraordinary session of the Samarkand Regional Council of People's Deputies took place. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, attended the session.
At the beginning of his speech, the President expressed his satisfaction at meeting with the regional community, highlighting the achievements made and untapped potential of the region.
“This great land, encompassing millennia of history and values, continues to strengthen its position in world civilization, while also modernizing with remarkable architectural traditions,” the President stated.
Particularly noteworthy achievements include the construction of the “Eternal City” complex, the restoration of over 40 sacred sites, the reconstruction of Samarkand International Airport, and the opening of numerous international branded hotels, propelling the region's tourism potential to a new level.
In recent years, Samarkand has transformed into a political, economic, tourism, and business hub, becoming a venue for major international events, forums, and meetings.
This year alone, over 40 prestigious international forums have been held here, including the recent 43rd session of UNESCO's General Conference, which marked a significant milestone.
In total, $1 billion has been invested in tourism and related sectors, resulting in a sevenfold increase in the number of tourists visiting the region since 2016, with tourism service exports reaching $600 million.
Today, the region is increasingly becoming not only a tourism destination but also an attractive center for investors and entrepreneurs due to its vast potential in industry, agriculture, and services.
Over the past eight years, $12 billion in investments have been raised for the region, 600,000 permanent jobs created, and the number of entrepreneurs has doubled.
The number of production enterprises has increased 1.5 times, while industrial output has grown by 1.7 times. Companies with an annual turnover exceeding 100 billion soums have reached 81 in number. Foreign investors from 55 countries have started operations, with nearly 700 enterprises involving foreign participation now functioning in the region.
Service sectors are growing by 15% annually, with the volume of services expected to reach 75 trillion soums this year.
Additionally, in 2024 and the first 10 months of this year, 15 million square meters of housing and commercial premises were constructed. Builders from Samarkand contribute 4.5 million square meters of buildings annually across Uzbekistan.
The region's gross regional product, which stood at 23 trillion soums in 2016, is projected to reach 120 trillion soums this year.
The President acknowledged reports from citizens about significant positive changes in their households as a result of regional developments.
For instance, 3,200 kilometers of drinking water and sewer networks worth 2 trillion soums have been constructed during this period.
“In summary, we have successfully turned Samarkand into an attractive region for residents, entrepreneurs, tourists, and investors alike,” the President said.
He highlighted that Urgut district, with a population of over 600,000, is the most populous within the region.
“Urgut has long been a leader in the region’s agriculture. By establishing the Urgut Free Economic Zone on barren and rocky land, implementing 74 projects worth $860 million, the district has become an industrialized area,” the President said.
The industrial growth has significantly boosted trade and services. Currently, Urgut ranks third in regional industry and fourth in services.
Today marked another milestone in Urgut with the launch of a 55-kilometer railway line. Electrification of this line will be fully completed next year, improving living conditions and opening new opportunities in industry, agriculture, and services.
The President noted lingering issues such as housing, water supply, sewerage, schools, preschools, hospitals, and business infrastructure in the district. Thus, he signed a special decree to transform the center of Urgut into one of the most modern and beautiful cities of Uzbekistan under the vision of "New Uzbekistan."
A 90-hectare area adjacent to the "New Uzbekistan" district in the Lower Kamangaron neighborhood will be allocated to build a modern ecocity for 100,000 residents following contemporary urban planning strategies.
Infrastructure in the new city will include roads, water, sewerage, electricity, schools, preschools, hospitals, and $50 million will be provided for entrepreneurial projects.
A single administrative hub for 35 district organizations will be constructed on a three-hectare site within the new city. Vacated buildings will be offered to the private sector for business use.
Another announcement was made regarding the expansion of Samarkand city by incorporating 17,500 hectares from Okdaryo, Payariq, Pastdargom, Toyloq, and Samarkand districts. This will increase the city's population from 604,000 to 882,000.
To meet the growing housing demand in Samarkand, three large residential neighborhoods have been selected. These include the "Shirin" neighborhood for 180,000 residents, the "Railway" area for 100,000, and the "Qorasuv-2" neighborhood for 30,000 residents. Over 700 multi-story buildings will be constructed.
The areas will include schools, preschools, universities, hospitals, modern business and shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. Spanish investors will partner to modernize sewage systems in these three neighborhoods.
To reduce freight traffic within the city, four logistics centers will be built along a highway passing through Okdaryo, Toyloq, and Samarkand districts.
Using Urgut as an example, the President analyzed its potential and set specific objectives for ministers and governors for the upcoming year.
Organizational matters were also discussed during the session of the Samarkand Regional Council of People's Deputies.
“We are setting ambitious goals to enhance the value of human dignity and improve citizens’ prosperity through sustainable economic growth,” the President said.
“To organize this work effectively, the region needs a modern-thinking, capable leader who can systematically analyze problems and provide innovative solutions,” he added.
The President nominated Adiz Boboyev, who had been serving as acting governor, for the position of governor of the Samarkand region.
After listening to the opinions of regional activists regarding the nominee, the issue was put to a vote. Based on voting results, Adiz Boboyev was confirmed as the governor of the region.
The President instructed the newly appointed governor to turn Samarkand into a model region by creating jobs, reducing poverty, increasing investment and exports, lowering production costs, and enhancing energy efficiency.
At the conclusion of the session, the President reviewed the reports and plans presented by officials.
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