20,000 jobs will be created in Samarkand in 2025

In 2025, the Samarkand region aims to generate 20,000 new jobs and produce additional goods worth 1.2 trillion soums. This announcement was made during a meeting led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on November 20, focusing on the socio-economic development of the region and enhancing residents' well-being.

The region has identified 120 potential projects worth $4.1 billion following discussions with residents and business leaders. Next year, the Samarkand region plans to invest at least $1.85 billion in regional programs.

"Establishing a special industrial zone on 234 hectares in the Chimboyabad area of Pastdargom district. Entrepreneurs have pledged $500 million to initiate projects in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electrical engineering, construction materials, and food production.

"Expanding the "Urgut" free economic zone by incorporating 25 hectares of rocky land near the Zarafshan River. This will enable $30 million worth of projects, with 500 billion soums worth of initiatives in the first phase, including a 35-kilometer tourist corridor along the Dargom Canal and a gastronomic bridge on the Narpai Canal," the report states.

Transforming pastures and dry lands into economic assets. For example, a tourist-recreational area spanning 350 hectares in the Samarkand district could host 1,000 entrepreneurs and create 3,500 jobs.

Enhancing agricultural output in Bulungur. By converting 6,000 hectares of inefficient grain fields into fruit and vegetable cultivation, the income per hectare could exceed $10,000, employing 45,000 people and generating $52 million in export revenue.

Boosting grape production in Ishtikhan, Urgut, Payariq, and Koshrabot, where 35,000 hectares are currently under cultivation. The establishment of an experimental station in Ishtikhan for high-yield grape varieties such as "Gigant," "Sirliboy," and "Avatar" could increase productivity by 25-30 centners per hectare and exports by $20 million.

Opening mineral processing enterprises in Koshrabot, Ishtikhon, Nurabad, Pastdargom, Pakhtachi, and Urgut, leveraging local mines.
The President approved these proposals and emphasized improving the investment climate, aligning projects with the region’s master plan, creating jobs and modern housing, and raising the living standards of the population.