Mirziyoyev stated that the leadership in the Bukhara region is progressing at a very slow pace

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace at which the regional leadership, including the 13 district and city mayors, is harnessing the Bukhara region's potential. This was highlighted at a video conference on June 1, focusing on the socio-economic development of the region.

Bukhara boasts 4.2 million hectares of land, with only 6% currently under cultivation, leaving 3.2 million hectares untapped. Of the 60,000 tons of yarn produced in the region, 57% is processed into cloth, with the remainder sold cheaply as raw material; only 24% of the cloth is made into finished products. Despite producing 1.2 million tons of fruits and vegetables, the region's exports are under $15 million.

The meeting also addressed increasing income and supporting entrepreneurship. This month, 21,500 graduates will enter the labor market in the province. Providing jobs and income sources for them, as well as for the unemployed and low-income residents, was emphasized as a strategic priority.

Newly appointed regional leaders were urged to assist businesses and strive to eliminate poverty, unemployment, and crime in Bukhara.

In Bukhara, an additional 2.1 trillion soums will be allocated to small businesses, supplementing the existing 5.9 trillion soums in credit. Additionally, $100 million will be earmarked for tourism and service sectors.

Industrial zones were highlighted as key to job creation. A major industrial complex is being developed on 1,000 hectares in the Kogon district, with an initial $300 million project that will contribute $250 million in added value to the regional economy, create 2,000 jobs, generate 250 billion soums in tax revenue, and $100 million in exports. The success of this complex is intended to inform the development of other industrial zones, with new legislative incentives and conditions.

Despite challenges, significant progress has been made in Bukhara in recent years. The regional economy has grown by 1.5 times, surpassing 53 trillion soums. Investments totaling 115 trillion soums have been made in industry, agriculture, and services, leading to the launch of 4,600 enterprises and the creation of 90,000 jobs. Exports have reached $215 million, and the industrial output in Karakol, Jondor, Shofirkon, and Kogon districts now exceeds 1 trillion soums annually.

Projects in electrical engineering, jewelry, construction materials, mining, road construction, and hotels need to be accelerated, and comprehensive support should be provided to investors.

If the petrochemical cluster, the construction of which has started in the Bukhara district, is put into operation:

• Pentane and hexane solvents will be produced from imported benzene, olefin, aromatic hydrocarbon, and naphtha.
• 4.5 trillion soums of added value and 600 high-income jobs will be created for the regional industry.
• Export will increase by 130 million dollars, and tax revenue will be 300 billion soums per year.