President Mirziyoyev unveils development plan for Syrdarya region

In the Syrdarya region, 25,000 hectares of low-yielding land across eight districts will be converted for rice cultivation. This decision was discussed on February 25 during a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on strategies to accelerate the region’s economic growth, create jobs, and increase investments in 2025.

The meeting highlighted several economic challenges in Syrdarya, including slow industrial, trade, and service sector growth. The region currently has the country's lowest share of the service industry, with a poverty rate exceeding 11% and 22,000 unemployed citizens. To address these issues, a comprehensive plan has been proposed to attract investment, enhance the business environment, and maximize the region’s transit potential.

A key initiative includes the establishment of industrial zones spanning approximately 900 hectares in Syrdarya, Shirin, Boyovut, Khavos, Mirzaabad, Gulistan, Okoltin, and Sardoba. These zones are expected to attract $5 billion in investments and generate over 20,000 new jobs.

Given Syrdarya’s central location and its role as a major transit hub—where 311,000 vehicles pass daily—entrepreneurs have proposed opening hundreds of retail outlets along major highways. Plans include developing a commercial and service area of 500,000 square meters, which could employ 50,000 people.

"25,000 hectares of underutilized land in eight districts will be dedicated to rice cultivation to further support economic growth. Rice producers will benefit from incentives, including permission to export 50% of their output," the report states.

Housing and infrastructure development is also a priority. Over the past 50 years, only about 1,000 new apartments have been built in the region. As part of a renovation program, 15,000 modern housing units will be constructed, with inspiration drawn from successful models in Margilan and Dustlik. Developers will receive tax and customs incentives to make new housing more affordable.

Additionally, $100 million will be allocated for infrastructure improvements, including roads, electricity, irrigation, and social facilities such as kindergartens and schools. Efforts will be made to ensure an uninterrupted drinking water supply in Gulistan, with completion set for June 1, 2025. The expansion of Gulistan and Shirin’s territories to facilitate urbanization was also approved.

This year, Syrdarya aims to attract $2 billion in investments and increase exports to $500 million. These measures are expected to create over 16,000 new jobs and reduce the poverty rate to 7.4%.