President Mirziyoyev outlines major industrial projects for Navoi region

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has outlined ambitious plans to expand investment and industrial development in Navoi region, with a target of raising foreign and domestic investments to $4.2 billion and regional exports to $1.5 billion. The directives were issued during a February 11 meeting on the socio-economic development of the region.

Photo: Presidential Press Service

Strong growth in 2025

In 2025, Navoi region recorded a 7.7% increase in gross regional product, reaching UZS 168 trillion. Industrial output rose by 8.3%, while services grew by 13.7%. A total of 161,000 new jobs were created, and unemployment and poverty rates fell to 4.2%.

Investments excluding major enterprises such as NMMC and NavoiAzot amounted to $1.4 billion last year. For 2026, authorities aim to increase this figure to $2 billion, focusing on local development aligned with regional comparative advantages:

Nurata and Gazgan: Tourism and decorative stone extraction
Uchkuduk: Mining industry
Kanimekh: Livestock farming
Navbahor: Textiles and horticulture
Zarafshan: Jewelry and IT
Karmana: Chemical industry and cultural tourism
Navoi city: Mechanical engineering and services

Despite per capita industrial output reaching UZS 177 million, economic development remains uneven, with five districts lagging behind the national average.

New industrial initiatives

The president approved the creation of a granite processing cluster and a decorative stone market covering 50 hectares in Nurata district. Additionally, a small industrial zone for high-return projects valued at $100 million will be established in Khatyrchi district.

To ensure a skilled workforce for these new projects, a center for training specialists in mining and chemical industries will open at the Navoi College of Digital Technologies. The initiative also includes plans to expand decorative stone production and support small and medium-sized enterprises, with a focus on localization and integrating local businesses into supply chains.

The government’s plan emphasizes attracting foreign investments, increasing regional exports, and creating new employment opportunities while leveraging the unique strengths of each district.