Fergana region sets ambitious $2 billion export target for current year

According to presidential spokesperson Sherzod Asadov, the region is moving toward a highly diversified economic structure, with plans to increase total exports to $2 billion by the end of the year.

Historically, Fergana region was heavily dependent on a few industrial giants. Before 2017, approximately 70% of regional revenue was generated by just six or seven large enterprises in the oil, gas, and construction materials sectors. However, a massive influx of $8.2 billion in investments has fundamentally altered this landscape, facilitating the launch of over 8,000 modern production facilities.

To support this industrial shift, financial institutions have allocated UZS 100 trillion in credit resources to local businesses. This support has seen the number of small and medium enterprises double to 13,500 firms, while the total commercial space in the region has reached 10 million square meters. These efforts have yielded tangible results, with the gross regional product increasing 1.7 times, industrial output rising by 1.5 times, and the services sector growing threefold.

The regional administration has also reported significant progress in improving living standards. Since 2022, the unemployment rate has been slashed from 9.2% to 4.6%, while poverty levels dropped from 11.6% to 5.2%. Housing remains a core priority, as evidenced by urban renewal projects in the Ipakchi and Kirguli neighborhoods of Margilan. There, 241 aging private houses were replaced by modern multi-story complexes containing 2,500 apartments. Furthermore, 6,500 families are expected to move into the New Uzbekistan residential area currently under construction in Margilan’s Navruz neighborhood. Large-scale construction is also underway in the city of Fergana, as well as in Kokand, Yazyavan, and Kuva.

Educational and social infrastructure has expanded alongside the economy. Over the past decade, the region has added 74,000 new school places, 145,000 kindergarten spots, and 3,000 hospital beds. The private education sector is also thriving, with 167 private schools currently educating 40,000 children. Due to these improvements, the Fergana region now ranks third in the country for the proportion of applicants successfully enrolling in higher education institutions.

In the agricultural sector, the region has established 15,000 hectares of industrial orchards and vineyards, while an additional 6,000 hectares have been renovated. These intensive farming methods allow local gardeners to earn up to UZS 500 million per hectare. Fergana currently leads Uzbekistan in the export of fruits and vegetables, generating over $400 million in revenue – a threefold increase compared to previous years.

Tourism is emerging as another vital economic pillar, particularly in the historic centers of Fergana, Margilan, Kokand, Kuva, and Sokh. In 2025, the region welcomed over 500,000 foreign visitors and 3 million domestic tourists, resulting in $185 million in revenue.

Looking ahead, the government has set rigorous targets for the current year, aiming for 9.1% economic growth and a 9% increase in industrial production. Total investment inflows are projected to reach $4.5 billion as the region continues its trajectory toward becoming a major export and tourism hub.