Speaking at the ceremony during his visit to Kashkadarya, Mirziyoyev said the region had received UZS 20 trillion in investment and attracted $7 billion in foreign investment over the past five years. Thousands of projects focused on deeper processing of raw materials have been launched, while per capita income has tripled.
“The next step is to process more of the products grown here within the region itself and create conditions for residents to earn decent incomes,” the president said.
A total of 161 projects worth more than $6 billion have been prepared. Of these, 69 have been commissioned, while construction has begun on another 92.
Textile and agricultural processing projects
Twenty-eight industrial enterprises included in the projects are expected to create around 7,000 permanent jobs.
Italian brand Cotonella is setting up production with an annual capacity of 8.5 million finished knitwear items. Another 14 textile projects are being launched in Kasan, Mirishkor and Kasbi districts, with plans to create 18,000 jobs.
Agricultural processing is also a major focus. Wosune Food Ingredients Karshi, working with US partners, will process up to 100,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables grown on 3,500 hectares. Products worth $40 million are expected to be exported for international brands including Nestlé and Purina.
Investors from Egypt and Pakistan are also beginning projects in potato farming and livestock production across 24,000 hectares in Nishan and Guzar districts.
New energy and tourism facilities
“Green” economic development will provide a firm foundation for the region’s growth, Mirziyoyev said.
Three hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 24 MW have been commissioned on the Aksu River. In Karshi district, a $150 million waste-to-energy plant involving Chinese company Shanghai SUS is expected to begin operating by the end of the year.
Nine small hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 58 MW are planned for Kitab, Yakkabag and Shahrisabz districts.
A gold mining project is also getting under way in Kitab district in cooperation with Azerbaijan. In Shahrisabz district, Russian investors plan to develop a $300 million complex featuring a cable car, hotel and ski resort.
