Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 12 August 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting focused on the results of ongoing reforms and the implementation of new projects in the Bukhara region.

Previously, the region’s economy was concentrated in just a few sectors. However, over the past eight years, more than eight billion dollars in investments have been attracted, significantly diversifying the economic structure. Approximately six thousand new enterprises have been established in the industrial sector, and industrial production has increased more than sixfold.

Significant transformations have also taken place in the tourism sector: infrastructure has been improved, new facilities built, and well-known hotel brands have entered the region. The annual tourist flow has reached 1.7 million people. Following a presidential decree issued on December 5, 2024, additional measures were defined for the development of industry and services in the Bukhara region. As a result, industrial production grew by 7.3% in the first half of 2025, 198 new industrial enterprises were created, and the gross regional product increased by 6.4%.

The reform headquarters established by the head of state in the region identifies new opportunities for economic growth. During the presentation, officials introduced a number of investment projects. Among them are Turkish entrepreneurs’ interest in graphite mining and processing in the Peshkun district, plans by a Vietnamese company to build a modern residential complex, and an Indian company’s intention to construct a surgical center. A total of 260 projects are planned on a 217-hectare area, which will create more than 10,000 jobs.

Overall, a package of 21 new investment projects worth US$1.7 billion has been formed. Their implementation will provide 32,000 jobs and enable the region to reach an export potential of US$180 million.

The president noted additional opportunities for economic development and employment growth. For example, in the Peshkun district, inexpensive greenhouses for growing export-oriented crops have already been built on leased land. The task is to expand this experience by establishing similar greenhouses in five thousand households across the region.

In the Shafirkan, Gijduvan, Peshkun, and Bukhara districts, vineyards are planned to be planted on 10,000 hectares, while orchards with apricots, cherries, figs, and other export-demanded fruits will be established on about 5,000 hectares in the Vabkent, Gijduvan, Djandar, Romitan, and Kagan districts.

Despite the rich cultural heritage and ancient shrines, the region lacks large tourist complexes capable of retaining guests for extended stays. Therefore, an initiative has been put forward to attract foreign investors to build a trade and entertainment park.

In the industrial sector, two large oil and gas enterprises are operating, another is under construction, and ten large solar and wind power plants are being built. It was noted that a network of small enterprises could develop around these facilities, which would increase investments, industrial production volumes, and exports.

Regional and district hokims presented plans to increase residents’ incomes and reduce poverty and unemployment levels.