Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A field meeting of the Senate Council of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, chaired by Senate Chairperson Tanzila Narbayeva, was held in the Ferghana region to assess the progress of socio-economic development initiatives.

During the session, participants reviewed the outcomes of a Senate working group tasked with overseeing the implementation of regional development goals, poverty reduction, and improvements in living standards.

It was noted that in 2024, Ferghana’s economy grew by 6.7%, generating added value of 91.3 trillion soums. Key sectors showed notable growth: industry by 7.6%, construction by 8.5%, services by 12.3%, and agriculture by 4.7%.

Direct foreign investment reached US$1.8 billion through ongoing programs, while exports increased nearly 1.4 times, surpassing US$1 billion. The region implemented 1,200 investment projects totaling US$1 billion, resulting in over 34,000 new jobs.

To support entrepreneurship and reduce poverty, 1.4 trillion soums in concessional loans were disbursed. Through the “First Step to Business” program, 14,200 aspiring entrepreneurs received microloans totaling 206.9 billion soums.

Pilot projects in Saykhunabad, Uychi, Zarbdar, and Gijduvan districts, as well as the decentralization of economic governance to the mahalla level, led to 397 areas being specialized in industrial and agricultural sectors, with 180,300 citizens gaining formal employment.

The region also achieved progress in private education. The number of private schools reached 100, while non-state kindergartens totaled 3,300. Preschool enrollment rose from 37% in 2017 to 87% in 2024.

Under the mortgage program, multi-apartment buildings comprising around 8,000 units were commissioned. Some 5,200 families received mortgage loans totaling 1.4 trillion soums, supported by 147.3 billion soums in subsidies for down payments and interest rates.

However, several challenges were highlighted. Production declined at 22 major industrial enterprises compared to the previous year. Growth in per capita industrial output lagged in the cities of Ferghana and Kuvasay. In Kushtepa and Ferghana districts, small business contributed less than 30% to industrial production.

Bagdad district reported agricultural growth of less than 1%, with declines in potato, melon, fruit, and berry production. Concern was also raised over a 1.5% rise in non-performing loans under the family entrepreneurship program since early 2024.

The Senate emphasized the need to improve support mechanisms for low-income families under the “From Poverty to Prosperity” initiative. Specific instructions were issued to strengthen accountability among local leaders.

Recommendations were also made to improve the quality and timely execution of development roadmaps signed during high-level visits and to enhance the responsibility of economic agencies for ensuring stable economic growth and local budget revenue.

In addition, it was proposed that regional and local councils (Kengash) hear regular reports from responsible officials on the implementation of programs aimed at improving living conditions, reducing poverty, and developing local areas.

Following the meeting, the Senate Council adopted a corresponding resolution.