Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 5 July, an off-site session of the Senate Kengash of the Oliy Majlis took place in Navoi Region. The session was chaired by Senate Chairperson Tanzila Narbayeva.

During the session, the results of the study on the implementation of socio-economic development programs in the territories, conducted by a Senate working group as part of parliamentary oversight, were discussed.

Significant progress has been achieved in Navoi Region in the timely implementation of the "Uzbekistan 2030" strategy during the current year period. Specifically, in the first quarter of 2024, the gross regional product increased by 7% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. There was also growth in industry by 8.4% (28.6 trillion soums), agriculture by 4.3% (2.4 trillion soums), services market by 14.0% (3.1 trillion soums), and construction by 11.6% (1.4 trillion soums).

From January to May of the current year, 110 projects worth US$18.9 million were launched, foreign investments totaling US$162.6 million were utilized, and industrial and agricultural products worth US$88.3 million were exported.

Furthermore, "roadmaps" have been developed for the implementation of 24 investment projects totaling US$1.1 billion in 2024-2025, signed during high-level visits to Russia and China and international events.

Under the family entrepreneurship development program, based on recommendations from the hokim’s assistants, 5,100 projects were allocated 125.3 billion soums in preferential loans.

Through the "mahallabay" system, with the support of hokim’s assistants, women activists, and youth leaders, 23,200 citizens were employed in permanent and seasonal jobs, 1,300 citizens were trained in professions, and 1,100 citizens were engaged in public works.

Alongside positive work achievements in the region, senators also addressed issues that require resolution. For instance, as of January-May of the current year, the plan for foreign investments in Zarafshan city was only 42.3% fulfilled, and in Tamdyn district, it was only 51.2% fulfilled.

In the field of fruit and vegetable exports, there was a decrease of almost 30% compared to the corresponding period last year, including a 90% decrease in Khatyrchin district, 45% in Kyzyltepa district, and 20% in Karman district.

According to the action plan of the "Uzbekistan 2030" Strategy for 2024, delays were identified in the development of project cost estimates for providing clean drinking water to schools.

In the regional employment program, the targeted indicators for employment in Kyzyltepa (65%) and Navbahor (61%) districts were not fully met.

As of 1 June 2024, the overdue tax arrears of taxpayers to the budget in Gazgan city increased almost 2.5 times compared to the beginning of the year.

The efficiency of youth industrial and entrepreneurial zones established in the region was noted to be insufficient. In industrial zones in Zarafshan and Gazgan cities, Kanimekh, Navbahor, Tamdyn, and Khatyrchin districts, no projects have been launched at all.

Senators presented suggestions and recommendations for addressing these issues and shortcomings. Among them are increasing the accountability of economic complex leaders in effectively implementing approved trade-economic agreements roadmaps signed during high-level visits, ensuring stability of local budgets’ incomes, studying problems and providing practical assistance to suspended entrepreneurship entities, and providing housing for orphaned children left without parental care.

Additionally, it was noted that district (city) councils of people’s deputies should, at the end of each quarter, hear reports on the work done by heads of departments responsible for tasks set within programs, and consider effective measures against responsible employees who show irresponsibility.

Following the discussion, a corresponding resolution was adopted by the Senate Kengash.