Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 7 November, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a videoconference on the development of local industry.

Thanks to the conditions created in our country for entrepreneurship, small-scale production is increasing in the regions. Jobs are being created, demanded products are being produced.

However, the current difficult situation in the world, disruptions in the operation of transport and logistics chains affect this industry as well.

For 9 months of this year, the volume of industrial production in our country increased by 5.3 percent. However, there was a decrease in production at 65 large enterprises in the regions. Despite the allocation of the necessary funds by the state, the infrastructure has not yet been brought to 118 industrial zones. The export capabilities of the GSP+ system are not fully utilized.

These and other shortcomings, priority tasks for the next year were discussed at the meeting, which was held in a critical spirit.

 - Heads of industries, khokims should look for opportunities in this difficult situation, use internal reserves, come up with proposals and initiatives, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Instructions were given to provide guaranteed raw materials to manufacturers of household appliances, carpets and furniture, to provide assistance to enterprises that cannot operate at full capacity.

As you know, last year Uzbekistan joined the GSP+ system of preferences of the European Union. More than 6.2 thousand types of products can be exported to the European market duty-free. Along with this, the state provides subsidies for transportation costs up to 70 percent. However, Europe accounts for only 6 percent of textile exports, 3 percent of electrical goods, and 1 percent of silk and food products.

The head of state stressed the need to assist domestic enterprises in obtaining international certificates and entering the foreign market. The possibility of increasing the volume of industrial exports to Europe up to US$700 million next year was noted.

One of the largest branches of the local industry is the textile industry. In recent years, entrepreneurs of our country have mastered this direction well. However, some products are still imported.

Therefore, before the association "Uztogamychiliksanoat" the task is to localize at least 50 types of new products. For such projects, US$100 million will be allocated to commercial banks, and US$50 million to carpet production. The state compensates 70 percent of transportation costs for the export of fabrics and knitwear to European countries, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco.

In general, it was noted that it is necessary to develop the textile industry with new dynamics, next year a program will be adopted to export industry products worth more than US$5 billion.

Another important area is the production of building materials. The industry’s potential allows it to produce a wide range of goods and provide jobs for a large number of people. In this regard, the President took the initiative to develop an industrial mortgage program aimed at supporting such enterprises. At the first stage, US$50 million will be allocated for this, loans will be issued for 7 years with a two-year grace period.

In the city of Nukus, Bulakbashi, Karaulbazar, Farish, Chust, Pakhta, Saryasiya, Uzbekistan districts, industrial zones of building materials will be created, and in the city of Angren - a cluster of porcelain and sanitary ware.

The goal was set to bring exports in this industry to US$1 billion.

Our country is famous for its long tradition of furniture production. So, about 100 mahallas in Bukhara, Namangan, Samarkand, Andijan, Ferghana and Khorezm specialize in this. The President stressed the need to create furniture industry centers around these mahallas in order to expand conditions for artisans.

It was instructed to extend the validity of customs benefits for furniture manufacturers until 1 January 2024, to increase the number of projects in this area.

There are also ample opportunities in the jewelry business. Our country has a US$300 million market. This demand can easily be met by local jewelers. Therefore, to support them, starting from 1 December, a number of preferences will be established.

In particular, guarantees from any banks and the Export Promotion Agency will be accepted for deferred payment for gold and silver. This option will also be available to individual jewelers. The requirement for a license for the temporary import and export of raw materials required for jewelry will be abolished, and precious and decorative stones will be exempt from customs duties.

Particular attention at the meeting was paid to increasing exports.

- Next year we will expand export support. From now on, there will be a system in which subsidies to industries will be given depending on the volume of exports. Following today’s meeting, an additional US$300 million and 350 billion soums will be allocated for the development of regional industry. If the set goals are achieved, it will be possible to provide an additional US$2 billion in exports next year, the President said.

The participants analyzed measures to export goods of regional industry worth more than US$8 billion next year. The ambassadors of Uzbekistan were instructed to promote the attraction of modern technologies and investments from abroad.

On the issues discussed at the meeting, information was heard from the heads of industries and khokims.