Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- During his visit to the Andijan Industrial Hub, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev became acquainted with an exhibition of furniture produced in the region.

There are 377 furniture enterprises in Andijan region. Over the past five years, 84 investment projects worth US$35 million have been implemented in this direction, and more than 3 thousand jobs have been created. The volume of furniture production increased 15 times compared to 2016.

Various benefits on taxes and customs duties have been introduced for furniture manufacturers. Export costs and wages of specialists attracted from abroad are partially compensated, which becomes an excellent incentive for industry representatives.

Today, furniture worth 300 billion soums is produced annually, and it is also exported to the countries of the region.

The President spoke with the founders of enterprises.

“One of the most important achievements of past years has been changing the consciousness of our entrepreneurs and strengthening their confidence. Today, they are competitive and are entering the global market. They started their activities from a simple place, from a mahalla. Others can do this too”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

Measures to support entrepreneurship and ensure employment were also discussed here.

In Andijan region, 41 mahallas specialize in furniture production.

For example, in the “Ijtimoyat” mahalla of Oltinkul district, furniture is produced in 490 households based on cooperation. In addition, there are many self-employed artisans and individual entrepreneurs. Thousands of young people are learning a trade based on the master-apprentice tradition.

Therefore, measures are being taken in the region to develop further furniture production. 2 industrial zones specializing in furniture production are being created in Andijan and Oltinkul.

The President emphasized the need to study the capabilities of the region’s 909 mahallas based on this experience and their specialization in highly profitable activities. The state will provide infrastructure, material, and organizational support for this. The goal is to transform Andijan into a region without poverty and unemployment.