Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 28 January, a presentation was held at the Senate Council meeting, showcasing the experience of Koshrabad district in transforming into a poverty-free area, presented by sector leaders of the Samarkand region.

In recent years, new approaches have been implemented to further reduce poverty by addressing economic inequality between regions and focusing on the development of districts and cities based on their specific conditions, potential, and opportunities.

Since 2023, due to the introduction of a special support system for business entities in Koshrabad district, classified as a category 5 area, tax benefits amounting to 12.7 billion soums were granted in 2023-2024.

As a result, nearly 700 new business entities were established last year, bringing the total number to 2,100, and around 1,000 new jobs were created.

Under the investment program, 41 projects worth 35.4 million dollars were launched. Direct foreign investments of 23.6 million dollars were attracted, and export volume reached 3.5 million dollars. Industry grew by 109.5%, construction by 114.5%, services by 112.4%, and agriculture by 105.9%.

Preferential loans amounting to 54.2 billion soums and subsidies of 1.5 billion soums were allocated for poverty reduction and entrepreneurial projects in the mahallas. By adopting experiences from Saykhunabad, Uychi, Zarbdar, and Gijduvan districts, and launching an economic complex, 10 mahallas specialized in industry and agriculture, employing 1,200 residents.

As part of the "From Poverty to Prosperity" program, by the end of the year, 2,300 families (10,700 people) were lifted out of poverty, reducing the poverty rate from 16.2% to 7.9%.

During the discussion, senators reviewed the positive work done, but also focused on some issues related to socio-economic development, poverty reduction, and improving the welfare of the population, as well as untapped opportunities.

It was noted that in mahallas where small industrial zones were organized in 2021-2022, two out of three zones have not seen any projects implemented due to lack of necessary infrastructure. Four vacant properties in the district have not been sold, despite their initial prices being reduced and multiple auctions held. However, because the district belongs to category 5, the option was provided to pay for these properties in installments over five years.

Additionally, the "mahalla seven" decision has created opportunities for obtaining 30 types of subsidies, but only 3-4 types have been utilized so far. In 6 mahallas, no measures were taken to allocate subsidies to low-income families.

As of 1 January, the outstanding tax debts for individuals on property and land taxes increased by nearly 7.4% compared to the previous year.

During the meeting, senators made several proposals and recommendations for timely and effective implementation of the activities defined in the "From Poverty to Prosperity" program’s Action Plan.

To ensure guaranteed state medical care for members of low-income families, targeted medical assistance is provided to those suffering from severe illnesses, laptops are allocated to children from low-income families, large projects funded by business entities and foreign investments are assured of a steady power supply, and entrepreneurs are involved in the process of utilizing vacant government properties.

Recommendations were also made regarding monitoring the implementation of poverty reduction tasks by the commissions of the Samarkand regional Council and the Koshrabad district Council of People’s Deputies, as well as organizing discussions of this issue at council sessions and determining additional measures for underperforming areas.