Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Kumtepa youth small industrial zone in Uychi district of Namangan region.

The development of traditional crafts and professions in historical mahallas has become an important component of state policy to increase employment and income of the population. In mahallas such as Kumtepa, Dekhkon, Balandarik and Zhiydakapa, blacksmithing is actively developing.

In 2021, an industrial zone specializing in blacksmithing was created, with a provided infrastructure for craftsmen and artisans working from home. The complex, covering an area of three hectares, includes roads, energy supply, drinking water and sewerage.

At the first stage, 52 projects were implemented and more than 1,500 jobs were created. Craftsmen purchase raw materials from the Asia Metal Prof enterprise and the Tashkent Metallurgical Plant and produce various metal products, such as gates, doors, canopies and grilles.

The demand for these products is high, which allows entrepreneurs to open trading houses and manufacturing branches in other areas. Products are also exported in the amount of US$1.2 million to neighboring countries.

During the production process, energy-saving methods are actively introduced, and solar panels are also effectively used.

At the next stage, it is planned to implement another 45 projects on an area of two hectares, which will create another 1,330 new jobs.

The President gave instructions to those in charge on the effective use of the territory of the industrial zone, as well as encouraging young people and unemployed citizens to engage in crafts.

The tasks of reducing unemployment through work at the mahalla level were also discussed.

Based on the example of the experience of Saykhunabad, 788 makhallas of 14 districts of the region are assigned heads and responsible employees of economic organizations. They, together with the makhalla “seven”, studied the capabilities of 557 thousand households.

The President noted that it is necessary to establish a new system of helping the unemployed in extracting income from their plots, starting their own business and realizing their abilities.

The head of state also visited the Kumtepa mahalla center and got acquainted with the conditions created for the population.

About 5.2 thousand people live in this mahalla, whose households specialize in metal processing, agriculture and the provision of services.

This year, the mahalla has undergone significant changes for the better. A new building for the citizens’ gathering was built, all houses were connected to water supply, and internal roads and electrical networks were repaired. As part of the Yashil Makon program, fruit and ornamental trees were planted along the roads.

The mahalla also has a sewing workshop, a beauty salon, sports grounds, a medical center, a library, grocery stores and pharmacies.

In addition, an Entrepreneur Support Center was created in the new mahalla building, where the population and entrepreneurs can take advantage of some government services. The President approved this initiative, emphasizing the importance of resolving issues related to government bodies at the local level in the mahallas themselves.