Uzbekistan, Tashkent – Sokh District is set for a large-scale economic reintegration in the coming years, aimed at transforming the exclave into a modern tourism and agricultural center. During a presentation of socio-economic development plans to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, it was reported that the region intends to attract over $100 million in total investments, which will create thousands of new jobs and lift remaining families out of poverty.
The priority for 2026 will be the implementation of $40 million worth of projects in industry and agriculture, boosting the district's export potential to $15 million. Despite nearly 14,000 jobs being created in Sokh last year, unemployment (5.5%) and poverty (7.9%) rates remain above the national average. To address this, micro-projects will be launched in each of the 25 mahallas, and banks will allocate 64 billion soums in loans for vocational training and entrepreneurship development.
Key growth drivers identified include the tourism and services sectors, with $60 million planned for investment. Sokh's unique climate and natural environment will serve as a base for building recreational zones along the Sokh River and creating a first-of-its-kind medical cluster. This facility will combine physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and medical education services, aiming to attract both domestic and foreign tourists to the district.
To ensure sustainable development of the agricultural sector, modern irrigation technologies are planned, including the construction of an 8-kilometer gravity-fed network. This will enable the cultivation of 800 hectares of new land for fruit orchards and crops. Promising initiatives include saffron plantations in Chashma mahalla and fish farming development in Navabad, where up to 1,500 tons of trout per year are targeted for production. Concluding the meeting, the head of state emphasized that the ultimate outcome of all reforms must be a tangible improvement in Sokh's transport connectivity and a real increase in income for every resident of the district.
Source: podrobno.uz