On April 24, president Shavkat Mirziyoyev convened a meeting with regional governors and industry heads, demanding concrete results on key economic indicators and warning officials of their personal accountability for meeting these targets.
In a departure from the usual format where regional leaders participate via video link, the "Uzbekistan 24" TV channel reported that governors and sector chiefs were summoned to the capital to attend in person.
Shuhrat Abdurakhmanov, the governor of Andijan province, noted that the meeting’s format was changed to ensure direct, personal reporting to the president. According to the report, nearly every major industry leader was present in the hall, required to provide not just raw data, but clear mechanisms for achieving their goals.
A striking detail of the meeting was the stack of documents on the president’s desk: "letters of guarantee." In these signed pledges, the Chairman of the Jokargy Kenes of Karakalpakstan, as well as the governors of all provinces and Tashkent city, committed to fulfilling specific objectives within the next six months and by the end of the year.
The president issued a stern warning against complacency, noting that while he is currently giving officials a chance to prove themselves and rectify past shortcomings, they must deliver.
During the meeting, governors were tasked with delivering results across a broad spectrum of sectors—ranging from energy, transport, tourism, and industry to investment, inflation control, and the stabilization of consumer basket prices.
Botir Zaripov, the governor of Bukhara province, announced that his province has committed to specific targets for key performance indicators:
"In the second quarter, we plan to attract $650 million in foreign investment and ensure that provincial exports reach $200 million," he stated. He added that a primary focus would be placed on boosting food production, specifically for staples like potatoes and meat.
Khayrulla Bozorov, the governor of Fergana province, noted that economic resilience has become the top priority amidst current global challenges. According to Bozorov, Fergana aims to scale its exports to $2 billion by tapping into new international markets and enhancing transport and logistics networks to foster a more favorable climate for businesses and investors.
President Mirziyoyev revealed that Uzbekistan’s economy grew by 8.7% in the first quarter—a record high. Economist Mirkomil Kholboyev pointed out that since the new reform era began, first-quarter growth has never previously exceeded 7%. Despite these figures, the president offered a sharp critique: "There are those who simply collect a paycheck without doing the work—people just 'along for the ride.'"
Furthermore, Shavkat Mirziyoyev warned that economic growth will have no tangible benefit for citizens or businesses if inflation continues to accelerate. He ordered officials to keep price increases within a 6.5% limit by boosting the supply of local products, expanding meat imports, and fixing logistical bottlenecks.
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