ТASHKENT, October 21. /Dunyo IA/. Today, during his visit to Kashkadarya region, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in a ceremony marking the commissioning of new projects and the start of construction on a number of facilities, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the press service of the Head of our State, Leader of Uzbekistan noted that over the past five years, 20 trillion soums have been allocated to the region and $7 billion in foreign investment has been attracted. Thousands of projects involving the deep processing of raw materials have been launched, while per capita income has tripled.

“Now it is necessary to deeply process products grown within the region itself and create conditions for local people to earn decent incomes,” the President said.

To this end, 161 projects worth more than $6 billion have been prepared. At the ceremony, 69 projects were commissioned, while construction began on another 92 facilities.

Around 7,000 permanent jobs are being created at the 28 industrial enterprises being commissioned. The Italian brand Cotonella is establishing production with an annual capacity of 8.5 million finished knitwear items. Another 14 textile projects are being launched in Koson, Mirishkor and Kasbi districts and are expected to create 18,000 jobs.

New capacity is also being created for processing agricultural products. Wosune Food Ingredients Karshi, established with the participation of US partners, will process 100,000 tons of fruit and vegetables grown on 3,500 hectares. Products worth $40 million are expected to be supplied to international brands such as Nestlé and Purina. Investors from Egypt and Pakistan are beginning to develop 24,000 hectares in Nishan and Guzar districts for potato farming and livestock projects.

“The green economy will become a solid foundation for the region’s development,” the Head of State emphasized.

Three hydropower plants with a total capacity of 24 megawatts have been commissioned on the Aksu River. In Karshi district, a $150 million waste-to-energy plant involving the Chinese company Shanghai SUS is scheduled to be commissioned by the end of the year. Nine small hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 58 megawatts will be built in Kitab, Yakkabag and Shakhrisabz districts.

In Kitab district, a gold mining project is being launched in cooperation with Azerbaijani partners. In Shakhrisabz district, a $300 million complex comprising a cable car, hotel and ski resort is planned in partnership with Russian investors.

President thanked foreign partners and investors for investing in the region and introducing new technologies and innovations. He also heard their proposals.

“2027 will be a year of Kashkadarya’s development based on modern industry and agrotechnologies”, Head of State said.

President then pressed a symbolic button to commission the new projects and launch construction of the following facilities.