2026 has been declared the “Year of Accelerated Development of the Capital and Growth of Population Incomes”

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on April 16 to ensure high economic growth rates, fully utilize existing reserves, and further expand favorable conditions for entrepreneurship in the city of Tashkent, according to the Dunyo News Agency.

According to the press service of the head of state, it was noted during the meeting that the current global situation and changes in foreign markets may negatively affect export chains and product delivery timelines. In such circumstances, identifying and promptly mobilizing additional reserves becomes a priority task.

It was emphasized that the capital holds a special place in the national economy. Currently, the city of Tashkent accounts for 21 percent of the gross domestic product. The current year has been declared the “Year of Accelerated Development of the Capital and Income Growth of the Population,” with ambitious targets set to ensure 12 percent economic growth in the city, achieve exports of $3.6 billion, attract $9 billion in investments, and provide employment for 616,000 people.

In this regard, it was noted that the city hokim, his 12 deputies, and the hokims of the 12 districts must organize proactive efforts to offset possible slowdowns in industry, exports, investment, and tourism. The President emphasized that the capital has sufficient labor resources and financial capacity to achieve these goals.

It was also noted that this year, based on a new approach, the city’s 12 districts will be specialized in specific industries or services.

In particular, Bektemir district will focus on the chemical industry and wholesale trade; Mirzo-Ulugbek district on cable production, science, education, and IT; Mirabad district on the food industry, tourism, and public catering; Uchtepa district on jewelry, consumer services, and retail trade; Chilanzar district on pharmaceuticals, trade, services, and sports; Shaykhantakhur district on furniture production and gastronomic tourism; Yunusabad district on the paper industry and tourism; Yashnabad district on electrical engineering and transport-logistics; Yakkasaray district on light industry and financial services; Yangihayot district on automotive manufacturing and logistics; Almazar district on construction materials production and education; and Sergeli district on metallurgy, logistics, and car services.

It was reported that over the past two weeks, more than 23,000 entrepreneurs were engaged in meetings in Tashkent to develop unconventional proposals, during which over 1,300 issues were identified and 162 new proposals and initiatives were received. It was stressed that none of the issues raised should remain unaddressed.

A new experience is planned in the capital through the introduction of a special investment and business environment. This includes delegating authority to issue permits and licenses from central ministries to their territorial divisions, introducing new approaches to support exporting enterprises, creating a system for оперативное resolution of entrepreneurs’ logistical issues, and developing new preferential financing mechanisms to provide working capital and expand businesses.

It was proposed to establish a separate Coordination Council for the prompt resolution of entrepreneurs’ issues and proposals. Its tasks will include developing districts based on key driver sectors, continuous monitoring of economic and social conditions, identifying growth points and unused reserves, eliminating systemic barriers, and shaping, financing, and implementing ideas and initiatives.

Overall, the task has been set to mobilize all opportunities and additionally ensure production worth 88 trillion soums, exports of $4.9 billion, attraction of $5 billion in investments, budget revenues of 2.9 trillion soums, and the creation of 65,500 high-income and permanent jobs.

It was also proposed to issue municipal eurobonds to attract an additional $500 million to Tashkent this year.

Instructions were given to approve a program to expand localization and cooperation by linking entrepreneurs in the capital with large industrial enterprises in the Tashkent, Navoi, Kashkadarya, Andijan, Bukhara, and Fergana regions.

The need was also noted to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Tashkent’s economy in the future and to develop its development strategy with the involvement of major international consulting companies.