FEZ management to be transferred to private sector

The functions of the state in managing free economic zones and improving territories are planned to be transferred to the private sector, the press service of the head of state reports.

Last year, six airlines were created, 28 new aircraft were purchased, and the private sector, Air Samarkand, was attracted to Samarkand International Airport.

The President instructed to accelerate the transformation of Uzbekistan Airports and Uzbekistan Airways, as well as transfer the airports to the private sector.

In the next seven years, the number of cities and districts with a population of more than 300 thousand people will reach 28. However, due to the lack of general plans, some cities and towns are expanding only by increasing their area, which leads to increased infrastructure costs and a decrease in agricultural land. This highlights the importance of developing a law and concept for urbanization.

In the areas of road construction, drinking water supply, education and medicine, it was proposed to define clear rules for public-private partnerships and formulate a program of PPP projects together with heads of industries and regions.

Against the backdrop of a growing population and enterprises, electricity consumption will increase by at least 1.5 times in the coming years.

This year, 122 major investment projects totaling $50 billion will begin, underscoring the need for stable energy supplies and reductions in energy consumption in some industries.

Outdated approaches in agriculture require specific solutions to increase yields, reduce costs and introduce innovation.

“In 2024, we should complete all processes of building the foundation of a market economy and in 2025 – bring the national economy to a completely new level of quality,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev concluded.

In January, the president announced the transfer to foreign companies of 240 hectares in special industrial zones in Bukhara, Navoi and Tashkent regions for outsourcing. Khokims are prohibited from proposing expansion of the FEZ if all available land is not used.