Akmaljon Mahmudaliev. Photo courtesy of Syrdarya Regional Hokimiyat Press Service
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has dismissed Akmaljon Mahmudaliev, the hokim (governor) of Syrdarya Region, for significant shortcomings in attracting investments to the region, as well as in developing agriculture and other sectors. The announcement was made during a meeting on economic and investment policy.
The president also issued warnings to the leaders of 16 cities and districts where the volume of attracted investments failed to reach $15 million. According to Mirziyoyev, these officials have neglected the economic development of their respective territories.
In response, a new control system will be introduced. The Prime Minister has been tasked with approving a 2025 plan to attract $42 billion in foreign investments. This forecast will serve as the basis for a monthly schedule of fund inflows. Hokims of regions, cities, and districts will be required to dedicate two days a week to meeting investment targets.
The president outlined specific goals for local authorities. For districts that have significantly increased foreign investments, such as those reaching $100 million, the target will now be to double the figure to $200 million by year-end. In districts where investments are below $40 million, the government will set a target of $100 million.
“Enhancing the efficiency of every dollar of investment must become the primary objective for regional and sectoral leaders,” Mirziyoyev emphasized.
He also noted delays in the release of equipment stored in customs warehouses, urging authorities to expedite the process of delivering machinery to Uzbek entrepreneurs.
Mirziyoyev criticized several state companies and economic sectors. For example:
The textile industry fell short of its investment plan by $17 million.
Investments in Uztransgaz and Uzmetkombinat were halved.
Uzsuvta’minot saw a 20% reduction in funding.
Leaders of these organizations were warned that if they fail to address these issues by the first quarter of 2025, severe consequences will follow.
The president also highlighted the underperformance of several ministries, including agriculture, construction, transport, culture, ecology, sports, healthcare, digital technologies, and education at all levels. These ministries failed to meet their grant provision targets.
Officials overseeing partnerships with certain countries were also criticized. Despite strong potential, nations like France, Japan, Italy, Hungary, Malaysia, and Spain have yet to exceed $100 million in investments in Uzbek projects.
However, the meeting also highlighted positive developments. Mirziyoyev noted that in 2024:
Uzbekistan’s GDP grew by 6.5%, reaching $115 billion.
Foreign investments increased 1.6 times, totaling nearly $35 billion.
The country launched 242 major and medium-sized projects worth $10 billion.
Exports reached $27 billion.
The number of districts attracting over $100 million in investments rose to 50, compared to just 11 in 2023. Additionally, foreign investment plans in sectors such as mining, oil and gas, chemicals, and agriculture were exceeded by more than double.
