Since the beginning of the year, Namangan has attracted $1.6bn in investment, though most has been concentrated in the city and central districts. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during a meeting on July 7, emphasized the need to expand investment to outlying areas such as Mingbulok, Naryn, Uychi, and Chartok.

The meeting reviewed the effectiveness of reforms in the Namangan region and the implementation of development projects. It followed a presidential resolution issued on December 2, 2024, which outlined major socio-economic goals, including attracting $4.2bn in investment, reaching $1bn in exports, creating 323,000 new jobs, and lifting 55,000 families out of poverty.

A key driver of the region’s economy is small business and entrepreneurship, which supports 82% of the working-age population. However, the president noted that greater attention is needed to boost exports and economic potential in remote districts.

Namangan is also seeing strong performance in agriculture. In Yangikurgan district, income per hectare has exceeded $20,000. To fully tap into such opportunities, the government is implementing administrative and economic reforms across the region. 

A newly established “Reforms Headquarters,” comprising local experts, entrepreneurs, and foreign specialists, has helped develop an additional $1bn worth of projects.

These new initiatives are expected to create 12,000 jobs, generate UZS 200bn ($15.9mn) in budget revenue, and contribute $160mn in exports. Among the projects are household-based fish farming in Naryn and duck breeding in Mingbulok—aimed at both job creation and increasing food supplies. The president proposed replicating these practices in other regions.

Currently, Namangan has 55,000 unemployed residents and 44,000 low-income families. The president instructed officials to expand professional training, support household incomes, and strengthen social support systems. He also emphasized the importance of turning neighborhoods into safe, crime-free communities.