President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a video conference meeting on April 24 to analyze economic growth in regions and sectors during the first quarter and outline priority tasks until year-end.

Gross domestic product grew by 8.7%, industry by 8%, services by 16.1%, and agriculture by 5.1%. Annual inflation fell to 7.1% for the first time.

Budget revenues in January-March rose by 35% to 103 trillion soums, with 1.4 trillion soums remaining at the disposal of districts and cities.

The president stressed that complacency is unacceptable given the results, urging all officials to radically change their working methods amid global tensions.

Some 140 trillion soums are being channeled through banks to small and medium businesses. However, in Uchkuprik, Pskent, Bostanlyk, Karmana, and Kurgan-tepa districts, every 1 billion soums in credit creates only 3 jobs on average.

Authorities were instructed to train district bank employees in artificial intelligence and launch an “AI Consultant” platform.

In Guzar, Narpay, Urgench, Yangiyul, and Chinaz districts, projects worth 262 billion soums allocated for business infrastructure have not started. Regional governors were tasked with reviewing the suitability of such officials.

The president noted that rising inflation would prevent the population and entrepreneurs from feeling positive changes. Governors were tasked with keeping inflation at 6.5%.

To ensure food security, 45,000 tons of meat must be imported in the second quarter, and 130,000 tons by year-end.

Thirteen districts failed to meet industrial targets, and their governors will face disciplinary measures.

Exports in Naryn, Kasbi, Sherabad, Yazyavan, and Denau districts more than halved. If growth is not achieved by mid-year, strict conclusions will be drawn.

The goal for this year is to attract $53 billion in foreign investment. The president emphasized that investments will be quality only with proper project and investor selection.

Source: kun.uz