Uzbekistan: approved the procedure for implementing driver projects to stimulate economic growth in the regions

Resolution No. 495 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated August 5, 2025 approved a new Regulation regulating the procedure for forming and implementing so — called driver projects-initiatives aimed at accelerating the development of the economy at the level of districts and cities. The document sets out a mechanism for selecting, approving, financing and monitoring the implementation of projects that should become engines of local economic growth.

The key areas of driver projects are defined as industry, services and agriculture. In the industrial block, priority is given to the creation of micro-industrial centers, the active use of idle production facilities, the launch of processing plants on empty land and in unused buildings, as well as the modernization of the logistics infrastructure of the agro-industrial sector.

In the service sector, projects focus on the development of roadside trade, the creation of tourist and recreational facilities in coastal areas, the organization of modern shopping streets and centers in densely populated areas, the reconstruction of parks and green areas, the expansion of existing markets and the construction of new trading platforms.

In agriculture, driver projects include the development of rental land infrastructure, the development of abandoned plots, increasing the level of water supply, the introduction of intensive orchards and vineyards, the creation of cooperatives, the development of livestock, fishing and greenhouse complexes.

Formation and submission of projects are carried out by khokims of districts and cities annually until November 1. After preliminary approval at the regional level, proposals are sent to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, where a detailed review of the initiatives is carried out within 15 working days with a field visit. Projects that have received a positive rating are subject to competitive procedures for selecting a general contractor and are implemented in accordance with the approved plan. Acceptance of objects into operation is executed by an act signed by the relevant khokimiyat.

The new project management model is aimed at a comprehensive transformation of territories by launching cost-effective and investment-attractive initiatives. The implementation of driver projects will accelerate the development of industrial, service and agricultural clusters, increase employment and incomes of the population, and strengthen coordination between local and central authorities in the field of socio-economic planning.