Tens of thousands of jobs planned to be created in Tashkent through district specialization

This year, the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, plans to attract $9 billion in investments across 12 districts. However, during a video selection meeting, the president noted the need to strengthen efforts to attract these funds.

A new regulation is being introduced to resolve investors' issues more quickly: responsible leaders at both republican and city levels will visit districts weekly to meet with businessmen. Proposals on complex issues can be submitted to the Presidential Administration on the same day.

For next year, the goal is set to increase attracted investments to $10 billion and create between 150,000 and 200,000 permanent, high-paying jobs.

Development of Streets and Mahallas

Significant attention during the meeting was paid to the comprehensive development of streets and mahallas, using Olmazar district as an example. Since the beginning of the year, nine streets in this district have been transformed into zones attractive to tourism and business. Among them is the 'Kichikrik' mahalla, where a kindergarten for 450 children, sports grounds, an alley, fountains, an amphitheater, and pedestrian paths were built, improving living conditions for 5,500 residents.

This successful experience is planned to be scaled up to eight more streets in Olmazar district, as well as three to four streets in each of the remaining eleven districts of the capital.

A budget of 1 trillion soms has been allocated for the complete renovation of 100 Tashkent streets. Additionally, a four-year program for the improvement of 400 mahallas, modeled after the 'Kichikrik' mahalla, is being developed, costing 10 trillion soms. All planned changes must be discussed in local kengashs and be accessible to the population.

Other Directions of Capital Development

Issues regarding the improvement of the city's historical part and more effective use of state property were also discussed during the meeting. By November 1st, a unified concept and a portfolio of projects concerning the comprehensive development of the Old City must be created with the participation of foreign companies.

Furthermore, leaders were instructed to conduct a full inventory of 497 administrative buildings of state institutions, covering a total area of 765,000 square meters. The goal of this inventory is to transfer inefficiently used premises to entrepreneurs for long-term lease for trade, service, private medicine, and education purposes.

A new cultural center, the Center for Contemporary Art (CCA Tashkent), is operational in Tashkent. It is located in the building of a former diesel power plant, constructed in 1912, and is conceived as a multifunctional cultural institution. This center aims to be a gathering place for artists, creative industry specialists, curators, architects, and the general public, providing a platform for dialogue and the realization of new artistic concepts.

A distinctive feature of the project is the preservation of the historical building while integrating modern cultural functions into it. The choice of this location is due to the history of the area, where there has always been active public life, and it was important for the project creators to maintain this dynamic by transforming it into a sphere of creative experimentation.

The architects viewed the power plant as an independent participant in the process. Initially, the building was in a difficult condition: it was gloomy, abandoned, and smelled of diesel fuel. Nevertheless, despite its external decay, it possessed a distinct architectural character. The monumentality of the abandoned power plant defined the main task—to adapt it to new needs while minimizing damage to its original individuality.

The deeper the architectural studio Studio KO studied the features of the building during the architectural transformation, the more ideas emerged. The layout and distribution of various zones depended on existing elements, which can be interpreted as the building itself offering solutions that needed to be recognized. This method allowed for the harmonious combination of historical heritage with contemporary content.

The result is a space that combines the characteristics of a museum and an exhibition hall, but the concept of the Center foresees a much broader range of activities. Exhibitions, discussions, and meetings will be held here, all aimed at strengthening interaction between artists and viewers.

The chief curator of CCA Tashkent, Dr. Sara Raza, emphasized that the center should serve as a place where artists can not only display their work but also actively work and exchange experiences with the audience. She specified that the program should not be limited exclusively to exhibitions; the goal is to create a living, constantly evolving space that grows with artists, visitors, and the entire professional community.

Furthermore, the project aims to increase the recognition of contemporary art within the country and provide local artistic collectives with opportunities to interact with the international professional community.

The Center for Contemporary Art began its operations with an exhibition titled 'Hikmah'. This name comes from the Arabic word hikmah, meaning 'wisdom', and brings together works by contemporary artists. Participants in the exhibition include Mukhannad Shono, Nari Ward, Shohrukh Rakhimov, Tarik Kisvanson, Kimsuja, Ali Sherri, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Vladimir Pan, Daribay, and Bakhtiyar Saipov. Their works explore the connection between local traditions, spiritual heritage, and modern artistic methods, presenting their vision to the viewer. The exhibition also includes a sound installation created by Sabina Inoyatova.

Dr. Sara Raza added that the 'Hikmah' exhibition is dedicated to studying new points of intersection between traditions, material culture, and contemporary artistic practices. By bringing together authors from different countries, she offers a new perspective on the concept of wisdom as a process of constant reflection on culture, art, and memory.

In conclusion, the activities of CCA Tashkent are focused on supporting artists from Uzbekistan, strengthening international cooperation, and introducing the local audience to the creativity of world masters. Concurrently, the center will promote Uzbek artists on the global stage, opening up prospects for them for research, collaboration, and participation in global art projects. For Tashkent, this marks the emergence of a new cultural attraction where art, architecture, social life, and international cultural exchange converge.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev voiced an ambitious goal: to transform Uzbekistan into a global hub for advanced technologies and innovations. This statement was made during a solemn event dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the country's independence.

According to information provided by the head of state's press service, Mirziyoyev emphasized that the country's development critically depends on science, modern technologies, and innovative developments. As part of the set tasks, it is planned to involve ten million young citizens in working in the digital industry and mastering future professions.

Furthermore, the president mentioned the upcoming launch of the Samarkand-2028 satellite, which will be carried out in cooperation with partners from China. He stressed that Uzbekistan should become a platform offering advanced technological solutions to the world, and the Uzbek language should form the basis for creating knowledge and technologies in the digital environment.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also recalled that Uzbekistan's state independence was achieved in 1991 thanks to the determination and will of its people. At the same time, he noted that the origins of the country's independence trace back to the history of statehood and ancient civilization more than three thousand years ago.