Ferghana Valley GRP Reaches Almost $20 Bn

The gross regional product (GRP) of Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley has almost quadrupled in the past eight years, rising from $7.9 bn to $19.8 bn according to Obid Khakimov, Director of the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR). He made the statement during the inaugural Fergana Peace Forum.

Khakimov noted that the region now contributes 17.2% of Uzbekistan’s total GDP. Despite a 15% population increase, per capita output has grown by 37%. Exports have expanded 2.4 times to $2.7 bn, while trade with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has tripled to $1.6 bn.

Investment inflows have been substantial: between 2017 and 2024, projects worth $31.2 bn were implemented, creating over 975,000 jobs and reducing poverty from 13.9% to 8.6%.

The Kokand Free Economic Zone has been expanded by 210 hectares, with plans to attract $1 bn in new investment and generate 12,000 jobs. Airports and cargo hubs in Namangan and Andijan are undergoing modernisation, while new tourism clusters are being developed across the valley.

To further accelerate growth, Khakimov proposed simplifying border procedures, introducing «green corridors,» and establishing joint industrial and agro-processing clusters.

He stressed that sustainable progress depends on systemic cooperation between Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Kursiv also reports that Bukhara region is set to launch 21 major investment projects worth $1.7 bn, expected to create 32,000 jobs and generate $180 mln in annual export potential.