An extended meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was held to discuss cotton harvesting, preparations for the autumn-winter season, fulfillment of investment and export targets, and the implementation of the nationwide “Yashil Makon” project.

The pace of harvesting and the issues observed in the regions were analyzed in detail during the discussion.

This year, cotton has been planted on 875,000 hectares, with contracts signed for the procurement of 3.7 million tons of raw cotton. More than 900 machines have been deployed for harvesting, and farmers have been provided with fuel and fertilizers at preferential prices.

At the same time, delays in the schedule have been observed in several regions. While results in Surkhandarya, Khorezm, Fergana, and Andijan regions were deemed satisfactory, the situation in Samarkand, Syrdarya, and Navoi remains unsatisfactory. The President instructed that a rapid-response headquarters be set up in problem districts to ensure high-quality harvesting and prompt solutions to issues of concern to farmers.

Relevant agencies were instructed to make timely settlements for the harvested cotton.

Separate attention was devoted to preparations for the autumn-winter season.

Across the country, of 640 schools and preschools, 125 remain unrepairs. Out of 9,800 apartment buildings, nearly 1,000 remain unprepared for the season. In Jizzakh and Surkhandarya regions, boiler house repairs are also unfinished. The Head of State demanded that all deficiencies be fully addressed within two weeks and that substations, power, and water supply networks be brought to readiness.

It was reported that, to date, 55,000 tons of coal have been delivered to the population, including 9,000 tons to 381 remote settlements. At the same time, 27,000 tons remain in storage. The President instructed ensuring their prompt delivery to residents, as well as guaranteeing the supply of 330,000 tons of liquefied gas to consumers during the winter period. It was emphasized that responsible officials will be held personally accountable for ensuring an uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity.

Matters concerning the implementation of the “Yashil Makon” program were reviewed separately. It was noted that out of the 137 million seedlings planted in the spring, 27.5 million dried up. The reason was the early onset of heat, which prevented the young trees from taking root, while requiring two to three times more water for irrigation. In this regard, the necessity of expanding autumn planting was emphasized: during the current season, 125 million trees and shrubs are to be planted, with an additional 75 million planned for the spring. At the same time, seedlings must not be grown in areas lacking irrigation systems.

The acceleration of urbanization processes necessitates the expansion of green zones in cities and regional centers. For the scientifically grounded development of cities in accordance with green standards, it was instructed, with the involvement of scientists, urbanists, and ecologists, to prepare green master plans for Tashkent, Nukus, and all regional centers within two months.

In the economic block of the meeting, it was noted that by the end of nine months, the volume of attracted foreign investment will reach $33.5 billion. From January to August, exports amounted to $23 billion, which is 31 percent higher than last year’s figure.

At the same time, growth in investment and exports was not observed across all regions, with certain provinces showing a decline in indicators. The President demanded that by the end of the year, an additional $7.3 billion worth of exports be ensured, while investments should be more actively attracted and access to new markets expanded.

It was emphasized that cooperation will be established with individual U.S. states. Each region will form partnerships with a specific state, enabling the expansion of direct contacts between local entrepreneurs and foreign partners.

Following the meeting, the President provided clear instructions to ensure the timely and complete implementation of the tasks assigned in all designated areas.

UzA