Ongoing Efforts and Priority Tasks in Housing Construction and Urbanization Discussed
Uzbekistan
On April 14, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a video-selector meeting focused on the current state and development priorities of the housing construction and urbanization sectors. Over 500 industry representatives, including entrepreneurs, builders, architects, and designers, participated in the discussion.
The Head of State emphasized the strategic role of the construction sector in the economy: every dollar invested generates up to $2–3 in additional growth, and one job created in construction leads to up to five new jobs in related industries. Over the past nine years, nearly 10,000 construction companies have been established in the country, significantly increasing the volume of work and employment in the sector.
However, systemic challenges were also noted. Despite the simplification of procedures, entrepreneurs continue to face bureaucratic hurdles and delays at the commencement stage of construction. More than a third of applications in the construction sector are rejected, often due to excessive requirements and poor coordination between government agencies.
Special attention was paid to urbanization development. The country's population has exceeded 38 million, with the urbanization level reaching 51%. The need for a unified approach to sustainable urban development was underscored. In this regard, the President ordered the acceleration of master plan development for cities and settlements and the implementation of an online land privatization application system that processes requests within 5–10 minutes without human intervention.
The practice of inefficient land use was criticized: construction has yet to begin on a significant portion of sold land plots. The responsibility of hokims (governors) for the privatization of facilities, investment attraction, and job creation has been strengthened.
Digitalization was identified as a key direction for the industry. Starting July 1, a unified system for applying for permits and technical specifications for utility connections is planned for implementation. This will significantly reduce approval times and lower administrative barriers.
The quality of construction was addressed separately. Last year, hundreds of thousands of violations were identified. Consequently, a KPI-based performance evaluation system for clients is being introduced, specialists' wages are being increased, and liability for violations is being toughened for both contractors and oversight services.
The need for more active participation of domestic companies in projects funded by international financial organizations was highlighted. Currently, projects worth over $20 billion are being implemented in this sphere.
Providing the population with housing remains a central focus. This year, it is planned to commission 140,000 apartments, including 34,000 within the "Yangi O‘zbekiston" (New Uzbekistan) residential blocks. The expansion of residential areas will only be permitted if there is a high occupancy rate in previously built housing.
Furthermore, attention was given to personnel training and the development of a creative environment. Plans include establishing a creative park for architects and urban planners in Tashkent, as well as launching a new university and technical college specializing in urbanization, cadastre, and geodesy.
Following the meeting, the President heard reports from industry leaders and proposals from entrepreneurs, tasking officials to accelerate reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and the quality of construction across the country.
However, systemic challenges were also noted. Despite the simplification of procedures, entrepreneurs continue to face bureaucratic hurdles and delays at the commencement stage of construction. More than a third of applications in the construction sector are rejected, often due to excessive requirements and poor coordination between government agencies.
Special attention was paid to urbanization development. The country's population has exceeded 38 million, with the urbanization level reaching 51%. The need for a unified approach to sustainable urban development was underscored. In this regard, the President ordered the acceleration of master plan development for cities and settlements and the implementation of an online land privatization application system that processes requests within 5–10 minutes without human intervention.
The practice of inefficient land use was criticized: construction has yet to begin on a significant portion of sold land plots. The responsibility of hokims (governors) for the privatization of facilities, investment attraction, and job creation has been strengthened.
Digitalization was identified as a key direction for the industry. Starting July 1, a unified system for applying for permits and technical specifications for utility connections is planned for implementation. This will significantly reduce approval times and lower administrative barriers.
The quality of construction was addressed separately. Last year, hundreds of thousands of violations were identified. Consequently, a KPI-based performance evaluation system for clients is being introduced, specialists' wages are being increased, and liability for violations is being toughened for both contractors and oversight services.
The need for more active participation of domestic companies in projects funded by international financial organizations was highlighted. Currently, projects worth over $20 billion are being implemented in this sphere.
Providing the population with housing remains a central focus. This year, it is planned to commission 140,000 apartments, including 34,000 within the "Yangi O‘zbekiston" (New Uzbekistan) residential blocks. The expansion of residential areas will only be permitted if there is a high occupancy rate in previously built housing.
Furthermore, attention was given to personnel training and the development of a creative environment. Plans include establishing a creative park for architects and urban planners in Tashkent, as well as launching a new university and technical college specializing in urbanization, cadastre, and geodesy.
Following the meeting, the President heard reports from industry leaders and proposals from entrepreneurs, tasking officials to accelerate reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and the quality of construction across the country.
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