The rapid development of Uzbekistan’s regions has become a central pillar of the country’s economic transformation agenda. A standout example of this regional strategy is the Urgut district of the Samarkand region, which has recently emerged as a focal point for industrial expansion, job creation, and foreign investment. Anchored by the Urgut Free Economic Zone (FEZ), established in 2017, the district is steadily transforming from a historically entrepreneurial area into a large-scale industrial and export-oriented hub with increasing international visibility.

This economic reform demonstrates a broader state policy aimed at decentralizing economic growth, expanding regional production chains, and ensuring steady employment for a rapidly growing population. Urgut, with its demographic scale, geographic advantages, and long-standing culture of private enterprise, has served as a natural testing ground for these ambitious goals.

Demography, Geography, and Entrepreneurial Heritage Urgut is the most populous district in Uzbekistan. Home to over 560,000 residents, its population size surpasses several entire regions within the country. The district shares borders with Tajikistan, the Kashkadarya region, and the Toyloq, Samarkand, and Bulungur districts, positioning........

© Eurasia Review