OREANDA-NEWS. On August 25, 2009 President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov visited Surkhandarya region to familiarize himself with the socioeconomic reforms here, reported the Official website gov.uz.

Like throughout the country, large-scale reforms are being carried out in Surkhandarya region. The infrastructure of the cities and villages is being improved, modern enterprises, educational and medical institutions are built, parks and gardens are created, and wide roads are laid.

In the first half of this year, the growth of gross regional product amounted to 9.1%. The stable growth of industrial production, consumer goods and provision of services was ensured.

Surkhandarya has become one of the industrially developed regions of the country. The volume of exports of products and services is growing. Technical and technological re-equipment and modernization of industrial enterprises is continuing.

In accordance with anti-crisis program of Uzbekistan, exporting companies are provided with support, which ensures their stable operation and growth of export potential in the conditions of the global financial crisis.

In the region, great attention is paid to the development of transport infrastructure. The program of development of roads for 2007-2010 has helped ensure reliable transport communications.

One example of the tremendous work carried out here is the railway line Tashguzar-Baysun-Kumkurgan, which was completed in 2007. On the eve of 18th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan, the movement of passenger trains was launched on this line.

During his visit, President Islam Karimov visited the new building of the Termez State University, which was raised in a relatively short period of time.

The head of the state got acquainted with the work carried out here, conditions created for students and professors, and talked with students and teachers of the university.

“We must create all conditions so that the region’s young people could fully realize their potential,” Islam Karimov said.

30 specialties are taught at 10 faculties of the Termez State University to over 7,800 students. They are taught by 500 professors and teachers. This year, the number of the graduates of the educational institution made up 1,860.

The university has three hostels, a sanatorium, an information resource center, and computer and language training centers.

The institution, among others, teaches in such areas as archeology and ethnography. As the President noted, the university is unique in this respect.

Islam Karimov noted that the Surkhan oasis had rich archaeological and ethnographic values, which should be widely promoted internationally.

The new building is fully equipped with modern training equipment and facilities used in the educational process.

Then Islam Karimov visited Hakim Termizi memorial complex. The memorial, where the ashes of the great thinker are kept, was erected at the end of the 9th to the beginning of the 10th centuries.

Hakim Termizi made an enormous contribution to the development of the Islamic culture. His scientific and spiritual heritage is thoroughly examined. In the years of independence the complex was completely renovated. The Meros museum created here promotes national values and traditions.

The head of the state also visited the fields of the farm Asadbek Davlatov in Termez district.

This year, the farm grew grain on the area of 31.8 hectares, and each hectare brought 72.6 centners of harvest. On 47.7 hectares, cotton of Namangan-77 sort is cultivated.

“August is a crucial month in the accumulation of cotton crop,” Islam Karimov said. “Despite the fact that rainy spring caused problems for cotton growers, our farmers have overcome the difficulties with their hard work and are to receive the planned harvest.”

In accordance with the state program Year of Rural Development and Improvement, significant work is carried out to develop modern infrastructure and improving the living standards of the villagers. Since the beginning of this year, 19.1 km of gas pipelines and 139.6 km of water pipes were laid in the villages of Surkhandarya. Besides, 328,400 square meters of housing were built in the region.