DUSHANBE, August 1, 2008, Asia-Plus - The meeting of the board held in the khokimiat (city hall) of Tashkent was devoted to the performance of the tasks outlined in the report of the President Islam Karimov delivered during the Cabinet of Ministers meeting on February 8.

The members of the board discussed the results of the socio-economic development of the capital in the first half of this year and additional measures that need to be taken to meet the priority targets of the reforms scheduled for 2008.

The Mayor of the city of Tashkent A. Tuhtaev presided at the meeting. Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan E. Shoismatov participated and spoke at the meeting. It was noted that positive trends were sustained during the reporting period in all main spheres of the real sector of the economy, and the gross regional product growth made up 16.3%. Production of industrial goods increased by 40.6%, the volume of subcontractor construction works - by 4.2%, retail trade- by 13.6%, and the services provided - by 24.2%.

The services sphere plays an especially important role in ensuring high rates of economic growth. The quality and range of modern services provided are constantly increased. The development of the sphere is assisted by constant support on the part of small businesses and private entrepreneurs.