On May 1 this year, Rishtan district of Fergana region hosted a foundation stone ceremony for the construction of a specialized Pottery Center.

Rishtan district located along the ancient Silk Road has always been famous for its ceramics and was the center of its production in Central Asia. The traditions of national ceramics continue their dynamic development and are passed down through generations. Presently, more than 20 senior craftsmen, as well as about 7 thousand of their students live and work in Rishtan. They involve for 30 to 50 families to work. Local residents are engaged in painting finished products: from household utensils to art ceramics. Thus, broad population has jobs and stable earnings with no significant investments based on the unique traditions and skills of the Rishtan potters.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan S. Umurzakov, Khokim of Fergana region Sh. Ganiyev, top officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognized craftsmen of the Rishtan School of Pottery, the administration of the Rishtan region, local elders and residents visited the Opening Ceremony. The established Center will commence the new stage in the further development of traditions of Rishtan masters. It will include art studios, exhibition galleries, hotels, foodservice outlets and other necessary infrastructure.

This complex will also be a key coordinating link for the implementation of a separate investment program focused at distribution of the successful experience of Rishtan artisans to other regions of the country. The program involves implementation of 59 pottery projects in all regions and cities of the Republic, which will provide employment for 75-80 thousand residents of various regions, as well as significantly increase export potential, since more than half of the Rishtan unique pottery products are sold to foreign market.

The popularization of experience and skills of Rishtan region pottery production in other regions of the Republic involves a certain schedule. Experienced Rishtan craftsmen will use it to visit pottery enterprises established as part of the investment program, arrange production processes and train young specialists. Uzpromstroybank JSC will coordinate and finance projects within the launched program.

Besides, there are other specific spheres in Fergana region. They are marked by possible attraction of local population to work at home, and provide increase of export potential. In view of this, there were 3 additional investment programs launched: program involving viticulture experience of Altyary region, pomegranates growing program, as well as fruit and ornamental trees growing program based on the experience of Kuva region. Each of implemented program defines specific locations, initiators and deadlines. The Asaka Bank JSC, the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activities of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Ipoteka Bank JSC are responsible for these programs implementation.