19.08.2024

On August 19, a meeting was held in the Kegeyli district to discuss the socio-economic development of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

In Karakalpakstan, as in other regions, measures are being taken to increase investments, create jobs, and boost exports in key sectors. Recently, 150 projects have been launched in Karakalpakstan with $1.4 billion in direct foreign investments. The number of entrepreneurs has grown from 12,000 to 25,000, commercial space has increased by 1.5 million square meters, and 212,000 people have been provided with permanent employment.

The favorable business and investment environment has fostered entrepreneurship. For instance, 13,000 entrepreneurs who started with micro-projects have transitioned to small businesses, and another 351 have moved to medium-sized businesses. The number of enterprises with annual turnovers exceeding 100 billion soms has reached 43.

Changes have also occurred in social infrastructure. For example, the coverage of preschool education has increased from 28% to 84%. Twenty-one new schools have been built, and another 243 have been completely renovated.

A 17-story IT park with 700 places has been constructed for the first time. As part of the "One Million Programmers" project, approximately 40,000 young people from Karakalpakstan have been trained over the past two years.

In various districts and cities, 74 family medical centers, 81 clinics, and 92 neighborhood medical points have been established. Additionally, trauma and acute vascular disease centers have been created in the Turtkul, Kungrad, and Chimbay districts.

Previously, more than 100,000 people faced difficulties due to the lack of property rights for their homes. This issue has been resolved, and property rights have been recognized for 27,000 citizens.

A Support Fund for Mahallas has been established in Karakalpakstan, allocating 500 million soms to each of the 452 mahallas. As a result, 316 kilometers of internal roads have been repaired, 151 kilometers of power lines updated, and 55 kilometers of gas and 112 kilometers of water supply networks have been laid.

With $274 million in funding from the Asian Development Bank, a 240-kilometer highway from Bukhara to Nukus to Beineu is set to be completed in the near future.

A large-scale program to improve the climate conditions in the Aral Sea basin has been initiated. Over the past seven years, 1.9 million hectares of greenery have been created on the dried-up bed of the Aral Sea. To enhance the ecosystem and develop new plant varieties and seeds in the saline, arid environment, the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Basin has been established.

A new program for adapting agriculture to climate change has been approved, with $80 million allocated to mitigate the effects of climate change in the Aral Sea region. This funding will be used to restore 100,000 hectares of pastures, cultivate varieties suited to soil and climate conditions, strengthen the livestock feed base, and train specialists.

Despite these advancements, there are still many untapped opportunities. Some investment projects are progressing slowly. Since the beginning of the year, 19,000 enterprises in Karakalpakstan have benefited from tax incentives totaling 350 billion soms. As a result, businesses have emerged from the shadow economy and expanded their operations, providing jobs for 4,000 people. However, 6,000 enterprises that received incentives have seen a reduction in employment.

The opportunities and conditions created for business in Karakalpakstan are unmatched in any other region. If these opportunities were fully utilized, the results could be 5-10 times higher.

As a consequence, the governors of Karauzyak and Takhiyatashe districts were dismissed at the end of the half-year period. Disciplinary actions were also taken against the governors of Amudarya, Beruniy, Bozatau, Kegeyli, Kungrad, Kanlykul, Muynak, Takh Takupyr, Turtkul, Khodjeyli, and Chimbay districts.

At a recent meeting, the vast opportunities within the Republic of Karakalpakstan were highlighted.

For instance, since the beginning of the year, Karakalpakstan has welcomed 1.3 million tourists. However, there is a shortage of hotel accommodations. Entrepreneurs have expressed interest in building modern hotels and a convention center if land is provided.

There is potential to develop 20 hectares around Achiq-Kul in Nukus into housing, modern hotels, and recreational areas. Additionally, commercial and entertainment establishments could be established along the Dustlik and Kegeyli canals, as well as Tasli Jhap and Shirin Jhap in Khodjeyli. Amudarya, Turtkul, and Beruni also present significant opportunities for attracting tourists.

Along the Guzar-Bukhara-Nukus-Beineu road, a 140-hectare area could accommodate 300 trade and service facilities. Constructing a modern market in Ellikkala could boost trade and services.

Last year, the Urgut Free Economic Zone was expanded by 22 hectares in the Beruniy district. Despite this expansion, no projects have been initiated on the site. The area is well-equipped with infrastructure, including a railway and nearby raw material deposits.

If a simplified land allocation system is applied to the economic zone in Karakalpakstan, projects worth $320 million could be developed there.

Investors are prepared to invest $10 million to establish a sheep farming cluster on 500 hectares in the "Koibak" mahalla in Karauzyak. This cluster will house 10,000 sheep and produce 100 tons of meat.

The head of state has assigned responsibilities for leveraging these opportunities and advancing the economy.

In Karakalpakstan, 103 major projects totaling $1.9 billion have been identified. Over the coming year, 14 projects worth $275 million will be launched across various sectors. Overall, more than 120 prospective projects with a combined value of $9.5 billion are in the pipeline.

Officials have been tasked with developing the "Do Business in Karakalpakstan" program, tailored to each district. This initiative is set to become a major driver for the development of industry, agriculture, and services in Karakalpakstan, with goals of attracting at least $10 billion in investments and creating 500,000 jobs.

The ambitious targets aim to ensure a better future for the people of Karakalpakstan. It has been emphasized that achieving these goals will require collective and dedicated efforts from all involved.

This year, a decree has been issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the renowned Turkic poet Ajiniyaz. The head of state recalled that the poet referred to selfless individuals who served the people as "his majesty the person" and urged everyone to follow this example.

"As I have mentioned before, Uzbeks and Karakalpaks share a common history and fate. I believe our bright and happy future will also be shared. I wish you, young people and entrepreneurs, new successes and achievements on this path," stated the President.

Leaders of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and sector heads, as well as city and district governors, presented reports on the discussed issues.