President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a meeting on January 10 to analyze the ongoing efforts and outline future tasks for the socio-economic development of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the president’s press service reported. The session focused on measures to boost the region's economy, enhance the quality of life for its residents, and generate employment opportunities.
Over the past seven years, Karakalpakstan has undergone remarkable transformations. Previously subsidized, 12 out of 15 districts now contribute revenue to the regional budget. Investments totaling UZS 15 trillion ($1.2bn) have facilitated over 5,300 projects, including the creation of 1.8 mn hectares of forest plantations on the dry Aral Sea bottom. The living conditions of 51,000 families have improved, with construction and repair work completed in 401 mahallas, leading to an overall increase in the standard of living.
To create an attractive business environment, the region has implemented favorable policies, including a 2-time reduction in taxes on profit, turnover, land, and property, along with a social tax rate set at 1%. These measures have placed UZS 500bn ($40.6mn) annually at the disposal of entrepreneurs.
In the past two years, seven decrees and resolutions have been adopted to develop industry, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, allocating $400mn and UZS 250bn ($20.3mn) to improve infrastructure. Ongoing projects involve collaboration with economic sectors and regions within the Aral Sea area.
The meeting also reviewed the achievements of 2023 and discussed objectives for 2024. With a population exceeding 2 mn people and 50,000 citizens entering the labor market annually, the focus is on modernizing professions and providing employment opportunities.
For 2024, plans include increasing industrial production to UZS 23 trillion ($1.8bn), creating a production capacity of UZS 2 trillion ($162mn), and launching 24 large projects in textiles, electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials worth UZS 5 trillion ($406mn). Foreign investment of $2,1bn is targeted, leading to the implementation of 206 projects and the creation of around 13,000 highly profitable jobs.
Positive dynamics in production, agriculture, tourism, and services present an opportunity to increase exports to $160mn. A foreign grant will be secured to enhance agricultural productivity, introducing water-saving technologies on 6,000 hectares of land and leveling 31,000 hectares with lasers.
Infrastructure development for mahallas and housing, allocation of funds for high-tech medical services, and support for citizen-initiated projects with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses are also prioritized.
President Mirziyoyev emphasized the untapped potential for job creation, highlighting vacant land in industrial zones, non-ore deposits, and the tourism sector. Plans include launching projects, auctions, and employment initiatives, transforming Karakalpakstan into a region free of unemployment.
The importance of tourism was underscored, with plans to develop environmental, ethnographic, and pilgrimage destinations. Initiatives to develop Nukus Airport, increase air traffic, build hotels, modernize museums, and expand roadside services were outlined. Additionally, the President stressed the need to attract specialists from Germany, South Korea, Japan, and Türkiye to train the youth in various in-demand skills.
Towards the end, President Mirziyoyev expressed confidence in the region's potential to become unemployment-free and commended the outlined measures as significant steps toward achieving this goal.
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