President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is chairing a meeting in the city of Nukus on the comprehensive development of Karakalpakstan, the presidential press service reports.

The event is attended by the leadership of the Jokarga Kenes, the Karakalpakstan Council of Ministers, heads of city and district sectors, officials of ministries and departments.

It was noted that positive changes are observed in all regions of our country, including in Karakalpakstan. In the first half of the year, the gross regional product grew by 7.2%, agricultural production increased by 5.4%, and the volume of construction work - by 45%.

The President emphasized that serious problems still remain in the region; work on industrial development and job creation is not satisfactory.

“I came here not to listen to claps, but to work, to see how people live,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev said. “Sector leaders who are not able to change their worldview are shackles on our feet. Imagine how happy a woman becomes when she gets a job. Who will lead the youth, give them the right direction? You saw everything on the example of Muynak. People are inspired by the idea that changes are possible. “It can be, we can do it!” you read in their eyes. But this is already a completed stage. Now we must ensure that such transformations are achieved in all areas.”

The President criticized the fact that in the first half of the year the volume of industrial production in Karakalpakstan grew by only 0.5%, and in the Takhtakupir, Shumanai, Nukus, Chimbay, Turtkul, Kegeyliy districts industry is practically absent. The weak development of the services sector and entrepreneurship is also indicated.

“As a result of the fundamental reforms carried out over the past three years, we have liberalized many spheres, eliminated the restrictions that impeded development. And in Karakalpakstan, leaders of all sectors should make it a rule to remove barriers and promote entrepreneurship,” the President noted.