During a high-level meeting chaired by the President, the focus was on the socio-economic development of Karakalpakstan. While acknowledging some achievements, the President expressed concern over the lack of initiative among regional leaders in enhancing the quality of life and upholding human dignity. District governors were particularly criticized for their inadequate and irresponsible efforts, which were deemed insufficient in addressing the needs of the population.
The meeting revealed that since the beginning of the year, investments in key districts, including Bozatov, Beruniy, Korauzak, Kegeyli, Muynak, Takhiatash, Takhtakupir, Khojayli, and Shumanay, have fallen short, not even reaching $5 million. Moreover, several enterprises that were established with investment are currently non-operational, and regional exports have dropped below $100 million, further exacerbating economic challenges.
Despite benefiting from 350 billion UZS worth of tax incentives this year, which led to the creation of 4,000 jobs, some enterprises have reduced employment, signaling inefficiencies in the utilization of these incentives. The meeting also highlighted the slow progress in transforming the districts of Nukus, Kegeyli, Chimboy, Korauzak, and Takhtakupir into areas free from unemployment and poverty.
The President stressed that Karakalpakstan has unique business opportunities and conditions that are unmatched by any other region. However, the city and district governors have not capitalized on these opportunities to their full potential. He emphasized the need for a new system to increase the accountability and responsibility of local leaders.
Under the proposed system, district and city governors will be required to visit an assigned region each month to study best practices and implement them in their respective areas. They will also be responsible for presenting the region's potential and advantages to entrepreneurs, attracting at least five new initiatives, and launching projects to drive economic growth. Additionally, one full day each week will be dedicated to addressing the concerns of entrepreneurs and investors.
To foster cooperation between Karakalpakstan and other regions, an annual investment forum will be established, with the first major forum scheduled for September. Preparations for this event are already underway.
Furthermore, the President underscored the importance of employing 121,000 people in Karakalpakstan by the end of the year. To achieve this target, specific tasks were set, including resolving issues related to entrepreneurs' access to credit and working capital, launching 9,000 micro and small projects tailored to local needs, and allocating 636 billion UZS to support small and medium-sized businesses.
These efforts are expected to reduce the poverty rate in Karakalpakstan from 13.6% to 8.5% by the end of the year.
In addition to the immediate financial support, the government has planned to allocate over 1 trillion UZS next year for the social sector and infrastructure in Karakalpakstan. This will include the construction and renovation of 24 schools, 5 kindergartens, and 7 medical facilities. Moreover, 353 billion UZS will be invested in infrastructure development for industrial zones and large production facilities.
To ensure the successful implementation of these ambitious plans, the President has tasked his Assistant, Saida Mirziyoyeva, along with the Advisor on the Sustainable Development of the Aral Sea Region, Tursinkhon Khudaybergenov, with overseeing the timely and effective execution of all directives related to Karakalpakstan's development.
