Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 23 December, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting to discuss the priority tasks for 2025 in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

The discussion focused on leveraging additional opportunities, increasing investment, and enhancing employment in the region.

This year has been particularly successful for Karakalpakstan, with the launch of new industrial enterprises, tourism facilities, and energy capacities, as well as an IT park. The opening of a new 423-meter-long road and railway bridge connecting Karakalpakstan with Khorezm has significantly reduced transportation distances by 180 kilometers. Additionally, a 240-kilometer section of the "Kongrad-Beyneu" road, valued at US$323 million, was constructed, which will increase transit services by US$200 million annually. Soon, the electrification of the 196-kilometer "Miskin-Nukus" railway section will begin.

Over 50 incentives and preferential measures are in place for industry, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure in the region. Investors can also directly obtain land for projects. This year, an open dialogue between the President and entrepreneurs was held in Nukus, showcasing the vast investment potential of the region.

An analysis revealed the potential of the agro-industrial complex, tourism, and services, estimated at US$2.5 billion. In agriculture, cotton yields average 28 quintals per hectare across 87,000 hectares; however, in 10 districts, profitability remains low. Experts suggest replacing unproductive areas with fodder crops and sesame, which would significantly increase profitability.

In Muynak, there is potential for tourism projects worth up to US$1 billion, and tourism development could attract up to 1 million visitors annually. The region is home to over 200 cultural heritage sites, including Chilpik, Ayazkala, and Tupraqkala, which could attract up to 3 million tourists, extending their stay.

The President emphasized the need to hold local leaders and district governors accountable and to actively demonstrate the region’s potential to entrepreneurs, providing them with support. This approach will create new jobs, increase added value and exports, and, therefore, raise the income of the population.

The Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Karakalpakstan presented plans for utilizing local resources, increasing investment, and creating jobs.

In 2025, it is expected that US$3.1 billion in investments will be attracted, with US$500 million allocated to regional projects. The plan includes the establishment of 120 new enterprises, which will employ 150,000 people and reduce unemployment to 5.4%.

In the energy sector, a major project to build a 1 GW wind power plant is underway, alongside projects for the construction of similar plants with a total capacity of 9.3 GW, which will generate 33 billion kWh of electricity annually. The region also has significant natural gas reserves, opening opportunities for energy-intensive industries in metallurgy, chemicals, and construction.

In agriculture, plans include the creation of industrial orchards and vineyards covering 3,000 hectares, as well as the cultivation of sesame and mung beans on 31,000 and 22,000 hectares, respectively, with a focus on exports. Additionally, a project to grow licorice on 30,000 hectares will be implemented over three years.

To ensure the effective implementation of these projects, a project office will be established in Karakalpakstan. This office will analyze and develop projects in agriculture, industry, and tourism, identify "growth points" for each district, propose new agricultural crops, improve land-use profitability, and prepare projects for raw material processing and the production of finished goods.

Responsible officials have been tasked with closely monitoring the progress of investment projects, employment levels, and export volumes. A development strategy for each district will also be developed with the involvement of foreign experts.