In a recent meeting on the social and economic development of Karakalpakstan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that $80mn would be allocated to mitigate the effects of climate change in the region, particularly around the Aral Sea. This funding is part of the newly approved Agricultural Climate Adaptation Program and is expected to play a crucial role in restoring the region’s ecological balance.

A program has been initiated to improve the climatic conditions of the Aral Sea archipelago. Over the past seven years, 1.9mn hectares of forests have been planted on the dry bed of the Aral Sea, increasing the forest cover from 19% to 35%. The Archipelago International Innovation Center was established to enhance the ecosystem and develop new varieties and seeds suitable for saline, dehydrated environments.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of boosting investments, creating jobs, and enhancing exports to drive rapid economic growth in Karakalpakstan. Over the past period, the region has seen significant progress with the launch of 150 projects backed by $1.4bn in direct foreign investment. The number of entrepreneurs has more than doubled from 12,000 to 25,000, commercial space has expanded by 1.5mn square meters, and 212,000 people have secured permanent employment.

A favorable environment for business and investment has emerged, creating new income opportunities. Notably, 13,000 micro-project entrepreneurs have transitioned to small businesses, while another 351 have grown into medium-sized enterprises. Currently, 43 entrepreneurs in the region boast an annual turnover exceeding UZS 100bn ($7.9mn).

State programs have allocated UZS 11 trillion ($868.2mn) for infrastructure development, including roads, water supply, social facilities, and neighborhood improvements. This investment has increased kindergarten coverage from 28% to 84%, led to the construction of 21 new schools, and facilitated the complete renovation of 243 schools. Additionally, a 17-story IT Park with 700 seats was established, training around 40,000 young people from Karakalpakstan as part of the “One Million Programmers” project.

“If we implement startups in this area, then the efficiency of the industries will increase, and government spending will decrease, and jobs will be created for young people, ” President Mirziyoyev voiced.

Healthcare infrastructure has also improved, with the opening of 74 family medical centers, 81 polyclinics, and 92 neighborhood medical centers across districts and cities. Specialized centers for joint injuries and acute vascular diseases have been 
established in Turtkul, Kungirot, and Chimboy districts. More than 1,500 pieces of medical equipment worth UZS 300bn ($23.7mn) have been delivered to medical institutions, with an additional UZS 141bn ($11.1mn) worth of equipment expected by year-end.

In addressing housing issues, the property rights of citizens living in 27,000 houses were recognized, resolving long-standing ownership disputes that affected over 100,000 people. Additionally, a neighborhood support fund was established, allocating UZS 500mn ($39,463) to each of the 452 neighborhoods in Karakalpakstan.

The region is also set to benefit from a major infrastructure project, with the 240-kilometer Bukhara-Nukus-Beinov highway set to launch in the coming days, supported by $274mn from the Asian Development Bank.