Infographics: Social and Economic Development of the Republic of Karakalpakstan for 2017-2021

The infographics of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) presents the results of Karakalpakstan's development over the past five years.

During President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's three-day visit to the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the social and economic development of the entire region is analyzed.

CERR experts present the main changes in the socio-economic development of Karakalpakstan, which occurred during the 2017-2021 years of active reforms.

The Republic of Karakalpakstan has large natural, mineral and agricultural resources, labour potential, road, transport and communication networks, and production infrastructure; convenient geographical location and considerable territory.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the region for the five years increased by 32% to 26.3 trillion soums, industrial production has increased from 6.8 trillion soums to 16.6 trillion soums (30% growth).

Agricultural production increased by 20%, from 5.0 trillion soums in 2017 to 12.3 trillion soums in 2021. The number of operating enterprises in the region increased by 59% from 19.2 thousand in 2017 to 27.4 thousand in 2021.

In the area of infrastructure development in 2017-2021, 2278 km of water networks were laid and repaired.

In terms of social protection and the creation of decent living conditions, it is important to solve such problems as providing the population with decent housing. In particular, over the past five years, 4,390 thousand square meters of housing have been put into operation in the region, 15.2 thousand places have been created in preschool institutions, 38.3 thousand places in schools.

During the same period, about 127,000 jobs were created.

As shown in the Business Activity Index (BAI), calculated by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms in January this year, the Republic of Karakalpakstan showed the highest growth in the regional context.

The adoption of the Presidential Decree "On measures for the comprehensive socio-economic development of the Republic of Karakalpakstan in 2020-2023" of November 11, 2020 gave new impetus to the promotion of the most important sectors of the economy in accordance with the "points of growth" of cities and districts.

In order to join efforts in the development of the Aral Sea region, each district of Karakalpakstan is assigned to one of the regions. Thus, Muynak district is assigned to Tashkent region, while Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan, is assigned to Tashkent city.

During his current visit to the region, the President explained the reason and significance of this measure.

"Many people say that the situation in the Aral Sea region is bad. But not everyone saw it with their own eyes. That is why today I sent leaders from all over the Republic to breathe the air of the Aral Sea, to see the conditions and to give a fair assessment. We will direct impressive funds for development of Karakalpakstan», - said the head of state.

The head of state got acquainted with the creative work in Muynak. A new terminal for 50 passengers has been built at the airport, the runways have been repaired.

"Over the past five years we have learned a lot, we believed in things that previously seemed unbelievable. When I came here for the first time, I said that culture would begin with Muinak. This is exactly what is happening. The airport is a good example. It is planned to launch Tashkent-Muynak-Nukus route. In recent years, we have paid special attention to Karakalpakstan and attracted a lot of energy and resources. People have believed in the rightness of our way. Now we have set new goals. We have brought all the leaders to Karakalpakstan. We need to restore the former glory of Takhtakupir," Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

Ruslan Abaturov, CERR