New growth points

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s latest visit to the Republic of Karakalpakstan will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant social event for the people. Indeed, every visit by the Head of State is significant not only for addressing existing issues but also for assessing results, reevaluating the region’s potential, and setting new objectives for the next stage of development.

Following the visit in August 2024, several issues that had troubled the people of Karakalpakstan for years were resolved. Opportunities for entrepreneurship and investment were expanded, new jobs were created, and substantial progress was made in infrastructure and the social sphere.

Economic growth in the region is another key indicator of these processes. Gross regional product grew from 8.5 trillion UZS in 2016 to more than 54 trillion UZS at the beginning of this year. The number of business entities reached 26,500, and foreign investment totaled $2.5 billion. Industrial output rose to 29 trillion UZS.

As a deputy elected from Karakalpakstan, I meet with voters almost every month to hear their views and proposals. These meetings show that each new job, improved neighborhood, resolved problem, and new opportunity has its own value for people. Ultimately, the real impact of today’s reforms is reflected not only in statistical figures but also in how they affect people’s lives.

The intensive orchard presented in Kegeyli during this visit is a practical manifestation of this process. The establishment of a modern 330-hectare orchard under the challenging conditions of the Aral Sea region, the creation of 100 permanent jobs, the use of water-saving technologies, and plans to expand the project in the future demonstrate that new economic opportunities are emerging in the region. Particular importance is attached to the efficient use of water resources. By introducing closed drainage and drip irrigation systems, water consumption per hectare has been reduced from 12,000 liters to 5,000 liters. In Karakalpakstan, these technologies not only improve agricultural efficiency but also enable the rational use of limited water resources.

Comparing today’s visit to Kegeyli with what the area looked like decades ago makes the scale of the transformation even more evident. A region once known mainly for its challenging conditions is now creating new economic opportunities through modern technologies, investment, and entrepreneurship. In this regard, establishing the intensive orchard is more than a single investment project. It reflects a changing approach to Kegeyli’s potential. Conditions once regarded as challenges are now being transformed into economic opportunities through modern technologies and entrepreneurship.

Importantly, the experience gained in Kegeyli is not expected to be limited to a single project. According to the plans, the region's intensive orchard area will expand to 10,000 hectares, creating 40,000 permanent and seasonal jobs. These figures indicate that Karakalpakstan’s development has entered a new stage. Most importantly, the region’s development approach has changed completely: new growth points are being created by harnessing the region’s economic potential, natural resources, and human capital.

Certainly, there are still tasks ahead. Efforts to increase employment, raise household incomes, develop entrepreneurship, improve infrastructure, and ensure environmental sustainability in the Aral Sea region must be sustained.

The President’s current visit is important not only to review the results achieved but also to identify new growth points for Karakalpakstan’s development, scale up successful practices, and make fuller use of the region’s existing potential.

Bakhitbay ALDAMURATOV,

Deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis