Uzbekistan Approves Comprehensive Development Program for Karakalpakstan Through 2030

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree outlining a comprehensive strategy for the socio-economic development of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The program sets specific targets for 2026 and establishes long-term goals to be achieved by the end of the decade.

The decree aims to accelerate economic growth, increase employment and incomes, and modernize infrastructure across the region. By the end of 2026, authorities plan to increase the gross regional product by 8.1% and industrial output by 8%. Concurrently, targets are set to reduce unemployment to 4.2% and poverty to 3.2%.

A key priority is transforming Nukus city, Kungrad and Chimbay districts, along with 109 local communities (mahallas), into zones free from unemployment and poverty.

The long-term vision through 2030 is even more ambitious. It envisions raising the gross regional product to 102.4 trillion Uzbek soums and agricultural production to 28.9 trillion soums. Furthermore, industrial and service sector projects worth a total of $7.2 billion are slated for implementation, with regional exports expected to grow to $900 million.

The program also introduces changes in regional governance structures. The position of First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan for Ecology and Aral Sea Region Development has been abolished.

In its place, a new post of First Deputy Chairman for organizing efficient pasture use, strengthening fodder resources, and developing livestock farming has been established.

Significant attention is paid to developing the agricultural sector.

A system for growing, storing, packaging, and delivering livestock feed to the population will be created in Kungrad, Chimbay, Beruniy, Bozatau, and Kanlykul districts. By the end of 2026, a modern agro-complex with an annual capacity of 36 thousand tons for producing feed for livestock and fish is scheduled to launch in Beruniy district. From 2026–2028, measures for cultivating fodder crops will be implemented on an area of 10 thousand hectares across the republic.

A substantial set of measures focuses on upgrading transport and utility infrastructure. To alleviate traffic congestion in Nukus city, plans include constructing a new road spanning 2.2 kilometers building one bridge erecting a new overpass on a four-kilometer section connecting Nukus with Takhtakupyr district via highway D-234 (4R176).

In Amudarya district projects involve laying over kilometers new drinking water supply networks serving six local communities reconstructing kilometers public roads one pumping station an existing local wastewater treatment plant in district center Shumanay district reconstruction planned kilometer section public highway D-235 (4R177).