The program of the visit also envisages familiarization with construction and creative works, as well as the activity of new enterprises.

Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan has convened for out-of-schedule session in the city of Nukus.

The event is attended by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The meeting was opened by the Deputy Chairman of the Jokargy Kenes (Supreme Council) Atabek Davletov. The secretariat of the session was elected and the agenda was approved. The Council of Elders and the Counting Commission were formed.

By the decision of the Council of Elders, Murat Kallibekovich Kamalov got nominated for the position of the Chairman of Jokargy Kenes.

While delivering keynote speech, the Head of the state noted that the coronavirus pandemic has brought hardship to our country, as in the whole world, but life must go on.

“Today we have to elect a leader who knows the people and opportunities of Karakalpakstan well, who is familiar to the people and is able to solve diverse issues. In the wise words of the outstanding Berdakh:

What we need indeed.

Is that he who cares about his people in deed,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

The President noted that being a leader in the current difficult conditions is a heavy burden, especially since the scale of the work begun on the development of Karakalpakstan will only expand.

“I have known Murat Kamalov for many years,” the Head of the state informed. “First of all, he is an honest person, a patriot. I saw that wherever he worked, he was always worried about the concerns of the Karakalpak people. It is crucial. I am confident that he will continue the work of his father Kallibek Kamalov as well as the late Musa Erniyazov, and ensure better life for people.”

Considering Murat Kamalov’s personal qualities, his dedication and his talent as a leader, Shavkat Mirziyoyev supported the nomination.

The deputies by secret ballot elected Murat Kamalov to the post of Chairman of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

In accordance with the Article 80 of the Constitution of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Chairman of the Jokargy Kenes is the leader and the highest official in Karakalpakstan. The Chairman is elected by the Jokargy Kenes, in agreement with the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and from among the deputies of the Jokargy Kenes, by secret ballot, and for the term of office of this representative body.

* * *

At the out-of-schedule session of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, special attention was paid to issues of socio-economic development of the region.

Over the past four years, Karakalpakstan has doubled the production due to construction and commissioning of dozens of large textile, pharmaceutical, electrical and other modern industrial enterprises. The level of centralized drinking water supply increased from 40 to 67 percent as a result of laying water supply networks. 241 educational, healthcare, cultural and sports facilities were built and overhauled.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Murad Kamalov on his election as Chairman of Jokargy Kenes and wished him success in his responsible position.

“Listening to the concerns of people and solving problems should be the most important activity of a new leader. To do this, you need to be in constant search, work, consulting with people. There are many educated and selfless young people in Karakalpakstan who love the country. They need to unite and show results”, said the Head of the state.

It was noted that measures have been developed for the next 3 years to accelerate the development of all spheres of life in Karakalpakstan. Growth points for each district defined – two specific types of activities that will be intensively developed.

The President noted that in order to further develop all 16 districts, business entities engaged in these types of activities will be exempt from paying land tax, property and turnover taxes for small businesses, and profit tax for individual entrepreneurs for a period of 3 years.

In addition, new industrial enterprises in Takhtakupir, Bozatau and Nanay districts that have a low level of development will be granted tax and customs benefits for a period of 3 years.

Ministers and banks were assigned to each district and city to give an impetus to development and accelerated problem solving.

Ten priorities for the next 3 years were identified at the meeting.

These are accelerated development of districts and mahallas, employment and poverty reduction. Third, implementation of investment projects, and fourth, mitigation of negative impact of the Aral Sea disaster.

Full use of the service sector potential has been identified as the fifth priority, while support for agriculture has been identified as the sixth. Housing construction, social infrastructure development, supporting youth and women, and crime prevention have been given corresponding priorities.

Detailed instructions were given in all these areas.

The President proposed to hold here a Youth Festival next year to familiarize the country’s youth with the life in Karakalpakstan.

* * *

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev became familiar with the activities of Bakhshi Opera and Art Boarding School in the city of Nukus.

Karakalpakstan is famous for its unique bakhshi school. During the years of independence, opera was also widely developed here. The republic has many folk bakhshi and honored artists of Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan.

The new Bakhshi Opera and Art School serves to continue these good traditions, bringing them to the younger generation. The education institution began operating in September. It is designed for 150 students. Graduates of the 9th grade are admitted here on a competitive basis. 30 boys and girls are studying here. They are taught by renowned masters of arts and qualified teachers.

“The main goal of organizing such schools is a deep study of our history, culture and self-cognition. Bakhshi art is a great tradition of Karakalpak people. We will create all conditions for its development”, the Head of the state said.

* * *

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the activities of Qoraqalpoq Baliq Sanoat LLC in Nukus.

The enterprise is capable of harvesting 200 tons of fish and 5 million fish fry, as well as producing 5 thousand tons of feed a year. 35 people are employed in the company, which was launched this July.

The significance of the project is in the fact that fish are grown here using an intensive method in closed premises. Savings of a large amount of water are achieved thanks to its reuse. For example, if 1.5 million cubic meters of water is used to grow 200 tons of fish under normal conditions, 250 cubic meters suffice for this enterprise. This is quite important in the conditions of Karakalpakstan.

The enterprise also has processing and freezing facilities.

The President was briefed about projects in agriculture. The Head of the state emphasized the importance of creating family livestock cooperatives, expanding poultry farming, and taking measures to reduce meat prices. Instructions were given on keeping accurate records of land and water in the region, including through the introduction of information technologies.

* * *

The Head of the state has visited the high-rise apartment buildings and the IT Park under construction in Nukus.

Two 16-storey blocks with 160 flats are being built on Tatibay Street. The residential area will be completed using modern design and seismic resistance solutions. External walls are multi-layer to ensure the energy efficiency of buildings. The complex will be commissioned in 2021 with apartments ready to move in.

The President visited the showroom of the new building and got acquainted with the conditions created in apartments.

An IT Park is being erected next to the complex.

This year has been declared in Uzbekistan as the Year of Science, Enlightenment and the Digital Economy Development. At the presentation held for the President on June 8, the Head of the state tasked executives to deliver an environment conducive for digital development in regions, establish branches of Tashkent-based IT Park in Bukhara, Namangan, Nukus, Samarkand, Urgench and Jizzakh.

The 16-storey branch under construction in Nukus is intended to be commissioned in 2021.

The President was briefed about plans for training and providing employment for youth in Karakalpakstan in information technology. In the IT Park, programmers will be engaged in promising projects in agriculture, healthcare, public utilities, education, tourism, culture, construction and transport. In addition, a digital technology training center, a coworking center and an e-sports hall will be available to young people.

“All innovations taking place in Tashkent should also come to Nukus,” the President insisted. “The times won’t tolerate if we fail to work in a new way!”

Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the need for assigning the districts of Tashkent to mahallas of Nukus, improving the lighting systems and streets, increasing the number of trade and service facilities, and expanding conditions for recreation.

Thereupon, the President completed his trip to Karakalpakstan.