Uzbekistan has launched 11 projects worth $592 million in Karakalpakstan and begun construction on other 47 projects with a combined value of $7 billion, as the country expands investment across the region.

The projects, being implemented with foreign partners, are expected to create around 8,000 high-income jobs. They span energy, digital infrastructure, industry, transport, healthcare and services.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended a ceremony marking the launch of the completed projects and the start of construction during his visit to Karakalpakstan on September 18.

The region’s gross regional product has grown from 8.5 trillion soums in 2016 to more than 54 trillion soums by the beginning of 2026. The private sector now accounts for 66% of production, while the number of operating businesses has increased 2.5-fold to 26,500.

More than $5 billion has been invested in Karakalpakstan over the past nine years to create high-income jobs. Foreign investment is expected to reach $2.5 billion by the end of 2026.

The number of foreign and joint ventures operating in the region has also increased 2.2-fold from 2018, reaching 271.

Two wind power plants with a combined capacity of 300 MW and a 100 MW energy storage system have been commissioned in the Karaozek district.

Meanwhile, construction has entered an active phase on a 1.5 GW wind power plant in the Kungrad district. The $2.6 billion project is being developed with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power.

The project includes 1,500 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines, three 500 kV substations and the modernization of two additional substations. Uzbekistan plans to significantly increase renewable generation in Karakalpakstan in the coming years.

In Nukus, the Sheikh Khalifa Hospital has opened following cooperation with the United Arab Emirates.

The $27 million hospital has 100 beds and has created 80 jobs. The Karakalpak Scientific and Practical Medical Academy will also contribute to improving healthcare services and training medical specialists in the region.

Healthcare infrastructure is also being expanded through new projects, including an oncology and radiology center in Nukus and additional medical facilities in other districts.

The first phase of a $150 million modular intelligent computing center operated by Linkwise has been launched in the Takhiatash district.

Other projects being developed with Chinese partners include digital currency production and artificial intelligence data centers in the Kungrad and Takhiatash districts, with a combined investment of $2.281 billion. Another data center is planned for the Takhtakupyr district.

The projects are expected to strengthen the region’s digital infrastructure and expand its role in emerging technology sectors.

A $20 million public transport project, SAPSAN TRANS NO‘KIS, has been launched in Nukus.

Twenty-five buses and electric buses have already been delivered, while another 75 electric buses are expected by the end of the year. The project is expected to create 200 jobs.

Transport infrastructure is also receiving major investment. With support from the Asian Development Bank, construction has begun on a 92-kilometer section of the A-380 Guzar-Bukhara-Nukus-Beyneu highway, with the project valued at $233 million.

Uzbekistan also plans to purchase 112 electric buses for Nukus and build a depot with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

In Chimbay district, a project backed by South Korean investors will produce 3 million cubic meters of biogas annually by processing licorice roots.

A $20 million gold mining enterprise will be established at the Zengibaba deposit in Karaozek district, while a $15 million shopping center is planned in Amudarya district.

Social infrastructure is also being expanded through projects with Indian partners, including a medical sciences university and a hospital designed to provide high-tech medical care.

In Nukus, Turkish partners will participate in the construction of a $103 million shopping and entertainment center with recreation facilities along the Dostlik Canal.

The ceremony also presented the concept for a new residential district called “New Uzbekistan” in Nukus.

A 270-hectare site has been designated for the project, and preparations for the design documentation have begun. The development is expected to include high-rise housing for around 30,000 residents, along with business centers, retail facilities, services and entertainment venues.

Mirziyoyev called on senior citizens, scientists and members of the public to monitor the implementation of each project.

According to the president, the projects are intended to raise household incomes, create new opportunities for young people and strengthen the economic foundation of the Aral Sea region.