The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on 17 May visited the Republic of Karakalpakstan to witness the process of socioeconomic reforms and workmanship carried out here at the local level, UzA reports.

Approximately 10,000 farms are now operating in Karakalpakstan, almost 4,500 of them are occupied in cotton growing, over 2,000 – grain growing, about 1,500 – growing watermelon, melon and gourd, and some 1,000 farms work in cattle and fish breeding. 98% of the total volume of cotton harvested last year fell upon farmers.

The Uzbek leader started his trip to Karakalpakstan with seeing the work carried out in agriculture. He visited the association of farms "Toshkent" in Khodjeyli district, the fields of "Hudaybergan Shanshimay" farm headed by Baht Nazarov and "Gofir" farm headed by Tojihol Eshkabulova in Kanlykul district.

During the meetings with Karakalpak farmers, the President Islam Karimov thanked them for selfless labour in difficult climate conditions.

Karakalpakstan occupies special place in the country’s industry. Among modern industrial objects there are Khodjeyli glass plant, Markaziy Osiyo Bezak Toshlari (Central Asia precious adornment stones) joint venture, Kungrad carbide plant, marble and cable plants in Nukus, gas deposit in Urga, production complexes Elteks and Kateks.

Kungrad soda plant was commissioned in summer 2006. The plant doesn’t have analogues in the region on its production potential. Its capacity allows to produce 100,000 tonnes of soda ash annually. The technological process is operated by computer systems of worldwide known companies Honeywell and Siemens. Over 1,300 people are working here. The enterprise produced 12,800 tonnes of soda in 2006, while the sales volume has exceeded 9 billion soums so far.

The President also visited children’s Palace of Sport in the city of Nukus. 500 boys and girls can go in for 14 types of sports every day in this complex, having all the conditions meeting modern requirements. Islam Karimov talked with trainers and young sportsmen.

On the same day, the President Karimov visited Khorezm region to familiarize with the workmanship carried out in Urgench city in the years of independence. The Uzbek head viewed the central square, construction work implemented here. Two arches, several fountains and a big monument to our great ancestor Al-Khorezmi are being erected on the square. He talked to builders and engineers and gave them necessary recommendations on faster and quality realization of construction and improvement work.