Uzbekistan's autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan is aiming to attract $2.1bn worth of foreign investment in the coming years. The funds, according to the head of the Jokargy Kenes legislative body of Karakalpakstan, Amanbai Orynbayev, would enable the implementation of 480 investment projects and create 13,000 well-paid jobs.

Some 5,300 investment projects with a total value of $1.2bn have been implemented in the republic since Uzbekistan's president Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in 2016. Nearly $420mn has been allocated to support local industry and agriculture, as well as infrastructure development.

This year the republic plans to increase its volume of industrial production to $25.3bn and create production capacities worth $2.2bn. Exports from Karakalpakstan are to increase to $160mn under existing plans.

Some 24 major projects are to be launched in the textile sector, electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals and the building materials sector. A total of $11bn will be allocated for small and medium sized business support programmes in the republic.

According to the president, tourism may become one of the largest areas for employment in the autonomus republic. He gave instructions to work out a programme for the development of ecological, ethnographic and pilgrim tourism, the expansion of air transportation through Nukus airport, the construction of hotels and the organisation of roadside services.