On January 3 this year, a working group headed by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan S. Umurzakov involving the heads of ministries, departments, industry associations, joint stock companies, commercial banks and local authorities left for Khorezm region and the Republic of Karakalpakstan to review the current state and measures to stimulate the accelerated growth of social and economic development of these regions.

The participants determined that the deep and fact-based analysis, identification of social problems and development of effective solutions require the work with makhallas according to the principle 'Chairman of makhalla is a reformer'. There were goals set to develop certain measures to gain a progress in agriculture, industry and services, create new jobs, reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of the population.

The members of the Working Group, i.e. heads of ministries, departments, industry associations and commercial banks were assigned to such cities as Urgench, Khiva and Nukus, as well as to all districts of Khorezm region and the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and employees - to makhallas located thereon. The chairmen of 519 makhallas of Khorezm region and 416 makhallas of the Republic of Karakalpakstan were closely involved in the review of pressing concerns focused on provision of utility and social infrastructure, employment and other needs of the population.

There were also instructions to develop new promising investment projects in makhallas with a view to existing economic opportunities and industrial specialization.

This work will result in the development of practical measures plan to stimulate the social and economic development of each makhalla, which will specify certain activities, executive officers, and deadlines for the implementation of the goals.

The Working Group will continue the work in these regions in the coming week. The Republican Headquarters involving the heads of a number of ministries, departments, and industry associations, as well as the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan will monitor and coordinate the activities of the heads assigned to the districts and cities.