Despite Uzbekistan’s efforts to encourage local investments and provide fiscal incentives for economic development at the local and regional level, Karakalpakstan remains a significant area of concern for Tashkent’s domestic policy.
In 2023, the World Bank reported positive economic growth in Uzbekistan. However, the broader macro region, which encompasses Central Asia and Europe, presents intriguing dynamics. Despite the economic upturn, the Central Asian republic continues to grapple with pressing domestic challenges.
Protests in the autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan against proposed amendments to the Constitution of Uzbekistan raised the question of Karakalpak’s complete independence from the Uzbek central government.