The Role of CIMI, GDP, and Employment Factors in Regional Economic Development: an Empirical Analysis on the Example of Kashkadarya Region

This study examines the role of the Composite Industrial and Manufacturing Index (CIMI), Gross Regional Product (GRP), and employment factors in shaping regional economic development, using the Kashkadarya region of Uzbekistan as a case study. The objective of the research is to analyse the dependencies among the above mentioned economic factors with a view to evaluate their role in influencing the regional growth process. Empirical analysis is based on official statistical data for 2017–2025 and methods of index analysis, correlation analysis, and trend assessment. The findings show a highly positive association between CIMI growth and GRP growth, demonstrating the economic importance of the industrial and manufacturing base to regional economies. The results also show that increases in output that comes from investment-led industrial growth are positively correlated with increases in employment which in turn drive economic growth. Industrial, employment, and investment policies: all need to be coordinated for sustainable regional growth – World Urban Forum The obtained results have practical implications for policymakers and regional development planners to develop evidence-based strategies for strengthening economic resilience and labor market efficiency in the Kashkadarya region.