Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Photo: Presidential Press Service of Uzbekistan
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed the establishment of a Businesswomen’s Council under the country’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry to advocate for female entrepreneurs. The head of state announced the initiative during a ceremony marking International Women’s Day on March 8, according to his press service.
Mirziyoyev noted that the council would be able to directly raise pressing issues faced by businesswomen in parliament. He assigned the responsibility for creating the new body to Nodira Shotursunova, deputy chair of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The president emphasized that Uzbekistan is launching large-scale programs to combat unemployment. Last year alone, 17 trillion soums ($1.3 billion) were allocated for these efforts. Thanks to state support, female entrepreneurs produced goods worth 81 trillion soums ($6.2 billion) and exported $450 million in products—an achievement Mirziyoyev called worthy of respect. Many of these women also create jobs for local community members and provide vocational training.
«I consider these businesswomen, who have taken on great social responsibility, to be the builders of New Uzbekistan, and I express my deep gratitude to them. I am ready to create additional opportunities and incentives for them,» the president promised.
This year, officials have been tasked with ensuring employment for two million women, with more than half of them being encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship. To support this goal, banks will offer favorable financial packages to aspiring business owners.
Mirziyoyev underscored that protecting women’s rights and dignity remains a key priority of state policy. He highlighted the growing role of Uzbek women in various fields, noting that the percentage of women in managerial positions has increased from 20% in 2017 to 35% today. Women now make up 38% of the Legislative Chamber and 27% of the Senate.
The president also pointed out that women account for more than 52% of university students in Uzbekistan. He praised the achievements of female athletes, including Olympic and Paralympic medalists, as well as cultural figures who have brought international recognition to the country.
Social support programs will continue, with targeted assistance for vulnerable groups. For instance, 162,000 women with disabilities will receive medical care in sanatoriums and clinics, 130 widows will receive financial aid, and housing conditions will be improved for 6,000 women.
«Today, together with our courageous and noble people, relying on their immense creative potential, we are resolutely advancing our reforms to a new level. I am confident that our esteemed women will always be at the forefront of this new stage of Uzbekistan’s development and progress,» Mirziyoyev concluded.
