Jahongir Artykkhodjaev, head of AKFA Holding, made a statement about his readiness to provide jobs for 10 thousand compatriots who are abroad and intend to return to Uzbekistan.
This proposal was voiced against the backdrop of tragic events in Tatarstan, where eight Uzbek citizens died in Nizhnekamsk following a drone attack on August 10. The entrepreneur informed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev about his initiative on August 18 during an open discussion with representatives of the business community in Khorezm region.
Artykkhodjaev emphasized that AKFA Holding is ready to ensure employment for 10 thousand of its compatriots living abroad. According to his plan, this program could start the very next day by creating a special online platform for citizens returning from Russia and other countries who are looking for work in Uzbekistan.
He also suggested that a similar approach could be scaled up to the entire business sector in the country. Given that approximately 600 thousand entrepreneurs operate in Uzbekistan, Artykkhodjaev proposed that each of them hire at least two compatriots, which could potentially employ over a million people.
Employment opportunities outside the country
During the meeting, discussions covered not only the return of citizens and the creation of domestic jobs. Artykkhodjaev also presented information on foreign projects where Uzbek specialists could find work. The construction company Discovery Invest formed a joint venture with a major American construction company.
The parties are currently negotiating participation in the construction of a large petrochemical complex in Mexico and a mining and ore processing complex in Saudi Arabia. Upon reaching agreements, thousands of Uzbek citizens could be dispatched to these projects. Additionally, the company is considering participation in the construction of a large tourist complex in Albania.
The President supported this initiative and instructed that it be formalized into a specific mechanism. Mirziyoyev ordered: 'Create a platform and present me with a proposal for the employment of our compatriots in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and other countries within 10 days.'
Furthermore, the head of state suggested involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Uzbek ambassadors, especially in Russia, where a large number of citizens reside. Mirziyoyev advised: 'Most of our citizens are in Russia. If necessary, go there, meet with them, together with champion entrepreneurs. You need to explain that there are conditions for free and peaceful arrival and work in Uzbekistan.'
The President stressed the need for practical steps instead of declarations, noting: 'We cannot talk about this with high-flown words; this needs to be done.'
History of entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan
At the beginning of his speech, Artykkhodjaev shared observations on the transformation of conditions for businessmen in Uzbekistan. Previously, entrepreneurs focused more on maintaining their businesses rather than developing them. He recalled difficult times when the word 'entrepreneurship' itself caused fear due to raids and searches, which were called 'mask shows.'
Later, during the meeting, the president suggested Artykkhodjaev write a book about successful entrepreneurs and their stories, including examples of 'mask show' cases. Mirziyoyev instructed: 'Jahongir, my first instruction to you is to write a book yourself about champion entrepreneurs.'
Three months were allocated for the book's preparation, which Artykkhodjaev agreed to. He noted that the book could cover the fates of those who faced serious difficulties, adding: 'Of course, I will write it. These stories cannot be left untold. You have helped so many entrepreneurs, as many as possible. But, frankly speaking, some of them were forced to leave, some died. There are many such stories. If you allow me, I will prepare the book with deputies and present it to you.'
Mirziyoyev expressed awareness of the help Artykkhodjaev provided to other businessmen and instructed him to prepare for the book project within 15–20 days.