Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Business Clinic project was launched in May 2020 and is aimed at supporting small businesses and private entrepreneurship in obtaining advice related to entrepreneurial activity, providing them with complete and reliable information on measures to support of entrepreneurs adopted by decrees of the Head of State.

In connection with the detection of the first cases of coronavirus infection COVID-19 in Uzbekistan in March 2020, the Government of Uzbekistan took decisive measures to prevent its spread, including the introduction of restrictive measures related to the movement of vehicles, the closure of local and international transport links, and borders. the suspension of kindergartens, schools and universities; and the cancellation of public events and gatherings.

In turn, as in many countries of the world, quarantine measures and restrictions have seriously affected the activities of small businesses, which in 2019 amounted to more than 57% of Uzbekistan’s GDP. There were disruptions in trade, supply chains, remittances from abroad, tourism receipts and, in general, the activities of various types of business decreased.

Some enterprises were forced to reduce production volumes and staff, which ultimately negatively affected employment and incomes of the population. To mitigate the economic consequences of the crisis, the Government of Uzbekistan has developed comprehensive anti-crisis measures to support legal entities and individuals. An Anti-Crisis Fund was created, one of the main goals of which is to support entrepreneurship and employment of the population.

Within the framework of the rapid response mechanism against the consequences of COVID-19, launched by the UN Development Program in Uzbekistan, work was proposed in three general areas, which imply:

1) Rapid needs and impact assessment;

2) Effective anti-crisis management;

3) Early recovery.

As part of the latter direction, UNDP, together with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, created a "Business Clinic" for small businesses and private entrepreneurship. "Business Clinic" offers free advice on all issues related to the restoration of business and the use of benefits and preferences provided by the state to entrepreneurs who faced financial difficulties during the pandemic. The Business Clinic has created an opportunity for prompt communication with business entities by launching a telegram channel, providing a 24-hour system for providing advice on the short number 1094, as well as online access on the website in the Business Clinic section.

The project management urges the representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations affected by the pandemic to contact the Business Clinic to obtain the necessary advice on tax, customs, credit and other benefits and preferences, which will give an opportunity to start building their business and gradually overcome the crisis.