Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - On 9 April 2020, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan Adkham Ikramov held a video conference with the head of the UN Development Program Office in Uzbekistan, Ms. Matilda Dimovska.

During the meeting, the head of the CCI informed Ms. Matilda Dimovsk about measures taken in Uzbekistan to support the population, sectors of the economy and business entities during the coronavirus pandemic, including through decrees of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted on 19 March and 3 April 2020.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to implement a number of joint activities, including the on-line competition “COVID-19 CHALLENGE 2020”, which includes online selection and financing of innovative projects and solutions aimed at mitigating the effects of the pandemic and providing help those whom she somehow affected.

The parties also agreed to launch a hotline (business clinic) on the basis of the call center of the CCI to advise entrepreneurs on all matters related to assisting business and using the benefits and preferences provided by the state to entrepreneurs who faced financial difficulties during the period pandemics.

In addition, an agreement was reached between the CCI and UNDP on providing integrated support to business through the development of skills (organization of trainings), financial support and business coaching in the post-pandemic period in such areas as:

- business planning and financing;

- organization and management of small business;

- transferring part of the business to online mode;

- improving skills and job opportunities for the unemployed / self-employed population and people who have lost their jobs.

The parties agreed to maximally involve the involved ministries and departments of the republic, as well as international organizations, including the World Bank, ADB, EBRD, etc.