Korzinka.uz, UNDP launch “Social product” programme

Within the project, trade stands “Social product” will be installed at three supermarkets of Korzinka.uz. Buyers can buy unique products of social enterprises of Tashkent city (Yorqinlik Kurki), Tashkent region (Opa-Singillar) and Shahrisabz (Iroqi kashtachilik).

Social enterprises provide jobs to people with disabilities, victims of traffic and violence and others, who cannot find job at ordinary enterprises. These enterprises direct their income to support social protection of vulnerable layers of population, pay to education of young people at universities, etc.

“Social product” programme is a good example of real social partnership of business – Korzinka.uz, international organization – UNDP and civil society – social enterprises.

Jamshid Sadullaev is a person with disability and works at social enterprise TopMen Shoes, which produces footwear. Sadullaev noted that he joined TopMen Shoes two years ago and here he learnt to produce footwear. He said: “I am happy to feel my usefulness and communicate with friends and colleagues.”

The UNDP initiated introduction and development of social enterprise in Uzbekistan in 2009. The UNDP in partnership with the NGOs created and equipped 10 pilot social enterprises – milk shop and bakery in Jizzakh, footwear shop in Samarkand, textile enterprises in Shakhrisabz, Tashkent and Nukus, enterprises on production of construction mixtures in Tashkent. The enterprises continue to receive support – lawyer consultations, specialists of taxation, designers, etc.

The UNDP held a contest to develop logotype of social product and now all products of social enterprises will be marked with it.

Now, purchasing social product at supermarkets of Korzinka.uz, the people can contribute to development of social enterprises, creation of new jobs for people with disabilities, women and others.