Korzinka.uz, UNDP launch “Social product” programme

The programme “Social product” is good example of social partnership of business – Korzinka.uz, international organization – UNDP in Uzbekistan and civil society – social enterprise.

Within the programme three supermarkets of Korzinka.uz will realize products, manufactured by social enterprises.

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.

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. The trade stands were also developed, which will be used to realize products of social enterprises – Yorqinlik Ko’rki (Tashkent), Opa-Singillar (Tashkent region) and Iroqi Kashtachilik (Shakhrisabz).

In particular, the buyers can buy book covers, diaries, covers for mobile handsets, bags and other products. All goods were made in national style and from national fabrics.

Mr. Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, said that he had opportunity to visit various social enterprises, which were opened in Nukus, Urgench, Samarkand, Tashkent, and other cities. He said that social partnership project is one of the most successful projects as it provide opportunity to people to get jobs and start new life.

Jaco Cilliers said that the programme “Social product” is an attempt to link business structures with social enterprises. He expressed gratitude to Korzinka.uz to readiness to assist social enterprises. He added that the project shows that business structures are ready to assist people, who fall to difficult situation.

Head of chain of supermarkets Korzinka.uz Zafar Hoshimov stated that the company is happy to participate in the programme and expressed hope that social partnership of businesses, international organizations and social enterprises will be supported across Uzbekistan.

Zafar Hoshimov also underlined that products of social enterprises are of good quality. He said: “When we saw the products of social plants, we were impressed. The products are of good quality and you can feel warmth and hopes of people, who made them. All products are unique. I think they are worthy products.”

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.

Social enterprise-made products can be bought from ‘Social Product’ stands in Korzinka.uz supermarket chains located at:

- 81, Sadyk Azimov Street (orienting point: City Department of Internal Affairs, near cafe Efendi).

- Shopping center Merkato, 57, Kichikhalkayuli Street (orienting point: Fleshka, formerly Malika factory).

- Korzinka.uz at Sergeli Block (orienting point: Sergeli market).