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Young entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan shared their successful experience and discussed ways of youth business development

Young entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan shared their experience and discussed strategies for youth business development during the panel session "Youth in Business: Inspiration, Innovation, Success". The event was moderated by Muzaffar Djalalov, Rector of Inha University in Tashkent. The session was attended by the following speakers: - Feruz Ablayarov, Deputy Director of the Agency for Youth Affairs; - Diana Ryan, Government Affairs & Public Policy Lead HP Inc. in Central Asia and Turkey; - Stephen Lin, founder of Swift Launch, Sturgeon Capital Venture Partner; - Dilfuza Kurolova, founder of the Global Shapers Tashkent Hub; - Rustam Rahmatov, founder of Iman Invest. Muzaffar Djalalov noted: "Today in our country special attention is paid to women's entrepreneurship, low-interest loans are issued. In addition, efforts are being made to promote gender equality". After that, one of the speakers Feruz Ablayarov said. "Uzbekistan is a country of youth, about 60% of the country's population are young people. That is why major projects have been developed. For example, loans are allocated for those who want to engage in entrepreneurship in the country. This year, 40% of loans allocated for entrepreneurship will be directed to youth business. Several banks in the country are providing such loans. The participants also discussed factors that hinder the active participation of youth in entrepreneurship, what kind of support from the government is necessary in the realization of youth startups, in particular, modern types of investments to support the development of youth business. The Government of Uzbekistan pays special attention to the issue of supporting youth in the realization of business projects, and the name of 2024 "Year of Youth and Business Support" speaks to this. Dilfuza Kurolova, founder of Global Shapers Tashkent Hub, shared her thoughts. She noted that one should never stop at what has been achieved, but always move forward to change the world. Stephen Lin presented the "Quick Start" youth support program, noting that today young people have opportunities to develop the skills which are needed to start a business. Rustam Rahmatov, founder of Iman Invest, also shared his experience with the others. "Being an entrepreneur is fun but challenging. You start with high motivation, give your company a name and then continue as a startup. However, it is not an easy task. You don't have to stop when you face challenges. The session created a platform for sharing experiences and expertise and making recommendations for the development of youth entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan.