Russian experts contribute to the development of the creative economy and women's entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan

Three Russian experts shared their experience in the development of the creative economy, rural tourism, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Uzbekistan. Their work was carried out within the framework of the Women's Entrepreneurship Support Program (WESP), aimed at enhancing women’s economic empowerment and developing small businesses.

Currently, women entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan represent less than 10% of the SME sector. Women in the country are facing with serious socio-cultural and systemic obstacles. These include restricted access to funding, insufficient education and business skills, and deeply entrenched biases and stereotypes that impede their professional recognition and the full realization of their potential. Such issues lead to gender-based income disparities, higher female unemployment, slower economic growth, and psychological deterrents for girls and women aspiring to launch their own business.

In August and September 2025, Russian experts delivered a series of training workshops in ten Uzbek cities. They presented their recommendations and expertise on fostering creative economy and rural tourism. More than 260 women entrepreneurs gained practical skills and enhanced their understanding in fields such as strategic marketing, design, digital innovation, ecotourism, handicraft development, and strengthening partnerships. Through intensive group sessions, participants jointly developed more than 20 project ideas, including those focused on establishing new tourist routes.

Thanks to the trainings, participants gained confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and developed creative business ideas for their enterprises: including a “catch your own fish” farm concept, a unique cafe with special lighting domes for a small city, effective marketing strategies for mountain guest houses, and more.

Umida Karimova, the director of a textile company manufacturing workwear and textile products, described the training’s effect by comparing it to obtaining a driver’s license: “We gained the skills and confidence that now allow us to truly drive the ‘Mercedes’ that we’ve possessed all along, but simply didn’t know how to operate correctly.”

The recommendations and learning resources developed by experts for women entrepreneurs offer a comprehensive insight into the operational frameworks for developing SME in the creative economy and ecotourism sectors. Their implementation will foster the growth of female entrepreneurship in all regions of Uzbekistan, including remote and rural areas, where these initiatives are particularly crucial.

The work of the Russian experts was implemented with the financial support of the Russian Federation within the framework of the project "Knowledge Management and Capacity Development in the UNDP-Russia Partnership".