Good part of the day, dear compatriots!

Respected entrepreneurs, participants of this gathering!

First of all, I am extremely glad to meet with you on the eve of the greatest and dearest holiday – the 34th anniversary of our Motherland’s independence.

Currently, we can proudly say that every job created, every enterprise rising, every service that eases the life of our people, every product exported – is the result of your courageous labor, your initiatives and tireless search.

Our event today is not just a gathering, but a platform for lively and sincere dialogue that serves to strengthen mutual trust between the state and business.

We must never forget one truth: every sector, every region, every neighborhood will develop and flourish only when entrepreneurs act, when they are listened to, and when they are trusted.

Therefore, today we will listen to you. Through your voice, we will discuss pressing issues, and agree on concrete solutions together.

Dear entrepreneurs!

From the very first days of our reforms, we shared a common vision with you – to build a New Uzbekistan with a strong economy, competitive industry, stable financial system, and attractive conditions for investors in all sectors.

Let impartial observers judge: over the past eight years, through hard work and perseverance, we created many branches of our economy almost from nothing. Pay attention – in this period, $230 billion in investments flowed into various sectors, more than $120 billion of which was foreign investment.

Figures that once were unimaginable have now become a reality – and we achieved it together.

At a time when the global economy faces challenges due to conflicts and crises, thanks to our pragmatic and proactive policies, our economy grew by 7.2% in the first half of this year.

All of these achievements are, of course, the result of our joint hard work with you.

Thousands of micro and small enterprises effectively used the new conditions and began competing with large companies. For example, within a year, 1,600 micro-enterprises increased their turnover to over 10 billion soums and moved into the category of medium-sized enterprises, while 143 of them exceeded 100 billion soums and became large enterprises. Another 122 small businesses jumped forward and joined the ranks of big business.

Last year, there were 203 enterprises with turnovers exceeding 1 trillion soums. In just six months this year, another 47 companies reached the 400–500 billion soum mark, and by the end of the year, God willing, they too will join the “trillion club.”

Thanks to expanding new mechanisms for bringing business “out of the shadow,” employment in 139,000 enterprises increased by 811,000 jobs – from 2.2 million to 3 million. Meanwhile, 273,000 companies raised their wage funds by 22% or 4.6 trillion soums.

Last year, the average monthly salary in the private sector was 4 million soums; today it has approached 5 million soums.

Why am I citing these examples? Because our people have embraced the “spirit” of entrepreneurship and turned into business-minded individuals; a new, steadily developing business community has emerged in our country.

Dear friends!

As is tradition, this year too, 49 of our most advanced and dedicated entrepreneurs – from small businesses to leaders of large enterprises – were awarded state prizes, and 112 received the “Active Entrepreneur” badge. Among them are also scientists who contribute to business development with their knowledge and intellect.

In the past year alone, another 52 entrepreneurs, diligent farmers, and proactive investors were awarded orders and medals. Especially pleasing is the growing number of philanthropist entrepreneurs who sponsor the construction of kindergartens, schools, and hospitals, support needy families, and help our youth.

Undoubtedly, entrepreneurs who create opportunities for our children to engage in sports and help them achieve great success in world, continental, Olympic, and Paralympic competitions, as well as other prestigious tournaments, are true patriots of our country.

I can see many of them here in this hall and in regional studios. Your selfless work is becoming a source of inspiration for thousands of young people aspiring to become entrepreneurs.

Taking this opportunity, I express my deep and sincere gratitude to you, respected entrepreneurs, and through you to the entire business community of our republic.

Congratulations on your holiday!