Jahongir Artykhodjaev proposed returning and employing 10,000 Uzbeks from abroad.

Entrepreneur Jahongir Artykhodjaev has proposed an initiative to repatriate and employ 10,000 Uzbek citizens abroad, including those wishing to return from Russia. He announced this on August 18 at a meeting between the president and entrepreneurs in the Khorezm region, announcing AKFA Holding's readiness to provide them with jobs.

Artykhodjaev linked his proposal to the recent tragedy in Tatarstan, where a drone attack killed eight Uzbeks. He emphasized that businesses should actively participate in creating jobs for compatriots abroad.

"In recent days, it has become clear how deeply troubled you are by the tragedy that occurred in Tatarstan. We all feel it. We, entrepreneurs, consider it our duty and responsibility to stand by you and support you. "AKFA Holding is ready to provide jobs for 10,000 of our compatriots abroad," Artykkhodjaev was quoted as saying by the Uzbekistan 24 television channel.

According to him, the company is ready to create a special call center for those wishing to return from Russia. "If you allow, starting tomorrow, we will create a separate call center and begin employing our compatriots who want to return from Russia and work in Uzbekistan," the entrepreneur stated.

Artykkhodjaev also suggested involving other business representatives in this initiative, noting that there are approximately 600,000 entrepreneurs in the country. "I believe that if they also show initiative and each hires at least two of our compatriots, more than a million people will be able to find jobs," he said.

The entrepreneur reported that the construction company Discovery Invest has created a joint venture with a major American construction company. According to him, the partners are negotiating EPC contracts for the construction of a large petrochemical complex in Mexico and a mining complex in Saudi Arabia. "If you allow, we will send thousands of our citizens willing to work there," Artikhodjaev noted.

He also mentioned negotiations to participate in the construction of a large tourist complex in Albania, which, he said, could also create jobs for Uzbek construction workers.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev supported Artikhodjaev's proposals and instructed him to create a platform for the employment of compatriots. "Regarding all your proposals, including the return of our 10,000 compatriots, create a platform and submit a proposal to me within ten days. The proposal to employ our citizens in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and other countries is also correct," the president said.

The head of state again touched on the events in Tatarstan. "Regarding our citizens abroad, you know how concerned I am about what happened in Tatarstan. We can't just talk; we need to act," he said.

The president emphasized that there are also numerous job openings within Uzbekistan, and entrepreneurs have plans to expand their businesses. "There are many job openings. And entrepreneurs have very ambitious plans. Therefore, create such a platform. [Foreign Minister] Saidov is sitting here; he will involve our ambassadors. First and foremost, the ambassador to Russia, since most of our citizens are located there," said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

He suggested that entrepreneurs personally visit Russia and meet with Uzbek citizens, if necessary. "If necessary, go there yourself and meet with people. Champion entrepreneurs should explain to them that they can safely and freely return to Uzbekistan and that there are favorable conditions for work here," the president said.

Mirziyoyev instructed entrepreneurs to submit proposals for creating such a platform within 10-15 days.