"We weren't thinking about developing the business, but about how to survive." Artykhodjaev on previous "masked shows"

"We weren't thinking about business development, but about survival." Artykhodjaev on past "masked shows"

In previous years, Uzbek entrepreneurs lived in fear of inspections and security operations, "thinking not about business development, but about survival." Businessman Jahongir Artykhodjaev stated this at a meeting with the president on August 18.

"Previously, our hearts clenched in fear, we thought not about business development, but about survival, dear President. Those difficult times, those 'masked shows,' tormented us so much that the very word 'entrepreneurship' caused anxiety," Jahongir Artykhodjaev said in a report on the Uzbekistan 24 television channel.

According to him, entrepreneurs were constantly worried.

"An entrepreneur who got on his feet through honest labor lived in constant fear, like a criminal. The entrepreneurs sitting here, their hair already gray, remember very well how many hardships befell people simply for doing business," he noted.

Artykkhodjaev praised the current conditions for entrepreneurship.

"Today, young entrepreneurs live like in paradise. Of course, they should appreciate it. Today, entrepreneurs work freely, without fear or apprehension. Because we have our support, our mountain—our president," the businessman stated.

He also reported that entrepreneurs from neighboring and other countries with whom he communicates speak positively of the Uzbek president's practice of direct dialogue with businesses.

After his speech, Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed Artykkhodjaev to prepare a book about the history and experience of Uzbek entrepreneurs.

"Jahongir, my first order to you is that you be the first to write a book about champion entrepreneurs," the president said.

The head of state specifically asked that the book reflect the events that Artikhodjayev called the "masked show."

"Prepare it well within three months. And write about these 'masked shows,' too," Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

Artikhodjayev responded that these events must be preserved in history.

"I will definitely write about it. It's impossible not to write about this story. You saved as many entrepreneurs as you could. Let me be frank: there were those who fled, and there were those who 'perished,'" he stated.

As an example, the entrepreneur cited the brothers who owned a well-known furniture store.

"If you recall, for example, there was a well-known furniture store run by brothers. They were imprisoned. One of them was released from prison seriously ill and died. "If I were to write all this down, there would be many such stories. What I've just told you are just a few small anecdotes. If you allow me, I'll describe everything in detail and show you first. There are many stories about people you've helped," Artikhodjaev said.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed Artikhodjaev to prepare the materials within 15-20 days.

Earlier at the same meeting, Artikhodjaev stated that AKFA Holding is ready to employ 10,000 Uzbek citizens abroad, including those wishing to return from Russia. He proposed creating a separate call center, and the president instructed them to develop a special platform and involve embassies in the work.

Furthermore, the businessman proposed constructing ministry and agency buildings in New Tashkent using private companies, with subsequent long-term leases to the state. He estimates that this model will reduce budget expenditures and create over 100,000 jobs.