The annual competition “Tashabbus” is being held at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov. It is rather symbolic that Tashabbus – means “initiative”, considering that the competition defines and awards the most interesting initiatives in the sphere of small business and private entrepreneurship, farming and craftsmanship. The event was organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, Association of the Farmers of Uzbekistan, Hunarmand Craftsmen Association in cooperation with line ministries and agencies.

“Tashabbus - 2013” exposition held in “Turkiston” Palace demonstrated various crafts objects: from engraving to golden embroidery goods; nutrition products: from various sorts of cheese to ecologically clean tomatoes; and, industrial goods: from raw materials out of secondary production to rubber goods and many-many others.

Colorful stands of craftsman were attended by “Tashabbus-2013” visitors with the most interest. Goods out of wood, bright clothes out of national fabrics – atlas, adras, bekasam, wares, produced by talented potters, national musical instruments and other products of national masters attracted with vividness and freshness of colors.

The competition is called to promote development of small business and private entrepreneurship, duplication of advanced successful experience, strengthening of business skills among youngsters, realization of capacities and opportunities of entrepreneurs. This year over 7000 entrepreneurs, farmers and craftsman participated at the event. The most outstanding participants of the first stages obtained an opportunity to take part in the final stage.

The winners of the competition were announced and awarded at the gala concert held in “Turkiston” Palace with participation of popular Uzbek singers. The winners were announced in three main nominations – “Best entrepreneur of the year”, “Best farmer of the year” and “Best craftsman of the year” for the major prizes – Chevrolet Spark cars. As well, additional nominations with valuable prizes were awarded for “The youngest entrepreneur of the year”, “The best woman entrepreneur of the year”, “The best innovative project of the year”, “Entrepreneur that created the most new workplaces for young people” and others.

The winner in the “Best entrepreneur” nomination became Abdulkhoshim Ismoilov from Andijhan, the founder of “Rubber Trast” company. His multifunctional enterprise is producing over 30 types of summer and winter shoes, clothes, rubber and other products. At the very beginning of business activities back in 2007, the enterprise was represented by 7 workers, today it employs 92 persons. Its products are being exported to various countries.

Bayramklich Dadebaev from Karakalpakstan was announced as the “Best farmer of the year”. At his “Azamat” farm enterprise he is producing cotton, rice, fish, as well as meat and chicken products. It is noteworthy that exhibition stand of the farm, demonstrating everyday life of farmers attracted great interest among the participants.

“The best craftsman” award was given to Makhfuza Salimova from Bukhara. She has restored over 130 ancient styles of gold embroidery “patduzlik”. Having established “Usto-shohird” (teacher-pupil) school, she taught over 100 young people to gold embroidery. Skillful goods produced by Makhfuza Salimova are of a great interest and meet the requirements of the most versed customers.

Special prize for the winner of “The best woman entrepreneur” nomination – an opportunity to participate in study tour or international exhibition was provided by joint project of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and United Nations Development Programme “Business Forum of Uzbekistan (Phase 2)”. Dilnoza Turopova from Djizzakh became the winner of the nomination. Dilnoza is making wonderful pottering products – statuettes, souvenirs and household goods.

“It is great honor for me to become one of the laureates of such a prestigious competition and obtain separate prize from UNDP. I am not going to stop on the achieved, I plan to start exporting my products to other countries”, - said Dilnoza.

Despite her young age – 22, Dilnoza Turapova already has 30 trainees, and her products are in a great demand among population and guests of Uzbekistan. She actively participated in regional stages of “Tashabbus” in 2010-2012. She is constant participant of international touristic fair «Tashkent International Tourist» on a Great Silk Road. As well, Dilnoza is the winner of the republican stage of “My business idea” contest held by “Kamolot” youth organization.

UNDP “Business Forum of Uzbekistan (Phase 2)” Project presented separate exhibition stand as part of “Tashabbus-2013”, demonstrating project publications for entrepreneurs, in particular, “Cost of Doing Business in Uzbekistan”, “Internet for entrepreneurs”, “Computer for entrepreneurs” and “What is important to know about inspections?”. During the event presentations about innovative projects have been demonstrated and distributed, including, presentation on energy-efficient green-houses construction, establishment of Milk collection centers, opportunities of private sector participation in solid waste management. It is noteworthy that special interest of public was caused by the project on energy-efficient greenhouses, that are currently being constructed in conjunction with the framers in 8 regions of Uzbekistan and backed by support of the SGP GEF and TIKA. The best evidence of the importance of the project was the fact that the next day after the exhibition, interested farmers from Khorezm visited the office of Project to obtain more detailed information on construction and operation of solar greenhouses.