Banks will actively promote job creation and boost household incomes.

In recent years, the activity of the banking system at the local level has yielded tangible results. Specifically, in the Uychin district of the Namangan region, with the support of banks, 3,200 active clients have helped to employ 9,000 people, while the number of low-income families has decreased by 6,000.

In the Saykhunabad district of the Syrdarya region, projects were implemented in 3,200 households, resulting in 12,000 people learning to earn from their backyard plots.

In the Zarbdar district of the Jizzakh region, 13,500 jobs were created, and in the Gijduvan district of the Bukhara region, 28,000 jobs were established. As a result, over 10,000 residents have escaped poverty.

Overall, within the framework of these initiatives in four districts—Uychin, Saykhunabad, Zarbdar, and Gijduvan—3.3 million people have gained a stable income since the beginning of the year. The total number of officially employed individuals has reached 10.5 million for the first time.

Furthermore, in areas such as Khojaeli, Asaka, Vabkent, Bulungur, Yangier, Kushtepa, Shavat, and others, the unemployment rate has dropped to less than 5 percent.

The President emphasized that the Central Bank and regional banks must expand this positive experience and become real support for the population.

— The year 2025 will be crucial for ensuring employment and reducing poverty, — highlighted Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The meeting discussed new opportunities and future plans.

Over the past six years, within the framework of the family entrepreneurship program, 750,000 citizens have timely repaid loans and launched profitable businesses. Among them, 58,000 have opened new enterprises. Now, banks need to support such clients and help them transition to small and medium-sized businesses.

In this regard, under the "Support for Small Business" program, a credit of 300 million soms will be provided without conditions. This will create jobs for 1.5 million people in the coming years.

Previously, banks received funding for family entrepreneurship programs solely from the government. The People’s Bank took the initiative and began issuing loans of up to 50 million soms without requiring excessive documents and collateral under the "Financial Accessibility" program with support from the Asian Development Bank.

Following this example, next year, nine state banks plan to allocate 1 billion dollars in the form of loans, which will ensure income for 250,000 people.

Thanks to cooperatives involving active entrepreneurs in 27 districts, good results have been achieved. Next year, cooperatives for fish farming, rabbit breeding, livestock farming, and beekeeping will be organized in 30 districts. A total of 500 billion soms will be allocated for this purpose.

Startup projects that attract investments and create jobs will receive support. State banks will establish venture companies and allocate 50 million dollars to support startups in mahallas. Each bank is recommended to find a private partner to create business accelerators.

The meeting paid special attention to reducing unemployment in lagging regions. To achieve this, it is planned to attract experienced entrepreneurs from other regions by providing them with concessional loans and additional funds for infrastructure. This will ensure income for 1.3 million people.

If the government creates the necessary infrastructure, entrepreneurs are ready to implement 3,500 projects worth 31 trillion soms and create 200,000 new jobs. Next year, 1 trillion soms will be allocated for the infrastructure of these projects.

Analysis also showed that unprofitable crops are being grown on 85,000 hectares of land, which reduces their efficiency. These lands will be consolidated into larger plots and leased to leading entrepreneurs. The lessee will receive rent and a share from the sale of the products.

It was noted that 60 advanced cities and districts have the potential to completely eliminate unemployment and poverty. To achieve this, it is necessary to employ 2 million people and lift 417,000 families out of poverty.

Achieving this goal requires the banking system to be financially stable. It was noted that it is important not to rely solely on state funds but to attract 6 billion dollars from external sources. There is also a task to increase the volume of public deposits to 11 billion dollars next year.

This year, microfinance and factoring services amounting to 5.5 trillion soms have been provided. Now, state banks will be able to open their own microfinance and factoring companies, attracting foreign investors.

The meeting also discussed the challenges faced by banks and proposed solutions. For example, banks have 3,000 real estate properties on their balance sheets, the sale of which would provide additional resources and create 150,000 jobs.

Banks will be allowed to sell these properties directly at market value. Additionally, it is proposed to amend legislation to simplify the process of seizing collateral and expedite its sale.

The head of state emphasized the need to strengthen financial discipline and personal responsibility at all levels of the financial and banking system.

At the meeting, regional leaders and bank executives outlined plans for 2025 to ensure income for more than 5 million people and lift 1.5 million citizens out of poverty.