On March 17, 2026, an open dialogue meeting titled “New Opportunities for Graduate Employment and Financing Business Ideas” was held at the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.

The event was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and “Uzmilliybank” JSC. It brought together graduating students from higher education institutions of the Samarkand region, responsible officials, and representatives of the banking sector.

At the beginning of the event, the head of the national “Kelajakka qadam” Center delivered a speech, highlighting opportunities created by banks to actively involve young people in entrepreneurship. These include financial support for business initiatives, provision of preferential loans, introduction of paid internship programs, and assistance in graduate employment.

During the dialogue, it was noted that within the framework of the “Kelajakka qadam” program, more than 6,000 graduates have been involved in entrepreneurial activities so far, and a total of 378 billion UZS has been allocated to support their business initiatives. It was also emphasized that not only commercial banks but also other responsible organizations are engaged in creating favorable conditions for implementing graduates’ business projects.

The meeting, held in an open dialogue format, included discussions of students’ ideas, proposals, initiatives, and startup projects.