Switzerland will finance a UNDP project on the development of digital economy and skills in Uzbekistan, the press service of the local UNDP office has reported.

The Swiss government, UNDP and Uzbekistan’s finance ministry have announced cooperation to support the development of the digital economy and skills in the country. The trilateral partnership is aimed at unlocking opportunities for the economic empowerment of young people through digitalisation.

"Digitalisation is not only a global trend, but also the key to ensuring the involvement of women in the economy. Digital platforms can help empower women and youth, especially in rural areas of Uzbekistan," said Rachel Bosch, head of the cooperation department at the Swiss embassy.

The project focuses on: improving the digital entrepreneurship environment and skills of young entrepreneurs; strengthening institutional capacity for digital economy and entrepreneurship policy development; and the discovery of financial solutions to improve the financial accessibility of young people and the development of startups in the field of digital entrepreneurship.

The final beneficiaries of the initiative will be 13,000 people, including young women and residents of rural areas. Within the framework of the project, young people will be provided with the necessary skills, tools and support for successful work in the digital economy.