Call centers for entrepreneurs may be established at embassies

To ensure the swift and effective resolution of problems faced abroad, Uzbekistan may establish call centers for entrepreneurs at its embassies. The proposal was discussed on January 17 during an open dialogue between ambassadors and business representatives organized at the initiative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

During the meeting, entrepreneurs had the opportunity to engage directly with ambassadors on issues related to entering foreign markets, attracting investment, and developing international cooperation.

Entrepreneur Fakhriddin Ilyosov said that in some cases, intervention by Uzbekistan’s embassies can be more effective than lengthy court proceedings against foreign partners who fail to fulfill their obligations. He proposed establishing call centers at embassies so that Uzbek entrepreneurs could receive assistance in such situations.

“We often face problems with foreign counterparties. For example, they may fail to deliver goods or pay us. We take these cases to court and win, but because our influence in that country is limited, we still struggle to recover our money even after winning in international courts,” Ilyosov said.

He also suggested that based on complaints received through embassy call centers, a “blacklist” of unreliable companies in the host country could be compiled.

Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khojayev, who chaired the dialogue, supported the proposal and issued relevant instructions.

“I think this is a very good idea. Many of our embassies, especially in Russia, already have call centers. From a legal standpoint, it should not be difficult to establish similar call centers for entrepreneurs and create a ‘blacklist’ of companies they should avoid working with. If each of our embassies sets up a call center for entrepreneurs on their websites, I believe it would be very convenient,” the deputy prime minister said.

The event was aimed at implementing presidential directives on expanding exports, improving the investment climate, and supporting entrepreneurs’ access to foreign markets. All proposals voiced during the meeting were assigned to responsible officials for further structured development.