Today, increasing attention is being paid worldwide to inclusive economic development and the empowerment of women entrepreneurs. In response to this global trend, WEConnect International and HAMROH have announced the launch of a strategic partnership. The main goal of the initiative is to support women-led companies and create new opportunities for them in Uzbekistan and across the Central Asian region.

On May 13, 2026, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement outlines long-term cooperation aimed at advancing women’s entrepreneurship, preparing companies for corporate procurement processes, and expanding access to international markets. The partnership is also expected to play an important role in strengthening regional ties among Central Asian countries.

Under the agreement, WEConnect International will provide Uzbekistan with access to its internationally recognized Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification system, as well as entry into a global network of corporate buyers and international companies. This will enable women-owned businesses to establish partnerships with multinational corporations, government institutions, and global organizations seeking inclusive suppliers.

Foto: Hamroh - Xotin-qizlar tadbirkorligini qo‘llab-quvvatlash kompaniyasi

As the national implementing partner of the initiative, HAMROH will coordinate activities in Uzbekistan by leveraging cooperation with government institutions, financial organizations, and the broader entrepreneurial community. Operating across all 14 regions of the country, HAMROH will focus on identifying, preparing, and supporting women entrepreneurs interested in obtaining international certification and participating in future corporate procurement opportunities.

One of the key areas of cooperation will be the development of a dedicated program. This program is designed to help women-owned enterprises adapt to modern international standards and become full participants in both local and global production and supply chains.

Foto: Hamroh - Xotin-qizlar tadbirkorligini qo‘llab-quvvatlash kompaniyasi

The program covers several key areas. These include support in ensuring compliance with ESG standards, building financial and operational structures of businesses, preparing procurement documentation, audit readiness, and aligning companies with corporate supplier requirements. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to undergo preparation for entering both domestic and international markets.

Within the framework of the partnership, the organizations also plan to launch training and mentorship initiatives, establish a pipeline of companies ready for certification, and organize joint forums, trade missions, and business matchmaking programs. Furthermore, the parties aim to expand cooperation with government bodies, financial institutions, international development partners, and representatives of the private sector.

Foto: Hamroh - Xotin-qizlar tadbirkorligini qo‘llab-quvvatlash kompaniyasi

Particular attention will be paid to developing regional cooperation with countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. This collaboration is expected to contribute to the creation of a more sustainable ecosystem for supporting women’s entrepreneurship across the entire Central Asian region.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to unlocking the economic potential of women entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan and across Central Asia. By combining HAMROH’s nationwide presence with our global network of more than 180 corporate members representing over USD 4 trillion in annual procurement, we are creating real opportunities for women-owned businesses to access corporate supply chains and achieve sustainable growth,” said Elizabeth A. Vazquez, CEO and Co-founder of WEConnect International.

As a result of the partnership, Uzbekistan is expected to launch its first internationally recognized WBE certification mechanism. Companies across various sectors — including services, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services — will have the opportunity to undergo preparation and certification.

One of the key priorities is to strengthen the capacity of women-led companies to supply products and services to banks, corporations, international organizations, embassies, and other institutional buyers operating in Uzbekistan.

“This partnership reflects HAMROH’s long-term vision of building a strong and sustainable ecosystem for women’s entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan. Our priority is not only to support women in starting businesses, but also to help them scale, prepare for procurement processes, and access real corporate and institutional opportunities. Together with WEConnect International, we are strengthening women’s businesses through international standards, market access, and regional cooperation,” said Nozimakhon Davletova, Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan, diplomat, and member of the HAMROH Supervisory Board.

The Memorandum is set to remain in effect until May 2029. The parties emphasized that the agreement reflects a shared intention to jointly advance initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth, expanding women’s financial opportunities, and supporting private sector development in the region.

About WEConnect International

WEConnect International is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs by connecting them with large corporate, government, and institutional buyers worldwide.

Its network brings together more than 180 corporate members with a combined annual procurement power exceeding USD 4 trillion. The organization operates in over 135 countries and certifies businesses that are at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by women under the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) standard. Today, its global network includes more than 20,000 women-owned businesses.