THE ROLE OF SMALL AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISES IN THE CREATION OF NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Employment generation is one of the key priorities of sustainable economic development. In many countries, small and private enterprises play a vital role in creating new jobs, increasing household incomes, and reducing unemployment. Their flexibility, innovative capacity, and ability to adapt to changing market conditions make them an important component of modern economies. In Uzbekistan, government reforms aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, expanding self-employment, and improving the business environment have significantly strengthened the role of small businesses in the labor market. At the same time, international experience demonstrates that effective support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contributes to sustainable employment, economic growth, and enhanced competitiveness. This study aims to examine the role of small and private enterprises in creating new jobs in Uzbekistan, analyze international experience, and identify measures to improve employment through the development of the small business sector.