YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE ROLE OF TOURISM SMES AS AN INCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT GENERATOR IN UZBEKISTAN
Keywords:
youth unemployment; tourism SMEs; inclusive employment; entrepreneurship; Uzbekistan; labor market policyAbstract
Despite Uzbekistan's declining overall unemployment rate, youth
unemployment remains structurally elevated, reflecting a mismatch between education
and labor market needs. This article examines whether tourism small and medium
sized enterprises (SMEs) can serve as an inclusive employment generator for youth.
Drawing on official statistics and recent IMF and World Bank data, the study finds
that tourism SMEs offer structural advantages - low capital thresholds, labor intensity,
and geographic reach into rural areas - that favor inclusive youth employment, though
skills mismatches, seasonality, and financing constraints limit this potential. The
article concludes with recommendations on vocational training, preferential financing,
and infrastructure investment in secondary tourism destinations.
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