On October 1, 2025, the VIII International Scientific and Practical Conference, organized in collaboration with Baikal State University and the Tajik State University of Commerce, was held in Irkutsk on the topic of "Small Entrepreneurship Development in the Baikal Region."

 On behalf of the Tajik State University of Commerce, Z.S. Sultonov, PhD in Economics and Associate Professor, delivered the opening remarks at the conference, emphasizing the importance of small entrepreneurship for the economy of both the Baikal region and the Republic of Tajikistan as a whole. In his speech, Z.S. Sultonov noted that small business is an important element of innovative development and economic sustainability, especially in the face of current global economic challenges. He also emphasized the opportunities for small entrepreneurship in the context of digitalization and innovative technologies. Particular attention was paid to opportunities for joint scientific and educational projects between universities in Russia and Tajikistan, as well as the implementation of joint start-ups and business initiatives aimed at developing entrepreneurship in the Baikal region.

 Conference participants included faculty and researchers from the Tajik State University of Commerce (TSUC), who presented the results of their research in economics, entrepreneurship, and management. In particular, special attention was paid to issues of entrepreneurship development in the context of global economic changes and the optimization of government programs to support small businesses in Tajikistan.

 The conference marked an important step in strengthening scientific and educational ties between Baikal State University and the Tajik State University of Commerce, and opened new horizons for cooperation in economics and entrepreneurship.