The digital technology sector in Uzbekistan has attracted $3bn in investments, with enterprises involving foreign capital growing 8.5 times since 2017. The number of exporters in information technologies and communication services has surged from just 12 in 2017 to 650 in 2024, with exports expected to exceed $900mn by year-end. The nation has also climbed 17 places in the global AI readiness index, spurred by over 20 AI-based projects already in operation and 70 more in development across various industries.
These achievements were highlighted during a presentation reviewed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on December 27, which outlined plans for the continued expansion of artificial intelligence technologies and telecommunications under the "Uzbekistan - 2030" strategy. The strategy envisions the country as a regional IT hub, leveraging its growing digital infrastructure and workforce.
Since the adoption of the Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence Technologies until 2030 in October, Uzbekistan has laid out ambitious goals to expand the AI ecosystem. These include:
- Increasing the share of AI-driven software products and services.
- Building technical infrastructure, including cloud data centers in Bukhara, Fergana, and Tashkent regions.
- Establishing AI laboratories at leading universities to foster innovation and support startups.
- Training 3,000 government officials and deputies in AI applications.
The telecommunications sector has seen significant growth, with revenues reaching UZS 21 trillion ($1.6bn) in 2024, a 16% increase from the previous year. Uzbektelecom alone reported revenues exceeding UZS 9 trillion ($696.5mn). Plans for 2025 include installing 6,000 new base stations and laying 30,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables to achieve 98% coverage nationwide.
In the postal sector, Uzbekistan Post has introduced new services that have boosted shipments by 50% and revenues by 1.4 times. Future plans involve equipping 1,600 post offices with e-commerce delivery services and launching a digital sorting center, backed by funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The government’s focus on creating a robust legal and institutional framework was emphasized during the presentation. A new Telecommunications Law will guide the development of a two-year national digitalization program. Additionally, a law to establish the Enterprise Uzbekistan International Center for Digital Technologies is underway. This center will operate under principles such as "English law," free capital movement, and international labor standards to attract global tech players.
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