In December 2024, ChatGPT ranked fourth among the most popular websites in Uzbekistan. According to SEMrush, the platform's annual traffic skyrocketed by 6,261,948.5%, reaching 42.73 mn visits. A significant portion of this traffic was direct, highlighting the platform’s strong brand recognition.

At the same time, the growing popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) in Uzbekistan has been fueled by government efforts to implement a comprehensive AI development strategy, launch educational initiatives, and integrate AI into public services.

Expert Commentary

“These strategic directions are crucial. Expanding AI development will boost the local IT industry, attract investors, and create jobs. AI-based public services will enhance convenience for citizens and reduce human error or corruption,” says AI expert, Hikmat Pulatov.  

The Ministry of Digital Technologies is actively deploying AI in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and transportation. For example, AI in agriculture is already helping to forecast yields and optimize resource use.

“For Uzbekistan’s agrarian economy, such projects are essential. AI enables us to address challenges that were previously complex or time-consuming, especially in agriculture and resource management,” Pulatov adds.

AI Chatbots in Government Agencies

Government institutions are increasingly adopting AI-based solutions. Notable examples include:
- “Davron” by the State Tax Committee: A chatbot offering tax consultation.
- “LexAi” by the Ministry of Justice: A virtual assistant for legal consultations and legislative searches.

“These projects demonstrate how AI simplifies citizen interactions with government agencies. Chatbots provide instant responses, streamline bureaucratic processes, and save time. Such solutions make public services more accessible and user-friendly,” Pulatov notes.

Educational Initiatives: Uzbekistan and UAE to Train 1mn AI Specialists

In collaboration with the UAE, Uzbekistan is undertaking an ambitious project to train 1 million specialists in prompt engineering, a critical skill for interacting with AI systems.

“Prompt engineering is the skill of the future. It’s not enough to simply ask questions; it’s about structuring queries to get precise and valuable responses. It’s essentially a language for communicating with machines,” explains Pulatov.

He highlights several key aspects of this initiative:  

1.  Workforce Development  
    “Specialists with these skills will be in demand both in Uzbekistan and internationally. This is a global trend, and our country can export its expertise.”  
2. Digital Literacy  
    “Training 1 mn people in AI at this level will revolutionize the country. These individuals can work in IT, business, education, and government sectors.”  
3. National Competitiveness  
    “Technology is evolving rapidly, and only nations that prepare their workforce for these changes will maintain a competitive edge. Uzbekistan is laying the groundwork to remain a global player in the future.”

Artificial Intelligence: The Foundation of the Future

“AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a tool transforming the world. For Uzbekistan, AI represents an opportunity to not only bridge the gap with leading countries but to emerge as a leader in specific fields. Today, we are building the platform that will shape our economy, education, and governance for decades to come,” concludes Hikmat Pulatov.