Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 1 July 2025, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation outlining development plans in the fields of digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and telecommunications.

It was noted that over recent years, the country has created broad opportunities for the growth of the digital sector, resulting in significant achievements. Today, the number of IT Park residents exceeds 2,800, including 752 foreign companies. Around 40,000 young professionals are employed in this sector, earning high incomes.

Exports of IT services have risen from US$170 million to nearly US$1 billion over the past five years. Telecommunications infrastructure has also seen notable improvements: internet speeds have increased sevenfold, and mobile internet speed by 4.5 times. In 2024 alone, startups attracted US$70 million in venture capital.

These results have elevated Uzbekistan’s position in the global startup ecosystem rankings by 12 places, placing the country in the top 100 and securing the leading position in Central Asia in the AI Readiness Index. Additionally, Uzbekistan is now ranked first among CIS countries in terms of telecom sector growth rates.

Efforts in this direction are ongoing. By 2026, the government aims to digitize 70% of all public services, grow the volume of IT services to 100 trillion soums, and achieve a ranking of at least 55th in the UN’s E-Government Development Index. Relevant regulatory documents have been prepared to support these objectives and were thoroughly reviewed during the presentation.

To date, Uzbekistan has digitized 760 types of public services, which were used by 10 million citizens last year. The President emphasized the need to move to the next stage—establishing a fully functioning “Digital Government,” particularly in areas that directly affect daily life, such as education, healthcare, construction, and utilities.

AI technologies are also being actively integrated into this development. According to the national AI development strategy adopted in October 2024, US$50 million has been allocated to build infrastructure. Plans include creating a national AI model and training one million specialists.

Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov reported on the implementation stages and measures being taken to modernize infrastructure. Particular attention was given to expanding digital services and increasing exports. While much of this activity is currently concentrated in Tashkent, the President stressed the importance of fostering a business-friendly environment for IT companies and foreign investors across all regions of the country.