Uzbek President Sets New Priorities for AI Development

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on the progress achieved and future priorities for developing the country's national artificial intelligence ecosystem.

The presentation outlined key priorities for expanding computing infrastructure, increasing the practical use of AI and developing human resources, the presidential press service said.

Officials said Uzbekistan has climbed 25 places to rank 62nd in the international AI readiness index in recent years. By 2030, the country aims to enter the world's top 50 in the ranking. It also plans to increase the value of software products and services developed using AI technologies to US$1.5 billion, expand infrastructure and implement more than 200 new projects.

The president said the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies requires continuous monitoring of global and regional trends, the swift adoption of advanced technologies and the introduction of new initiatives.

One of the main topics of the presentation was the development of computing infrastructure. Last month, a supercomputer based on technology from U.S. company NVIDIA was commissioned at the Digital Government data centre. It ranked 321st globally in terms of performance. One month after becoming operational, the computing cluster had reached 90% capacity, indicating strong demand for such resources.

Uzbekistan has commissioned modern computing infrastructure valued at US$24 million. A further US$70 million has been proposed to expand the existing computing cluster. The presentation also covered funding sources, equipment delivery schedules and data centre construction projects in Karakalpakstan with foreign investors.

Particular attention was given to developing a high-quality data base. The president instructed ministries and government agencies to inventory their information resources, ensure the completeness, accuracy and integration of data, and create sector-specific datasets required for the effective operation of AI systems.

By the end of this year, the number of AI projects in the economy and social sectors is planned to exceed 100. AI solutions are currently being developed for healthcare, energy, transport, customs administration, legal services, public safety, environmental protection and geology.

To support these efforts, cooperation with IT Park residents, startups and more than 20 artificial intelligence laboratories will be expanded. The number of AI-focused resident companies is expected to reach 300 this year, with services worth 2 trillion soums and exports totaling US$160 million.

The presentation also focused on workforce development. More than 1.5 million users have received specialized certificates in artificial intelligence. In addition, 900 executives, more than 3,000 civil servants, 1,000 bank employees and 200 advisers have completed AI training.

Over the next two years, the government aims to fully implement the "Five Million AI Leaders" project and develop modern educational materials for school students, university students, teachers and the wider public.

Sector-specific hackathons and competitions have already been held in Nukus, Samarkand, Termez, Bukhara, Ferghana, Andijan, Gulistan and Jizzakh. A competition titled "Best Artificial Intelligence Startup" has also been launched. The president instructed officials to organize similar events in all regions of the country.

The presentation also reviewed the work of AI advisers to regional governors. Of 500 applicants, 222 specialists have been selected. The president stressed the need to involve more young professionals educated abroad and skilled in modern technologies, and to assess their work against specific performance indicators. He also instructed officials to create a dedicated digital platform to monitor the advisers' activities and projects.

International cooperation was another focus of the presentation. Officials said Uzbekistan's membership in the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) should help facilitate the adoption of advanced technologies, the development of large language models, joint projects with foreign technology companies and research institutions, and the training of highly qualified specialists.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the president instructed officials to continue expanding computing capacity, increase the practical application of artificial intelligence across sectors, improve data quality, support talented young people and startups, and strengthen international cooperation.