Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov held a meeting with Ufuk Ulutaş, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Türkiye to Uzbekistan.

At the start of the meeting, the Turkish delegation was presented with a detailed overview of the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan’s IT sector, future plans, and the favorable environment created for foreign companies.

Particular emphasis was placed on the activities of IT Park Uzbekistan and the operations of both local and international companies based there.

The guests were also introduced to the work of Uzbekistan’s national IT integrator, UZINFOCOM.

Minister Shermatov began by congratulating Ambassador Ulutaş on his new appointment and wished him success in his mission. He then outlined measures being taken under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s 2017 initiative to transform Uzbekistan into a regional IT hub. Key priorities include attracting foreign companies, expanding IT service exports, and creating high-paying jobs for young people.

During the meeting, an initiative was proposed to attract Turkish companies to Uzbekistan and develop outsourcing services. It was noted that the growing foreign language proficiency among Uzbek youth presents opportunities for joint servicing of European markets in partnership with Turkish firms.

Information was shared on tax incentives offered to IT companies, including exemptions from certain taxes. The role of the Turkish Embassy in facilitating Turkish IT company entry into the Uzbek market was also discussed.

The meeting highlighted cooperation in education, including potential joint projects with the newly opened University of Cybersecurity and partnerships in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Ambassador Ulutaş expressed Türkiye’s strong interest in deepening cooperation and emphasized the Turkish government’s prioritization of the IT sector. He proposed Uzbekistan’s participation in the annual Technofest event held in Türkiye, and suggested the possibility of organizing the event in Uzbekistan in the future, to further strengthen ties between IT communities in both countries.

Support for IT startups and experience sharing between the two countries were also discussed as part of the broader agenda.