Uzbekistan Senate Approves Law on Digital Technology Centre

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Senate of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis approved the Constitutional Law “On the International Digital Technology Centre” at its 18th plenary session. The law establishes the legal framework for the International Digital Technology Centre “Enterprise Uzbekistan” within the country’s IT Park. The Senate of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis reported this.

The law was previously considered at the Senate’s 17th plenary session and sent to the Legislative Chamber with proposals for revision. A conciliation commission comprising senators and deputies of the Legislative Chamber revised the document with the participation of representatives of relevant state bodies and organizations.

Under the Constitutional Law, the legal system of the International Digital Technology Centre “Enterprise Uzbekistan” will be based on the principles of English law.

The organization and operation of the Centre, changes to its boundaries, strategic management, appointment of key officials and other matters falling within the powers of the President of Uzbekistan will be carried out on the basis of relevant presidential decrees and resolutions.

The document also provides for a flexible tax and customs regime, tax incentives for certain types of activities, and simplified procedures for importing equipment, technologies and materials.

Support mechanisms are planned for Centre participants, including a one-stop-shop system for registration and management, as well as guarantees for the protection of intellectual property and investments.

According to information presented during the discussion, the Centre’s activities are expected to help increase Uzbekistan’s digital services exports to US$5 billion by 2030 and create more than 300,000 new high-paying jobs.

The adoption of the law is also aimed at establishing legal guarantees for the protection of the property and intellectual property rights of foreign investors in line with international standards. It is expected to enable major international IT companies, including Apple, Google, Microsoft and Amazon, to enter the Uzbekistan market directly.

According to senators, the law will contribute to increasing the IT sector’s share of GDP, attracting more foreign direct investment into the digital sector, creating new jobs and expanding IT services exports.