At Inha University, with the support of IT Park, the opening ceremony of another office of Sigma Software Group was held, accompanied by a comprehensive program of events aimed at enhancing Uzbekistan’s digital capabilities.
Why is this Important?
Sigma Software is a Swedish IT company that unites a workforce of over 2,000 professionals. With a presence in 12 countries, the company is now commencing operations in Uzbekistan. Having operated in the global IT market for two decades, Sigma Software provides services to world-renowned corporations, including SAS, Knorr-Bremse, AstraZeneca, Volvo, and Scania.
Veronica Korzh, Managing Director of Sigma Software, delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing the strategic significance of the company’s expansion in Central Asia and expressing confidence in the prospects for fruitful cooperation with local partners.
Muzaffar Djalalov, Vice-Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, underscored the critical role of partnerships between educational institutions and IT enterprises in cultivating a highly skilled workforce.
Abdulahad Kuchkarov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, welcomed the expansion of international IT companies in the region and highlighted their substantial contribution to the advancement of the country’s technological ecosystem.
Panel Discussion
As part of the event, Maxim Pochebut, Chief Learning Officer at Sigma Software University, delivered a keynote address entitled “Building Digital Synergies for Uzbekistan’s Future”. His emphasized the importance of integrating global expertise with local initiatives to accelerate Uzbekistan’s digital transformation.
Following the keynote, a panel discussion was convened under the theme “Digital Transformation in Uzbekistan — A Collaborative Approach”. The discussion examined the role of international donors in facilitating the development of Uzbekistan’s IT ecosystem, the opportunities available to global IT companies in Uzbekistan, as well as skills development and creation of employment opportunities for the country's digital workforce.
The session was moderated by Aisuluu Kozhomkulova, Regional Director for Central Asia at StrategEast.
Veronica Korzh, Managing Director of Sigma Software Optico, elaborated on the rationale behind the company’s decision to prioritize Uzbekistan as a key market for expansion in Central Asia. She provided insights into the opportunities and challenges encountered by European IT firms when entering the Uzbek digital economy and outlined Sigma Software’s strategy for integrating into the country’s IT ecosystem and collaborating with local startups and IT professionals.
Muzaffar Djalalov, Vice-Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and former Rector of Inha University in Tashkent, discussed the role of Uzbekistan’s universities in the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. He presented strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring that graduates acquire skills relevant to the labor market in AI and digital technologies.
Jahongir Kagirov, Head of IT and Services Exports at IT Park Uzbekistan, provided an overview of initiatives designed to support export-oriented IT companies and startups specializing in artificial intelligence.
Wim Riepma, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, outlined the European Union’s key digital initiatives in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, highlighting their alignment with the EU’s broader digital policy framework. He also elaborated on the role of EU-supported IT education programs in fostering a highly skilled digital workforce.
Tatyana Bystrushkina, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan, explored the role of international organizations and the business community in accelerating Uzbekistan’s digital transformation and attracting foreign investment.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage in discussions on the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in Uzbekistan. The establishment of the Sigma Software Group office in Tashkent represents a significant milestone in the development of Uzbekistan’s IT sector, facilitating job creation, advancing professional expertise, and strengthening international cooperation.
