During the period from March 4 to 7 of this year, a delegation of the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, headed by Minister Sherzod Shermatov, and with the participation of the CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan Farkhod Ibragimov, is in the United States of America, with the aim of strengthening cooperation with international organizations and companies, as well as attracting foreign companies to Uzbekistan, increasing IT export, creating new jobs and active support for the expansion of Uzbek companies into foreign markets.
An important moment during the visit was the meeting of the delegation at the World Bank headquarters on March 4. During the meeting, representatives of Uzbekistan discussed the progress of a number of projects with the head of the World Bank’s digital development practice, Michel Rogi, and senior digital technology development specialist Mikhail Bunchuk. Special attention was paid to the “Uzbekistan Digital Inclusion” project.
The goal of the project is to ensure digital integration, creating conditions for the development of the ITES market in the Republic of Uzbekistan, leading to attracting foreign companies to the country, increasing digital exports using digital technologies in economic sectors, as well as creating new jobs in the country’s digital industry with with a special emphasis on young people from 18 to 30 years old, including women and persons with disabilities throughout the Republic. In accordance with the national development strategy until 2030, Uzbekistan aims to increase annual IT exports to $5 billion, attract 1 000 foreign IT companies and provide employment to 300 000 young professionals in the information technology sector.
To achieve these ambitious goals, Uzbekistan plans to allocate significant resources to train qualified personnel, develop IT and office infrastructure, and create appropriate legislation and strategies to attract foreign and local investment in the IT sector.
The launch of a joint project with the World Bank is planned for this year, the executive agency of the project is IT Park, under the Ministry of Digital Technologies, with the aim of creating favorable conditions for the development of the industry, creating infrastructure and attracting foreign companies. An important aspect will be the stimulation of outsourcing companies to create additional jobs in the regions of the country.
Mr. Michel Rogi emphasized the essential importance of strategic monitoring of the implementation of the upcoming project. In light of this, tracking its progress and measuring the results achieved becomes a key aspect for assessing effectiveness and making decisions about possible future initiatives. He expressed a willingness to respond dynamically to variables during the project, which will allow the organization to maximize its fruitfulness. In addition to this, Mr. Rogi expressed his intention to visit Uzbekistan in May of this year, demonstrating a high level of interest and involvement in the successful implementation of the efforts undertaken.
In 2029, upon completion of the project, it is expected that more than 25,000 jobs will be created in the IT and outsourcing sectors in Uzbekistan. This impressive result includes the employment of 4,500 women and 360 persons with disabilities.
To achieve these goals, the project includes the launch of 11 regional outsourcing centers, training of key skills for more than 6,000 young professionals, accompanied by the development of the necessary regulatory documents. An important component will also be attracting 240 new outsourcing companies and stimulating their activities in the country.
The “Uzbekistan Digital Inclusion” project will become a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and attracting foreign investment to Uzbekistan. The joint efforts of the Uzbek government and the World Bank are aimed at creating a sustainable digital economy that will ensure the country’s prosperity in the coming decades.
