Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 24 December, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation outlining plans for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and telecommunications technologies.

As part of the "Uzbekistan – 2030" Strategy, the country aims to become a leading regional IT hub. To achieve this goal, significant progress has been made in digital technology development, including the establishment of IT parks across all regions, expanded opportunities for education and employment, and improved internet speed and coverage. These efforts have facilitated employment for over 190,000 people.

Over the past years, US$3 billion has been invested in the industry. The number of foreign-capital enterprises has increased 8.5 times since 2017, surpassing 1,000. Today, one in ten enterprises in the sector is an international company. The number of IT exporters has grown from just 12 in 2017 to 650 this year, with IT and telecommunication service exports expected to exceed US$900 million by year-end.

AI technologies are widely applied across various sectors. More than 20 projects have already been implemented, and 70 others are under development in specific industries and large enterprises. Uzbekistan has risen 17 positions in the Global AI Readiness Index.

On October 14, the AI Development Strategy until 2030 was adopted, outlining measures to increase the share of AI-based software and services, expand technical infrastructure, and enhance human resource capabilities.

During the meeting, the Minister of Digital Technologies presented plans for the upcoming year:

"Cloud" data centers will be established in the Bukhara, Fergana, and Tashkent regions.

AI laboratories will be opened at Tashkent University of Information Technologies and Inha University to support startups.

3,000 government employees, including regional governors and their deputies, will undergo AI training.

Authorities have been tasked with increasing the number of AI-based projects to 100 and boosting software and service revenues to US$50 million.

Digital transformation in the telecommunications sector has already yielded positive results, with telecom service revenues growing by 16% to 21 trillion soums. "Uztelecom" reported revenues exceeding 9 trillion soums.

The "Uzbekiston Pochtasi" postal system also saw improvements, with a 1.4-fold increase in revenues and a 20% growth in exports. Next year, 1,600 postal offices will launch e-commerce product collection services, and a digital sorting center will enhance logistics efficiency, backed by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development funding.

The updated Law on Telecommunications will serve as a foundation for the industry’s development, introducing a two-year digitalization program for all sectors and regions.

Additionally, plans include constructing 6,000 new base stations and laying 30,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables, aiming for 98% service coverage. Measures will also be taken to increase export volumes in the sector to US$1.2 billion.

A major milestone will be the drafting of legislation for the International Center for Digital Technologies. This center, named "Enterprise Uzbekistan," will operate under English law, ensure free capital movement, adhere to international labor standards, and host branches of foreign banks.

The President instructed the responsible parties to establish legislative frameworks for AI and further develop education in digital technologies.