Digital Uzbekistan 2025: Fifth International PLUS Forum to be held in Tashkent

On May 28-29, 2025, the capital of Uzbekistan will host the Fifth International PLUS Forum Digital Uzbekistan — one of the most anticipated events in the field of digital technologies and finance in Central Asia. The Forum is organized with the support of the National Agency for Advanced Projects and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The event is traditionally dedicated to discussing topical issues of digitalization in the country and region. The focus is on the development of state digital infrastructure, retail financial services, telecommunications and IT industries, as well as e-commerce and trade. The forum aims to accelerate Uzbekistan's economic growth, expand international cooperation and launch large-scale innovative projects.

Today, Central Asia is considered as a promising area for business development and introduction of new technologies. The growing involvement of the region's states in digital transformation makes it attractive for investors, international corporations and startups.

According to INFOLine, 85% of companies already represented in Uzbekistan plan to expand their activities. About 30% of foreign companies that have not previously worked in the country's market also show interest in launching projects. In 2024, the volume of venture investments in startups in Uzbekistan reached $ 17.5 million. A bright event was the launch of the first "unicorn" — Uzum company, which attracted $ 52 million.

The country is showing a steady increase in interest in fintech and digital solutions. From mobile banking and QR payments to BNPL services, modern technologies are actively entering everyday life, especially among the young population. The average age in the country is 28.5 years, and it is young people who determine the direction of development of online trading and digital finance today.

The Digital Uzbekistan PLUS Forum is becoming a platform for combining the efforts of private and state structures, as well as for a productive international dialogue. Here we discuss the development of services, strengthen business ties and build partnerships.

In 2025, the forum will once again bring together reputable experts, entrepreneurs, representatives of government agencies, financial institutions, IT companies and startups. Speakers include CEOs of major organizations, opinion leaders, and experts with international experience. More than 150 speakers and presentations of products and solutions are expected from about 100 companies from more than 30 countries, including Germany, Italy, France, USA, Singapore, South Korea, China, Turkey, UAE, as well as the CIS and Baltic states.

Among the invited speakers::

• Vyacheslav Pak-First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Advanced Projects of Uzbekistan;
• Rafal Trapka-Mastercard Vice President for Eastern Europe and Central Asia;
• Abdulakhad Kuchkarov-General Director of IT Park Uzbekistan;
• Olga Amangeldyeva - Director for Strategic Development of the National Interbank Processing Center (HUMO payment system);
• Shin Co-Director of Development, Tencent Cloud International;
• Stephen Pope - Founder of Sieg Trade Solutions, former Vice President of DHL Group;
• Bongjoon (Brett) Kang-Representative of the Korean Deposit Insurance Corporation;
• Chiu Niu is the head of the EGATE project and an economist at the World Bank.

The forum is supported by leading market players. The general sponsor is Mastercard. Strategic partner-Octobank, national sponsor-HUMO, main sponsor-BS/2. Other supporting companies include Ucell, Smartone, M4Bank, Nexign, Jet, Arenadata, and others.

The program of the PLUS Forum covers a wide range of topics, including:

• digitalization of public services and the financial sector;
• development of the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry;
• transformation of retail and online commerce;
• artificial intelligence in management and business;
• security in the digital environment;
• development of e-commerce, marketplaces, and logistics;
• payment technologies and subscription services;
• implementation of open banking solutions;
• islamic finance in the region;
• modernization of infrastructure and introduction of new banking service formats.

The Forum has become a recognized business space for discussing trends, finding solutions, and establishing contacts. In 2025, the number of registered delegates has already exceeded 2000 people, which confirms the high interest in the event from the professional community.

Digital Uzbekistan is not just a forum, but a large-scale platform for promoting digital initiatives, technological cooperation and exchange of experience between leading market participants.