Uzbekistan and Visa discuss expanding strategic cooperation in fintech and digital services

First Deputy Minister for Digital Technologies Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan Olimjon Umarov held an official meeting with Senior Vice President of the Visa global payment system Godfrey Sullivan. The discussion focuses on strengthening the current partnership and developing new areas of cooperation in the field of digital transformation, supporting startups and improving financial literacy.

Support for the startup ecosystem and educational initiatives

During the talks, Olimjon Umarov elaborated on the measures being implemented to implement the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan "On measures for further development of the ecosystem of start-up projects and venture financing". In this context, possible forms of Visa's participation in improving the infrastructure of incubation laboratories and supporting startups at the country's universities were discussed.
The Ministry and Visa studied the prospects for launching joint programs for the exchange of experience, mentoring and financing initiatives in the field of digital technologies and entrepreneurship. The proposals also relate to the involvement of Visa's international experts in educational projects and acceleration programs.

Confirmation of Visa's strategic interest

Speaking at the meeting, Godfrey Sullivan expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and noted that Uzbekistan is considered by Visa as a priority strategic partner in Central Asia. He stressed that the company attaches particular importance to the stability and full functionality of its services in the republic.
Sullivan also noted that Visa has broad international expertise in digital solutions and is open to expanding partnerships with government agencies and the private sector in Uzbekistan.

Financial inclusion and user protection

During the meeting, key areas of future cooperation were identified:

• support for small and medium-sized businesses;
• improving the digital and financial literacy of the population;
• joint measures to combat financial fraud;
• expanding access to electronic government services with the possibility of providing benefits when paying with Visa cards.

One of the proposals was the creation of a national acceleration program focused on promising fintech startups, as well as the development of digital payment infrastructure and the inclusion of new consumer protection tools.

Prospects for cooperation

The parties confirmed their mutual interest in strengthening the partnership and indicated their readiness for systematic joint work. At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed confidence that further expansion of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Visa will be an important contribution to the digital transformation of the country and the development of an inclusive financial environment.