Fintech and e-commerce as drivers of the new economy: Digital market prospects discussed in Tashkent

On June 12, within the framework of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, a panel session "Fintech and e-commerce: creating a new economy"was held. The session participants discussed the transformation processes in financial technologies, the introduction of innovations in the business environment, and strategic opportunities for investors.

Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, outlined the key success factors of the fintech industry using the example of Russia, where a flexible regulatory policy allowed us to accompany technological changes without excessive pressure, while responding to emerging risks in a timely manner.

Co-founder and Strategy Director of Uzum Nikolay Seleznev stressed that Uzbekistan is in the initial stage of large-scale digitalization. He introduced a model for integrating fintech and e-commerce services on a single platform that allows millions of users in more than 400 localities to make purchases with next-day delivery and flexible payment options, including installments.

Founder and Chairman of the International Data Center Association (IDCA) Mehdi Paryavi outlined the key role of digital infrastructure in economic development. According to him, data centers are becoming a critical element of the national economy, similar to oil refineries in the industrial era. He noted that if there is a strategic approach — in the form of a competent energy policy, investment in personnel and attracting foreign partners-such centers can become a source of globally demanded resource: data.

Artem Feoktistov, Director of Payment Systems and Loyalty Programs at Wildberries & Rus, said that the company is active in ten countries and sees Uzbekistan as one of the priority markets. The young and economically active population, the presence of a modern regulatory framework and high adaptability to digital services create, according to him, unique conditions for scaling digital platforms.

Payme CEO Stanislav Skvirsky spoke about the growing demand for neo-banks. He noted that TBC Bank, of which Payme is a part, has been operating as a fully digital bank for five years. Users prefer remote channels for payments, transfers, and receiving financial services. He focused on the high level of digitalization of the population: 75% of citizens have access to the Internet and smartphones, which creates a favorable environment for the development of mobile banking solutions.

During the discussion, a comprehensive view was presented on the role of fintech companies and e-commerce in shaping a new economic model. Special attention was paid to the technological and infrastructural conditions necessary for large-scale implementation of digital solutions, as well as the investment potential of the region in the context of accelerated digital transformation.