The international forum “GCC-Uzbekistan Digital and Technological Cooperation Forum", held in Samarkand, has become a key event in the development of the digital economy of Uzbekistan. The event brought together more than 700 participants, including about 300 international guests from 39 countries. The main emphasis was placed on expanding the partnership between Uzbekistan and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the field of IT, innovation and venture investments.
The forum brought together high-ranking representatives of government agencies, technology companies, foundations and startups. The main topics discussed were the development of Uzbekistan's export potential in the field of digital services, support for start-ups, outsourcing, digital education, intelligent infrastructure and expansion of cross-border investments.
Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan Sherzod Shermatov noted the country's progress in digitalization and stressed its openness to international initiatives. The management of IT Park presented a strategic vision of Uzbekistan as a fast-growing technology hub in the region. During the breakout sessions, experts from Uzbekistan and GCC countries discussed collaboration opportunities, including the export of IT services, technology transfer and the launch of joint projects.
An important result of the forum was the signing of a number of agreements:
- IT Park Uzbekistan and DIFC Innovation Hub (UAE) have agreed to launch a joint IGNYTE platform to support startups and outsourcing services from Uzbekistan.
- A three-way alliance has been formed between IT Park, White Hill Capital and XPENCE to implement fintech solutions and build a new ecosystem in Uzbekistan.
- A memorandum was signed with Trescon Group on holding international technological events in the republic.
The forum's financial results include attracting $1.56 million in investments in five local startups. The largest investment — $1 million — was directed to Flex Soft, a company specializing in software for microfinance organizations. Other projects, including Push30, Cradle Tech Vision, BITO ERP, and the Coozin education platform, have also received funding to scale.
Tech Expo, held as part of the forum, presented a wide range of solutions from Uzbek IT companies: from ERP systems and AI solutions to digital transformation platforms and remote monitoring. Participants from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey, Japan and Africa expressed interest in placing businesses in Uzbekistan, launching joint products and entering the local venture ecosystem.
The Forum ended with an informal session of expert networking, which helped strengthen ties between representatives of the private sector, the public sector and international investors. More than 50 companies have initiated negotiations to join the IT Park. The parties consider Uzbekistan as a platform for entering the Central Asian market, which covers more than 80 million people.
Uzbekistan continues to build a digital economy infrastructure focused on international partnerships and export opportunities. The forum in Samarkand was a confirmation of the country's desire to take a strategic place in the global technological ecosystem.
