Uzbekistan: Samarkand is open for investment from Korean and Japanese IT companies

The authorities of the Samarkand region have stepped up efforts to attract foreign investment in the field of information technology. The delegation, consisting of representatives of the regional branch of the Ministry of Digital Technologies, the IT Park branch and the khokimiyat, conducted a working visit to the Republic of Korea and Japan. The purpose of the visit is to establish business relations with technology companies and expand the region's export opportunities through IT outsourcing.

During the visit, bilateral meetings were organized with the management of relevant companies. Foreign partners were provided with detailed information about the supporting infrastructure created in Uzbekistan: from tax and customs benefits to the "zero risk" regime for export-oriented IT companies. They emphasized the competitive advantages of Samarkand, including the presence of a regional branch of the IT Park, a trained young audience, and stable administrative conditions for foreign investors.

Special attention was paid to the presentation of educational initiatives and programs for training qualified personnel in the field of programming, software development, as well as digital customer service. The possibility of Korean and Japanese companies participating in these programs, as well as attracting grants for the development of startups, was discussed.

The negotiations ended with the signing of memoranda of understanding with a number of IT companies that are ready to consider launching branches and outsourcing centers in the Samarkand region. Preliminary agreements were also reached on the creation of a joint IT services center focused on the export of software and service solutions.

The region's activity in establishing direct international business contacts indicates the formation of a new investment strategy in Samarkand, in which the IT sector is becoming a priority. Integration with technologically advanced East Asian countries has the potential to boost capital inflows, employment of young professionals, and export earnings growth.