Uzbek Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov has announced that Uzbekistan is aiming to become Central Asia’s leading information technology hub by expanding digital infrastructure, supporting businesses, and accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.

Speaking at the M360 Eurasia 2026 forum in Samarkand, the minister said Uzbekistan is steadily building favorable conditions for international and local IT companies through tax incentives and a new business regulation system, The Caspian Post reports via UzDaily.

Shermatov noted that Uzbekistan currently ranks ninth in the World Bank’s GovTech Maturity Index, highlighting the country’s growing reputation in digital governance and public sector innovation.

He also emphasized that Uzbekistan is implementing a long-term digital strategy through 2030 aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers and simplifying administrative procedures for businesses and investors.

A major focus of the country’s transformation is the development of human capital and AI expertise. Shermatov said that more than one million young specialists have already been trained under the “Five Million AI Leaders” initiative.

The reforms are designed to position Uzbekistan as a regional technology powerhouse and attract greater investment into the country’s rapidly growing digital economy.