As part of the visit, the delegation was presented with an overview of the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan in the areas of digital transformation, e-government development, the IT Park ecosystem, IT services exports, startup development, human capital growth, and artificial intelligence.

The guests were briefed on the country’s progress in digitalizing public services, including the development of the Unified Interactive Public Services Portal, digital document management systems, data processing center infrastructure, and Uzbekistan’s continued advancement in the United Nations E-Government Development Index.

The delegation also received information on the favorable conditions created for IT Park residents, including tax incentives, the IT Visa program, startup support mechanisms, export performance, and Uzbekistan’s growing role as an international IT hub.

Following the presentation, Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov held talks with Minister of the Interior and Safety of the Republic of Korea Yun Ho-yung.

During the meeting, the parties highlighted the strong partnership between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea in the field of digital technologies and noted the steady expansion of bilateral cooperation.

The Korean side was recognized as a global leader in information technologies, home to internationally renowned technology companies and advanced digital solutions.

Minister Shermatov noted that, thanks to the consistent attention and support of the President of Uzbekistan, the country’s IT sector has been developing rapidly, with growing interest among young people in technology-related professions.

The parties discussed opportunities to attract leading Korean IT companies to establish representative offices and expand their operations in Uzbekistan. It was emphasized that Uzbekistan can serve as an effective regional hub for Korean companies seeking access to third-country markets, supported by a growing pool of young professionals with strong foreign language proficiency and modern digital skills.

The meeting also highlighted the international recognition of Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem, including its designation as the “Country of the Year” for having one of the world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems.

Both sides positively appreciated the results of joint digital government initiatives implemented by Uzbekistan and Korea and emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation in this area.

Discussions also focused on expanding collaboration with leading Korean universities in information technology education, implementing joint research and development (R&D) projects, cybersecurity initiatives, and technological innovation programs. In this context, information was provided on the activities of Cyber ​​University in Nurafshon, which is being developed as a major research and innovation center.

The parties exchanged views on the development of artificial intelligence technologies, large-scale data center projects under construction in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and the tax and economic incentives available to investors in these sectors.

In addition, opportunities for cooperation in the gaming industry were discussed.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to establish the Digital Government Cooperation Center and further strengthen bilateral collaboration in the field of digital technologies.

Following the signing ceremony, the official opening of the Digital Government Cooperation Center took place with the participation of both sides. It was noted that the Center will serve as a platform for studying Korea’s advanced experience, facilitating knowledge and expertise exchange, and elevating digital cooperation between the two countries to a new level.