Uzbekistan aims to raise IT services exports to $5bn by 2030

The goal was announced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his address to the nation on December 26.

“This year, exports of IT services reached $1 billion for the first time. There is now a clear understanding in this sector as well: it turns out it is possible,” the president said.

As early as next year, four data centers, two supercomputers, and artificial intelligence laboratories at 15 universities will be launched in Tashkent, Bukhara, Fergana, and the Tashkent region.

According to the president, this will make it possible to implement more than 100 AI projects in areas such as healthcare, transport, agriculture, geology, the banking and financial system, and public safety.

“This year we attracted $270 million in foreign investment into domestic startups in IT, fintech, and artificial intelligence. I am announcing this figure for the first time. This is also a major achievement for us,” Mirziyoyev said.

Starting next year, the digital startups program will be expanded. The new system will support projects from the idea stage through to export. To establish private startup centers, the Youth Fund will provide interest-free loans of up to UZS 5 billion for terms of up to five years.

A fintech office and an innovation hub will be set up under the Central Bank with the involvement of specialists from Singapore. This will make it possible to bring 15–30 fintech startups to international markets each year and attract a total of up to $1 billion in investment for them, the president noted.

Mirziyoyev also stressed the need to develop the market for new financial instruments – including venture funds, startups, and fintech solutions – and to ensure legal protection for the rights of all participants. He called on parliament, together with the government, to draft a law on alternative investment funds.

To enable the practical implementation of projects by young researchers in quantum technologies, drones, and robotics, a Digital Technologies Center will be established. The Asian Development Bank has preliminarily expressed readiness to allocate $200 million to support these initiatives, the president said.