Uzbekistan's path towards becoming regional tech hub

Uzbekistan is rapidly emerging as a global IT outsourcing hub, driven by a network of IT Parks that boost the country’s position in the information technology industry. With a growing digital economy and a business-friendly environment, Uzbekistan is becoming an attractive destination for international IT and digital service businesses. Currently employing over 100,000 people, the country’s IT sector is creating significant opportunities for foreign companies in one of the world's fastest-growing markets.

Under its "Digital Uzbekistan 2030" strategy, the country aims to further accelerate industry growth by attracting 1,000 foreign IT-enabled services (ITES) companies, creating 300,000 new jobs, and increasing IT exports to $5 billion by the end of the decade. As an article by CNN points out, the IT Park Uzbekistan is central to this vision. It is a flagship initiative supporting the expansion of the country’s IT sector. The park provides a zero-tax environment for IT companies, fostering innovation and cost-efficient scaling while serving as a strategic platform for global partnerships.

Since its launch in 2019, IT Park has expanded to 14 branches across the country, attracting over 2,400 companies, including more than 550 foreign firms. Major global tech players like EPAM Systems, East Games, ITransition, Vention, G-Core, and Dyninno have already established operations in Uzbekistan, highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a tech investment destination. According to the article, Uzbekistan’s dynamic social environment, coupled with competitive business incentives, ensures a high return on investment (ROI) for participating companies.

Access to Skilled Workforce

A significant factor in Uzbekistan’s IT growth is its young, tech-savvy, and multilingual workforce. Over 60% of the country’s 37.5 million residents are under the age of 30, offering a skilled talent pool proficient in languages such as English, German, and French. This makes the Uzbek workforce highly competitive and sought-after by international companies.

To prepare its workforce for the digital economy, the article points out that the Uzbek government emphasizes quality IT education and infrastructure. All schools have high-speed internet access, enabling digital learning nationwide. More than 60 universities, including Tashkent University of Information Technologies, Inha University, and Amity University, graduate 29,000 students annually in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and information security. Additionally, IT Park supports 300 private educational institutions offering 400 specialized courses, while IT Park University, established with EPAM Systems, trains approximately 400 students.

Further bolstering IT education, Uzbekistan ranks high globally for its share of Coursera learners among the working-age population. As CNN points out, the government funds IT training and certifications for individuals with B2-level foreign language skills, while subsidizing training companies with up to $2,000 per successfully employed graduate—or $3,000 for graduates with disabilities. These initiatives are building a highly skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the ITES sector.

Business Incentives and Support

Uzbekistan’s IT Parks provide a supportive ecosystem for startups and foreign investors through key initiatives such as the “Zero Risk” program. This program offers foreign IT companies free office space for 12 months, reimbursement of up to 15% of employee salaries, and coverage of up to 50% of training costs. The initiative reduces financial risk for businesses entering the Uzbek market, enabling them to explore growth opportunities with minimal upfront costs.

The article informs that the country's IT Visa program further facilitates foreign investment by granting a three-year, multiple-entry visa to investors, founders, senior management, and IT Park members, as well as IT professors and lecturers with advanced degrees. Visa holders gain access to medical services, education, temporary residence registration, and the ability to purchase real estate.

To streamline business operations, IT Park offers a “One-Stop-Shop” service for quick and efficient market entry. This includes support with documentation, company registration, and opening bank accounts, reducing administrative hurdles for new and expanding businesses.

International Collaboration and Expansion

Uzbekistan is also developing the International Digital Center in partnership with global consultancy Ernst & Young (EY). This initiative, named “Enterprise Uzbekistan,” provides a secure environment for international tech companies to expand. The center offers specialized regulatory frameworks, data and intellectual property protection, and access to global financial systems for seamless cross-border transactions. These features ensure a stable infrastructure for long-term success, giving investors confidence in the Uzbek market.

Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a leading IT hub, combining a vibrant investment climate, skilled workforce, and business-friendly policies within a stable economy strategically located between Europe and Asia. With initiatives like IT Park, robust educational infrastructure, and innovative support programs, the country is attracting visionary businesses seeking high-growth opportunities in Central Asia’s expanding tech landscape.

By Nazrin Sadigova