Amid global digitalization, Uzbekistan is taking significant steps to strengthen its position in the digital economy. Thus, on February 1, 2024, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan issued Decree No. PQ-51 “On Additional Measures to Support the Training of Qualified Specialists in Digitalization”, aimed at supporting the development of qualified young specialists in the field of digital technologies.
The Decree provides a number of measures aimed at stimulating interest and supporting young people in the IT field. Among the key initiatives are:
- Allocation of subsidies of up to 75 BCU (25,500,000 UZS) for private educational institutions whose graduates are employed by IT service exporting companies, and up to 105 BCU (35,700,000 UZS) for graduates with disabilities working in similar organizations;
- A mechanism for compensating up to 60% of the costs of education and acquisition of international IT certificates for young people;
- A procedure for reimbursing all costs associated with obtaining international IT certificates for individuals proficient in English at the B2 level or higher.
Furthermore, as part of efforts to attract foreign investment and develop the digital economy, another key document was adopted on the same day – Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-25 “On Priority Measures for Establishing the International Center for Digital Technologies”. This Decree ordered the creation of the “ENTERPRISE UZBEKISTAN” International Center for Digital Technologies on the territory of the IT Park, which will become a special zone with favorable conditions for the production of goods and provision of services in the field of digital technologies.
Moreover, for foreign companies in “ENTERPRISE UZBEKISTAN,” an experimental special legal regime will be introduced from June 1, 2024, for a period of up to 5 years in the following areas:
- Implementation of a “regulatory sandbox” for the development and testing of innovations, services, and business products in the field of digital technologies;
- Customs and tax regulation;
- Labor relations;
- Financial and banking activities;
- Processing and protection of personal data;
- Provision of public services;
- Protection of intellectual property;
- Consideration of commercial and civil disputes.
These measures will undoubtedly enable Uzbekistan to attract the attention of international investors and technology companies, stimulating the growth and development of the local IT sector, and providing young specialists with the necessary resources and knowledge for a successful career in digital technologies.