Uzbekistan Advances Digital Transformation with Unified Navigation and Public Administration Platforms

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently reviewed a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at accelerating Uzbekistan’s digital transformation. Key initiatives include the development of a national navigation system, the launch of a unified digital platform for public administration, and enhanced support measures for the country’s IT and telecommunications sectors.

Strategic Digital Infrastructure and Integration

Currently, Uzbekistan relies heavily on foreign navigation services, which poses risks in terms of data sovereignty and operational efficiency. Officials presented plans to establish a national navigation system that would standardize geospatial data across agencies. This system is intended to improve transport management, logistics, emergency response, urban planning, and public service delivery by fostering data consistency and accessibility.

Another critical proposal involves creating a unified digital platform integrating government data across multiple agencies. At present, databases have been developed independently, resulting in fragmented information systems that impede efficient decision-making. The new platform will consolidate information on regional economies, investments, environmental issues, public safety, citizen concerns, infrastructure, and spatial data into a single AI-powered interface.

"The integrated platform aims to enable early identification of regional problems, monitor policy implementation, and optimize resource allocation to enhance public administration effectiveness," officials stated.

President Mirziyoyev directed that the platform be piloted in Tashkent within the year and subsequently expanded nationwide from next year, signaling a strong executive commitment to digital governance.

Streamlining Business and Statistical Processes

In an effort to reduce administrative hurdles for businesses, the government plans to introduce a unified national classification system for goods and services. Currently, customs, tax, and statistical agencies use disparate classification schemes, complicating compliance, reporting accuracy, and inter-agency data exchange.

The new system is expected to simplify bureaucratic processes, enhance data reliability, and foster a more business-friendly environment.

Accelerating IT Sector Growth and International Competitiveness

Aligned with these infrastructure upgrades, Uzbekistan has set ambitious targets: increasing annual IT exports to $5 billion by 2030, supporting 5,000 active startups, and attracting $2 billion in investment. The country’s rapid ascent in the global StartupBlink rankings—climbing 31 places to become the world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem—reflects progress in these areas.

Tashkent leads Central Asia’s startup hubs, with Samarkand and Fergana entering the global top 1,000 for the first time. The government also announced the Talent Hub initiative, enabling foreign specialists and investors to register businesses remotely, open bank accounts, and obtain international payment cards.

Additional support for IT Park resident companies includes extended tax incentives until 2040, expanded visa programs, and subsidies covering payroll costs, international certification, and relocation expenses to attract foreign clients and expertise.

Over 20 startup acceleration programs are slated for Bukhara and Fergana, aiming to facilitate local startups’ entry into global markets.

Telecommunications Sector Modernization

Telecommunications infrastructure has expanded significantly, with coverage of populated areas rising from 41% to 98%, and internet bandwidth increasing 65-fold. However, officials acknowledged challenges remain, including low private investment attractiveness and limited fixed broadband penetration in remote regions.

To enhance the business climate, proposals include merging two license categories for telecom network design and construction into one streamlined license, reducing licensing time from 25 to 10 days, and mandating high-speed internet infrastructure in new apartment developments.

Entrepreneurs entering telecommunications will have access to concessional loans under the Future Entrepreneur program, featuring seven-year terms, a two-year grace period, and a 15% interest rate. Preferential tariffs will also support businesses in rural areas.

Executive Endorsement and Forward Steps

Following the presentation, President Mirziyoyev approved the comprehensive measures and instructed government agencies to prioritize integration of data systems, improve digital public service quality, enhance cybersecurity and data protection, and foster an enabling environment for private-sector participation in the digital economy.

These initiatives represent a strategic push by Uzbekistan’s leadership to modernize the country’s digital infrastructure, strengthen economic competitiveness, and position the nation as a regional technology hub.