On August 9, 2024, the “Central Asia + Japan” business forum took place in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, gathering over 450 representatives from Central Asian countries and Japan.
During the forum, a session titled “New Prospects for Connectivity Development in Japan and Central Asia in Light of International Changes” was conducted. Abdulahad Kuchkarov, Executive Director of IT Park Uzbekistan, presented the prospects for collaboration between the region and Japanese companies in the IT sector.
In his speech, Abdulahad Kuchkarov underscored the significance of integration and partnership between Central Asia and Japan, and provided an in-depth overview of Uzbekistan's IT landscape. He highlighted the nation's achievements in establishing a dynamic IT ecosystem, the notable growth in IT service exports, and the increasing number of IT Park Uzbekistan members.
The growing interest of Japanese companies in the Uzbekistan market is fostering technological advancement in the region and generating high-paying job opportunities for the youth, including in regional areas. Through the exchange of expertise and professional experience with Japanese technology firms, Uzbek specialists are anticipated to become highly competitive in the global labor market. Furthermore, Japan's IT service imports reached $10.5 billion in 2023, presenting substantial opportunities for Central Asian countries to strengthen their presence in the Japanese market.
A key factor is Uzbekistan’s more than 10 universities offering Japanese language programs, reflecting the country’s commitment to preparing skilled professionals capable of effectively engaging with Japanese partners. Additionally, two IT universities in Uzbekistan were established with Japanese investment, promoting academic and cultural exchange.
Investments in language skills and IT education for the youth represent not merely a contribution to the future but a strategic step towards attracting foreign investments and enhancing Uzbekistan's standing in the global IT market. Initiatives such as “One Million Uzbek Coders”, “English Speaking Nation”, and “IT Nation” are designed to cultivate a new generation of specialists capable of competing on the international stage and attracting global partners.
The startup ecosystem in Uzbekistan is experiencing significant growth, supported by five venture funds that have invested $133 million in promising projects. This expansion in venture capital underscores the high potential of innovative ideas and their importance for the country’s economy.
By consolidating our efforts, we can create a robust synergy that benefits all parties involved and significantly enhance the region’s position on the global technology map.
