A high-level meeting took place in Turkey between Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Makhliyo Muksinova, Services Export Development Director of IT Park Uzbekistan, and Yasemin Bedir, President of Mastercard’s Central Asia Office.
The primary objective of the discussions was to advance collaboration in establishing an International Digital Technology Center, aimed at enhancing the attractiveness of Uzbekistan’s digital technology market and drawing in international investments.
Discussions covered several key areas, including, digitization of payment systems, improvement of financial literacy among the population, transitioning to a cashless economy, and establishment of a sustainable payment ecosystem within Uzbekistan. Emphasis was also placed on the growth of startups, as both parties considered launching joint incubation and acceleration programs tailored for Uzbek startups.
Makhliyo Muksinova, Services Export Development Director of IT Park, highlighted the potential for expanding digital technology export services, emphasizing the critical role of supporting startups and facilitating their access to international markets.
Mastercard representatives shared insights on successful digital technology implementations in other countries and elaborated on projects that have driven considerable economic growth. The Uzbek delegation, in turn, outlined initiatives aimed at supporting local IT companies and enabling their integration into global technology markets.
This meeting represents a significant step toward deepening the partnership between Uzbekistan and Mastercard in digital innovation and financial technologies. The joint initiatives are anticipated to fuel the growth of the fintech industry, support the development of a robust startup ecosystem, and create a more conducive business climate in the country.