Shaping the Future of AI and ICT: IT Park Uzbekistan Strengthens International Partnerships

The IT Park Uzbekistan delegation, led by Global Marketing Director Jamila Khalibaeva, along with IT Bilim Director Farrukh Rasulev and Uzbekistan Digital Inclusion Project Manager Ulugbek Ganiev, completed a visit to the U.S. to participate in the Global Digital Summit 2025.

The Global Digital Summit 2025, themed “Digital Pathways for All”, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and partners at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., to explore cutting-edge digital solutions and drive global digital transformation. Supported by the Digital Development Partnership 2.0, the summit focused on advancing digital development in low- and middle-income countries by strengthening digital foundations and fostering sustainable digital economies.

At the event, Jamila Khalibaeva participated in the panel discussion "AI Renaissance: Jobs of the Future." This session explored AI’s impact on the ICT industry and jobs, addressing whether AI will replace or complement digital roles and how countries can maximize its benefits.

Alongside Jamila, the session featured key leaders from government, academia, and industry, including David Autor, Professor of Economics at Massachusetts Institute of Technologies, Jerry William Silaa, Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Tanzania, Bagrat Yengibaryan, Director of the Enterprise Incubator Foundation, Armenia, and was moderated by Mary Hallward-Driemeier, Professor of the Practice of International Economics at Georgetown University.

Jamila Khalibaeva discusses the current state of the ICT Industry and Jobs in Uzbekistan, sharing her views on the impact of AI and the importance of growing the industry.

“AI is already transforming industries in Uzbekistan—from optimizing energy production to revolutionizing healthcare, e-government, and agriculture. By 2030, we aim to raise AI exports to $1.5 billion, create 100,000 new jobs, and climb the AI Readiness Index rankings. But AI needs more than ambition—it needs infrastructure. That’s why we’re building cutting-edge data centers, including the $5 billion Datavolt Net Zero Data Center, set to run on 85% renewable energy by 2040. Uzbekistan’s vision is clear: AI isn’t here to replace people—it’s here to empower them,” – emphasized Jamila Khalibaeva.

Mr. Yengibaryan shared insights on Armenia’s ICT industry and job market, emphasizing AI’s impact and the need for industry growth. Minister Silaa provided an overview of Tanzania’s ICT/BPO sector, highlighting AI’s role and its potential for expansion. Professor David Autor discussed the evolving demand for AI-driven skills, the adaptation of higher education to meet workforce needs, and the importance of industry collaboration and curriculum reform in the AI era.

Furthermore, on the last day of the event a delegation of Uzbekistan participated at the Roundtable “Developing ICT Industry and Digital Jobs in Central Asia”. During the roundtable, key stakeholders from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with international experts, discussed the opportunities and challenges shaping Central Asia’s ICT sector. The session focused on scaling the industry, strengthening digital skills, and leveraging AI to drive economic growth and job creation.

The event opened with two expert presentations. Anatoly Motkin, Founder and President of StrategEast, provided an overview of Central Asia’s IT markets, export potential, and technology trends based on insights from the Billion in the Distance 2023 report. Bagrat Yengibaryan, Director of the Enterprise Incubator Foundation, shared Armenia’s experience in ICT sector development, focusing on policy interventions, talent growth, and investment attraction.

A panel discussion followed, featuring:

• Jamila Khalibaeva, Global Marketing Director, IT Park Uzbekistan
• Yeskendir Amirkhan, Director at International Relations and Investment, Astana Hub
• Chubak Temirov, Deputy Director, High Technology Park, Kyrgyz Republic
• Azizjon Azimi, Founder, zypl.ai, Tajikistan

The discussion explored the impact of IT parks and startup incubators on the region’s ICT growth, as well as strategies for adapting to AI-driven changes in the workforce. Participants highlighted the urgent need to bridge digital skills gaps, enhance workforce readiness for emerging digital jobs, and implement policies that ensure AI-driven automation leads to net job creation. The role of the gig economy as a driver of employment and economic diversification was also a key focus.

A major takeaway was the necessity for stronger regional cooperation and targeted policy actions to foster sustainable digital job growth, positioning Central Asia as a competitive force in the global digital economy.

The Uzbekistan delegation also held a strategic meeting with representatives of The World Bank, reinforcing their commitment to expanding cooperation in the digital and socio-economic sectors.

During the discussions, The World Bank team and IT Park Uzbekistan explored new avenues for collaboration, with a particular focus on women’s entrepreneurship and social protection. Both parties emphasized the importance of fostering inclusive digital growth, creating opportunities for women in tech, and implementing programs that enhance social and economic resilience.

It is worth noting that IT Park Uzbekistan and The World Bank have an established history of collaboration, currently working together on the Uzbekistan Digital Inclusion project. This initiative aims to expand digital access, enhance IT education, and create employment opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Over the years, IT Park Uzbekistan and The World Bank have developed a strong partnership, jointly launching initiatives that contribute to the country’s digital transformation. Their cooperation continues to play a vital role in shaping Uzbekistan’s ICT landscape, promoting innovation, and ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy reach all segments of society.

The Global Digital Summit 2025 served as a pivotal platform for strengthening international ties, with Uzbekistan’s delegation engaging in productive discussions with dozens of startups and companies from across the globe. Key topics included knowledge exchange, market entry strategies for Uzbekistan, and collaborative educational initiatives with GIZ GmbH to bolster the country’s tech talent pipeline. 

Many participants expressed strong interest in entering Uzbekistan’s rapidly growing IT market, highlighting its strategic location, favorable investment climate, and thriving startup ecosystem. These conversations underscored the potential for cross-border partnerships in cloud technologies, fintech, and digital transformation, further positioning Uzbekistan as an emerging hub for innovation. The summit’s outcomes signal a promising wave of international collaboration, with IT Park Uzbekistan poised to facilitate these connections and drive sustainable growth in the region’s digital economy.