Third Uzbekistan Outsourcing Conference in Seoul underscored country’s growing appeal as Korean strategic IT-partner

The Uzbekistan Outsourcing Conference recently held in Seoul offered an impressive showcase of the nation's dynamic tech sector to South Korean business leaders. Over 75 participants, including C-level executives and decision-makers from 50 prominent South Korean tech companies, attended the event.

It’s worth noting that this conference marks the third such event held in 2024 alone, underscoring the high level of interest and demand for the Uzbek market among Korean businesses. This frequency of engagements highlights Uzbekistan’s growing appeal as a strategic partner and destination within Korea’s tech and outsourcing landscape.

Opening the conference, Jakhongir Radjabov, Business Development Director at IT Park Uzbekistan, highlighted the growing bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Korea. He noted that by the end of Q3 2024, Uzbekistan’s IT service exports to Korea marked a growth rate of 4.6 times.

Political Counsellor Fakhriddin Nabiev from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea further detailed IT Park’s achievements and the scope of collaborative initiatives with Korea. He emphasized that these initiatives span multiple tech sectors, from talent development to innovative projects, building a robust framework that aligns Uzbekistan’s global ambitions with Korea’s goals for technological exchange.

Jong Ok Rae, Chairman of KIIIC, delivered a keynote address spotlighting Uzbekistan's swiftly developing IT infrastructure and expanding base of skilled professionals. He emphasized that Uzbekistan’s youthful, multilingual workforce positions the country as an appealing destination for South Korean companies seeking reliable outsourcing options.  Additionally, he outlined plans for educational initiatives in Uzbekistan, including projects like AKITA, aimed at cultivating a new generation of skilled professionals, specifically for the Korean market, which is opening pathways for innovative collaboration in the tech sector. Mister Jong highlighted the increasing interest among South Korean companies in Uzbekistan, a trend that reflects a broader enthusiasm for engaging with Uzbekistan’s dynamic and rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.

Nodirbek Berdiqobilov, Head Manager of IT Park Uzbekistan, highlighted significant achievements in developing Uzbekistan’s IT and outsourcing sector, driven by government reforms and robust support programs. These initiatives have created favorable conditions for ITES companies to grow and access new markets, with incentives such as 0% tax rates and a young, multilingual workforce highly skilled in STEM fields.

The conference provided attendees with a detailed overview of Uzbekistan’s business-friendly environment, featuring programs like Zero Risk, which offers free office space for 12 months, salary reimbursements, and support for professional development, making market entry more accessible to international companies.

Song Tae Guk, CEO of Nextree Co., Ltd and founder of Nomadian, IT Park member company in Namangan, shared an inspiring success story that underscored the vast opportunities within Uzbekistan’s tech ecosystem, particularly in high-growth areas like fintech and digital services. He highlighted how Uzbekistan’s cost-effective environment and skilled workforce have been instrumental to his company’s success, noting that his teams are not only efficient but also bring valuable multilingual capabilities that enable seamless global collaboration. 

Kim Dong Han, Marketing Team Director at I2Max, emphasised his team’s proficiency in managing IT projects across both Asian and European markets, highlighting how Uzbekistan’s robust infrastructure has supported their operations. He also shared that their central office location provides an ideal collaborative environment, making Uzbekistan a strategic base for their business.

Kim Tae Jin, CEO of BizData (Ko Biz Alliance), spoke about the partnership between AKITA University and Yeungnam University, focusing on dual-degree programs in IT and engineering. This collaboration provides Uzbek students with high-quality education aligned with Korean standards and fosters joint research and development in IT, strengthening academic ties and creating a platform for shared innovation.

Choi Sam-Ha, Vice President of Proxy Planet Co., shared insights into Uzbekistan's potential as an emerging hub for game development. He highlighted the country's tech-savvy workforce and supportive infrastructure, which together create an ideal environment for growth in the gaming industry.

Examples from IT Park members further emphasized the real-world impact of this growing tech landscape, where Uzbekistan’s appeal as an innovative and accessible market for tech companies continues to strengthen. The event emphasized Uzbekistan’s strategic location between East and West, enhancing cultural flexibility and business appeal for South Korean companies. Attendees were inspired by Uzbekistan’s vision to become a regional IT hub, with several companies expressing interest in expanding operations to Uzbekistan. Representatives from 4 Korean companies expressed interest in establishing offices in Uzbekistan with plans to leverage the Zero Risk program for facilitated market entry, while additional 6 companies are also exploring the possibility of opening offices in Uzbekistan. Together, these prospective ventures are expected to create 500 jobs for local specialists within their first year of operation.

The conference builds upon a growing series of successful Uzbek-Korean collaborations, highlighted by the recent ICT Week Uzbekistan, where the Uzbek-Korean IT Forum served as a valuable platform for industry leaders to explore tech advancements, investment opportunities, and joint innovation projects. Underscoring the importance of this partnership, IT Park Uzbekistan will soon open an office in Seoul to further strengthen the Uzbek-Korean IT Business Alliance. This office will facilitate B2B connections and provide direct support for South Korean companies looking to enter the Uzbek market. 

As Uzbekistan continues to integrate into the global digital economy, events like the Uzbekistan Outsourcing Conference in Seoul play a pivotal role in highlighting the country’s strengths and broadening cross-border opportunities. The IT Park office in Seoul and ongoing joint initiatives set the stage for a thriving future, where Uzbek and South Korean tech sectors can drive innovation and sustainable economic growth together.