Uzbekistan and Malaysia Strengthen Cooperation in the Digital Technologies Sector

As part of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Malaysia on February 4–5, 2025, high-level negotiations were conducted between the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, IT Park Uzbekistan, and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Following the discussions, the parties reached an agreement to formalize a memorandum of cooperation in the near future, aimed at fostering the development of the digital economy and innovation in both countries. Additionally, the parties deliberated on the preparation of the Uzbekistan-Malaysia Trade Mission in the Syrdarya region.

Why is this important?

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), established in 1996, operates as a government agency under the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Malaysia, responsible for promoting and developing the country's digital economy. Since the inception of the MSC Malaysia initiative, the corporation has actively facilitated digital transformation and the growth of the sector. Through the provision of substantial incentives and the implementation of effective governance frameworks to encourage expansion and reinvestment, MDEC aims to solidify Malaysia’s position as a preeminent digital hub within the ASEAN region, unlocking new opportunities and ensuring overall prosperity for all Malaysians. 

The delegation from Ministry of Digital Technologies  was led by the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies, Mr. Oleg Pekos. Other members of the delegation included the Deputy Governor of the Syrdarya region, Mr. Bobur Khudjamov; the Ambassador of IT Park Uzbekistan in Malaysia, Mr. Matthew Bursing; the Head of IT Park in the Syrdarya region, Mr. Oybek Anvarov; and the Chief Manager of the Asian Division of IT Park, Mr. Zhanat Pak.

Representing the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, the negotiations were chaired by CEO Mr. Anuar Fariz Fadzil. The discussions focused on fostering collaboration in the development of the digital economy in both nations, with particular emphasis on facilitating partnerships between IT-enabled services (ITeS) companies, thereby creating new opportunities for enterprises from both Malaysia and Uzbekistan.

As a key outcome of the negotiations, an agreement has been reached to sign a memorandum of cooperation, under which the parties will facilitate the entry of Malaysian companies into the Uzbek market and support their global business expansion from Uzbekistan. Furthermore, the cooperation framework encompasses the outsourcing of IT processes to IT Park Uzbekistan members. The agreement also envisions the organization of joint events to familiarize stakeholders with Uzbekistan’s business climate, support the establishment of offices for Malaysian ITeS companies, and foster the development of startups and innovation-driven enterprises. This strategic partnership will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Malaysia while enhancing the IT ecosystems of both countries.     

In furtherance of this collaboration, a visit to Uzbekistan by Mr. Anuar Fariz Fadzil has been scheduled.

This cooperation presents significant opportunities for IT Park Uzbekistan members, enabling them to engage in partnerships with representatives of the ASEAN region’s IT sector. It is also expected to attract foreign investment, enhance Uzbekistan’s export potential, and facilitate the development of innovative projects. In turn, this initiative will contribute to the creation of new employment opportunities for local professionals and reinforce Uzbekistan’s standing in the global digital landscape.