Uzbekistan Outsourcing Forum took place in Tashkent

On October 26, within the framework of the third day of ICTWEEK UZBEKISTAN 2023, the Uzbekistan Outsourcing Forum was held in Tashkent. This forum was organized with the aim of promoting the prospects of IT outsourcing development in Uzbekistan. The event brought together over 200 representatives of foreign and local IT companies.

The forum commenced with the screening of a video dedicated to Uzbekistanʼs investment and export potential, followed by an opening speech by the Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Sherzod Shermatov.

Subsequently, Mr. Farhod Ibrahimov, the General Director of IT Park, addressed the audience. He elaborated on the expansion of international outsourcing opportunities for IT services, Uzbekistanʼs investment and export potential, as well as the unprecedented tax benefits and IT Park programs that will enable foreign companies to enter the Uzbekistan market with maximum comfort and minimal risk.

“Starting from this year, IT Park is focusing on two main objectives: supporting local companies in expanding into the international market and attracting foreign companies to Uzbekistan.

Now, our resident companies oriented towards export have access to the ʼAll-in-oneʼ program, which represents a comprehensive package of exclusive services.

This program includes a dedicated personal manager, round-the-clock support, assistance in staff recruitment, infrastructure, legal, accounting, and banking services, as well as uninterrupted internet access.

Furthermore, IT Park residents are exempt from all forms of corporate taxes and only pay a preferential income tax rate of 7.5%. Uzbekistan may currently be the most attractive country in the world in this regard.”

The head of IT Park emphasized that the primary goal of all these programs and incentives is to increase the export of IT services from Uzbekistan to $5 billion annually.

As part of the forum, foreign speakers also delivered presentations.

Loren Moss, a Site Selector and publicist, discussed the attractiveness of the Uzbek outsourcing market.

“Uzbekistanʼs transformation began in 2016, and it is remarkable. Information technology is becoming a strategic direction here. The country has talents who are eager to work and are well-qualified.

When I first came here, I thought I would need a translator, but no — English is already becoming a second language here. Additionally, Uzbekistan has an accessible workforce and a young, capable population.”

Andrew Wrobel, an entrepreneur and consultant, provided an overview of global trends in the BPO sector and their impact on Uzbekistan.

The head of UNIDO Korea, Maengho Shin, presented on the topic of “The Vision of the Future Development of the IT Industry in Uzbekistan.”

“In recent years, Uzbekistanʼs IT sector has demonstrated significant growth, thanks to the widespread implementation of digitalization programs. This has made IT the leading industry in the country.

Investing in education, in my view, is the most effective way to develop a competitive workforce at both the domestic and global levels. I am pleased to note that some Korean universities, private companies, and government institutions are contributing to the development of IT talents in Uzbekistan.”

The event concluded with a panel discussion in which participants discussed issues related to talent pool, development strategies, as well as opportunities and challenges that Uzbekistan is currently facing.

Participants included:

• Sandra Sargent — Senior Operations Director of the World Bank
• Andrew Vrobel — Founding Partner of Emerging Europe
• Ahmed Atif Bashir — Chief Operating Officer of Ejada Systems
• Nodir Turdimatov — CEO of Revotech.