Uzbekistan invests $70 million to strengthen artificial intelligence computing base

Uzbekistan presented several new proposals to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) concerning digitalization, energy, employment, and tourism, and also initiated the preparation of a joint industrial cooperation program.

These initiatives were voiced by Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov during the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, which took place in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, on August 6–7. Uzbekistan participated in this event as an observer state. During the meeting, Aripov also took part in the meeting between the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, and the heads of government of the union member states.

Proposal for Industrial Cooperation

The head of the Government of Uzbekistan proposed creating a general program of industrial interaction. He noted that agreements reached at the 'Innoprom. Central Asia' exhibition, held in Tashkent in the spring, could form the basis for this program. This program is planned to include specific production sites, partner companies, financing mechanisms, and joint projects.

In addition, Uzbekistan put forward the idea of forming a unified digital space to facilitate trade operations between EAEU states. It is planned to ensure mutual recognition of electronic documents and set up information exchange between regulatory bodies.

Initiatives in Ecology and Employment

Aripov paid significant attention to the topic of environmental modernization of industry. He called on the union countries to jointly develop a portfolio of projects aimed at increasing energy efficiency, implementing technologies that comply with environmental standards, and using artificial intelligence solutions to monitor energy consumption.

Another important initiative was the proposal to integrate Uzbekistan's national employment system with the general EAEU system. This is expected to simplify the process of labor migration for citizens. The Uzbek side is ready to conduct consultations with the Eurasian Economic Commission to start this project.

Tourism Development and Leaders' Meetings

Tashkent also proposed strengthening interaction in the field of tourism through the concept of the 'Central Asia Tourism Belt'. This initiative involves creating a unified calendar of events and cross-border tourist routes.

The Prime Minister emphasized that all the presented proposals are designed to promote practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EAEU states, continuing the course set previously by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the meeting with Sadyr Japarov, the heads of government also discussed issues of agricultural and industrial complex development, as well as the access of union countries to financial support mechanisms.

Sadyr Japarov additionally announced that the next Eurasian Economic Forum will take place in Kyrgyzstan in 2027 and suggested inviting partner states and international organizations to it. It should be noted that the current volume of joint projects between Uzbekistan and EAEU states is estimated at over 50 billion dollars.

Uzbekistan authorities plan to allocate $463 million to support the livestock sector. These funds will be used to restore enterprises, increase meat and milk production, purchase breeding stock, and integrate digital technologies into the industry.

The relevant proposals were presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the presentation, it was noted that the country's annual meat demand has reached 2.15 million tons, while current production stands at approximately 1.6 million tons. To eliminate this deficit, a livestock development program for the period 2026–2028 was developed, which provides for an increase in meat production by 190 thousand tons.

Key Areas of Livestock Support

A key aspect of the program is the restoration of 103 livestock farms. For this, the possibility of restructuring existing debt or providing installment payments for up to ten years is provided, as well as the allocation of land plots for fodder cultivation and the provision of breeding stock to these farms.

Furthermore, in thirteen specialized districts, it is planned to increase the efficiency of using 75 thousand hectares of fodder land, finance small livestock initiatives, and open new sales points for feed and milk reception. In private farms, the construction of 11 thousand light cow sheds capable of housing 421 thousand head of cattle is planned.

A separate section of the program includes the implementation of 802 investment projects totaling 3 trillion soums. These projects will create conditions for housing over 68 thousand head of cattle and 186 thousand sheep and goats, ensuring an annual increase in meat production by 20 thousand tons and milk production by 120 thousand tons.

To increase the total herd size, Uzbekistan intends to import 150 thousand sheep from Mongolia, 100 thousand head of breeding cattle from China and European countries, and two thousand head of livestock from Belarus. This import is expected to lead to an additional meat production of about 44 thousand tons annually.

As part of the industry modernization, the Smart Fermer digital platform was presented. This system will allow farmers to identify animals, call veterinary specialists, receive advice on feeding and artificial insemination, and apply for subsidies and use AI-based advice.

Poultry Farming Development and Presidential Directives

Significant attention is being paid to the poultry sector. Projects worth $432 million are planned until 2028, which will allow for an increase in poultry meat output by 100 thousand tons, expand feed production capacity to 3.3 million tons, and improve modern slaughtering systems.

Following the presentation, the president instructed an analysis of the economic efficiency of all presented projects, guaranteed the targeted spending of allocated funds, and mandated the implementation of digital systems for monitoring and accounting.

It was previously reported that Uzbek authorities extended tax benefits for air transport of meat until the end of the current year, which were introduced in the spring to stabilize prices in the domestic market.