Uzbekistan and South Korea Discuss Development of Digital Government and AI Data Hub

The Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Sherzod Shermatov, held talks with Jong Seong-rok, Senior Vice President for AI/AX of the South Korean company KT, as reported by the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan.

The parties discussed the potential for expanding technological cooperation with the company, focusing particularly on developing artificial intelligence infrastructure, supporting startups, attracting South Korean technology firms, and joint research and development projects.

Opportunities for Data Center Creation

One of the key points of the negotiations was the possibility of establishing specialized AI data centers in Uzbekistan with the participation of KT. Participants reviewed the prospects of forming the computational base necessary for implementing artificial intelligence projects.

Great attention was also paid to the startup ecosystem. Opportunities were discussed for Uzbek startups to participate in KT's corporate acceleration program, K-PATH, which could serve as an additional tool for interaction with the South Korean technological environment and entry into international markets.

Expanding Cooperation and R&D

Furthermore, the parties considered the prospects of opening a DX/AX division of KT in Uzbekistan, as well as providing technological services to clients of the Republic of Korea directly from Uzbekistan. Possibilities were also discussed for attracting KT's partner IT companies to Uzbekistan and opening local offices for them.

Another area was cooperation in research and development, including joint artificial intelligence projects in Uzbekistan. At the end of the meetings, the parties agreed to continue implementing the proposed initiatives and to discuss in detail the practical mechanisms of cooperation in each of these areas.

At the end of the meeting, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with East Telecom, aimed at further developing cooperation and creating joint technological projects. KT is one of the largest telecommunications and digital companies in South Korea, developing solutions in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital transformation (DX), and AI transformation (AX). The company also implements programs to support technology enterprises and startups, including acceleration initiatives, helping them enter global markets.

The Uzbekistan Telecommunication Network Management Center and the Agency for Innovation and Digital Development of Azerbaijan (IDDA) held discussions on prospects for interaction in the field of digital technologies, as reported by the central structure itself.

The meeting took place on September 9, 2026, as part of the GITEX AI 2026 event. The parties focused their discussion on cooperation in the area of digital transformation of the telecommunications sector, the application of artificial intelligence and data analysis, the creation of digital platforms, as well as on training and professional development of specialists.

Particular attention was paid to the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics solutions for monitoring telecommunication networks, detecting deviations, analyzing information, and forecasting. Participants also exchanged experience in developing digital government platforms and discussed possibilities for implementing joint technological projects.

Javidan Feyziev, Director of the Business and Trade Development Department of IDDA, and Taleh Karimli, Director of the agency's Innovation Ecosystem Department, participated in the negotiations. Following the talks, the parties confirmed their interest in further experience exchange and the development of partnerships in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and telecommunications infrastructure.

As part of the business program of GITEX AI 2026, specialists from the Uzbekistan Telecommunication Network Management Center also participated in the forum's events. Aziz Kayumov, Head of the Department of Fraud Prevention in Banks and Payment Organizations, presented a report on practical methods and technological solutions for combating fraud.

Azamat Karamatov, Director General of IT Park Uzbekistan, and Pak Se-joo, Director General of East Telecom, held a meeting to discuss potential partnership in the field of artificial intelligence infrastructure development, specialist training, and support for technological startups.

One of the key issues was the creation of data centers and the development of infrastructure in Uzbekistan capable of meeting the growing demand in the AI sector. The parties reviewed the application of modern solutions for data center management, including cooling and power supply systems.

Significant attention was paid to personnel training. It was planned to provide Uzbek specialists and startups with access to an AI certification program organized by East Telecom's parent company, KT Corporation. This program may cover areas such as Physical AI, AI agents, cloud technologies, and digital transformation.

Involvement of Uzbek Companies in International Programs

The possibility of Uzbek technology firms participating in the K-PATH 2027 acceleration initiative, conducted by KT Corporation, was also discussed. The parties discussed a mechanism that would allow promising Uzbek startups to apply for startup acceleration and open innovation programs, receive expertise from KT, and establish contacts with international corporate partners.

East Telecom has been operating in Uzbekistan since 2003 and is part of the South Korean group KT Corporation. KT acquired the company in 2007 and became its majority shareholder in 2013. The company provides fixed and wireless internet services, corporate communications, dedicated data lines, telephony, VPN, and 4G LTE, and also develops solutions for cloud infrastructure and digital transformation.

After merging with EVO in 2020 and integrating the internet provider TPS in 2021, the company expanded its capabilities in telecommunications and digital infrastructure, with the development of data centers remaining one of the strategic tasks.

Pak Se-joo has led East Telecom since March 2026. Previously, he worked at KT Corporation, focusing on global business planning, foreign investments, and international operations, as well as projects in renewable and smart energy.

The proposed initiatives could serve as a basis for further interaction between IT Park Uzbekistan, East Telecom, and KT Corporation in the fields of AI infrastructure, staff training, and international promotion of Uzbek startups.