Huawei showcases innovations in networks, cloud technologies, and AI at ICT Week Uzbekistan 2026

Huawei Cloud CEO Zhou Yu Feng announced at the Huawei Connect 2026 event plans for the commercial launch of a cloud service based on the Ascend 950 Lingqu cluster. The launch in China is scheduled for September 30, and access for the global market will open on November 30.

These dates define the timeline for Ascend 950 compute SKUs and do not merely describe the SuperPoD architecture. Customers will be able to reserve a cluster connected via UnifiedBus consisting of 1024 cards as a managed cloud offering according to the published schedule.

Huawei stated that the Ascend 950 system utilizes its UnifiedBus interconnect, marketed as Lingqu, to assemble a cluster of 1024 accelerators. This cluster is capable of providing up to 1 EFLOPS of computation in FP8 format and 2 EFLOPS in FP4 format, and also features 256 TB of unified memory available globally.

The design is engineered to support end-to-end training of large models without the need for additional cluster partitioning or adaptation, maintaining thousand-card job execution within a single memory address space.

The commercial window for cloud services fits into a broader Ascend development roadmap presented at the same event. Chairman Wang Tao noted that over 1000 Ascend supernodes have already been deployed, and Ascend 950 supernodes have entered a phase of scalable commercial use.

Furthermore, the Ascend 960DT is planned for release in the first quarter of 2027, and the Ascend 960PR in the third quarter, with a stated release pace of approximately one major Ascend generation annually, including long-term stages 970 and 980.

For potential buyers, the key information is the specific calendar with the launch first in China and then globally, as well as the cluster specification: 1024 cards, EFLOPS class throughput (FP8/FP4), and 256 TB of unified memory via UnifiedBus. Huawei Cloud positions Ascend 950 Lingqu as a ready-to-use AI cluster service, rather than a theoretical architecture, offering internal availability at the end of September and international availability two months later for teams needing supernode-scale training without building the infrastructure themselves.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed the creation of an Uzbek-Korean industrial and technological alliance. This alliance is intended to combine Uzbekistan's resource potential, advanced Korean technologies, and investment capital. This initiative was announced by the head of state during a joint business forum held in Seoul.

The forum was opened by Shavkat Mirziyoyev and South Korean Prime Minister Han Song-sook. The event attracted over 300 participants from business representatives and government structures of both countries.

According to information provided by the president's press service, the Korean delegation included major companies such as Lotte Chemical, Hyundai Motor Group, Samsung C&T, CJ Group, Shinhan Financial Group, Hyundai Rotem, KIND, BOMI, and Kia Corporation.

Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Areas

Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that the Republic of Korea is an important strategic partner and a 'tried and true friend' for Uzbekistan. He noted that the joint use of resources, technologies, and capital can open up new opportunities for the economic growth of both nations.

The President identified several priority areas for interaction, including industrial cooperation, energy, and the development of a 'green' economy. Transport, digitalization, artificial intelligence, semiconductor and microelectronics production, as well as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals were also in focus.

Special attention was paid to strengthening industrial cooperation. Korean enterprises were invited to participate in projects related to copper processing, the production of electrical equipment, localization of automotive components, the development of robotics, and the creation of energy storage systems.

As a result of the forum, the formation of the aforementioned Uzbek-Korean industrial and technological alliance was officially proposed. Shavkat Mirziyoyev assured that Uzbekistan is ready to provide all necessary conditions for the expansion of Korean business activities in the country.

Previously, Shavkat Mirziyoyev had made proposals to major Korean corporations, such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Kia, Lotte, and others, regarding the transition from imports to the creation of high-tech hubs with full production cycles in Uzbekistan. This initiative aims to elevate bilateral interaction with the Republic of Korea to the level of the 'New Silk Road' and ensure deep integration of the countries in the fields of high technology, industry, and the processing of critical minerals.

The 17th Central Asian International Exhibition 'Textile Machinery and Technologies – CAITME 2026' has concluded in Tashkent. The event was held under the slogan 'Technologies that Define the Future of the Region's Textile Industry' and showcased fresh directions for the development of Uzbekistan's textile sector.

CAITME has established itself as one of the largest exhibition events in Central Asia and the CIS countries, becoming a national brand of Uzbekistan in the textile industry. The exhibition provides local producers with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest developments, receive technical support for operating machinery and equipment, and learn about offers directly from suppliers.

This is particularly important in the current situation when the global textile industry is undergoing a complex phase of transformation. Increased competition in external markets, changes in logistics chains, revision of international tariff policies and transport routes, as well as new requirements from international buyers regarding transparency, sustainability, and overall production efficiency are being observed.

Against the backdrop of these global changes, Uzbekistan continues to support and promote the development of the textile and sewing/knitting industry. This support is implemented through tax reductions, providing benefits for entering new export markets and marketing assistance, preferential lending, attracting investments, and supporting innovative projects. In 2025 alone, $2.1 billion in foreign investment was attracted to this industry. Simultaneously, active modernization of production capacities and the implementation of international standards and certifications are underway.

Although the domestic textile industry has long been a consumer of modern equipment, the exhibition demonstrated the emergence of a new trend: Uzbek specialists are now capable of exporting their own 'smart' solutions.

An example of this development is the company KESIM, founded by local entrepreneur Mansurbek Moydinov. Since 2011, this company has been a leading distributor of high-tech equipment for automating textile production in Central Asia and the CIS, representing the HANBOND brand, which is a major Chinese manufacturer of plotters. The company is not limited to the domestic market, successfully promoting its developments internationally under the name PROFCUT.

Humoyun Ergashov, director of the Tashkent branch of PROFCUT (Professional Cutting Equipment), shared information about modern cutting methods in textile production. He noted that over more than ten years of experience, the company has become a reliable partner for clients, as many large textile enterprises prefer its services even after interacting with well-known European brands. The company's service is recognized as the best in Central Asia, and they offer 'smart' solutions, serving clients across Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan through branches in Andijan, Tashkent, and Shymkent.

The plotters used feature high quality and durability, while every stage of production undergoes thorough control, distinguishing them from cheaper analogues that may fail and require additional repair costs. Ergashov also explained the basis of advanced solutions: the equipment is equipped with the Gemini CAD Systems software module, which covers the entire production cycle and is suitable for digitizing cardboard patterns in any industry. The Gemini Spread & Cut Planner (PE) software is designed for planning the fabric laying and cutting process, helping to manage time, materials, and financial resources in a unified system.

In conditions of continuously rising electricity costs, manufacturers are forced to pay close attention to increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption. The company SEIZEAIR Air Compressor contributes in this direction by supplying compressor equipment for the textile industry.

Ilmurat Kasimov, Deputy Director of the International Department of SEIZEAIR Air Compressor, spoke about assisting textile workers in improving energy efficiency. He reported that the company's equipment features high energy efficiency, allowing consumers to save money on electricity. The company has already implemented numerous projects in Uzbekistan, particularly in the regions of Kashkadarya, Namangan, Andijan, and Tashkent region. Among their clients are Oltin ko‘l tekstil, Sho‘rlik tekstil, Muazzam tekstil, and other enterprises.

Given the significant rise in electricity prices in Uzbekistan over the last three years, especially for industrial facilities, timely replacement of outdated equipment with more energy-efficient models is becoming extremely relevant. Kasimov specified that instead of common single-stage compressors, they offer two-stage models, which possess maximum energy efficiency and greater productivity thanks to permanent magnet motors, ensuring substantial electricity savings. In addition to compressor equipment, the company also supplies dryers, filters, and consumables for air preparation. The company's service network covers the entire territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, providing clients with favorable conditions.

It is important to note that the compressor is a critically important element in textile production and one of the main consumers of electricity. When calculating the cost of goods in weaving mills, choosing energy-efficient equipment is of paramount importance. Kasimov emphasized the company's philosophy: the goal is to maximally reduce the client's electricity costs. He added that despite potentially higher initial costs, the payback is achieved through energy efficiency, and based on factory visit experience, switching to their equipment allows clients to save 20 to 30% of electricity annually.

Another trend noted at recent textile equipment exhibitions is the concept of 'smart' recycling of textile waste at all stages of production—from the spinning department to turning used clothing back into yarn, fabrics, and garments, which contributes to achieving circularity in the textile industry.