Uzbekistan aims to train one million IT specialists annually in fields from AI to game development

A program is being implemented in Uzbekistan to develop small manufacturing enterprises and strengthen cooperative ties between them. By 2026, a list of 53 micro-industrial centers will be formed in the republic.

These new production sites will be distributed across 400 mahallas and will ensure the creation of 7.5 thousand new jobs. According to information provided by the press service of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the centers will focus on several areas: sewing and furniture production, metalworking, as well as the production of leather and footwear.

Initially, funding of 75 billion soms has been reserved for the development of the infrastructure of these projects. An address list of facilities totaling 31.9 billion soms has already been compiled, which is intended to provide 18 micro-industrial centers with necessary communications, including electricity and gas supply, drinking water, sewerage, and road infrastructure.

An additional 35 billion soms has been allocated for the construction of engineering and communication networks for all micro-industrial centers.

Innovative startup parks are planned for creation in various regions of Uzbekistan. These venues are intended for entrepreneurs, allowing them to develop their projects, integrate scientific developments, and bring new products to the market.

The activities of the new centers will be carried out under the auspices of the Agency for Innovation Development of the Ministry of Education and Science. Startups located in the parks will receive comprehensive support, including access to necessary infrastructure, legal and financial resources, as well as marketing consultations.

The main focus will be on incubation and acceleration programs, whose goal is to transform promising concepts into full-fledged commercial enterprises. Furthermore, the parks will facilitate the process of product certification and registration, ensure intellectual property protection, and assist in promoting goods both domestically and internationally. Entrepreneurs will also be able to participate in exhibitions held both within and outside Uzbekistan.

The determination of locations for these parks has been entrusted to the hokimiyats of Karakalpakstan, the regions, and the capital itself. It is planned that production premises will be leased through electronic auctions. The financial base for this project will be formed from rental income, grants, and other legal sources.

It was previously announced that specialized spin-off companies can be established in state technical schools of Uzbekistan for the commercialization and launch of promising ideas developed by students. For the implementation of one such startup, there is the possibility of receiving a grant of up to 1 billion soms.

Uzbekistan plans to conduct over a hundred events during its chairmanship of the CIS in 2027. Among the key areas declared by the country are the development of artificial intelligence, robotics, scientific cooperation, support for education, and strengthening ties between citizens of the Commonwealth states.

These plans were announced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the CIS summit held in Turkmenistan. He presented the main vectors of the upcoming chairmanship, which will proceed under the slogan 'CIS – a space of trust and common development.'

The head of state emphasized that the Commonwealth countries must pay close attention to technological aspects, as these will determine the competitiveness of economies in the coming years. Mirziyoyev highlighted several critically important areas, including artificial intelligence, robotics, new material development, and modern energy technologies, as well as critical minerals. He stressed the importance of creating domestic competencies and implementing joint projects in these fields.

In addition to technological development, special attention will be paid to political dialogue. The President noted that in the context of an increasingly complex international situation, it is crucial to maintain mechanisms for discussing controversial issues and finding compromise solutions.

Another important area is the development of human capital. Uzbekistan plans to expand opportunities for interaction and joint activities for students, young specialists, scientists, researchers, and representatives of creative professions. Mirziyoyev stated that the person, their interests, dignity, and opportunities must be at the core of all work being carried out.

Currently, the formation of the concept and event plan is being finalized, which already includes over 100 initiatives. Uzbekistan plans to use its chairmanship to support existing cooperation formats and find new solutions to the current problems of CIS countries. It should be noted that Uzbekistan will also chair the CIS next year. Furthermore, Mirziyoyev invited the leaders of the Commonwealth countries to the next summit, which will take place in Bukhara.