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Expert Council of Uzbekistan and China Discussed New Agenda for Strategic Partnership in the Digital Age
On October 19, 2026, the second meeting of the Uzbekistan-China Expert Council was held in Tashkent, dedicated to the topic 'Digital Partnership: Artificial Intelligence and Next-Generation Data Economy.' The event was organized by the Institute of Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS) and the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Representatives from leading analytical, research, and educational institutions of both countries participated in the council, including the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, the Scientific Research Institute for the Development of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence, and the Institute of Asia-Pacific and Global Strategy and the Institute of Quantitative and Technical Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of state agencies also attended the discussions.
This meeting continued the expert dialogue initiated at the first Council session in Beijing on March 22, 2025, which focused on climate issues, green economy development, and the implementation of environmental technologies. This time, the discussions were directed towards national strategies for digital transformation, approaches to AI regulation, investment and innovation, as well as the training of qualified specialists.
The event took place during the visit of the Premier of the People's Republic of China, Li Qiang, who met with the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Abdullah Aripov.
Experts noted that relations between Uzbekistan and China have reached an unprecedented high level and continue to develop in all spheres: from political dialogue, trade, and economic cooperation to scientific and technological interaction, digitalization, and cultural exchanges.
The scale of this partnership is confirmed by concrete results. Bilateral trade has tripled over the past five years, approaching 18 billion US dollars by the end of 2025. Direct Chinese investments in the Uzbek economy have reached 17 billion US dollars, the number of enterprises with Chinese capital exceeds 6,500, and the portfolio of projects secured by solid agreements amounts to about 60 billion US dollars. In addition to traditional areas of cooperation, high-tech sectors such as digital technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, and green energy are becoming increasingly significant.
Speaking at the meeting, Akromjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of ISRS, emphasized that artificial intelligence and data are becoming key factors in economic competitiveness, quality of public administration, and technological security. Given the restructuring of production chains and increased technological competition, cooperation in this area holds particular practical importance for Uzbekistan.
According to A. Nematov, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, digital transformation has become one of the main areas of reform. The implementation of the 'Digital Uzbekistan 2030' Strategy, the 'Uzbekistan 2030' Strategy, and the strategy for the development of artificial intelligence technologies until 2030 lays the foundation for expanding data usage, increasing computing power, and implementing intelligent solutions in the national economy.
Progress in these reforms is reflected in international rankings: in recent years, Uzbekistan has improved its position by 17 points in the UN E-Government Development Index, by 16 points in the World Intellectual Property Global Innovation Index, and by 25 points in the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index.
At the same time, the country aims to further strengthen its position. The President has set goals to include Uzbekistan among the top 30 countries in the world for e-government development, in the top 50 for AI readiness, and in the top 60 for innovation by 2030. Achieving these goals will require not only developing digital infrastructure and expanding electronic services but also forming internal technological capabilities, broader practical application of AI, and increasing the competitiveness of the national digital economy.
A. Nematov highlighted that China is already making a significant contribution to the technological and industrial transformation of Uzbekistan. Alongside expanding trade and investment, cooperation is developing in telecommunications, data processing, digital services, and artificial intelligence. However, to deepen the partnership, it is necessary to move beyond simply adopting ready-made solutions and transition to more extensive technological interaction, including technology transfer, development of engineering competencies, specialist training, and expansion of joint research activities.
The First Deputy Director of ISRS specifically noted: 'It is fundamentally important for us that cooperation with China is not limited to acquiring ready-made solutions, but contributes to the development of our own capabilities, infrastructure, and technologies adapted to the needs of the national economy.'
He added that technological partnership should help strengthen Uzbekistan's technological sovereignty while maintaining the openness of its national digital ecosystem and integration into international value chains for technology creation. Key conditions for such cooperation include data protection, compatibility of digital solutions, development of domestic scientific and engineering capabilities, and ensuring broad access for citizens and businesses to the benefits of the digital economy.
As an example, A. Nematov cited the Earth observation satellite 'Samarkand-2028,' launched in August 2026 and developed by the Chinese company STAR.VISION in cooperation with the Uzbekcosmos agency. Uzbek engineers developed an artificial intelligence module integrated into the satellite. This experience demonstrates the potential for joint development of high-tech solutions for land monitoring, environmental assessment, and natural resource management.
Outlining the prospects for cooperation, A. Nematov defined five priorities: developing computing infrastructure and the data economy, including high-performance computing and data centers; joint development and implementation of AI in industry, key economic sectors, and public administration, including agriculture and water resource management; specialist training and expansion of scientific research; development of e-commerce and digital finance; and strengthening cybersecurity.
He particularly emphasized the importance of practically implementing the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan to create the Uzbekistan-China Center for Artificial Intelligence Development, launching joint pilot projects, and developing language models for the Uzbek language. Furthermore, he pointed to the need to develop balanced approaches to AI ethics and regulation that protect citizens' rights while supporting innovation. Uzbekistan's participation as a founder of the World Association for AI Cooperation (WAICO) provides additional opportunities for interaction.
In conclusion, A. Nematov stated that the Uzbekistan-China Expert Council is intended to serve not only as a platform for bilateral dialogue but also as an effective mechanism for developing practical proposals and advancing joint initiatives that combine the scientific, technological, and business potential of both countries.
Chinese experts, in turn, noted Uzbekistan's successes in developing digital infrastructure and the national innovation ecosystem, as well as its growing potential as a regional center for information technology and artificial intelligence.
The discussions also highlighted the possibility of Uzbekistan participating in the development of the Digital Silk Road, which supports the expansion of technological cooperation, digital services, data exchange, and joint innovations, strengthening digital connectivity between China and the Central Asian countries.
Participants expressed readiness to continue the expert dialogue across the entire spectrum of digital partnership issues and to develop practical forms of cooperation focused on implementing joint projects in the fields of artificial intelligence, data economy, and digital transformation.
Increase in Training Quotas in Energy Fields at Local Higher Education Institutions of Uzbekistan
According to the information, local higher education institutions will increase quotas for energy specialties. Experts note that the effective operation of new energy facilities directly depends on the availability of qualified personnel.
The company "ACWA" from Saudi Arabia is equipping technical schools in Karakalpakstan, Bukhara, and Syrdarya, launching annual training for hundreds of young specialists in new energy fields.
Furthermore, the modernization of oil refineries in Bukhara and Fergana is planned. The President emphasized the importance not just of obtaining electricity, but of deep energy processing to create greater added value.
The synthetic fuel complex in Kashkadarya annually produces fuel and other products with a volume of up to 1.5 million tons.
New measures have also been introduced to support livestock farming and the efficient use of pastures in Uzbekistan. Additionally, a criminal group that used illegal sluice devices for fuels and created fake call centers was uncovered.
As part of educational initiatives, the international program "FAST – superheroes" will be implemented to teach schoolchildren how to recognize the signs of a stroke. Illegal drug trafficking has also been stopped.
New opportunities for women: employment and professional training issues are discussed
In Bukhara, issues of employment, vocational education, and labor migration for women were discussed. A woman's employment is viewed not only as an investment in her personal future but also in the future of the entire family.
A woman's ability to find decent work, earn an income through her own labor, or start a business contributes not only to improving family welfare but also to the development of society as a whole.
Therefore, today's priority is the education of women in professions, ensuring their employment, expanding economic opportunities, and providing comprehensive support to these women.