KOICA and IT Park: Strengthening Partnership to Foster Growth of Uzbekistan's IT Sector

Farkhod Ibragimov , CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, held a meeting with the delegation of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) (KOICA) in Uzbekistan, led by Director Shin Myung Seop. The discussion focused on reviewing the interim outcomes of their collaborative efforts and the effectiveness of the ongoing joint program titled “Establishing Foundations and Enhancing Capacity for the Sustainable Growth of IT Park in Uzbekistan”.

The primary objective of this project is to foster the development of IT infrastructure and establish a robust digital ecosystem in Uzbekistan while reinforcing international cooperation and knowledge exchange. As part of this initiative, a sustainable operational model for IT Park Uzbekistan has been developed, accompanied by training programs designed to enhance the skills of IT Park personnel and member companies. Moreover, modern infrastructure, including state-of-the-art equipment and an advanced network, is being constructed to support the efficient operation of the technopark.

Networking events have played a crucial role in this project by facilitating the exchange of expertise and ideas between Korean professionals and local specialists. These engagements include conferences and business forums aimed at promoting the Uzbek IT market and exploring new opportunities for collaboration and outsourcing.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the progress achieved in 2024, which included the successful organization of two training sessions and technical workshops covering seven courses for IT Park employees and member companies, as well as networking events featuring the participation of Korean experts.

Furthermore, the partnership resulted in the co-organization of two major events: the Uzbekistan Outsourcing Conference in Seoul (May 24, 2024) and the Uzbek-Korean IT Business Forum, which took place as part of ICT Week Uzbekistan 2024 (September 19, 2024). These events significantly strengthened bilateral relations between the IT sectors of both countries and facilitated the establishment of new partnerships.

The meeting also placed special emphasis on exploring new proposals for joint projects, as well as training programs and international events aimed at developing a sustainable and competitive IT environment in Uzbekistan. KOICA expressed its readiness to consider new opportunities for cooperation in the IT industry to further enhance the partnership between Uzbekistan and Korea. This collaboration is expected to facilitate the exchange of expertise and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, ultimately contributing to the long-term development of Uzbekistan’s digital ecosystem.

The collaboration contributes to increasing the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s IT industry, improving the skill sets of local professionals, and strengthening international connections, thereby enhancing the country’s position as a regional IT hub. As a result of active bilateral cooperation, the presence of Korean ITES companies in Uzbekistan has notably increased, while the export of IT services has grown by 4.3 times — from $600,000 in 2023 to $2.6 million in 2024.