The Head of State noted that the accelerated development of digitalization and artificial intelligence technologies across all regions, along with the creation of high-income jobs and modern facilities, has been identified as one of the key areas of reform in New Uzbekistan.

For this purpose, specific programs and resolutions have been adopted, establishing systematic measures that are being implemented with explicit funding and clearly designated implementing agencies.

As noted, since the beginning of the year, $2 billion in foreign investment has been attracted to Namangan region alone. Today, 20 new facilities valued at $1.8 billion are being commissioned in partnership with partners from China, Türkiye, India, and Russia.

These projects will create 6,500 jobs and launch production of more than 30 new product types across the pharmaceutical, light, electrical engineering, food, chemical, and construction materials industries. As a result of their implementation, the regional economy will grow by 3.6 trillion UZS, exports will increase by $200 million, and budget revenues will increase by 400 billion UZS.

At the same time, a further 28 projects, valued at $4 billion, are being launched in Namangan region. They will provide a significant impetus to the development of industry and tourism, as well as to the construction of shopping complexes and housing.

The President noted that more than 1.6 million young people live in Namangan region, representing significant socio-economic capital. It was emphasized that large-scale startup projects are being implemented in the region to equip young men and women with modern IT and artificial intelligence skills and to train them for high-income professions.

According to expert estimates, Uzbekistan’s potential in artificial intelligence amounts to $10 billion. It was noted that this potential must be transformed into real opportunities, which in turn must be turned into concrete projects, new jobs, and high-value-added products.

In recent years, new IT parks have been set up in Nukus, Karshi, Termez, Urgench, and Fergana. The second phase of the IT Park project in the capital started in October last year.

As part of a major $117 million project being implemented jointly with Chinese partners, IT parks will be built in six regions of the country – New Namangan, Samarkand, Chirchiq, Nurafshan, Urgench, and Navoi. The IT park to be built in New Namangan will be the first project launched under this initiative.

The project is being carried out in accordance with the resolution of the President of Uzbekistan of February 26, 2024, “On additional measures to develop the export of digitalization services in the country”.

A modern 17-storey building will be constructed on a 1.7-hectare site. The facility will be commissioned on a turnkey basis, with all stages, from design and construction to complete interior outfitting, carried out by foreign partners.

The modern complex spans about 18,000 square meters and will include educational and export centers, coworking and office spaces, a startup accelerator, and a specialized service system for foreign companies.

Numerous companies and start-up studios will function within this unified IT ecosystem. The complex is expected to generate approximately 2,000 high-paying jobs for young residents of Namangan.

The project will increase the region’s annual IT services volume to 500 billion UZS and its exports to $30 million.

The Head of State thanked the international partners for their role in the project. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also laid the foundation stone for the New Namangan IT Park.

A ceremony was held here to inaugurate regional projects and kick off the construction of new facilities.