Digital Development - The Times Of Central Asia

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Digital Development

The Digital Future of Central Asia: Who Is Shaping It, and How?

Digital security is now a key component of most processes in every country. A large share of organizations is moving, or has already moved, their processes online, which requires increased attention and control. Many Central Asian countries are already rolling out AI technologies at the state level. Financial institutions, social systems, crypto services, rental services, and other high-risk areas can no longer develop effectively without biometric identification and AI. Central Asia is gradually developing its own biometric landscape, and if we look at it not as a set of disparate projects but as an emerging infrastructure, it becomes clear that the countries are moving at very different speeds. Kazakhstan: Leader in Biometrics and Digital Identity in the Region Today, Kazakhstan is the undisputed leader in Central Asia in the field of biometric technologies. In this region biometrics has long gone beyond isolated pilots and has become part of the digital infrastructure on which a significant part of the economy operates. Unlike neighboring countries, where biometrics is most often limited to video surveillance or exclusively state initiatives, Kazakhstan has developed a mature market of independent developers and technology companies creating competitive products both for private organizations and for government platforms. Thanks to active digitalization, biometrics in the country has become not an add-on, but the primary mechanism for identity verification. The state additionally stimulates this process: it expands the use of biometric identification in ministerial processes, strengthens the requirements for remote verification, and transfers critical services, such as the issuance of an Electronic Digital Signature (EDS), to biometric authentication. In this way, an environment is being built in which online processes gain full legal validity and the population receives convenient access to services without the need to visit physical offices. Kazakhstan’s key distinction is that it has a full-fledged biometrics market, not just government-driven initiatives. The private sector actively invests in biometric solutions, integrates them into its processes, and competes on the quality of the user experience. Banks strive to reduce entry barriers for clients, MFIs (software development kits) increase protection against fraud, crypto exchanges strengthen their compliance structure, and marketplaces implement biometric identification to secure transactions. This has created an effect unique for the region: biometrics has ceased to be a one-off project and has turned into an everyday part of business. Against this background, independent local companies are developing that are capable of creating advanced technological solutions within the country. Among them, Biometric.Vision stands out in particular, an international company originating from Kazakhstan, one of the key players in the Kazakhstani market that has formed its own technological stack and operates across several industries. The company has become a technological partner for banks, financial organizations, government services, and regulated industries, providing software modules for remote identification, biometric verification, liveness checks, and fraud prevention. Local products make it possible to respond quickly to new regulatory requirements, adapt to them, and address the real needs of local businesses. For Kazakhstan, the presence of local players in the biometrics market is...

U.S.-Uzbekistan Relations

Uzbekistan Deepens U.S. Partnership Through New Investment Council and National AI Strategy

Uzbekistan is advancing a broad effort to strengthen its relationship with the United States through new economic, diplomatic, and technological initiatives. A presidential decree establishing the Uzbekistan–U.S. Business and Investment Council, alongside a major artificial intelligence partnership with NVIDIA, underscores the country’s strategy to draw investment and accelerate digital development. A New Platform for Economic Engagement The creation of the Uzbekistan–U.S. Business and Investment Council follows President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s recent participation in the C5+1 Summit, where regional connectivity and U.S.–Central Asia cooperation were central topics. The council will be jointly led by the Head of the Presidential Administration and a representative appointed by the U.S. administration, giving both sides a formal mechanism to coordinate investment priorities and oversee major projects. Uzbekistan expects the platform to support initiatives involving institutions such as the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Asian Development Bank. Officials have framed the council as part of a longer-term effort to expand trade, encourage U.S. private-sector engagement, and diversify the country’s investment base. Expanding Diplomatic Reach The government is preparing to significantly widen its diplomatic network in the United States. A new Adviser-Envoy will be assigned to the embassy in Washington beginning in 2026 to coordinate investment initiatives linked to the council. Plans are also underway to open additional consulates in Philadelphia, Chicago, Orlando, and Seattle, reflecting both the size of the Uzbek diaspora and growing interest in regional outreach. Uzbekistan’s shift toward deeper engagement includes a visa-free regime for U.S. citizens starting January 1, 2026, which will allow 30-day stays and support increased travel for business and education. Updates on foreign policy and consular matters are regularly published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Expanding the National AI Ecosystem Alongside diplomatic and economic reforms, Uzbekistan is pursuing ambitious plans to grow its artificial intelligence capacity. During a recent visit to the United States, Digital Technologies Minister Sherzod Shermatov held discussions with leaders at NVIDIA on infrastructure development, AI governance, and workforce training. The ministry has positioned the partnership as a key step toward integrating international expertise into Uzbekistan’s digital transformation strategy. The cooperation includes the development of an AI Excellence Center powered by NVIDIA technology and supported by training programs from the company’s Deep Learning Institute. The center will provide training for educators and specialists, while universities begin preparing to introduce AI-focused academic programs and certification pathways. A Nationwide Investment in Digital Infrastructure Uzbekistan plans to deploy two national AI clusters by 2026 with a combined computing capacity of up to one megawatt. One cluster will support academic and research institutions, while the second will focus on public-sector systems and industrial projects, including automation, healthcare analytics, and digital government services. Funding is in place for NVIDIA-powered supercomputers that will be installed at leading universities, with procurement scheduled for late 2025. The government is also creating an Industrial AI Excellence Center backed by a $3 million investment. The facility is expected to begin operating in 2026 and will concentrate on...

Digital Development

Uzbekistan Partners with NVIDIA to Build National AI Infrastructure and Training Centers

Uzbekistan is advancing its ambition to become Central Asia’s digital leader through a new strategic partnership with U.S. tech giant NVIDIA, the Ministry of Digital Technologies announced. Minister Sherzod Shermatov met with NVIDIA executives during his official visit to the United States to finalize large-scale initiatives aimed at developing the country’s artificial AI infrastructure and talent ecosystem. According to the ministry, the collaboration will focus on three core areas: knowledge exchange, education, and infrastructure development. NVIDIA will share international best practices in AI governance, ecosystem development, and industry expertise, using open, non-confidential data. A centerpiece of the partnership is the creation of an AI Excellence Center based on NVIDIA technologies and training programs. The center will focus on preparing educators and retraining specialists, with the broader goal of integrating AI curricula into Uzbekistan’s higher education system. Training programs will be supported by the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute, which will offer technical courses and certification. By 2026, the Ministry of Digital Technologies plans to launch two national AI clusters with a combined computing capacity of up to one megawatt. One cluster will serve educational and research institutions, while the second will support projects in e-government, healthcare, and industrial automation. These initiatives will be carried out through separate agreements, aligned with existing infrastructure and export control requirements. Uzbekistan’s top universities are also set to receive NVIDIA-powered supercomputing systems. Funding for the project has already been secured, with procurement procedures scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. Additionally, the government will invest $3 million to establish an Industrial AI Excellence Center. This facility will apply NVIDIA technologies to key areas such as digital twins, robotics, and industrial automation. The center is expected to launch in 2026. The Ministry of Digital Technologies said the agreement represents “an important step in integrating global expertise in artificial intelligence and digital transformation with Uzbekistan’s national priorities for sustainable technological growth.” The announcement follows the successful conclusion of ICT Week Uzbekistan 2025, the country’s largest tech forum to date, held in September. The event drew over 20 official delegations, 300 companies, and 20,000 participants from more than 50 countries. With artificial intelligence and emerging technologies at the forefront, the forum reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s goal of becoming a regional digital hub and converting global partnerships into long-term innovation and investment pipelines. The Times of Central Asia recently spoke with Minister Shermatov about Uzbekistan’s efforts to attract investment, prepare its workforce for an AI-driven economy, and ensure data protection as digitalization accelerates.

Employment

Tokayev Proposes Employing Top Foreign Graduates in Kazakhstan

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed launching a program to employ the most talented foreign graduates of Kazakh universities, allowing them to begin their professional careers within the country. He announced the initiative during the Strategic Partners Forum, Kazakhstan - Territory of Academic Education. According to Tokayev, over 31,000 foreign students are currently studying at Kazakh universities, a national record. The government aims to increase this figure to 100,000 by 2029 through visa liberalization and improved learning conditions. The employment program will enable top-performing international graduates to stay in Kazakhstan, contributing to the national economy. Simultaneously, the country plans to expand the number of foreign university branches in Kazakhstan, with a particular focus on technical disciplines. “The opening of branches of foreign universities is fully in line with our goal of developing engineering and IT education,” Tokayev said. Kazakhstan currently hosts three Lu Ban workshops, which serve as centers for applied engineering training. Special emphasis is being placed on preparing skilled personnel for the nuclear energy sector. “Our task is to ensure a direct link between education and science and the real sector of the economy. There are already successful examples: the partnership between Kozybayev University and the University of Arizona has led to the development of a technology to convert sulfur into innovative polymers. This is a vital project for our country, which has significant sulfur reserves. It will spur growth in the chemical industry and contribute to solving environmental challenges,” Tokayev noted. Since 2019, Kazakhstan has tripled its investment in education and science. Five Kazakh universities have been included in the Times Higher Education global rankings, and higher education institutions now enjoy greater autonomy. Tokayev emphasized that investment in education is an investment in Kazakhstan’s future. He said the country sees the demographic potential of Central Asia and neighboring regions as an opportunity to grow its higher education sector and attract international students. “Kazakhstan has set itself the ambitious goal of becoming part of the global knowledge market. To this end, we have partnered with 40 leading universities worldwide and opened 33 foreign university branches. Many of these institutions offer courses in English, Russian, and Chinese. Multilingualism is the key to openness and competitiveness for both universities and nations,” he said. To help foreign students better understand local culture, all foreign university branches are required to offer mandatory courses in the Kazakh language and the history of Kazakhstan. Tokayev also named digital state development and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies among the country's top priorities. He noted that by 2030, AI is projected to contribute over $15 trillion to global GDP, and Kazakhstan intends to play an active role in this transformation. “Since the beginning of the year, we have launched the AI-Sana program, completed by more than 540,000 students. Courses on artificial intelligence have become mandatory in all schools and universities. An AI university is currently in development,” Tokayev said. He cited agreements reached with OpenAI during his September visit to the United States, under which...

Kazakhstan to Integrate AI into Lawmaking Process

Kazakhstan’s government is preparing to introduce an artificial intelligence–powered assistant to support the development of regulatory legal acts. The intelligent system will analyze international legal practices, monitor developments, and verify that draft laws comply with the Constitution, Vice Minister of Justice Bekbolat Moldabekov announced at a recent briefing. The initiative builds on a broader digitalization agenda already underway at the Ministry of Justice. For instance, an automated legal advisor operates around the clock on the adilet.zan.kz portal, helping to reduce the workload of legal personnel and providing the public with free access to legal information. Since August 2023, the ministry has also operated the Digital Bailiff program, which automatically initiates and processes enforcement proceedings without human intervention. The system has already saved citizens more than $4 million by eliminating fees of up to 25% that were previously charged by private bailiffs. “The next step will be the introduction of a smart assistant that will provide expert support during the drafting of laws,” Moldabekov said. “It will become a full-fledged participant in the rulemaking process, improving the quality, coherence, and legal stability of legislation.” The Digital Bailiff system is expected to be upgraded with AI algorithms to track case progress, notify citizens, and assist with complaints related to enforcement actions. For bailiffs, an intelligent assistant has been launched to monitor deadlines, ensure procedural compliance, and identify errors or inaction. Digital transformation efforts also extend to notarial services. As part of the Digital Notary program, more than 520,000 online services have already been delivered. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan became the first country in Central Asia to appoint a neural network to the board of directors of the state sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna.

Digital Development

How Uzbekistan Plans to Lead Central Asia’s Digital Future – An Interview With the Minister of Digital Technologies

Uzbekistan’s ambitions to position itself as Central Asia’s digital powerhouse took center stage during ICT Week Uzbekistan 2025 this September - the country’s largest-ever technology forum, drawing more than 20 official delegations, 300 companies, and 20,000 participants from over 50 countries. With artificial intelligence and future technologies at its core, the event showcased how Tashkent aims to turn international partnerships into lasting investment, innovation, and talent pipelines. At the forefront of these efforts stands Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies, who has overseen landmark initiatives extending IT Park incentives until 2040, launching the IT Visa for foreign specialists, and embedding AI education across Uzbekistan’s schools and universities. The Times of Central Asia spoke to Minister Shermatov to discuss how Uzbekistan plans to sustain investor confidence beyond ICT Week, prepare its workforce for an AI-driven economy, and balance rapid digitalization with data protection and national sovereignty. [caption id="attachment_37995" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] ICT Week 2025; image: The Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan[/caption] TCA: Uzbekistan showcased itself as a regional IT hub during ICT Week. What concrete steps will the Ministry take to ensure foreign investors and global tech firms remain engaged in Uzbekistan? Shermatov: In order to comprehensively stimulate and develop the activities of foreign investors and global technology companies in the Republic of Uzbekistan, a number of key preferences for IT Park residents have already been implemented. The Government of Uzbekistan has extended and reinforced the system of benefits and guarantees for foreign investors and IT Park residents, ensuring long-term stability and predictability of the investment climate. Among these measures, IT Park tax incentives have been officially extended until 2040, offering exemption from a range of taxes, a simplified foreign currency regime, and a 5% dividend tax for non-residents, provided that more than 50% of their revenue is generated from export activities. These reforms provide a reliable and attractive environment for both established global players and emerging startups. To further strengthen the country’s position as a regional digital hub, the Government has also introduced the IT Visa - a three-year visa designed for founders, investors, and foreign specialists of IT Park resident companies. The IT Visa facilitates simplified entry, residence, and employment procedures for international professionals and their family members, making Uzbekistan one of the most open and accessible markets for global technology talent. In parallel, a “One Stop Shop” service has been launched to streamline administrative procedures. It provides fast-track company registration, bank account opening, and work and residency permits, enabling investors and foreign specialists to begin operations in Uzbekistan with unprecedented efficiency. At the same time, the Ministry continues to expand cooperation between global technology partners and the national innovation ecosystem under the “ZERO Risk” and “Local to Global” mechanisms, as stated in the relevant decrees of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. These instruments create a foundation for long-term growth, stimulate venture financing, and support the international scaling of Uzbek startups. Also, comprehensive programs are being implemented to train highly qualified IT specialists to...