Since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev assumed office in 2016, Uzbekistan has undergone significant and rapid changes, yielding successful results. The country’s economy is expanding at an average of approximately 6% yearly, despite global difficulties, and privatization actions are underway with rising incomes. One of the actively developing industries can be considered digital technologies.
Key achievements and the future
On October 5, 2020, the Uzbek president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, approved the “Digital Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy and a roadmap for its implementation. The document states that all state-mandated payments, such as fees and fines, must now be made using the provided online payment services.
As part of the “Digital Uzbekistan – 2030” plan, over 400 information systems, electronic services, and software products are being developed to support socio-economic development. One of the strategy’s goals is to provide reliable and affordable internet and mobile services to decrease the gap between urban and rural areas.
Adopting the “Digital Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy and its implementation “road map” in 2020-2022 establishes a legal framework for transitioning to a digital economy. The strategy focuses on key areas, including developing digital infrastructure, e-government, the federal digital technology market, and education and training in information technology.
The strategy involves evaluating two programs: the digitalization of regions and industries. This means two approaches are being considered – one focused on territorial areas and the other on industrial sectors. This approach ensures the document is implemented most effectively and covers the widest possible scope.
To successfully implement the strategy, it is crucial to guarantee funding and improve the population’s digital literacy. In collaboration with other governmental bodies, the Ministry for Development of IT and Communications will work towards digitizing preschool education, healthcare, and secondary schools by the end of the first implementation stage, as per the document.
Implementing the strategy is expected to provide the population with high-quality digital services. It will also help to reduce corruption and increase citizen involvement in government decision-making processes. Furthermore, it aims to modernize the system of higher and secondary education to ensure citizens are competitive within the country and in regional and global labor markets.
The strategy will play a crucial role in achieving national goals related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals for the 2030 period and the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026. Additionally, it will support the implementation of other important national strategic documents and programs.
The ambitious “Digital Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy has been approved by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and is already making positive changes in the country. This strategy focuses on developing digital infrastructure, e-government services, the federal digital technology market, and education and training in information technology. It also aims to reduce corruption while increasing citizen involvement in government decision-making processes.
The successful implementation of this comprehensive plan will ensure that Uzbekistan remains at the forefront of global innovation for years to come. With its commitment to using modern technologies for economic development, Uzbekistan is well on its way to achieving a brighter future for all citizens.