Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During its visit to Dubai, a delegation from IT Park Uzbekistan, led by Supervisory Board Chairman Farhod Ibragimov, held a series of meetings with representatives of IT companies and organizations in the United Arab Emirates.

The discussions primarily focused on enhancing the export potential of the ITes sector, outsourcing opportunities, expanding cooperation, and supporting Uzbek startups in entering the UAE and MENA markets.

Farhod Ibragimov met with Mohammed Albushi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, to discuss potential collaboration in digital technologies and startup support. Particular attention was given to helping Uzbek startups expand into the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets with the involvement of DIFC Innovation Hub.

DIFC Innovation Hub introduced a new platform designed to provide startups with access to the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets.

The platform is tailored for global startups seeking expansion in the region. It aims to bring together over 100,000 startups and 150 investors, fostering a robust ecosystem for attracting venture capital. As part of the meeting, a workshop for Uzbek startups was organized, offering participants valuable insights into market entry strategies for the UAE and an introduction to the new platform’s capabilities.

This visit enabled IT Park residents to gain a deeper understanding of DIFC's innovation ecosystem and access practical tools for scaling their projects. DIFC Innovation Hub, the largest fintech center in the MENA region, has opened up new opportunities for Uzbek startups, facilitating their integration into the global tech landscape.

Following the meeting, DIFC Innovation Hub representatives recognized Uzbekistan’s strong potential in digital technologies. The organization expressed its willingness to provide full support to Uzbek startups, assisting them in integrating into the regional innovation ecosystem.

An important part of the visit was the meeting with Odoo representatives. Farhod Ibragimov, along with Youssef Zeindek, Director of Channels and Alliances, and Rashit Goel, Head of Mid-Market and Enterprise Business in the UAE, discussed the company’s expansion plans in Uzbekistan and the region.

Odoo, built on Python, has already executed successful projects in Uzbekistan and now plans to establish a regional office in the country to serve Central Asia and neighboring regions. The company is also actively developing educational programs and is ready to train specialists in Uzbekistan to work with its technologies.

During the meeting, agreements were reached to conduct workshops to raise awareness of Odoo among Uzbek IT specialists and to launch a pilot project focused on migration to Odoo technologies.

Additionally, IT Park Uzbekistan representatives invited Odoo to participate in the Offshore Outsourcing Conference scheduled for February 26.

Another significant meeting took place with Comarch, represented by Senior Executive Director Martin Kammer and Sales Director Samir Hermassi. Discussions centered on the potential establishment of a back-office in Uzbekistan and support programs for IT Park Uzbekistan residents.

Comarch, which actively operates in the MENA region, views Uzbekistan as a strategic hub for international projects. The company expressed interest in opening a delivery office in Uzbekistan, emphasizing the country's strong talent pool. Special attention was given to the Zero Risk program and the residency opportunities within IT Park, which provide favorable business conditions and help minimize operational risks.

Comarch, a global IT company specializing in software development and system integration, has over 60 subsidiaries and operates in more than 100 countries. The company sees Uzbekistan as a key market for its expansion in Central Asia.

Collaboration with such companies opens new horizons for Uzbek startups, accelerating the growth of the country’s innovation ecosystem. Knowledge exchange in regulation and investment will strengthen Uzbekistan’s position as a leading innovation hub in the region, ultimately creating new jobs and attracting venture capital.