Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 31 January, the plenary session of the Digital Almaty 2025 International Digital Forum took place in Almaty.

The session was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektanov; the Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov; the Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus, Roman Golovchenko; the First Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad-Reza Aref; the Chairman of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and Head of the Presidential Administration, Adilbek Kasimaliev; the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin; the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Mger Grigoryan, and other officials.

During the plenary session, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov, delivered a report on the large-scale reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan in the field of digitalization and the introduction of modern technologies in socio-economic sectors, as well as the country’s goal to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) technology utilization.

The report highlighted that Uzbekistan’s AI development strategy for 2030 had been approved by the country’s president, with clear targets outlined. Specifically, it was planned to develop AI-based software, increase the volume of digital services provided to $1.5 billion, create several scientific laboratories, and build a highly efficient server infrastructure.

It was also reported that more than 20 projects had already been implemented as part of the strategy, with AI technology integration into key sectors of the economy yielding significant results. For example, the Palm Pay payment system was introduced in the Tashkent metro, enhancing passenger convenience.

Systems like "My ID" and "UzFace" were implemented in banks and large commercial complexes, accelerating client identification and reducing the risk of digital fraud. Virtual assistants were launched in the tax system and on government service portals to help citizens access consultations and electronic services.

As a result, Uzbekistan improved by 17 positions in the "Government AI Readiness" ranking in 2024.

The plenary session also emphasized that under the adopted strategy, Uzbekistan is actively developing the digital economy by integrating modern information and communication technologies into public administration, education, healthcare, and agriculture. Special attention is being paid to the development of IT infrastructure.

To this end, Uzbekistan is expanding international cooperation with leading organizations and IT companies to develop AI regulation standards, train specialists, and create the necessary infrastructure.

The discussion also covered pressing issues of digitalization and AI, along with the prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in this area.