Sherzod Shermatov: IT Professionals Coming Back to Propel Uzbekistan’s Startup Ecosystem
Uzbekistan’s IT park made significant strides in recent years, underscoring the country’s emergence as a key player in the global IT outsourcing market. With 965 exporters and 660 foreign companies from 56 countries, the park’s international presence continues to grow. As of 2025, the park also hosts 2,600 members, with 38,600 jobs created in the sector.
Sherzod Shermatov’s vision for Uzbekistan as IT hub
At the Offshore Outsourcing Conference 2025, held on February 26 in Tashkent, Sherzod Shermatov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies, addressed the future of IT outsourcing in the country.
«We ensure that foreign companies establishing offices in Uzbekistan are provided with optimal conditions for success,» he said in an interview to Kursiv Uzbekistan’s correspondent.
He explained that the government’s commitment to building an IT ecosystem that supports both local and international businesses is crucial.
Tax incentives and skilled talent: Uzbekistan’s recipe for success
Shermatov highlighted Uzbekistan’s extensive tax incentives and support programs as key factors driving the growth of the IT sector. The government offers initiatives such as the Zero Risk program, which provides foreign companies with free office space for 12 months and compensates up to 15% of labor costs for hiring local employees.
Additionally, the IT Visa program offers foreign investors and professionals multiple-entry visas valid for up to three years. These programs, combined with tax benefits lasting until 2040, make Uzbekistan an attractive destination for international IT businesses.
With over 60% of Uzbekistan’s population under the age of 30, the country’s young, highly skilled workforce is another significant advantage. The ongoing reforms in education ensure a steady stream of well-educated, multilingual professionals, positioning the country’s IT sector to continue thriving in a competitive global market.
From brain drain to startup boom
In his comments to Kursiv Uzbekistan, Shermatov shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape for IT professionals in Uzbekistan.
«Before 2017, many talented individuals sought opportunities abroad. At that time, the greatest aspiration was to be employed by major international companies like Meta or Amazon. But now, we see a reverse trend. Many people who worked at these companies are returning to Uzbekistan and starting their own businesses,» he said.
One such example is Hupo, a startup founded by Beknazar Abdikamalov, which received its first $3 mln investment from Meta. Abdikamalov is now expanding his business in Karakalpakstan, his home region.
Thriving IT sector with global potential
The conference also highlighted the rapid growth of Uzbekistan’s ICT exports, which have surged from $700,000 in 2017 to over $900 mln in 2024. IT services account for the largest portion of this growth, and the country is on track to achieve its ambitious goal of increasing IT service exports to $5 bn by 2030.
With expanding infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and ongoing government support, Uzbekistan is increasingly becoming a prime destination for companies looking to tap into the growing IT outsourcing market.
«Uzbekistan offers an environment where businesses can thrive, offering not just cost-efficiency but also access to the talent and resources necessary for long-term success,» Shermatov concluded.
