How is ZTE developing in Uzbekistan?

—ZTE has been working in the Republic of Uzbekistan for a number of years. What projects are you implementing in Uzbekistan, in what sectors?

— ZTE actively supports Uzbekistan’s digital transformation through close collaboration with all major telecom operators. As part of joint projects, we are working to enhance data transfer speeds in existing networks while laying the technological foundation for future 5G deployment. One of the cooperation areas is the introduction of advanced voice technologies like VoLTE, enabling high-quality calls over LTE networks. Concurrently, we are implementing IMS core migration to streamline convergent services and boost operator efficiency.

Our work extends beyond mobile networks. We are modernizing fixed-line infrastructure and deploying cloud solutions to strengthen Uzbekistan’s digital ecosystem. In alignment with the «Digital Uzbekistan 2030» strategy, ZTE is expanding mobile network coverage – including to remote and hard-to-reach areas – to ensure equitable access to modern digital services nationwide.

— Are there any differences between when you started working in Uzbekistan and now?

— For over 20 years, our company has been partnering with Uzbekistan’s telecommunications market through its remarkable technological evolution. We began by building the nation’s first 2G GSM and CDMA networks, then partnered with operators to launch 3G services in 2007 and transition to 4G in 2015. Today, we’re actively preparing 5G infrastructure deployment in major cities.

Throughout these two decades, Uzbekistan’s leadership has demonstrated unwavering support for technological progress, even amid economic and regulatory challenges. This government commitment to technological advancement has enabled us to successfully execute large-scale projects. With 5G on the horizon, Uzbekistan stands poised to unlock tremendous opportunities, and its consistent progress in keeping pace with global telecom advancements gives us confidence in the country’s future potential.

— ZTE pays special attention to the development of data centers in the Republic of Uzbekistan. How relevant is this issue in our country and how does the company solve them? What are the prospects for this direction in the Republic of Uzbekistan?

— Modernizing digital infrastructure, including data centers, is critical to realizing the goals of the «Digital Uzbekistan 2030» strategy, which envisions the country as a regional IT hub. The country’s growing demand for cloud computing, AI-driven solutions, and 5G implementation underscores the need for necessitates scalable, energy-efficient data centers to support government digitalization (e-governance, smart cities), enterprise cloud migration (BPO, fintech, e-commerce) and, telecom innovations like 5G, IoT, edge computing.

ZTE has extensive expertise in this field, deeply engaged in the server industry since 2005. In 2024, ZTE’s global server shipments exceeded 300,000 units. As one of the fastest-growing server manufacturers, ZTE offers servers with high-performance computing capabilities, supporting global connectivity across more than 50 countries and regions. Therefore, ZTE’s focus on high-performance, sustainable data centers aligns with Uzbekistan’s ambition to be a digital leader. By combining cutting-edge tech (AI, 5G, green energy) and local partnerships, ZTE is committed to strengthening Uzbekistan’s digital infrastructure, laying the groundwork for a robust and future-ready digital economy.

— One of the main problems in Uzbekistan is talents development. How does the company solve it? How do you assess the potential for talents development in the republic? And what contribution do foreign companies make to the development of talents potential?

— There is growing recognition in Uzbekistan of the need to develop local ICT expertise. We observe strong state-level support for specialized IT education initiatives – a timely and crucial approach. As a global telecommunications leader, ZTE has always prioritized workforce development, knowing that investment in human capital drives technological progress.

In Uzbekistan, ZTE has established systematic partnerships with top technical universities, including TUIT and INHA University to create a systematic framework for training future ICT professionals. Our comprehensive program features joint curriculum development for modern telecom technologies, hands-on training and workshops led by our experts, an internship program for top-performing students. Many of our former interns have become highly skilled professionals, contributing not only to ZTE but to Uzbekistan’s broader ICT sector.

We view this initiative as our commitment to building a sustainable digital economy ecosystem in Uzbekistan.

— You are sponsors of the GSMA M360 Eurasia forum, which took place on May 21-22 in Tashkent. Why is it important for you to support such events in the Republic of Uzbekistan?

— Hosting the GSMA M360 Eurasia forum for the first time was a important moment for Uzbekistan, underscoring its growing prominence as an emerging IT hub in Eurasia. Support by the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan and VEON Group, the event served as a key gathering point for stakeholders across the ICT and telecom sectors to explore policies, investments, and partnerships shaping the future of digital transformation across Eurasia.

Such high-profile events – also including the annual ICT WEEK exhibition and other specialized gatherings – serve as crucial platforms to attract global and regional industry leaders, facilitate knowledge exchange on regulatory frameworks, evaluate investment and partnership opportunities, as well as showcase innovative technologies driving regional digital transformation. As an active player in Uzbekistan’s telecom sector, ZTE recognizes the importance of supporting these initiatives. This year, we reinforced our commitment by participating as a Gold Sponsor of the forum.

— What did you present at the forum? What new developments will be applied here in Uzbekistan?

— At GSMA M360 Eurasia 2025, we highlighted AI’s pivotal role in shaping tomorrow’s digital economy. IDC research indicates AI technologies could contribute up to 3.5% of global GDP growth by 2030, fundamentally transforming business operations and consumer behaviors worldwide.

ZTE considers artificial intelligence as the most important tool for Uzbekistan’s digital transformation. Today, our AI solutions are already actively used in various areas – from optimizing telecommunications networks to creating intelligent industrial infrastructure. In particular, in the Uzbek market, we are introducing predictive analytics systems for telecom operators, energy-efficient data centers with AI management, and smart terminal devices. By integrating technologies like FDD M-MIMO, DSS, and AI into 4G networks, ZTE unlocks the full potential of 4G, ensures a seamless evolution to 5G, and safeguards key operator assets such as spectrum, networks, and user bases.

Uzbekistan’s potential in leveraging AI is immense, and we are committed to supporting its journey toward becoming a regional pioneer in this field.

— The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan is seeking to make the IT sector one of the drivers of the economy. How feasible is this idea and what is needed for this?

— The Government of Uzbekistan’s strategy to establish the IT sector as a key economic driver is not only achievable but is already demonstrating remarkable success. This is evidenced by the rapid growth of IT exports and increasing foreign investment in recent years.

For accelerated development, it is necessary to strengthen personnel training through updating educational programs, modernizing digital infrastructure (5G, data centers), and creating favorable regulatory conditions. With the support of international partners in the field of innovative technologies, Uzbekistan is capable of entering the top IT economies of the CIS by 2030.