Uzbek President Unveils Eurasian Tech and Trade Initiatives at SPIEF’26
Uzbekistan is positioning itself at the forefront of regional integration with a series of ambitious proposals announced at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took to the stage to outline a comprehensive vision for cross-border cooperation, highlighted by the creation of a «Eurasian belt of technological industrialisation».
This sweeping initiative aims to establish a robust network of interconnected manufacturing and tech clusters powered by a unified digital platform. The project is designed to facilitate end-to-end production chains that encompass tech development, staff training, localised manufacturing and global market integration.
Digital and educational integration
A cornerstone of the president’s address was the proposed formation of a joint digital ecosystem between Russia and Uzbekistan. This bilateral framework would harmonise regulations across digital commerce, municipal services, national brand promotion and the development of AI products. It also includes plans to introduce a unified digital employment profile to streamline the cross-border labour market.
Recognising the critical role of human capital, Mirziyoyev pitched a collaborative online platform dedicated to workforce development. This central hub would seamlessly integrate educational programmes, language and IT courses, vocational training, business support and direct access to employers.
To complement this, a separate distance learning initiative was announced. Using specialised online services, the programme aims to deliver modern educational resources to the most remote regions and significantly boost labour mobility among young people.
Cultural ties and financial expansion
Moving beyond tech and trade, the Uzbek leader emphasised the importance of strengthening humanitarian and cultural bonds. He proposed the launch of a new creative-tourist corridor stretching «From Samarkand to St. Petersburg». This cultural bridge would pave the way for joint film festivals, art exhibitions, museum projects, culinary weeks and music events.
In a major announcement for the global business community, Mirziyoyev also revealed plans for the newly established Tashkent International Financial Centre. Operating under a bespoke legal and tax regime, the hub is engineered to attract foreign capital and rapidly accelerate the country’s capital market development.
To maintain this economic momentum, the president concluded his address by formally inviting international investors and business leaders to the upcoming Tashkent International Investment Forum. Scheduled to run from June 16 to 18, the high-profile event will showcase the wealth of new opportunities emerging within Uzbekistan’s rapidly modernising economy.
