Focus on AI: Technological partnership between Uzbekistan and China reaches a new level

A briefing and the Uzbek–Chinese scientific symposium took place at the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA) during the visit to Uzbekistan by a delegation from the People’s Republic of China, headed by Gao Xiang, President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). IT Park Uzbekistan was represented by Makhliyo Muksinova, the Director of Strategic Development.

These events gathered officials from Uzbekistan’s government, representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Tashkent, and experts from various analytical and academic institutions from both nations.

The highlight of the program was the Uzbek–Chinese scientific symposium titled “Global Transformation and Public Governance,” which was co-organized by IICA and CASS. During the discussions, participants explored significant areas of collaboration between Uzbekistan and China in public administration, the potential for aligning national development strategies, the impact of artificial intelligence on digital connectivity, and the advancement of regional cooperation within the Central Asia–China framework.

The symposium included four thematic sessions. The first session addressed global transformation and the sharing of experiences in public governance. The second session focused on issues related to new-quality productive forces and the efficient development of Uzbek–Chinese cooperation. The third session highlighted the role of artificial intelligence as a factor in enhancing digital connectivity between the two nations, while the concluding discussion examined the future of regional cooperation and the alignment of development strategies.

During the third session, Makhliyo Muksinova, Director of Strategic Development, underscored the strategic significance of advancing artificial intelligence in Uzbekistan and the collaborative efforts with China:

“Artificial intelligence is one of the key drivers of digital connectivity and enhanced efficiency in public governance. For Uzbekistan, AI development is part of a long-term national modernization strategy implemented at the government level. Within the framework of the Digital Silk Road initiative, a strong technological partnership has been formed between Uzbekistan and China, creating a foundation for transitioning to a new stage of cooperation focused on artificial intelligence and joint research projects.”

"I am confident that enhanced collaboration in this domain will add significant value to the Uzbek–Chinese partnership and aid in bolstering digital connectivity within the region,"

After the symposium, attendees expressed their desire to intensify scientific, expert, and technological collaboration, along with executing joint initiatives focused on sustainable development and the digital transformation of the region. Special emphasis was placed on practical cooperation in artificial intelligence, which presents further opportunities for IT Park Uzbekistan, such as attracting international partners, fostering joint R&D projects, and increasing the export capabilities of resident companies to the markets of China and the broader region.