Uzbekistan Strengthens Its Position as a Regional Hub for AI and Sustainable Development

The forum was organized following agreements reached during the visit of a delegation from the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) to the Republic of Korea and Japan.

The event was jointly organized by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), the Global Development Institute (GDI) at Seoul National University (SNU), and the Tashkent University of Information Technologies (TUIT).

Welcoming participants, Deputy Director of CERR Nozimjon Ortikov highlighted the resilience of Uzbekistan’s economy amid global instability.

“Despite ongoing volatility in the global economy, Uzbekistan continues to demonstrate resilience to external shocks. In the first quarter of this year, economic growth reached 8.7%, indicating sustained positive dynamics and expanding domestic economic activity, which creates conditions for further investment inflows, innovation adoption, and the development of new technological sectors,” he noted.

Vice President of Seoul National University, Dr. Kilkon Ko, stated that Uzbekistan is demonstrating steady development and has significant potential to expand cooperation with the Republic of Korea in areas such as artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability, and administrative reforms.

According to him, amid accelerating technological change and the evolving global agenda, cooperation between countries is becoming increasingly practical in nature.

“By working together, we can generate not only academic knowledge but also practical solutions to current challenges,” he said.

Dean and CEO of the Asian Development Bank Institute, Bambang Brodjonegoro, emphasized that international experience demonstrates the importance of investing in human capital, developing high-tech industries, and integrating into global value chains as key drivers of sustainable economic growth.

He noted that expanding cooperation between think tanks and universities in Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea would contribute to developing practical solutions and accelerating economic development.

The forum brought together experts from the ADBI, the Graduate School of Governance at Sungkyunkwan University, the Center for International Cooperation at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences of Seoul National University, as well as the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

From the Uzbek side, participants included representatives of government agencies, the expert community, профильные ministries, energy companies, IT Park Uzbekistan, and leading higher education institutions.

During the forum, research findings were presented on the application of artificial intelligence in education, the use of digital solutions to reduce poverty and promote regional development, and the modernization of the energy sector based on international experience, including that of the Republic of Korea.

Particular attention was given to the “Mahallabay” system implemented in Uzbekistan as a tool for targeted socio-economic development at the local level. Fazliddin Nasriddinov, Head of Sector at CERR, presented an analysis of the effectiveness of this model.

According to CERR, there are around 9,500 mahallas in the country, supported by over 9,000 assistant hokims and social workers. The introduction of a unified digital platform has enabled a transition to targeted household support based on socio-economic data.

Positive outcomes were also observed at the local level: in specialized mahallas, up to 89% reported production growth, 84% saw a reduction in problem debt, and more than 60% achieved full employment.

Targeted interventions are also being implemented in 903 so-called “difficult” mahallas across 37 districts, where a significant share of low-income населения is concentrated. These measures aim to accelerate poverty reduction and infrastructure development in these areas.

Forum participants, including international experts and representatives from the Republic of Korea, noted that the “Mahallabay” approach reflects a shift toward a more targeted model of social policy.

It was emphasized that the integration of local governance institutions, digital tools, and interagency coordination allows for a deeper understanding of socio-economic processes at the household level, thereby improving the effectiveness of policy decisions.

The potential for further development of this approach was also highlighted, particularly in the context of expanding digital solutions and its possible adaptation in other countries in the region.

Following the forum, participants outlined future areas of cooperation, including the exchange of best practices and expertise between think tanks and international institutions as a basis for ensuring inclusive growth and sustainable socio-economic development.

CERR Public Relations Sector