Key Takeaways
- Uzbekistan will launch a tax‑break and streamlined‑licence regime for foreign tech firms in early 2027
- The framework aims to turn the country into a regional test‑bed and export hub for innovative digital products
- EU officials see the plan as complementary to their Central Asia digital partnership and supply‑chain diversification goals
The government of Uzbekistan announced a new business framework designed to attract foreign technology companies, according to Euronews. The scheme will grant tax exemptions, streamlined licensing and the right to test innovative products on the domestic market, while also facilitating the recruitment of international specialists. Officials say the rules are being finalised and the programme is slated to start in early 2027, with a focus on enabling firms to expand across regional markets. The initiative fits into a broader European Union strategy to deepen digital ties with Central Asia and diversify supply chains beyond China and Russia. EU trade delegations have highlighted the importance of stable regulatory environments for cross‑border investment, and Uzbekistan’s reforms echo EU calls for transparent, market‑oriented policies. The move also dovetails with the EU‑Central Asia Partnership, which seeks to promote connectivity, innovation and data security standards across the region, potentially opening new avenues for European SMEs and research institutions. If implemented as planned, the framework could create hundreds of high‑skill jobs in Uzbekistan and give European tech firms a gateway to a market of over 70 million people. Policymakers will watch the final rule‑book expected by the end of 2026, while a bilateral EU‑Uzbekistan tech dialogue is scheduled for mid‑2027 to assess regulatory alignment and possible co‑funded projects. The success of the scheme will hinge on how quickly the incentives translate into tangible investment and whether they meet EU standards on data protection and labour rights.
Source: Euronews. Read the original report ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new Uzbek tech investment framework become operational?
The government intends to roll out the scheme in early 2027 after publishing the final regulations by the end of 2026.
How might the initiative affect European businesses?
European tech companies could benefit from tax incentives, easier market entry and a regional base for scaling products across Central Asia, provided the rules align with EU standards on data and labour.