Invest Qatar signs digital transformation pact with Uzbekistan
Deal signed at Web Summit could lead to Qatar investment in Uzbekistan
#Qatar #digitaltransformation - Invest Qatar has agreed a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan aimed at accelerating digital transformation and enhancing investment opportunities between the two nations. The MoU was unveiled during Web Summit Qatar 2025 and signed by Invest Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani and Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies, HE Rustam Karimjonov, who led a 50-person Uzbek delegation to the summit, including 20 startups and technology companies.
SO WHAT? - Uzbekistan has seen its IT service exports grow from $10 million to nearly $1 billion in just five years, and the Ministry of Digital Technologies is pursuing an ambitious target of $5 billion in IT exports under its Digital Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy. According to the minister, more than 1,000 foreign IT companies outsource ICT services to Uzbekistan, providing about 50,000 jobs for highly qualified Uzbek IT workers. The Central Asian nation sees the GCC as a potential export market for its IT services sector and also a potential source of investment for its digital infrastructure plans.
Invest Qatar (Investment Promotion Agency Qatar) and the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan have signed an agreement to accelerate digital transformation and enhancing investment opportunities between the two countries.
The MoU signed during the Web Summit Qatar 2025 and signed by Invest Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani and Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies, HE Rustam Karimjonov,
The new partnership aims to create a framework to share market opportunities and facilitate introductions to key stakeholders, helping businesses navigate new markets with greater confidence while streamlining investment processes between Qatar and Uzbekistan.
Collaborative talent development programs will focus on building digital economy skills. Meanwhile, joint events, workshops and conferences will be organised to forge business connections and stimulate cross-border investment.
The agreement provides a framework for guidance and support on specific investment projects, potentially accelerating funding for Uzbekistan's growing technology sector while giving Qatari investors access to Central Asia's rapidly evolving digital economy.
The timing of this partnership during Web Summit Qatar 2025 showcases Qatar's growing prominence as a technology hub. In December the state hosted the World Summit AI Qatar conference.
ZOOM OUT - The new Uzbekistan partnership fits into Qatar's emerging strategy of leveraging technology diplomacy and investment to build strategic relationships beyond its traditional energy sector focus. Although no investment figures were mentioned by either country, the deal follows high-value strategic technology-focused agreements with the UK (£1 billion) and France (€10 billion). Gulf states are increasingly using their wealth to invest in the digital sectors of other partner nations. The UAE, in particular, has been investing in Central Asia and also signed an agreement with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies last year, establishing a framework for investment cooperation in digital infrastructure.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]