Uzbekistan approves OTS digital economy agreement

Uzbekistan has ratified an agreement by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) aimed at fostering cooperation in the digital economy. The decree was issued by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on March 18.

The agreement, originally signed at the OTS summit in Bishkek in November 2024, will be implemented by Uzbekistan’s National Agency for Advanced Projects (NAAP).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with notifying relevant parties of Uzbekistan’s completion of domestic procedures required for the agreement to take effect. It is also responsible for designating NAAP as the state body accountable for its execution.

The Cabinet of Ministers and relevant government agencies are charged with ensuring compliance with the agreement’s provisions, with overall oversight assigned to Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.

The agreement seeks to enhance e-commerce and digital financial technologies among OTS member states. Its key provisions include:

• Simplifying cross-border e-commerce;
• Introducing digital payment services and electronic invoicing;
• Strengthening the protection of personal data and consumer rights;
• Developing regional digital infrastructure.

During the November OTS summit in Bishkek, President Mirziyoyev proposed that member states develop a “Digital Turkic World” concept. This initiative aims to accelerate the exchange of IT expertise, foster innovative ecosystems, and establish digital infrastructure and data centers.

Additionally, Uzbekistan’s President called for the creation of a Turkic Development Bank and urged greater activity from the Turkic Investment Fund. He also recommended exploring the development of shared e-commerce platforms.

#economy #digitalization #OTS