Latvian IT Cluster strengthens cooperation with Uzbekistan in the field of digitalization and innovation

On March 4 and 5, the Latvian IT cluster participated in the meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in Uzbekistan, where the main topics on the agenda were bilateral cooperation in the field of information technology and the common goals of the project “Connectivity in Central Asia” (C4CA). During the visit, the importance of digitalization in the development of sectors was emphasized, as well as the potential of both countries to build closer cooperation in the development of innovations, start-ups and digital solutions.

At the meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, it was emphasized that digitalization is an essential basis for the development of industries today. Both Latvia and Uzbekistan have significant experience and opportunities to expand cooperation in this area. The Uzbek side expressed its readiness to cooperate with Latvian partners in the development of the startup ecosystem, promotion of e-commerce and digital transformation processes.

After the Intergovernmental Commission meeting, a Business Forum was also held, where Latvian companies and experts met with Uzbek partners to discuss cooperation opportunities and share practical experience in the implementation of technologies and innovations. From the Latvian side, the companies “E-sakari”, “Fanapps”, “Emy Solutions” and “Asya” participated in the visit as experts, strengthening existing cooperation and creating new contacts for future partnership.

The visit program also included visits to institutions important to Uzbekistan's IT and innovation ecosystem — UzCosmos, IT Park, Uzinfocom, and Technopark. Meetings with representatives of these organizations allowed for a broader understanding of the region's digital development priorities and the identification of potential cooperation opportunities.

Digital Connectivity in Central Asia (C4CA) project

The Latvian IT Cluster participated in the visit as part of the project “Digital Connectivity in Central Asia” (C4CA). The Latvian IT Cluster is part of the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to strengthen digital inclusion in Central Asia by promoting secure, inclusive and sustainable access to satellite technologies. The project is designed as a capacity building initiative, focusing on knowledge transfer, institutional development and strengthening the innovation ecosystem in the region.

C4CA will implement regional digitalization programs, as well as organize joint hackathons, innovation events and ideation workshops. These formats will serve as practical cooperation mechanisms to bring together developers, entrepreneurs and industry representatives from both countries. Pilot initiatives are also planned, in which regional business support organizations will identify specific digitalization challenges, while Latvian experts, in cooperation with local partners, will develop and implement appropriate solutions.

Another important area of cooperation is the development of digital skills and safe use of the Internet, especially in rural regions. In cooperation with non-governmental organization networks, it is planned to strengthen digital literacy, promote the use of satellite data and improve access to digital services.

Close cooperation with the Latvian Academy of Sciences and the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ representations in Central Asia is essential for the successful implementation of the project. The Intergovernmental Commission meeting and the Business Forum were particularly important, as they served as an important platform for strengthening the dialogue between the two countries and establishing practical cooperation in the field of IT and digitalization. These events allowed not only to discuss common priorities at the national level, but also facilitated direct contacts between companies, experts and institutions, creating the basis for concrete partnerships and future initiatives. This was an important opportunity for the Latvian IT Cluster to position Latvia’s competences in the Central Asian region and strengthen its involvement in the implementation of the C4CA project goals.

The C4CA project is implemented in collaboration with the Central Finance and Contracts Agency and “Expertise France”, with funding from the European Commission.