Uzbekistan Approves OTS Digital Economy Agreement
Uzbekistan Boosts Cooperation in Digital Economy with Ratification of OTS Agreement
Uzbekistan has taken a significant step towards enhancing cooperation in the digital economy by ratifying an agreement by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The decree, issued by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on March 18, paves the way for increased collaboration among member states in the realm of digital technologies.
Originally signed at the OTS summit in Bishkek in November 2024, the agreement will now be implemented by Uzbekistan’s National Agency for Advanced Projects (NAAP). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with informing relevant parties of Uzbekistan’s completion of domestic procedures required for the agreement to come into effect. Additionally, the Ministry will designate NAAP as the state body responsible for executing the agreement.
To ensure compliance with the agreement’s provisions, the Cabinet of Ministers and relevant government agencies will be overseeing its implementation, with Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov in charge of overall supervision. The key focus of the agreement is to boost e-commerce and digital financial technologies among OTS member states.
Some of the main provisions of the agreement include simplifying cross-border e-commerce, introducing digital payment services and electronic invoicing, strengthening data protection and consumer rights, and developing regional digital infrastructure.
During the OTS summit in Bishkek, President Mirziyoyev proposed the development of a “Digital Turkic World” concept, aimed at accelerating the exchange of IT expertise, fostering innovative ecosystems, and establishing digital infrastructure and data centers. He also called for the creation of a Turkic Development Bank, increased activity from the Turkic Investment Fund, and exploring shared e-commerce platforms among member states.
With the ratification of the OTS agreement, Uzbekistan is poised to deepen its ties with other Turkic nations in the digital realm, paving the way for increased collaboration and innovation in the digital economy.
