From Artificial Intelligence to Digital Infrastructure: IT Park Uzbekistan’s Visit to the Republic of Korea

From October 18 to 22, 2026, a delegation from IT Park Uzbekistan, led by Executive Director Jakhongir Radjabov, visited the Republic of Korea. During the visit, the delegation participated in the international Global AI & Digital Summit 2026 and held meetings with representatives of government institutions, the World Bank, and the academic community.

The programme focused on artificial intelligence, the development of national data infrastructure, digital government, specialist training, and expanding international cooperation in the information technology sector.

Global AI & Digital Summit 2026: International Dialogue on AI Development

As part of the visit, the IT Park Uzbekistan delegation participated in Global AI & Digital Summit 2026, organized by the World Bank Group in cooperation with government institutions of the Republic of Korea.

The summit provided a platform for discussions on artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Participation in the event offered an opportunity to explore international approaches to technology adoption and discuss areas relevant to the further development of Uzbekistan’s IT ecosystem.

Cooperation with the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea

One of the key meetings during the visit was held with the leadership of the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea (MSIT). The parties discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital government, IT education, and scientific research.

The Uzbek side presented plans for training young specialists, strengthening AI competencies, establishing an Artificial Intelligence Institute at New Uzbekistan University, and developing a research centre.

The Korean side expressed interest in strengthening cooperation between universities and research institutions, exchanging expertise on the application of AI in public administration, improving digital public services, and training cybersecurity specialists.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue dialogue in the identified areas and explore opportunities for practical cooperation.

NIA: Exchanging Expertise on the Development of a National Data Platform

An important part of the visit was a meeting with the leadership of the National Information Society Agency of the Republic of Korea (NIA), focused on establishing a national data platform in Uzbekistan and advancing cooperation in artificial intelligence.

The parties discussed Korea’s experience in developing digital infrastructure, managing government data, and building datasets for training AI models.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue exchanging expertise, including through specialized online seminars focused on the development of Uzbekistan’s national data platform and the study of NIA’s practices.

World Bank: Digital Inclusion and Human Capital Development

During the visit, the delegation met with representatives of the World Bank to discuss the implementation of the Digital Inclusion in Uzbekistan project, which aims to expand access to digital technologies, develop digital skills, and create new employment opportunities.

Particular attention was given to the results of initiatives focused on soft skills development and the international promotion of Uzbekistan’s IT sector, as well as opportunities to improve project implementation and expand expert cooperation.

Seoul National University: Research and Technological Innovation

The visit programme also included engagement related to Seoul National University (SNU), one of the leading research universities in the Republic of Korea.

The university specializes in science and engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science, biotechnology, semiconductors, and other advanced technology fields.

SNU’s research and innovation ecosystem includes 64 government-funded research centres, a dedicated startup support unit, and SNU Technology Holdings, an investment company that invests in university-affiliated startups.

The university also collaborates with government agencies, research institutions, corporations, and international universities. Its industry–academia cooperation mechanisms support joint research, the commercialization of research outcomes, and technology transfer.

SNU’s experience is relevant to strengthening Uzbekistan’s research capacity, training highly qualified specialists, and fostering closer ties between academia and technology entrepreneurship.

Prospects for Further Cooperation

IT Park Uzbekistan’s visit to the Republic of Korea provided an opportunity to explore new areas of international cooperation in information technology and artificial intelligence.

Meetings with Korean government institutions, the World Bank, and representatives of the academic community helped identify areas for further knowledge exchange in AI, national data infrastructure, digital government, and specialist training.

Continued engagement in these areas can contribute to the development of Uzbekistan’s IT ecosystem, stronger international partnerships, and wider opportunities for adopting advanced technological solutions.