Over the past decades, Romania has established itself as one of Europe’s leading IT hubs. Thanks to a highly skilled workforce, a favorable business climate, and a strategic location, local companies have been actively developing the export of technology services. In an era of global competition, Romanian IT companies must seek new markets for growth and expansion.
One such promising destination is Uzbekistan—a country with a rapidly developing IT ecosystem, tax incentives, a large pool of technical specialists, and favourable conditions for foreign investors. In recent years, Uzbekistan has emerged as a leading IT hub in Central Asia, attracting global companies that outsource software development, testing, cloud solutions support, and other IT services to the country.
This article explores six key reasons why Romanian IT companies should consider Uzbekistan as a strategic partner for business expansion.
Economic Growth and Ambitious Goals
Uzbekistan has demonstrated stable economic growth. In 2024, the country’s GDP reached $115 billion, reflecting a 6.5% increase compared to the previous year. Foreign direct investments amounted to $35 billion, highlighting the country’s attractiveness to international business.
The IT sector is experiencing particularly dynamic growth. In 2024, ICT exports reached $900 million, with the country planning to increase this figure to $5 billion by 2030, creating 300,000 high-paying jobs.
Reason #1: Highly Skilled IT Specialists
One of Uzbekistan’s key advantages is its large number of qualified IT professionals. The country has 219 universities, 84 of which have ICT-related faculties. Currently, approximately 80,000–100,000 students are enrolled in IT programs.
Particular emphasis is placed on training programmers, testers, cybersecurity specialists, and cloud technology experts. For example, Inha University in Tashkent has launched educational programs in partnership with international companies.
Additionally, Uzbekistan leads Central Asia in English proficiency—approximately 5 million people speak English fluently. This facilitates communication with foreign clients and makes the country an attractive destination for international IT companies.
Reason #2: Favorable Tax Conditions
Thanks to comprehensive economic reforms, Uzbekistan has created a favourable business climate. The reformed tax policy, aimed at reducing the tax burden on private companies, has stimulated business activity. Special conditions have been introduced for priority economic sectors to attract leading foreign companies. For instance, IT and Shared Services companies receive tax benefits under the IT Park Uzbekistan membership.
Key regulatory frameworks support these reforms, including Presidential Decree No. DP-4947 (2017) on the Strategy for Action on Further Development of Uzbekistan, which laid the foundation for economic liberalisation and investment incentives. Additionally, Law No. ZRU-598 (2019) on Investments and Investment Activities strengthened investor protections and introduced further benefits for foreign businesses.
By implementing these policies, Uzbekistan has created a transparent and predictable business environment, ensuring long-term stability and growth for international companies.
Member companies of IT Park Uzbekistan are fully exempt from VAT, corporate tax, and social contributions. Personal income tax for members is only 7.5%, compared to the standard 12%. These incentives significantly reduce business costs and encourage reinvestment in company growth. This is one of the key reasons why Romanian ITes-companies should consider expanding to Uzbekistan.
Several major international ITes companies, including G-Core, Dyninno Group Limited, Upstream BPO, and Staffvirtual, have already established operations in Uzbekistan.
One of such notable success story is G-Core, an international technology provider offering comprehensive solutions in cloud computing, content delivery, video streaming, and cybersecurity. Headquartered in Luxembourg, the company also has offices in South Korea, Lithuania, Poland, Serbia, Georgia, and Cyprus.
G-Core’s Uzbekistan office, which opened in 2022, specializes in software testing aligned with global quality standards. The company conducts regression and functional testing, including testing for large Tech & GameDev companies. The Uzbekistan branch employs around 200 professionals.
Reason #3: Government Initiatives and IT Sector Support
The Uzbek government actively invests in the development of the digital economy. “The Digital Uzbekistan – 2030” national program aims to attract foreign IT companies and create favourable conditions for technological businesses.
One key initiative is the Zero Risk program, established by IT Park Uzbekistan with the support of the Ministry of Digital Technologies. It provides export-oriented IT companies with office spaces and equipment for 12 months, along with reimbursements for employee training expenses, as outlined in the official IT Park Uzbekistan residency regulations (IT Park Uzbekistan).
Reason #4: Strategic Location and Convenient Time Zone
Uzbekistan’s advantageous geographical position between Europe and Asia makes it an ideal outsourcing destination. Unlike many other outsourcing locations, the country operates in a convenient GMT+5 time zone, enabling seamless synchronization between Romanian companies, their development teams, and their clients.
With a well-developed transport infrastructure, foreign specialists and investors can easily visit the country, while IT companies can efficiently manage projects across Europe and Asia.
Reason #5: Development of Cloud Technologies and Digital Infrastructure
Uzbekistan is investing in cloud technologies and data centres to strengthen its digital infrastructure. Several large-scale data centres are under construction, meeting international security and reliability standards.
One of the key projects is being developed by Saudi company DataVolt, which has begun constructing its first 10 MW data centre at IT Park Uzbekistan. This facility will provide computing power for IT Park residents. The total investment in this data centre is estimated at $150 million.
Looking ahead, DataVolt plans to invest up to $5 billion in Uzbekistan by 2030. The company is set to build a 250 MW data centre on 25 hectares in New Tashkent, as well as another 40 MW facility in the Bukhara region, with future expansion to 250 MW. Notably, all data centres will operate using renewable energy sources, ensuring sustainability and efficiency.
These strategic investments highlight Uzbekistan’s commitment to becoming a regional hub for cloud computing and data services. The government also supports business digitalization by fostering the adoption of artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity solutions. This makes Uzbekistan an attractive destination for IT companies specializing in SaaS, DevOps, FinTech, and cloud-based solutions.
Reason #6: Opportunities for Scaling and Expansion into New Markets
Romanian IT companies entering the Uzbek market gain access not only to skilled developers but also to opportunities for scaling their business into other Central Asian and CIS markets, reaching a potential customer base of 300 million people.
Uzbekistan has signed free trade agreements with several countries, enabling IT companies to expand easily into Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and other regions. Additionally, many international clients consider Uzbekistan a strategic hub for developing products and solutions targeted at European and Asian markets.
Conclusion
With its highly skilled IT workforce, tax incentives, government support, and strategic time zone, Uzbekistan is emerging as a promising destination for Romanian IT companies aiming for global expansion.
The country’s competitive advantages create a favourable environment for IT business operations, while government initiatives and investments in the digital economy open new opportunities for international collaboration.
In October 2024, IT Park Uzbekistan presented the country’s investment and partnership opportunities at an event in Romania, attracting the attention of local IT companies and technology entrepreneurs. Now, IT Park Uzbekistan invites to the “Offshore Outsourcing Conference” in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to explore the rapidly growing IT ecosystem, connect with key industry players, and unlock new growth opportunities for your business.
Date & Venue
February 26-27, Tashkent. Uzbekistan.
Registration Link: https://outsource.gov.uz/en/events/offshore-outsourcing-conference
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