Role of digital technologies highlighted in expanding opportunities for landlocked countries

TASHKENT, Aug 08 (UzA/APP) : Due to its geographical location, Uzbekistan is one of only two countries in the world, alongside Liechtenstein, that is not only landlocked but also surrounded by other landlocked states.
This unique circumstance significantly increases the importance of digital technologies as a tool for overcoming transport isolation.
The International Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries is held once every ten years under the auspices of the United Nations to develop global strategies aimed at supporting these nations.
The first conference took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in 2003, resulting in the initiation of the Almaty Program of Action. In 2014, the Vienna Program of Action for 2014-2024 was adopted during the second conference held in Vienna, Austria.
More than 3,000 delegates from 32 countries took part in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. The First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies O. Umarov also attended the event.
The participants addressed opportunities for eliminating digital barriers, accelerating cross-border trade, and building inclusive digital ecosystems that enable equal participation of landlocked developing countries in the global digital economy. Particular attention was given to the development of digital infrastructure, the integration of digital markets, and the strengthening of institutional capacity in landlocked developing countries.
In reviewing Uzbekistan’s achievements in digital development, it is noteworthy that annual investment in telecommunications exceeds $1 billion. In international rankings, the country has risen to 76th place for fixed-line internet and 71st place for mobile internet. The e-government system offers more than 770 services, used daily by over 12 million people. In the Global E-Government Development Index, Uzbekistan currently holds 63rd place.
According to the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, more than 190,000 specialists are currently employed in the country’s IT sector. The number of IT Park residents has exceeded 2,900, and by the end of 2025, the value of the services they provide is expected to reach $1 billion. More than 600 startups are actively developing. Uzbekistan has also risen to 70th place in the AI Preparedness Index.
The conference served as a key platform for constructive dialogue between government agencies and the business community on issues of sustainable development and the digital transformation of national economies.