BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. Uzbekistan and
Latvia have discussed expanding cooperation in digital
technologies, artificial intelligence, postal services, e-commerce,
and innovation.
This was reflected in the statement by the Uzbek Ministry of
Digital Technologies following a meeting between Minister of
Digital Technologies, Sherzod Shermatov, and Latvia's Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Uzbekistan, Ģirts
Jaunzems.
"The sides reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation
in the digital sphere and discussed opportunities to strengthen
collaboration in digital transformation, artificial intelligence,
cybersecurity, digital public services, cloud technologies,
information technology, and digital skills development," the
ministry said.
According to the ministry, the parties emphasized the importance
of transferring bilateral dialogue into practical initiatives by
expanding cooperation between government institutions, technology
companies, and private-sector stakeholders.
The Latvian side also invited an Uzbek delegation to participate
in the Techritory Forum, scheduled to take place in Latvia on Oct.
21-22, describing the event as a platform for promoting new
partnerships and advancing bilateral cooperation in digital
innovation.
The meeting also focused on strengthening startup ecosystems,
venture capital investment, and technology entrepreneurship.
Uzbekistan presented its startup support mechanisms, including
initiatives aimed at encouraging private investment, fostering
innovation, and accelerating the commercialization of
technology-driven businesses.
"The Uzbek side introduced measures designed to support
startups, attract investment, and create favorable conditions for
innovation-led growth," the ministry said.
Particular attention was given to the role of IT Park Uzbekistan
in expanding exports of IT outsourcing services and attracting more
European technology companies to the country. The sides also
discussed how the growing network of regional IT Park branches
could help support digital entrepreneurship and create new
opportunities for international technology cooperation.
Postal services and cross-border e-commerce were another key
topic of the talks. The parties explored ways to strengthen
cooperation between the postal operators of Uzbekistan and Latvia,
increase international postal exchange, and introduce modern
logistics solutions to facilitate cross-border online trade.
They also exchanged views on Latvia's experience in developing
postal logistics centers and automated parcel terminals, as well as
opportunities to establish more efficient transport corridors
linking Central Asia and Europe through Uzbekistan and Latvia.
"The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their
commitment to expanding practical cooperation in digital
technologies, artificial intelligence, innovation, startup
development, postal services, e-commerce, and logistics through
joint projects and continued dialogue," the ministry said.
