BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 18. Uzbekistan
discussed ways to expand cooperation in the field of AI, including
the possibility of establishing specialized AI data centers in the
country, with South Korea’s KT Corp.
This was reflected in the statement by the Ministry of Digital
Technologies of Uzbekistan, following a meeting between Minister
Sherzod Shermatov and Chon Son Rok, KT’s senior vice president for
AI and AI Transformation (AX).
According to the Ministry, in the course of the meeting, the
sides explored opportunities to develop computing infrastructure
needed to support AI projects in Uzbekistan, while also discussing
startup development, the entry of Korean technology companies into
the Uzbek market and joint research and development projects.
“The parties discussed prospects for expanding technological
cooperation, with a focus on artificial intelligence
infrastructure, startup support, attracting Korean technology
companies and joint R&D projects,” the ministry said.
Startup cooperation was another key area of the talks. In
particular, the sides discussed the possibility of Uzbek startups
participating in KT’s corporate acceleration program, K-PATH. Such
participation could provide Uzbek technology companies with
additional opportunities to connect with the Korean technology
ecosystem and pursue international expansion.
The parties also considered establishing a KT DX/AX division in
Uzbekistan and providing technology services from the country to
clients in South Korea. They discussed attracting KT’s partner IT
companies to Uzbekistan and supporting them in opening local
offices.
R&D cooperation in AI was also on the agenda, including the
possibility of conducting joint research and development projects
in Uzbekistan.
The meeting also resulted in the signing of two Memoranda of
Understanding (MoUs) with East Telecom aimed at expanding
cooperation and implementing joint technology projects.
KT is one of South Korea’s major telecommunications and digital
companies, with activities spanning artificial intelligence,
digital transformation, and AI Transformation technologies. The
company also operates programs supporting technology companies and
startups, including acceleration initiatives and international
market expansion.
