Uzbekistan, Switzerland map out cooperation in AI, startups

Uzbekistan and Switzerland held talks in Tashkent to expand cooperation across digital technologies, artificial intelligence, innovation, investment, and research and development. The meeting brought together Sherzod Shermatov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies, and Swiss Ambassador to Uzbekistan Simone Giger. Uzbekistan’s ministry said the discussion covered the country’s ongoing digital transformation reforms, growth of the IT sector, and the startup ecosystem, including opportunities for foreign investors. Both sides also highlighted potential to boost IT service exports and support startups combining software with other technologies. Cooperation in AI included developing open, practical AI models for digital education and other sectors, alongside efforts to increase Swiss participation in investment projects.