Uzbekistan is launching the Enterprise Uzbekistan free zone in early 2027, which will operate under English common law. The Tashkent-based site will span over 10 hectares and support venture capital structures like limited partnerships. This initiative aims to attract international tech firms and financial organizations by providing a legal framework familiar to global investors.
The country has seen significant growth in its startup ecosystem, with funding rising from $3 million in 2022 to $329 million in 2025. The number of local venture funds increased from two to 22, holding over $200 million in capital. Government programs like Digital Uprise match up to $100,000 in foreign investment, while a new competition offers a $5 million prize fund.
IT Park Uzbekistan, established seven years ago, offers residents 0% corporate and social taxes, with a 7.5% personal income tax rate. Foreign investors can hold 100% ownership, and registration takes three working days. The country also leverages a young demographic, with 65% of its 39 million population under 35, supported by 146 universities offering IT programs.
Regional development focuses on specific sectors: Fergana Valley for talent, Karakalpakstan for AI and data centers, and Bukhara and Samarkand for scientific expertise. Uzbekistan is also collaborating with Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub and Tajikistan under the Central Asian Innovation Hub initiative to integrate the regional workforce into the global digital economy.
