Uzbekistan’s expanding IT sector and emerging investment opportunities were the focus of the first Norway–Uzbekistan Business Forum, held in Norway on 21 October.

The event brought together entrepreneurs and officials to explore partnerships in technology, innovation and trade, reflecting growing interest in closer economic ties between the two countries.

Organised by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Norway, based in Stockholm, in partnership with SME Norway, the forum offered Norwegian businesses a closer look at Uzbekistan’s changing business environment. SME Norway President Y. Gilani praised the country’s ongoing reforms and the conditions created for foreign investors, encouraging Norwegian companies to explore opportunities in its market.

Digital services emerged as a promising area for collaboration. Representatives of IT Park and the Samarkand and Jizzakh regions presented developments in Uzbekistan’s technology sector, including rising IT service exports, modern infrastructure for technology companies and expanding outsourcing opportunities. Norwegian participants expressed interest in joint innovation projects and the skills of Uzbekistan’s young IT professionals.

Beyond the digital economy, infrastructure projects within the New Tashkent development illustrated the scale of the country’s urban development ambitions and offered another area for potential business engagement.

Presentations by Uzbek companies Talenthub, Z Mile, Global Outsourcing Partners and World Mmm, alongside Norway’s Resilienza Holding AS and Sensoeconomic, were followed by direct business discussions. These meetings allowed participants to explore how their expertise and commercial interests could support joint projects.

The forum led to understandings on cooperation with Volür, Mesh Youngstorget AS, Viznor, Qualcomm Tech, UzNord Import AS and SME Norway. The areas identified included artificial intelligence applications in the food industry, support for startups, employment opportunities for Uzbek specialists and the organisation of reciprocal business missions. Expanding supplies of Uzbek fruit and vegetables to Norway was also among the priorities discussed.

For many Norwegian participants, the event offered a fresh perspective on Uzbekistan. Several noted that the scale of its transformation and the range of business opportunities exceeded their previous impressions. The partnerships discussed at the forum provide a basis for turning that interest into practical cooperation.