Former head of SEO at Microsoft, Shavkat Karimov, recently gave an interview to Spot where he discussed his reasons for returning to Uzbekistan, the creation and initial results of the IT Community, reforms in the country over the past five years, and the challenges faced in the development of the IT sector. Karimov highlighted issues with electricity and internet connectivity that are hindering the growth of the IT industry in Uzbekistan.
In the past year, residents of IT Park in Uzbekistan provided services worth $1 billion for the first time, and the export volume of digital services increased by 2.4 times, exceeding $340 million. Projections suggest that this year, the export of IT services will grow to $1 billion, and by 2030, it will reach $5 billion.
To foster the development of the IT sector in Uzbekistan, foreign companies are being attracted, new educational institutions are being established, and conditions for exporting services are being eased. The Zero Risk program has been launched to attract IT exporters to regions and facilitate the employment of local residents.
In January 2023, the IT Community of Uzbekistan was established, bringing together IT specialists, students, entrepreneurs, companies, and organizations involved in the development and application of information technologies. The community aims to promote and popularize IT, improve the quality of products, provide education in the IT field, and facilitate the exchange of experiences.
Karimov, the head of IT Community, shared insights from his work at Microsoft, his return to his homeland, the initial results of the community, reforms in the past five years, and the resolution of issues related to electricity and internet connectivity that are impeding the progress of IT in Uzbekistan.
Karimov’s career spans various countries, including Sweden, Belgium, France, Russia, the USA, Canada, and Guatemala. He spent three years at Microsoft before becoming the Vice President of Bold, a company that assists employers and job seekers in finding each other.
His decision to return to Uzbekistan was driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in his home country. Despite achieving financial success abroad, Karimov felt the need to contribute to the development of the IT sector in Uzbekistan. His involvement with IT Park and the subsequent creation of IT Community of Uzbekistan were pivotal in his decision to return.
The IT Community has made significant progress since its inception. With a team of 10 members, including local and international talent, the community has grown to 6,000 members on LinkedIn. The focus on education, freelancing, career development, and entrepreneurship has been central to the community’s goals.
Karimov emphasized the importance of education in the IT sector, highlighting the need for continuous learning and skill development. The community’s initiatives, such as the Future Leaders program and outreach to regions, aim to empower individuals with the necessary skills to succeed in the industry.
Despite the rapid growth of the IT sector in Uzbekistan, there is a noticeable disparity between the development in the capital and the regions. Karimov acknowledged the challenges faced in regional areas, including limited opportunities for employment and lower levels of expertise compared to urban centers.
The lack of reliable electricity and internet connectivity in Uzbekistan poses a significant risk to the investment climate in the IT sector. Karimov stressed the importance of addressing these issues to attract and retain foreign companies, which are crucial for the sector’s growth.
Looking ahead, Karimov envisions a thriving IT industry in Uzbekistan in the next five to ten years. With continued reforms, improvements in infrastructure, and a focus on education and innovation, he believes that the country has the potential to become a hub for IT companies and startups. By addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, Uzbekistan can position itself as a competitive player in the global IT market.