The digital trade and e-logistics system of New Uzbekistan: New economic opportunities for landlocked countries
Contemporary Digital Uzbekistan
As is well known, the digital revolution, representing a new stage of economic and technological progress, has not only profoundly transformed human life across the globe by creating vast new opportunities, but has also marked the beginning of a period of intensified international competition.
In this regard, a number of measures have been implemented in recent years as part of large-scale reforms aimed at the fundamental modernization of the national economy, specifically to introduce digital technologies into the country’s socio-economic landscape and the system of public administration.
In particular, the adoption of Decree No. PP-3832 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated 3 July 2018 “On Measures to Develop the Digital Economy in the Republic of Uzbekistan” was an important step in the development of the digital economy in our country. This document defined key tasks for the further development of the digital economy in the country, providing for the following. In particular
- the introduction of activities in the field of crypto-asset circulation, including mining technologies, smart contracts, consulting, issuance, exchange, storage, distribution, management, insurance, crowdfunding (collective financing) to diversify various forms of investment and entrepreneurial activity;
- training qualified personnel who are well versed in modern information and communication technologies and have practical skills in the development and use of blockchain technologies, as well as attracting highly qualified foreign specialists;
the comprehensive development of cooperation with international and foreign organizations in the field of crypto-asset operations and blockchain technologies, as well as the creation of the necessary legal framework, taking into account advanced international experience;
- the formulation of goals aimed at ensuring close cooperation between government bodies and business entities in the implementation of innovative ideas, technologies, and solutions for the continued development of the digital economy.
Thus, the implementation of the “E-Government” system in our country constitutes an integral component of digital economic development. Its main objective is to simplify administrative procedures and regulations, improve the quality of life for the population, and enhance the investment and business climate.
Today, economic liberalisation, attracting foreign investment and expanding foreign trade relations have become one of the strategic directions of our country's state policy. However, we all know that Uzbekistan's lack of access to the sea creates geographical limitations that cause certain difficulties in international trade and logistics. In these circumstances, against the backdrop of a tense geopolitical situation in the region, the meeting on foreign trade and transport and logistics held under the chairmanship of the head of state on 23 June 2025 further highlighted the need to find comprehensive and innovative solutions to this problem.
Global challenges and national opportunities
Naturally, the escalation of the situation in the Middle East will have a negative impact on global trade routes, including Uzbekistan's access to world markets. As the head of state noted, such situations can lead to an increase in transport costs of up to 30%. This poses a serious problem for exporting companies, as it undermines their competitiveness. Therefore, measures such as diversifying export destinations, moving cargo to other safe ports and agreeing on alternative routes are becoming particularly important. The use of electronic logistics tools in this process not only optimises costs but also creates opportunities for rapid and effective entry into new markets.
Electronic logistics: a revolution in the transport and logistics sector
Electronic logistics (e-logistics) refers to the process of using digital technologies to manage, monitor, and optimize the movement of goods. It encompasses digital document exchange, real-time cargo tracking, monitoring of shipment movement, delivery, determination of optimal routes based on data analysis and forecasting (Big Data), risk reduction, transparent and immutable recording of every stage in the supply chain, as well as automation.
In the context of Uzbekistan, electronic logistics plays a particularly important role as a tool for “expanding” the geographical boundaries of a landlocked country. Firstly, it increases the speed of information exchange in cross-border trade and accelerates customs clearance and transit procedures. Secondly, it helps reduce transportation costs, as optimized routes and reduced bureaucracy lead to more efficient resource use. Thirdly, it facilitates integration into global supply chains, thereby promoting the access of Uzbek products to international markets.
New strategy in the system
The implementation of the instructions given at the President's meeting, in particular, the tasks of supporting exporting enterprises, searching for additional markets for products and consistently continuing production, will create new economic opportunities for the widespread introduction of electronic logistics. Targeted support is provided through measures such as the government facilitating access to electronic logistics platforms for exporting companies, financial and technical support, for example, subsidies for digital platforms, and technical assistance in the implementation of electronic document systems. In this regard, great attention is paid to expanding international cooperation – creating digital logistics corridors with neighbouring countries and partner countries, and reaching agreements on electronic information exchange. The reason is obvious: the development of electronic logistics systems on the Central Asian and China-Europe routes within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative will greatly benefit Uzbekistan.
In infrastructure development, the pressing issue is not only the modernisation of railway, road and aviation infrastructure, but also their integration with digital technologies. The introduction of ‘smart warehouses’ and automatic sorting systems will increase logistical efficiency. For the development of the industry, increasing human resources is as essential as water and air. Therefore, there is a need to train specialists capable of working with electronic logistics systems and to strengthen programmes in this area at higher education institutions and vocational colleges. Confident steps towards a new era
Recently, Uzbekistan, taking the global digitalisation process seriously, has been taking active steps to implement the electronic economy. In particular, reforms in the field of e-commerce and e-logistics are not only improving the business environment within the country, but also contributing to Uzbekistan's closer integration into regional and global markets.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the years 2021-2025 laid the foundation for the digital economy in Uzbekistan. During this period, the Law “On Electronic Commerce” was adopted, and starting in 2025, new rules came into force for e-tijorat operators. According to Government Decree No. 885 of 28 December 2024, any electronic trading activity must be carried out by a company registered as a legal entity. From now on, e-commerce operators will be included in a special register, separate bank accounts will be opened for them, and they will be required to strictly comply with tax and advertising rules. In particular, the accelerated integration of electronic payment systems and the automation of information exchange processes with government agencies have become an important step in ensuring the transparency of trade turnover.
Electronic logistics – digital routes and cargo
The freight transport and logistics sector has also been affected by digitalisation. At the beginning of 2025, the “E-Logistika” platform was launched in Uzbekistan. This platform enables electronic management of freight transport, route tracking, and selection of services and tariffs. This has created great convenience not only for logistics companies, but also for exporters, farmers, and small entrepreneurs.
Digital reforms in the customs system are also bearing fruit: export clearance has been reduced to 20 minutes, and import customs operations are completed in 3 hours. As a result, the country's foreign trade volume has increased eightfold, and by the end of 2024, customs revenues reached 63 trillion soums, setting a historic record.
Infrastructure reforms - Uzbekistan becomes a transit hub
Uzbekistan's main goal in the field of logistics is to establish itself as a regional transport hub. To this end, a project has been launched to build a railway line connecting China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan. Practical work has also begun on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway. These railways will expand opportunities for access to the markets of the Middle East and South Asia.
The National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Development for 2025-2030 has been adopted. It identifies priority tasks such as digitalisation, export infrastructure, multimodal logistics centres and customs control based on artificial intelligence (AI).
Ountcomes of Reforms: Opening Doors to the World
Reforms in the field of e-commerce and logistics are laying a solid foundation for Uzbekistan's transformation into a competitive digital market. National companies can now compete not only in the local market but also on the international stage. The speed, openness and level of automation of foreign trade are expected to continue to grow at a rapid pace.
In order to further develop science in our country, educate young people with deep knowledge, high spirituality and culture, and form a competitive economy, five years ago, in the President's Address to the Oliy Majlis, 2020 was declared the “Year of Science, Education and Digital Economy Development”, which truly confirmed the beginning of a historic turning point in the life of Uzbekistan in line with global development. Undoubtedly, in the context of globalisation of the world economy and technological development, it is difficult to imagine the economic development of Uzbekistan without the digital economy.
The country's steps in the field of the digital economy are not just technological upgrades, but a new way of thinking, a new style of work, a new Uzbekistan.
In conclusion, it should be emphasized that the meeting held on June 23 under the leadership of the Honorable President demonstrated Uzbekistan’s commitment to promptly and effectively responding to critical developments in the fields of foreign trade and logistics. For Uzbekistan — a landlocked country — electronic logistics holds strategic importance not only in overcoming geographic limitations, but also in unlocking new economic opportunities.
Through the adoption of digital technologies, the expansion of international cooperation, and the development of human capital, New Uzbekistan is poised to take a significant step toward becoming a vital and reliable link in the global supply chain, accelerating economic growth, and enhancing the well-being of its people.
