“Digital Trade and E‑Logistics in New Uzbekistan: New Economic Opportunities for a Landlocked Country”:

---

 Digital Uzbekistan Today

As is well known, the digital revolution marks a new stage of economic and technological advancement, transforming human life globally, opening vast possibilities, and intensifying international competition. In recent years, comprehensive reforms aimed at modernizing Uzbekistan’s national economy have integrated digital technologies into the socio-economic sphere and public administration.

Specifically, Presidential Decree No. PQ‑3832 dated July 3, 2018, on “Measures for Developing the Digital Economy,” was a key milestone. It identified the following core tasks:

• Encouraging diversification of investment and business activity by introducing crypto-assets (including mining, smart contracts, consulting, issuance, exchange, storage, distribution, management, insurance, and crowdfunding).

• Training qualified specialists proficient in information‑communication technologies for blockchain development and application, and attracting high‑level foreign experts.

• Expanding collaboration with international and foreign organizations on crypto‑asset and blockchain projects, and building a proper legal framework based on best global practices.

• Ensuring close cooperation between state bodies and business entities to implement innovative ideas, technologies, and solutions.

The “Electronic Government” system has become an integral part of building the digital economy, designed to simplify administrative procedures, improve living standards, and enhance Uzbekistan’s investment and business environment.

Although Uzbekistan’s liberalization of the economy, attraction of foreign investment, and expansion of foreign trade have become strategic state priorities, the country’s landlocked status poses geographic constraints and logistical challenges. On June 23, 2025, amid geopolitical tension in the region, a high‑level meeting on foreign trade and transport‑logistics reaffirmed the need for comprehensive and innovative solutions.

Global Challenges and National Opportunities

Destabilizing developments in the Middle East negatively impact global trade routes, including Uzbekistan’s access to international markets. As the President noted, transport costs could rise by up to 30%, significantly undermining exporters’ competitiveness. Hence, diversifying export channels, shifting cargo through safer ports, and developing alternative routes are paramount. In this context, digital logistics not only optimizes costs but also enables rapid and efficient entry into new markets.

Electronic Logistics: A Logistical Revolution

Electronic logistics (e‑logistics) refers to the use of digital technologies to manage, track, and optimize goods movement. This encompasses digital document exchange, real-time cargo location tracking, Big Data analytics and forecasting, automated route optimization, risk reduction, supply chain transparency, and process automation.

In Uzbekistan’s context as a landlocked nation, e‑logistics extends the country’s geographic reach by accelerating data exchange in cross-border trade, speeding up customs and transit procedures, reducing transport costs through streamlined routes and bureaucracy, facilitating integration into global supply chains, and encouraging international market access.

A New Strategic Framework

The presidential instructions emphasize supporting exporters, identifying new markets, and scaling production through e‑logistics—generating new economic opportunities. The government is facilitating:

• easier access for exporters to e‑logistics platforms;

• financial and technical support such as subsidies and technical assistance for digital systems;

• expanded international cooperation to build digital logistics corridors and agreements on information exchange, particularly under the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, which is strategically beneficial for Uzbekistan.

Infrastructure Modernization

Modernizing railways, highways, and aviation infrastructure—and integrating them with digital technologies—is essential. Introducing “smart warehouses” and automated sorting systems boosts operational efficiency. Moreover, strengthening the workforce is vital: training specialists who can operate e‑logistics systems via universities and vocational colleges is a pressing need.

Bold Steps Toward the Future

Uzbekistan has taken bold digital steps:

• Enactment of the Law on Electronic Commerce;

• New rules for e-commerce operators established in 2025;

• Under Decree No. 885 of December 28, 2024, e-commerce activities must be conducted by legally registered entities—licensees are entered into a registry, assigned dedicated bank accounts, and must comply with tax and advertising regulations;

• Rapid integration of electronic payment systems and automated information sharing with government agencies enhances trade transparency.

E‑Logistics: Digital Routes and Cargoes

In early 2025, Uzbekistan launched the “e‑Logistika” platform, enabling digital management of freight transport, route tracking, service selection, and tariff handling. This system offers major ease for logistics firms, exporters, farmers, and small business owners.

Digital reforms in the customs system improved efficiency: export clearance now takes as little as 20 minutes, and import procedures are completed in 3 hours. Consequently, the country’s export volume increased eightfold, with customs revenues reaching a historical high of 63 trillion soums in 2024.

Infrastructure Reforms: Uzbekistan as a Transit Hub

Uzbekistan aims to become a regional transport hub:

• Launch of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project via Kazakhstan;

• Initiated works on the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway;

• Adoption of a national strategy for 2025–2030, focusing on digitalization, export infrastructure, multimodal logistics centers, and AI-driven customs control.

The Outcome of Reforms: Opening a Gateway to the World

Reforms in e-commerce and logistics lay a solid foundation for a competitive digital market. National companies can now compete domestically and internationally. The pace, openness, and automation of foreign trade are expected to continue growing rapidly.

The designation of 2020 as the “Year of Science, Enlightenment, and Digital Economy Development” by the President marked a historical turning point in the nation's development trajectory.

Conclusion

The June 23 meeting highlighted the need for swift and precise action in foreign trade and logistics. For a landlocked country, electronic logistics is not just a way to overcome geographic limitations—it is a strategic gateway to new economic opportunities. Through digital technology adoption, international cooperation, and human capital development, New Uzbekistan is poised to become a vital and reliable node in the global supply chain, accelerating economic growth and improving public welfare.