The e-commerce and e-logistics system of New Uzbekistan: new economic opportunities for landlocked countries

The digital revolution—an advanced phase of economic and technological development—is fundamentally reshaping human life across the globe. It brings vast opportunities while simultaneously intensifying global competition. In recent years, within the framework of comprehensive reforms aimed at the modernization of Uzbekistan’s national economy, significant steps have been taken to implement digital technologies across socio-economic sectors and public administration.

Notably, Presidential Decree No. PQ-3832, issued on July 3, 2018, laid a strong foundation for the development of Uzbekistan’s digital economy. The decree identified key priorities, including:

• Developing activities involving crypto-assets, including mining, smart contracts, consulting, issuance, exchange, storage, distribution, management, insurance, and crowdfunding technologies;
• Training highly skilled professionals with expertise in blockchain and ICT, while also attracting foreign experts;
• Advancing international cooperation and creating a legal framework for crypto-asset and blockchain activities;
• Fostering close collaboration between government agencies and entrepreneurs to promote innovative ideas, technologies, and solutions.

The implementation of the “E-Government” system is an integral part of this transformation, aimed at simplifying administrative processes, improving quality of life, and enhancing the investment and business environment.

Today, liberalizing the economy, attracting foreign investments, and expanding foreign trade are key strategic goals for Uzbekistan. However, as a landlocked country, geographical constraints present challenges in global trade and logistics. In this context, the June 23, 2025, meeting chaired by the President emphasized the urgency of finding comprehensive and innovative solutions, especially amidst growing regional geopolitical tensions.

Global Challenges and National Opportunities

Given the escalating geopolitical situation in the Middle East, global trade routes—and consequently Uzbekistan’s access to international markets—are under pressure. As noted by the President, such conditions may increase transport costs by up to 30%, undermining the competitiveness of exporters. Therefore, diversifying export routes, redirecting cargo to safer ports, and negotiating alternative corridors are of critical importance. Digital logistics tools play a crucial role here—not only optimizing costs but also facilitating faster, more effective market entry.

E-Logistics: A Revolution in Transport and Supply Chains

E-logistics refers to the use of digital technologies to manage, track, and optimize the movement of goods. This includes digital documentation, real-time location tracking, predictive analytics using Big Data, automated supply chain processes, route optimization, risk mitigation, and full transparency across the logistics chain.

For landlocked Uzbekistan, e-logistics is a vital mechanism to overcome geographic barriers. It:

1. Speeds up cross-border trade by streamlining customs and transit processes;
2. Reduces transport costs through efficient routing and lower bureaucracy;
3. Facilitates integration into global supply chains, enhancing international market access for Uzbek products.

A New Strategy in Motion

The June 2025 Presidential directives to support exporters, find new markets, and ensure production continuity are driving the expansion of e-logistics and opening new economic avenues. The government is:

• Facilitating access to e-logistics platforms for exporters;
• Providing financial and technical support, including subsidies for digital platforms and assistance in adopting e-documentation systems;
• Strengthening international cooperation to establish digital logistics corridors and achieve electronic data-sharing agreements with partner countries.

Within the Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing digital logistics systems along Central Asia–China–Europe corridors offers immense benefits for Uzbekistan.

Infrastructure modernization—including rail, road, and air—must go hand-in-hand with digital integration. Smart warehouses and automated sorting systems enhance efficiency, while qualified human capital is indispensable. This calls for intensified training of specialists in e-logistics through universities and vocational colleges.

Bold Steps Toward a New Era

Uzbekistan has embraced the digital economy with seriousness and purpose. Reforms in e-commerce and e-logistics are not only transforming the domestic business environment but also positioning the country closer to regional and global markets.

The period from 2021 to 2025 has laid the foundation for Uzbekistan’s digital economy. A new law on “Electronic Commerce” was enacted, and as of 2025, new regulations for e-commerce operators came into effect. According to Resolution No. 885 (December 28, 2024), all e-commerce must now be conducted by legally registered entities. Operators must be included in a special registry, open dedicated bank accounts, and comply with tax and advertising rules. Integration of e-payment systems and automated data exchange with government agencies ensures transparency and accountability in digital trade.

E-Logistics: Digital Roads for Digital Cargo

In early 2025, Uzbekistan launched the “e-Logistics” platform, allowing users to digitally manage freight, track routes, compare services, and manage tariffs. This platform benefits logistics companies, exporters, farmers, and small businesses alike.

Customs digitization has also delivered measurable results: export clearance time has been reduced to 20 minutes, and import procedures are now completed within 3 hours. As a result, foreign trade volume increased eightfold, with customs revenues reaching a record 63 trillion soums by the end of 2024.

Infrastructure Reform: Building a Regional Transit Hub

Uzbekistan’s long-term goal is to become a regional logistics hub. To this end, construction has begun on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway via Kazakhstan, and progress is underway on the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway. These routes will expand access to Middle Eastern and South Asian markets.

The National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Development (2025–2030) identifies key priorities such as digitization, export infrastructure, multimodal logistics centers, and AI-powered customs control.

Opening the Gateway to the World

Reforms in e-commerce and logistics are laying a strong foundation for a competitive digital marketplace. Uzbek companies are now positioned to compete not only domestically but globally. Trade speed, transparency, and automation are expected to continue increasing.

The President’s 2020 address to the Oliy Majlis declared that year as the “Year of Science, Education, and Digital Economy Development”—a declaration that marked a historic turning point for Uzbekistan, aligning its progress with global trends.

Uzbekistan’s digital transition is more than just technological modernization—it represents a new mindset, a new way of working, and a New Uzbekistan.

Conclusion

The President’s June 23 meeting highlighted the urgent and strategic need for Uzbekistan to respond decisively to challenges in foreign trade and logistics. For a landlocked country, e-logistics is not merely a solution to geographic limitations—it is a gateway to new economic possibilities.

By adopting digital technologies, expanding international cooperation, and building a skilled workforce, New Uzbekistan is poised to become a vital and reliable link in the global supply chain, accelerating economic growth and improving the well-being of its people.

Author: Faliddin Muminov, Head of the Consolidated Information and Analytical Department of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.