Digitalization and Urban Modernization: The Moscow‑Tashkent Dialogue Opens New Opportunities

On February 25, a meeting between representatives of the Tashkent City Administration (Khokimiyat) and members of the Government of Moscow took place at the Moscow City Situational Center. The event marked a significant step in strengthening the partnership and expanding cooperation between the two capitals, Moscow and Tashkent.

The Moscow delegation included officials from the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow led by Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations, as well as representatives of several specialized departments: the Department of Urban Planning Policy, the Department of Trade and Services, the Department of Capital Repairs, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, and the Department of Culture of Moscow.

The Uzbek side was represented by officials from the Main Directorates for Construction and Public Utilities and district administrations. The delegation was headed by Abdurakhmon Abdurakhidovich Bakhtiev, Deputy Khokim of Tashkent for Transport and Road Construction.

The main thematic focus of the meeting was on improving Moscow’s urban planning policies, implementing intelligent transport systems, digitalizing city services, and expanding investment and trade cooperation. Participants actively discussed prospects for joint projects, experience exchange, and creating a sustainable mechanism for effective interregional interaction.

Particular interest was shown in Moscow’s digital twin project, which demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology as a tool for long‑term planning and management decision‑making.

Sergey Cheremin presented an overview of Moscow’s comprehensive development strategy since 2010, emphasizing the systematic approach to reforming urban sectors. He highlighted Moscow’s successes in urban planning, modernizing the transport network, improving healthcare services, and upgrading educational institutions, underscoring the scale of integration made possible by digital technologies.

Cheremin also pointed to Moscow’s successful experience in implementing the “Smart and Safe City” concept. He noted that foreign trade between Moscow and Uzbekistan had reached nearly $3 billion and expressed the intention to deepen cooperation in practical areas, particularly by adopting advanced urban solutions.

The meeting also featured a presentation of Moscow’s urban development strategy. It was noted that key priorities include the urban planning system and the housing renovation program, which already covers more than 110 districts and affects over one million Muscovites. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, relocation procedures began for about a quarter of a million residents. The program is designed to ensure the harmonious renewal of urban space while preserving historical and cultural heritage.

Special emphasis was placed on Moscow’s environmental development. Over the years, the capital has achieved significant progress in improving air and water quality, demonstrating a responsible policy of modernizing industrial enterprises and introducing new eco‑friendly standards.

The outcome of the meeting confirmed both sides’ readiness to continue working to expand mutually beneficial cooperation, creating favorable conditions for enhancing joint efforts and moving toward a new level of strategic partnership between Moscow and Tashkent.