THE ROLE OF E-COMMERCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: EVIDENCE FROM UZBEKISTAN’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20704632Keywords:
E-commerce, economic development, digital transformation, Uzbekistan, digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, international trade, emerging economy, Central AsiaAbstract
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has fundamentally transformed global economic
structures, with electronic commerce (e-commerce) emerging as a critical driver of economic development,
entrepreneurship, and international trade. This study examines the role of e-commerce in promoting economic
development in Uzbekistan within the broader context of digital transformation and regional integration. Adopting a
qualitative and descriptive research design based on secondary data from international organizations, government
institutions, and academic publications, the study analyzes recent trends in e-commerce development, identifies
key drivers facilitating market expansion, and evaluates existing opportunities and challenges. The findings reveal
that Uzbekistan’s e-commerce market reached approximately US$1.2 billion in 2024, accounting for 3.8% of total
retail trade, supported by 87.2% internet penetration and the Digital Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy. However, regional
disparities in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity concerns, and varying digital literacy levels persist. The study offers
policy recommendations for strengthening digital trade ecosystems and maximizing e-commerce’s developmental
benefits.
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