Oleg Pekos, First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, detailed the expanding digital cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in an interview on August 4. He emphasized the significant potential for practical collaboration, identifying the implementation of MyID Palm—a biometric system using palm vein recognition for contactless identification and payment—as a priority project. Pekos proposed launching a joint pilot project in Baku, with Uzbekistan providing the technology and expertise while Azerbaijan integrates it with its own digital ID platform, SIMA.

Pekos endorsed the idea of a unified digital platform for sharing information and research as "extremely relevant and promising." He highlighted Uzbekistan's rapid progress in digital governance and its experience in developing digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and open data ecosystems. He confirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness for comprehensive cooperation with Azerbaijan at both expert and institutional levels, listing key sectors such as digital governance, intelligent transport systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Looking ahead, Pekos outlined prospects for collaboration in advanced technologies like AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain, noting that both nations share goals in economic digitalization. He suggested joint AI research in healthcare and education, as well as support for AI startups. For IoT, he pointed to applications in agriculture and logistics and proposed sharing experience in creating smart city infrastructure. Finally, Pekos discussed creating a common digital market, noting that six Azerbaijani companies already operate in IT Park Uzbekistan. He stated that a common market would facilitate cross-border digital trade and create favorable conditions for scaling startups and innovations.