Uzbekistan is preparing for the launch of international payment services Apple Pay and Google Pay, the Central Bank's press service said.
The regulator noted that technical work is currently underway to deploy these payment platforms.
However, a source familiar with the situation added that the discussions and negotiations for the launch of both services are scheduled for this September, rather than the launch itself.
As a reminder, the President signed a law on March 26 amending the Personal Data Law. The document lifted the mandatory requirement to store all personal data on servers located inside Uzbekistan. This restriction now applies only to biometric and genetic data, as well as telecom subscriber information. Other personal data can now be processed abroad under specific conditions.
Even after a complete regulatory framework is established, including Uzbekistan in the roadmap for Apple Pay or Google Pay remains an internal decision for the companies themselves. The legislative changes merely create the legal possibility but do not guarantee corporate business interest in the market.
At the same time, the technical infrastructure for accepting contactless payments is already in place. NFC-enabled terminals have long been standard in shops, pharmacies, cafes, and gas stations, a blogger added.
During his visit to the United States in November 2025, Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with representatives of American companies, investment funds, and financial institutions. During the meeting, the president addressed the use of personal data by digital platforms and announced upcoming legislative amendments.
"There are questions regarding personal data storage and the regulation of digital platforms. In collaboration with our American partners, we are finalizing updates to our legislation. This will open up opportunities to launch global payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as to establish a digital academy and a network of startup hubs," the president stated.
A year earlier, in October 2024, the government approved measures for the "effective utilization of Uzbekistan's tourism potential." The Tourism Committee, the Central Bank, and the Ministry of Digital Technologies were tasked with conducting negotiations with Alipay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and UnionPay to integrate them into Uzbekistan's payment systems and services.
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