The growing partnership between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s hospitality sectors took center stage at the HORECA Expo Uzbekistan 2025 in Tashkent, where industry leaders discussed digital innovation, service culture, and cross-border cooperation shaping Central Asia’s fast-evolving tourism landscape.

The three-day event brought together restaurateurs, policymakers, and service professionals from across the region to exchange ideas on how technology and collaboration are redefining the modern hospitality industry. Representatives from both countries emphasized that digitalisation and shared training are transforming how hotels and restaurants operate, with regional cooperation now seen as key to sustained growth.

Kazakhstan focuses on digital transformation

Kazakhstan’s delegation, led by the Association of Restaurants of Kazakhstan, highlighted the country’s rapid progress in integrating digital tools into everyday operations. Established in 2016, the association now represents around 16,000 restaurants nationwide.

“We started by organizing culinary contests, and soon realized restaurateurs needed a dedicated platform to share experience,” said Irina Lebedeva, Financial Director of the Association. “Now, we’re focused on digitalisation — automating reservations, accounting, and even customer feedback through new technologies.”

Lebedeva noted that modern restaurants are about creating an emotional experience, not just serving food. “Guests come for impressions — the light, music, atmosphere,” she said. “Technology helps us maintain that consistency while giving managers more time to focus on quality rather than paperwork.”

Uzbekistan expands support for global reach

Uzbek officials outlined policies designed to help local entrepreneurs take their culinary ventures abroad. According to Shukhrat Isakulov, head of the Department for Tourism Development under the Ministry of Ecology, the government offers subsidies covering equipment, logistics, and even ingredient transport for restaurateurs opening businesses overseas.

“The programme runs until 2027 and supports those promoting Uzbek cuisine internationally,” Isakulov said. “We want Uzbek hospitality to be visible on the global stage.”

At home, Uzbekistan continues to invest in professional training and digital infrastructure to improve standards across hotels, restaurants, and transport services. Officials say the goal is to raise service quality across the entire tourism value chain.

Shared goals for a regional future

Delegates from both countries agreed that shared traditions and close geography make collaboration natural. With similar languages and a common service ethos rooted in warmth and personal connection, cooperation between Uzbek and Kazakh hospitality sectors is growing rapidly.

“We don’t have closed clubs or membership fees,” Lebedeva added. “If someone wants to learn and develop, the doors are open. Collaboration is what makes the industry stronger.”

Participants concluded that the future of Central Asia’s hospitality industry lies in mutual learning, digital innovation, and shared professional standards — ensuring growth that celebrates both unity and diversity across the region.