Google’s payment service Google Pay, which allows for contactless payments on Android-based phones, has been launched in Uzbekistan.
This was announced on Monday in Samarkand by Marcin Krasuski, director of government affairs and public policy for Google Cloud in Central and Eastern Europe, at an event within the C5+1 format (Central Asian countries and the United States).
A video of his remarks, delivered during an industry session on digital technologies, was released by the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan.
“I am pleased to announce that today, Google is launching its GPay — Google Pay — service in Uzbekistan,” said Marcin Krasuski. He stated that this development had been made possible by the country’s “progressive digital regulation”.
His announcement was met with applause from those in attendance.
In late March, president of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed amendments to the law “On personal data”. The document removed the mandatory requirement to store all personal data on servers located within Uzbekistan. This requirement now applies only to biometric and genetic data, as well as data belonging to subscribers of telecommunications operators. Other types of personal data may be processed abroad, provided that certain conditions are met.
During a visit to the United States in November 2025, Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with representatives from American companies, investment funds and financial institutions. At that time, the president announced that legislative amendments would be introduced.
“There are questions regarding the storage of personal data and the regulation of digital platforms. Together with our American partners, we are finalizing updates to our legislation. This will pave the way for the launch of global international systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as the establishment of a digital academy and a network of startup hubs,” the head of state noted.
A year earlier, in October 2024, the government approved measures aimed at “effectively utilizing Uzbekistan’s tourism potential”. The Tourism Committee, the Central Bank and the Ministry of Digital Technologies were tasked with holding negotiations with Alipay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Unipay regarding their integration into Uzbekistan’s payment systems and services.