Kazakhstan Proposes AI Network, Transport Integration at SCO Meeting in Dushanbe

Kazakhstan has proposed establishing a network of artificial intelligence centers under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and integrating regional transport corridors under a unified strategy through 2035. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov made the proposals at an Oct. 20 meeting of SCO heads of government in Dushanbe.

Bektenov attended a collective meeting hosted by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and SCO Council of Heads of Government sessions, according to the Prime Minister's press service. Addressing the expanded session, he outlined Kazakhstan's priorities for trade, transport connectivity, digital cooperation and energy and water security. Kazakhstan called for removing trade barriers, simplifying customs procedures and expanding the use of national currencies in cross-border settlements, which already account for nearly 70% of its payments with SCO member states.

Bektenov also said IT services exports had grown 34-fold over the past five years, reaching $1.1 billion. Participants signed documents after the sessions, including a decision to establish an SCO digital platform to facilitate international multimodal freight transportation.