Kazakhstan today is an active builder and reliable partner of the Digital Silk Road. Our country is consistently transforming into an international hub of digital innovation, aiming to create a high-quality ecosystem and new standards of digital security and trust in Eurasia. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set an ambitious goal: “To turn Kazakhstan into a truly digital country within three years, where technology and innovation will drive the economy, reform public governance, and shape the future of our younger generation.” To achieve this, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development has been established, a unique legislative “Digital Code” has been adopted, and AI is being integrated into all areas—from public services to education and transport.

In recent years, Kazakhstan has confidently taken the lead in the region in deploying modern AI solutions, launching cloud platforms, and using big data for managerial decisions. As of today, 92% of public services are available online, and the digital tenge became the first state digital currency project in Central Asia. The national supercomputer and the international AI hub “AlemAI” have been developed in cooperation with leading universities and Chinese technology companies, including Huawei, ZTE, Alibaba Cloud, and Bytedance. Each year, large international forums on artificial intelligence and digitalization are held, such as “Digital Bridge,” where Kazakhstan demonstrates achievements in building new clusters and industries and launches joint educational and research projects with China and other regional partners.

A special role in the development of Kazakhstan’s digital economy is played by cooperation with China. President Xi Jinping has noted that China and Kazakhstan are “reliable strategic partners” ready “to develop the digital economy, jointly unlock the potential of new technologies and satellite communications, and create the digital energy of the future.” One vivid realization of this partnership is the launch of the unique Alatau City project. As President Tokayev stated, “Alatau is a new model of the city of the future, the core of digital and scientific initiatives, and the result of the efforts not only of Kazakhstan but also of the government of China and leading Chinese companies.” This city, which is being built as a digital city from the very beginning, will become the largest center of AI development, fintech, logistics, creative industries and education along the entire Silk Road.

In Alatau, conditions are created for the complete transition to electronic services — all administrative services, transport, and education are available in a multilingual digital environment, and a unified cloud platform manages urban infrastructure. Applying the experience of Chinese megacities, Alatau has formed a favorable investment and educational climate for the development of startups, joint scientific research, and international hackathons. Projects such as AI integration into management and logistics systems, joint “Luban Workshops” for skills development, the launch of cross-border e-commerce platforms, and effective customs support have all become realities.

A crucial direction is ensuring digital trust and security throughout the Eurasian region. Kazakhstan is implementing a large-scale reform of AI legislation, launching a national “cyber-shield” strategy, building partnerships with Chinese companies to share expertise, and conducting joint exercises to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The key challenge is the development of biometric systems, mutual recognition of digital documents at the international level, and the creation of a unified system of cross-border trust.

Our country has also become a pilot ground for digital tenge integration and innovative forms of electronic payments, pioneering effective solutions for smart agriculture, the Internet of Things, and digital healthcare in Central Asia. Robust partnerships with China ensure rapid data exchange, joint participation in cloud and educational initiatives, and the launch of experimental AI services for citizens and businesses.

President Tokayev has repeatedly emphasized: “We have proclaimed an ethical and fair approach to AI implementation. Its integration into public administration and the real sector is the main focus for improving the welfare of every citizen of our country.” In turn, Chairman Xi Jinping supports Kazakhstan’s creation of an innovation center and believes that Kazakhstan’s advanced digital infrastructure and the professionalism of its specialists help create a regional space of trust, innovation, and sustainable development.

Allow me to present a set of initiatives that, I am confident, will give new momentum to digital integration within the Belt and Road Initiative.

1.DigitalCompetence Platform
We propose the creation of an international platform for the systematic exchange of digital knowledge and skills among BRI member countries. It will serve as a bridge connecting young professionals, businesses, and governments, fostering the adoption of advanced technologies and accelerating digital transformation.

2. Integrated AI Institutes and Research Centers
We suggest establishing international AI research centers and universities in partner countries to promote joint scientific projects, facilitate knowledge exchange, and build a unified educational ecosystem to train future-oriented specialists.

3. Common Standards of Digital Trust
Developing unified standards for the recognition of electronic documents, diplomas, digital signatures, and certifications among Silk Road countries will strengthen mutual trust and ensure the legal validity of digital data in international cooperation.

4. Eurasian Digital Security Belt
We propose forming a comprehensive system for cybersecurity and resilience — a “Digital Security Belt” of Eurasia. This includes regular information exchange on cyber threats and coordinated response mechanisms to ensure the uninterrupted operation of government and private digital services.

5. Advancing AI Cooperation and Digital Inclusion
It is essential to deepen collaboration on integrating AI into public administration and business processes, while enhancing digital literacy and ensuring equal access to innovation for all. Kazakhstan advocates the development of joint academic and research programs, as well as the expansion of grant support for promising AI and digital projects.

The Digital Silk Road is not only a path of technology but also one of trust, openness, and partnership. Kazakhstan stands ready to serve as a regional integrator of innovation, a hub for idea exchange, and a reliable partner in shaping a strong, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystem across the Belt and Road countries.

Author：Gulnar Shaimergenova, Director of China Studies Center(Kazakhstan)

Source: Speech at the 2025 Belt and Road Think Tank Cooperation Forum