In his speech, the President thanked the leaders of the EAEU member states, observer states, and invited guests for participating in the events in Astana.
A regular meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC) was held in an expanded format under the chairmanship of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
"Our meeting today is particularly significant: on this day in 2014, the Treaty that laid the foundation for our Union was signed. By decision of the Supreme Council, May 29th was officially declared Eurasian Economic Union Day. Our Union has been in existence for over ten years, during which time significant work has been accomplished to deepen economic integration. It is noteworthy that, in addition to the Supreme Council meeting, the capital of Kazakhstan is hosting the Eurasian Economic Forum. I am confident that the Forum's results will give new impetus to multilateral business partnership," said the President of Kazakhstan.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that the Eurasian Economic Union maintains positive macroeconomic development dynamics.
"According to forecasts, the combined GDP growth rate of the EAEU member states in 2026-2027 will be approximately 2.5%. Despite the volatility of global markets, trade turnover between our countries exceeded $95 billion last year. This year, we expect mutual trade to increase by more than 6%, which will allow us to surpass the $100 billion mark. At the same time, international organizations' assessments of the state of the global market are disappointing. According to an IMF report, the global economic growth forecast for this year has been adjusted downwards to 3%. Clearly, global structural changes cannot help but impact the economic dynamics of the EAEU. Under these circumstances, the tasks of adapting our Union to new realities, strengthening its internal resilience, and enhancing its competitiveness are particularly urgent," noted the Head of State.
As Chairman of the Supreme Council, the President of Kazakhstan outlined a number of strategic priorities aimed at further progressive development of the integration structure. He thanked his colleagues for their support of Kazakhstan's proposals.
"The adoption of the Joint Statement on the Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence was a crucial confirmation of our unanimity. I look forward to our active cooperation in this area. I believe it is important to focus our joint efforts on the following priority areas. First, strengthening the digital foundation of Eurasian integration. As a new technological paradigm emerges based on digitalization and artificial intelligence, the speed of data processing, the level of automation, and the depth of innovation are becoming key factors for success. According to expert estimates, global investment in artificial intelligence technologies has already exceeded the landmark mark of one trillion dollars. Its cumulative contribution to the global economy is expected to grow exponentially in the coming decades, surpassing the $7 trillion mark," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
According to him, advanced technologies should become, and are already becoming, a powerful catalyst for Eurasian integration. It is safe to say that this work within the EAEU is becoming consistent. The transformation affects all spheres of activity – from industry and logistics to agriculture and public administration.
Tokayev: Kazakhstan has officially secured its status as a net exporter of technology
According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a full-fledged, dynamically developing startup ecosystem is being formed at the Astana Hub. More than 100 new high-tech companies are actively developing in the country. Kazakhstan has officially secured its status as a net technology exporter: IT services exports have exceeded $1 billion. Our leading position is being recognized internationally.
According to the global EGDI (E-Government Development Index) ranking, Kazakhstan ranks 24th, and has secured a place in the top ten for the quality of online services. Our next goal is to scale this success. The Alem.ai International Artificial Intelligence Center has been launched in Astana. The center aims to become not just a magnet for talented developers but also a key regional platform for the creation and implementation of applied AI-based solutions.
"I would like to note that we closely study and highly value the achievements of the EAEU member states in digitalization, the implementation of platform solutions, and modern approaches to public administration. Each of the Union's member countries has already accumulated significant experience in specific areas of digital transformation, which is of practical interest. I am convinced that, in addition to developing national competencies, we must more actively develop joint technological initiatives and exchange best practices and effective solutions. This approach will significantly accelerate the digital development of the EAEU and enhance the competitiveness of our economies," the President emphasized.
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
