ASTANA – 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 said at an Oct.
20 meeting of SCO heads of government in Dushanbe. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and heads of delegations from SCO member states attend a collective meeting in Dushanbe. Photo credit: Kazakh Prime Minister’s press service. Bektenov attended a collective meeting hosted by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and SCO Council of Heads of Government sessions in narrow and expanded formats, bringing together representatives of member states and partner countries, the Prime Minister’s press service reported.
Welcoming the participants, Rahmon highlighted the SCO’s role as a platform for constructive dialogue, peace and stability amid changing global conditions. He called for expanding trade and investment, strengthening transport links, deepening industrial and agricultural cooperation, advancing digitalization and green technologies, and reinforcing energy and food security.
Rahmon also emphasized joint efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, cyber threats, drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. He highlighted the importance of establishing an SCO Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe and called for greater cooperation in artificial intelligence, innovation and workforce development, reported Kazinform.
He also noted Tajikistan’s initiative, supported by the UN General Assembly, to declare 2027-2036 the International Decade for Strengthening Peace for Future Generations. Other priorities included climate change adaptation, environmental protection, glacier preservation and the sustainable use of water resources.
Addressing the expanded session, Bektenov outlined Kazakhstan’s priorities for strengthening trade, transport connectivity, digital cooperation and regional energy and water security. Kazakhstan called for removing trade barriers, simplifying customs procedures and expanding the use of national currencies in cross-border settlements.
National currencies already account for nearly 70% of Kazakhstan’s cross-border payments with SCO member states, according to Bektenov. To improve regional connectivity, Kazakhstan proposed integrating China’s Belt and Road Initiative with existing and planned transport corridors and incorporating common priorities into an SCO Transport Connectivity Strategy through 2035.
Bektenov also called for accelerating the modernization of maritime and dry ports under the SCO Action Plan for the Development of Ports and Logistics Centers through 2030. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route was identified as a platform for practical cooperation, with annual freight volumes targeted at 10 million tons.
Kazakhstan proposed establishing an SCO network of artificial intelligence centers to pool technological expertise and support member states in exchanging and scaling AI solutions.