Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with Sangbu Kim, Vice President for Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence of the World Bank.

The parties reviewed prospects for further partnership between Kazakhstan and the World Bank Group in the areas of digitalization, artificial intelligence, GovTech, and the development of telecommunications infrastructure. Particular attention was paid to the “Data Center Valley” project in Kazakhstan. The discussion was attended by Advisor to the President – Chairman of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms Aset Irgaliyev, Vice Ministers of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, National Economy, and Finance.

“The new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, adopted by a nationwide referendum, opens up opportunities to strengthen the economy through technological innovation and accelerated digital transformation. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set a strategic goal of turning Kazakhstan into a full-fledged digital country. This year has been declared the Year of Digitalization and is focused on the large-scale implementation of AI solutions in all sectors of the economy. The National Strategy Digital Qazaqstan until 2029 has been adopted. I would like to emphasize the significant contribution of the World Bank to the advancement of Kazakhstan’s digital transformation program. We attach great importance to the timely implementation of all the initiatives we have planned,” Olzhas Bektenov noted.

Kazakhstan is in Group “A” of the World Bank’s GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) and ranks 6th in the world. Currently, Kazakhstan and the World Bank are implementing a number of joint projects on human capital development in the field of AI and accelerated digitalization for an inclusive economy.

Vice President for Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence of the World Bank Sangbu Kim noted the high level of digitalization in Kazakhstan. Among the important projects mentioned were the development of data centers, the construction of a submarine fiber-optic cable across the Caspian Sea, ensuring connectivity in rural areas, digital government services, artificial intelligence, and initiatives in the field of technology parks. The World Bank is ready to support these initiatives.

“The current status of digitalization in Kazakhstan is very advanced compared to many other developing countries. You have well-developed mobile communications, an e-government platform with high-quality service delivery, a developed ecosystem for the private sector, an effective national strategy and policy. A new law in the field of AI has recently been adopted. All of the above is very well organized, and I am very glad to start working on this specific foundation. There are new challenges in the field of AI, and therefore this task is not an easy one for all of us,” Sangbu Kim noted.

Following the meeting, World Bank Vice President for Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence Sangbu Kim invited Kazakhstan to become a priority partner and participating country in the World Bank’s global strategy on digitalization and artificial intelligence. The program is aimed at attracting investment in the digital economy. The model directions of the agreement cover digital connectivity and infrastructure, digital government platforms and identification, data regulation and cybersecurity, digital skills, and the development of the AI ecosystem. Country-specific digital agreements are adapted to the national priorities of the country. Thus, Kazakhstan’s national agenda, with the support of the World Bank, will be aligned with specific investment projects and reforms.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov thanked Vice President Sangbu Kim and the World Bank team for supporting Kazakhstan’s initiatives in the field of digital transformation and emphasized the Government’s readiness to participate in the World Bank Digital Compact.

#Olzhas Bektenov #The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #Digitalization #President's instruction

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