The next decade will be decisive for
the Central Asian region, which can emerge as a global leader. Seizing this
historic opportunity has become more crucial than ever. First of all, trade
flows between the countries should be consistently increased for this purpose,
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the fifth anniversary
Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia in Dushanbe. The work
started in this direction is already yielding good results. Thus, over the past
five years, intraregional trade turnover has grown by 80 percent to over $10.5
billion.
“We see tangible results in the consistent
increase in trade flows between our countries. As I have already noted, mutual
trade between the states of the region is showing steady growth. Our countries
have the potential to elevate it to $15 billion in the foreseeable future,” Tokayev
stated.
Aiming to establish direct links
between businesses to foster trade turnover, the Head of State proposed to set
up a unified electronic database of commodity producers, for example, within
the Central Asia Gateway portal. Another priority task is the expansion of
application of digital solutions in the region, he said.
“Kazakhstan is actively introducing
digital solutions in all spheres of the economy. For example, the share of
non-cash transactions in our country has reached 82 percent, while more than 90
percent of public services are rendered online. The domestic IT industry’s
exports grew fivefold last year alone. We aim to increase this figure up to $1
billion by 2026. Kazakhstan advocates for comprehensive cooperation with its
closest neighbors in this strategically important industry,” the President
added.
As one of the main topics touched
on regional security, President Tokayev called for joint efforts to ensure
regional stability. He underscored the importance of expediting the Treaty of
Friendship, Good-Neighborliness and Cooperation, and proposed holding a
dialogue on security and cooperation in Central Asia in Kazakhstan next year,
involving secretaries of security councils. Kazakhstan also supported
Tajikistan’s initiative to establish a Council of National Coordinators. Following
the meeting, the presidents signed two agreements and a joint statement.
