Kazakh PM, Russian deputy PM discuss cooperation in digital transformation, AI

ASTANA. April 4 (Interfax) - Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko have discussed digital transformation and artificial intelligence at a meeting in Astana, the Kazakh government's press service said.

"The meeting participants noted the growing significance of artificial intelligence and underlined that the digitalization partnership was an integral part of bilateral relations," the press service said.

Combined efforts towards the implementation of new technologies will stimulate innovations, support for IT entrepreneurs and start-ups, training of skilled professionals, and enhancement of cybersecurity, it said.

The Alem.ai international artificial intelligence center to open in Astana this year will unlock new opportunities for IT specialists, the press service said.

Grigorenko, who is paying a working visit to Kazakhstan, will familiarize himself with operations of the leading Kazakh IT venues, such as the Astana Hub techno-park with over 1,600 IT residents, including 425 with a foreign participation, and the NU techno-park.

Bilateral cooperation has been developing at a high pace owing to regular contacts between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the press service said. Kazakh-Russian trade grew almost 3% to $27.8 billion in 2024. There is a significant potential for further trade, economic and investment cooperation, it said.