Digitalization - The Times Of Central Asia

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Russia Tourism Legislation Digitalization visas Digital Service

Citizens of Turkmenistan Can Apply for Simplified Entry to Russia

Citizens of Turkmenistan are now eligible to apply for a single-entry electronic visa (e-visa) to travel to Russia. This opportunity became available following an order by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, which expanded the list of countries eligible for simplified entry. The list now includes 64 countries, with Turkmenistan among the latest additions. The e-visa allows entry to Russia for purposes such as tourism, business, humanitarian activities, or visiting relatives and friends. The application process is conducted online through the official portal of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Notably, applicants are not required to provide invitations, hotel bookings, or additional documentation justifying the purpose of their travel.

AI Science Digitalization Digital Technologies

Uzbekistan Sets Sights on $1.5 Billion AI Industry by 2030

Uzbekistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations has hosted a presentation at the UN headquarters in New York, unveiling the country’s strategy for developing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies by 2030. The event, organized in collaboration with the UN Counter-Terrorism Office and Interpol, drew attendance from UN officials, experts, and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in New York. Ambitious AI Goals Participants were introduced to the key directions outlined in Uzbekistan’s AI Strategy, along with the country’s ongoing reforms and achievements in the field. Emphasis was placed on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s commitment to advancing information technologies and fostering innovation. The presentation highlighted Uzbekistan’s plans to grow its AI-based software products and services sector to $1.5 billion by 2030. This strategy also includes establishing ten scientific laboratories specializing in AI and strengthening the regulatory framework to support technological advancements. Leadership in Responsible AI As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Uzbekistan leads Central Asia in responsibly adopting AI, according to the Global Center on AI Governance. The nation’s AI initiatives prioritize cultural and linguistic diversity, foster international partnerships, enhance public sector skills, and promote transparency.

Finance Currency Digitalization National Bank Digital Service

Kyrgyzstan Eyes Digital Currency to Modernize Financial System

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) has announced plans to launch a digital national currency, the digital som. The financial regulator expects the initiative to bolster the country’s financial sector and enhance public administration. New Opportunities The NBKR envisions the digital som transforming Kyrgyzstan’s financial landscape and increasing cashless transactions. One major advantage is improved control over budget spending. Additionally, the digital currency will allow payments even in areas without Internet access - crucial for remote regions with limited connectivity. Using simple technologies such as QR codes and mobile applications, citizens will be able to make quick and convenient payments for goods and services. “The monopoly of central banks to issue money is already ending. Anyone with a computer can create cryptocurrencies and various coins. We are keeping pace with this trend,” noted Akylbek Japarov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. He added that the Ministry of Finance plans to issue digital currency by 2025, allocating up to 27 billion KGS ($314 million) for digital bonds, treasury bills, and gold-backed coins. Under the government’s plan, the digital som will coexist with traditional cash and non-cash currencies. Authorities have devised mechanisms to facilitate its integration into the financial market. Commercial banks connected to the system will receive digital soms in their digital wallets, while equivalent amounts will be debited from their accounts with the National Bank. Transfers of digital soms between individuals will occur via existing banking infrastructure. Digital Stability The NBKR aims to integrate the digital som into the financial system by the end of 2026, with prototype testing scheduled for early 2025. Experts highlight the potential benefits despite some challenges. Economist Nurgul Akimova explained to Times of Central Asia that the Central Bank’s digital currency will feature robust security measures, including advanced cryptography to prevent fraud and ensure confidentiality. State control over issuance will ensure stability and reliability, distinguishing it from electronic money, which can be vulnerable to bank bankruptcies. Digital currency also offers new opportunities for public administration, particularly in taxation. Akimova noted that programmable features could automate tax deductions and other payments to the state, fostering trust and simplifying interactions between citizens and the government. “For the digital som to succeed, it must be widely accessible and easy to use, complementing existing financial instruments,” Akimova added. “Drawing on global experience and our unique national context, digital currency could become a universal means of payment for everyone. This marks a step toward a more modern, inclusive, and sustainable financial system in Kyrgyzstan.” Challenges Ahead However, certain hurdles remain. Akimova pointed out that introducing the digital som to international markets could pose difficulties, as cross-border payments in digital currencies will require the approval of other states.

Customs Digitalization Middle Corridor TITR Tez customs Digital Trade Corridor International transport railroads Multimodal Transport Corrdior

Kazakhstan and China Digitalize Customs Procedures on Middle Corridor

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), Kazakhstan's national railway company, has announced the digitalization of customs declaration procedures for transit cargo along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, at the border between Kazakhstan and China. In collaboration with Global DTC, KTZ Express - a subsidiary of KTZ - has launched the Tez Customs digital platform. This system transitions customs operations to a paperless format, reducing processing time to just 30 minutes after a train's arrival at the border station. The platform enables preliminary preparation of documents, automatic registration, and issuance of transit declarations. These capabilities optimize logistics processes, enhance transparency at all stages of customs clearance, and significantly reduce the time required for customs operations. Since May 2024, Tez Customs has fully automated customs clearance processes for transit cargo along the China–Central Asia route via Kazakhstan, specifically along the Altynkol-Saryagash section. In October 2024, its scope was expanded to include cargo transported along the Middle Corridor. To date, Tez Customs has processed over 54,000 transit declarations on the China to Central Asia route and more than 5,000 declarations on the TITR. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route serves as a critical link between China and Europe, passing through Kazakhstan and the Caucasus. More than 80% of all land cargo transported from China to Europe travels through Kazakhstan, according to Kazakh statistics. During the first nine months of 2024, the volume of cargo transported along the Middle Corridor increased by 23% compared to the entirety of the previous year, reaching 3.4 million tons. Projections suggest that by 2030, this figure will rise to 10 million tons annually. The digitalization of customs procedures via Tez Customs represents a significant advancement in the efficiency and transparency of transit operations on the TITR. This innovation reinforces Kazakhstan’s position as a vital transit hub for trade between China, Central Asia, and Europe, while also supporting the continued growth of cargo volumes along the Middle Corridor.

Legislation Digital Service Digital Technologies Digitization Digitalization Government

Kazakhstan Tops Central Asia in Global E-Governance Rankings

Kazakhstan has risen to 24th place out of 193 countries in the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index, up from 28th in 2022. This achievement reaffirms Kazakhstan’s position as the regional leader in e-governance, surpassing its Central Asian neighbors. Globally, Denmark, Estonia, and Singapore secured the top three spots. Legislative Advances in Digital Transformation To further bolster its digital transformation, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a landmark law on July 5, focusing on digitizing statistics and improving data management systems. This legislation is set to reduce statistical reporting requirements by 40-50% through amendments to various laws concerning state control, statistics, and data management. Regional Comparisons Other Central Asian countries also demonstrated progress in e-governance, albeit at different rates: • Uzbekistan rose to 63rd place from 69th, exceeding the 2025 targets outlined in its “Digital Uzbekistan 2030” strategy, according to Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov. • Kyrgyzstan improved to 78th place from 81st. • Tajikistan made significant strides, climbing from 141st to 123rd place. • Turkmenistan, however, experienced a decline, dropping to 145th place from 137th in 2022.

Education Digitalization Science Digital Service Digital Technologies Digitization

Kazakhstan’s Evolving IT Sector and the Rise of AI

Kazakhstan is witnessing a surge in IT talent as specialists from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus flock to the country. While this has intensified competition for local professionals, many Kazakh IT specialists are also seeking opportunities abroad. To better understand the current landscape, The Times of Central Asia spoke with Mazhit Berniyazov, founder of the travel startup Mego.tours, about the development of Kazakhstan’s IT industry. TCA: How long have you been working in IT, and how in-demand is this sector in Kazakhstan? Mazhit Berniyazov: My 16 years of experience in IT and related fields has given me a front-row seat to the sector's rapid development and transformation. I’ve worked in both dynamic startups and large companies, experiencing the benefits and challenges of each. Globally, IT is one of the most sought-after sectors, and its popularity continues to grow. In Kazakhstan, the demand for IT professionals has surged in recent years, driven by several factors. First, IT offers a wide range of career paths, making it appealing to people with diverse skills and interests—whether it’s software development, web design, cybersecurity, or data analytics. Second, training opportunities have expanded significantly, with numerous online courses, schools, and academies offering accessible and high-quality education, often bypassing the need for traditional higher education. Third, the IT industry’s dynamic and ever-evolving nature ensures constant demand for skilled professionals, adding to its appeal. The COVID-19 pandemic has also transformed the IT market. The rise of hybrid work models—combining remote and in-office work—has given professionals greater flexibility and freedom. This shift has broadened hiring pools, enabling Kazakh companies to recruit international talent, which, in turn, has heightened competition in the local labor market. TCA: What steps are needed to further develop Kazakhstan’s IT industry? Mazhit Berniyazov: Over the past two years, Kazakhstan has seen a significant influx of IT professionals from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. While many bring high levels of expertise, this migration has intensified competition for local specialists. Additionally, some migrant professionals accept lower salaries due to their circumstances, creating further challenges for Kazakh IT workers. This influx has a dual impact: it raises the overall level of the IT industry in Kazakhstan while also pushing local specialists to enhance their skills and adapt to the evolving landscape. Government support is crucial for the growth of the IT sector, yet Kazakhstan still lacks a clear strategy for leveraging its potential, especially in areas like artificial intelligence (AI). While initiatives exist to support IT development, there is no comprehensive roadmap for AI integration or sufficiently effective programs to attract investment and nurture startups in this field. Globally, AI is advancing rapidly, transforming industries such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and marketing. However, Kazakhstan is still in the early stages of crafting a national AI strategy. Challenges include limited public investment, a shortage of qualified specialists, and the absence of a robust regulatory framework. To compete internationally, Kazakhstan must implement a targeted program for AI development, including: • Encouraging scientific research and innovation • Supporting education and training initiatives •...