Kazakh President Proposes Wide-Ranging Initiatives to Boost CIS Cooperation

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during the 'Central Asia - Russia' summit and CIS Heads of State meeting in Dushanbe, proposed a range of initiatives to boost cooperation and integration. These include plans for trade, transport, digital innovation, and environmental protection.

Tokayev stressed the importance of direct market access, joint production, and key sector cooperation for economic integration within the CIS. He proposed creating joint trade-industrial zones, localization of production, industrial hubs, and deep grain processing clusters, suggesting a new innovative-industrial model of cooperation with Russia.

In the digital sphere, Tokayev announced plans to establish a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and a specialized university. He proposed cooperation with CIS countries in this area. Additionally, he finalized a concept to link CIS transport arteries, aiming to make the CIS a key land bridge between Europe and Asia.

Russia views Kazakhstan and Central Asia as crucial partners in Eurasian cooperation. Tokayev's proposals align with this view, recognizing the potential of these regions and seeking equal development opportunities.

Tokayev's proposals, ranging from economic integration to digital cooperation and environmental protection, aim to strengthen ties between Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and Russia. These initiatives, if implemented, could significantly enhance regional cooperation and development.