Kazakhstan aims to become fully digital within three years

Astana, May 5 (EFE).- Kazakhstan aims to become a fully digital state within the next three years and ensure the widespread implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) across all sectors of its economy, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has said.

“Our goal is to transform ourselves into a fully digital state within three years,” he said during the second meeting of the Artificial Intelligence Development Council, held in the country’s largest city, Almaty.

He noted that the Central Asian nation has already created the necessary institutional infrastructure, but must now ensure the broad deployment of AI across all sectors of the economy.

Tokayev explained that Kazakhstan faces the classic “middle-income trap,” where traditional sources of growth—natural resources (oil, gas, uranium) and cheap labor—are nearing exhaustion. In addition, new sources have yet to be fully developed and implemented.

Artificial intelligence is accelerating the concentration of capital and technology in the hands of more technologically advanced countries, creating a gap that must be overcome as soon as possible.

“This is a signal for Kazakhstan,” he emphasized.

Citing World Bank data, Tokayev noted that the digital economy already accounts for more than 15% of global GDP, and he tasked the government with transforming the country into a digital hub.

“We must be prepared to offer the international technology community what is currently in short supply: institutional stability, regulatory predictability, and reliable digital infrastructure,” he said.

He added that, to make Kazakhstan more attractive as a regional digital hub and to attract specialists, the country has decided to simplify and fully digitize its migration procedures.

Among the initiatives, he highlighted the implementation of “golden visas,” which grant long-term residency, as well as comprehensive benefit packages including significant tax exemptions and relief from excessive administrative procedures.

Holders of the “golden visas” and their families will have unrestricted access to quality education and healthcare, on par with Kazakh citizens. EFE

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Photo of the Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Artificial Intelligence Development Council in Almaty. Kazakhstan aims to become a fully digital state within three years and ensure the widespread implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) across all sectors of its economy, Kazakh President  said. EFE/ Akorda-Kazakh Presidency/ FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY / FOR USE TO ONLY ILLUSTRATE THE ACCOMPANYING NEWS STORY (MANDATORY CREDIT)