Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Economy, Samad Bashirli, participated in the second Tien Shan Forum on "Strengthening Sustainable Connectivity and Quality Investments in Central Asia", organized by the Central Asian Institute for Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) in Almaty (Kazakhstan). In a speech at the forum in the session "Investment in technological progress, artificial intelligence and digital connectivity", the Deputy Minister of Economy emphasized that the Central Asian region is one of Azerbaijan's priority partnership areas. The role of the digital transformation in diversifying the economy and increasing the competitiveness of the non-oil and gas sector was noted, information was given on steps taken in our country to develop innovation, as well as joint projects with the countries of the region. Attention was given to the importance of developing partnerships in the field of innovation and artificial intelligence, introducing new technologies in the various sectors of the economy and expanding the exchange of knowledge and experience.
During the event, prospects for expanding partnerships in the fields of trade, energy, transportation, logistics and more, the promotion of digital trade, the use of artificial intelligence and the development of human capital were discussed. There was an exchange of views on attracting investments to the region and deepening economic ties. Representatives of government agencies, international financial institutions, business and academic circles participated in the second Tien Shan Forum on Regional Economic Cooperation in Central Asia.