Lugano, October 25 - Deputy Prime Minister – Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev during his visit to Switzerland met with Lugano Mayor Michele Foletti and took part in the Plan ₿ international forum, accompanied by a representative Kazakh business delegation.

During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, fintech and the development of the digital economy. Lugano is one of the European leaders in the implementation of digital assets, implementing the Plan ₿ programme aimed at integrating cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies into the urban economy and everyday life. Zhaslan Madiyev presented Kazakhstan's achievements in the field of digital transformation, e-government and artificial intelligence, and spoke about initiatives aimed at modernising the economy and accelerating digital development. The parties noted the high potential for joint work in creating a modern digital ecosystem and developing education, science and public administration.

During his visit, Zhaslan Madiyev familiarised himself with the activities of Lugano's leading research centres, including the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), the Institute for Research in Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA) and the Institute for Sustainable Technologies and Digital Society (ISTePS).

The Deputy Prime Minister was a speaker at a panel session on «The Convergence of Bitcoin and Political Institutions» at the Plan ₿ conference, alongside Bo Hines, advisor to the US White House, Sebastian Kurz, former Chancellor of Austria, and others. The discussion focused on the role of states in building trust in digital currencies, the regulation of crypto assets, and the potential of decentralised technologies to increase the transparency and efficiency of public administration. He paid particular attention to reforms in the field of improving legislation on the regulation of artificial intelligence, big data and the digital economy, as well as the implementation of the innovative Alatau City project.

In addition, Zhaslan Madiyev held separate meetings with the management of Tether, the largest issuer of stablecoins, during which they discussed investment in Kazakhstan and the company's participation in the development of the national crypto ecosystem.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-bern/press/news/details/1093638?lang=kk