On 28 May 2026, as part of the Eurasian Economic Forum in Astana, a panel session titled "Artificial Intelligence and the New Paradigm of Competition: A Threat or a Driver of Growth for Cross-Border EAEU Markets?" was held, organised jointly by the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Session participants discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on market transformation, the development of digital ecosystems, and the evolving approaches to antitrust regulation in the context of the new digital economy.

Today, AI is reshaping not only business models but the very logic of competition. Algorithms enable companies to analyse markets faster, optimise processes, forecast demand, and scale services. At the same time, new challenges are emerging: closed digital ecosystems, algorithmic pricing, data concentration, and the risk of restricted competition.

During the session, it was noted that Kazakhstan is systematically building a comprehensive national AI ecosystem- spanning digital infrastructure and computing capacity through to workforce development, legislative frameworks, and international cooperation.

Kazakhstan currently holds a leading position in Central Asia in terms of digital development and AI readiness. In 2025, the country ranked 58th out of 195 states in the Global AI Readiness Index, and also emerged as a world leader in e-government development, placing 24th in the UN E-Government Development Index and 10th in the UN Online Services Index.

The cornerstone of Kazakhstan's AI integration efforts is the state platform Smart Data Ukimet, which enables centralised and secure integration of government data. Through this platform, Kazakhstan is transitioning from standalone digital services to building a data-driven state and embedding AI systematically into public administration.

Significant importance is attached to establishing a modern regulatory environment. The new Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Artificial Intelligence is designed to create clear and transparent rules for the sector's development, ensure the protection of citizens' rights, and provide a predictable environment for developers and international investors alike.

To safeguard its digital sovereignty, Kazakhstan is actively developing its own computing infrastructure. The country already operates two high-performance supercomputer clusters built on the latest NVIDIA H200 chips.

The alem.cloud cluster, oriented towards the public sector, universities, and startups, has become the largest supercomputer cluster in the region and has been listed in the global TOP500 ranking. The second cluster- AI-Farabi, launched by Kazakhtelecom - is aimed at the corporate sector, the banking industry, and export markets. Its performance exceeds 103 PFLOPS, which has also secured its place in the global TOP500 ranking.

Human capital development remains one of Kazakhstan's foremost priorities. The country is implementing the AI Movement initiative, aimed at equipping the general population with foundational AI skills. Operating out of Astana Hub is Tomorrow School - Kazakhstan's first artificial intelligence school - while universities are advancing the AI Sana programme, designed to build AI competencies and an entrepreneurial mindset among students.

Participants also examined international experience in AI regulation, emerging forms of potential anticompetitive practices, the need for algorithmic transparency, and the development of competencies within antitrust authorities to conduct independent audits of AI systems.

The parties further discussed how to strike the right balance between protecting competition and consumer rights while stimulating innovation and investment in AI, without compromising the technological sovereignty and security of states.

Participants emphasised that artificial intelligence remains a powerful driver of economic growth, productivity gains, and the development of cross-border digital markets.

Kazakhstan reaffirms its commitment to active international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and advocates for the development of AI on the principles of trust, transparency, safety, and shared progress.

Today, Kazakhstan positions itself as a regional hub for AI innovation and a reliable partner for the global technology community.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/maidd/press/news/details/1229607?lang=ru