President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has outlined key priorities for the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as Kazakhstan prepares to assume the chairmanship of the organization from January 1, 2026.
Addressing the heads of state of the EAEU, Tokayev noted that the past year marked a milestone for the union, which entered its second decade of development, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.
Despite global economic challenges, member states have continued to demonstrate positive economic dynamics, he said.
The president said that the main task ahead is to strengthen the effectiveness of integration, unlock the EAEU’s full potential, and enhance its relevance in a rapidly changing world. From 2026, the union will begin implementing the Declaration on the Further Development of Economic Processes until 2030 and the Eurasian Economic Path until 2045, a long-term strategic framework to which Kazakhstan plans to give priority attention.
Artificial Intelligence as a Driver of Integration
One of the key focuses of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship will be artificial intelligence as a new instrument of economic integration.
“According to analysts, global investments in artificial intelligence have exceeded one trillion dollars in recent years, while AI’s contribution to the global economy in the coming decades may reach ten trillion dollars,” Tokayev said.
He noted that Kazakhstan has set a strategic goal to become a fully digital country. Initiatives such as the Alem.ai Center in Astana and the CryptoCity pilot zone in Alatau reflect the country’s readiness to actively develop its digital ecosystem.
Tokayev emphasized Kazakhstan’s openness to sharing knowledge and experience with EAEU partners in AI, digital regulation, and economic transformation. He proposed signing a Joint Statement on the Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence within the EAEU on the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Forum in Astana in 2026.
“This document should define a new vector of cooperation in the sphere of digital transformation of our economies,” the president said.
EAEU as a Geopolitical and Logistics Bridge
Tokayev also highlighted the EAEU’s role as a geopolitical bridge connecting East and West, North and South, noting that major transit routes pass through member states. He called for joint efforts to transform the union into a leading logistics hub across the Eurasian continent.
Among the priority measures, he listed the modernization of transport, logistics, and customs infrastructure, the development of international transport corridors and multimodal shipping, and stronger cooperation between major logistics companies of the EAEU and third countries.
The president stressed that the use of intelligent systems and big data would enable “seamless logistics,” ensuring faster cargo movement with minimal bureaucracy. Kazakhstan is already moving in this direction through its Smart Cargo pilot project, which digitizes documentation and integrates systems across the EAEU.
Tokayev proposed developing an AI-based integrated cargo management platform within the union to reduce delivery times and costs and boost the competitiveness of Eurasian transport corridors.
Digital Transformation of Industry and Agriculture
Another strategic priority is achieving a technological breakthrough through the digitalization of industry and the agro-industrial complex, which Tokayev described as the economic backbone of EAEU member states.
He noted that mechanisms for financing cooperative projects in both sectors already exist and should be directed toward innovative, high-impact initiatives. The president emphasized the need to motivate every enterprise and farm to adopt digital solutions and AI technologies.
To support this goal, he called for the creation of demonstration centers, the development of automation-focused startups, and the establishment of competence centers, stressing that the Eurasian Economic Commission should play an active role in supporting these initiatives.
