President Tokayev expresses dissatisfaction with AI progress in Kazakhstan

A meeting on artificial intelligence development, chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has been held. The president stated that the progress in carrying out his instructions on building the necessary infrastructure, developing legislation and implementing AI has been unsatisfactory.

In his speech, Tokayev noted that the world is experiencing significant technological changes driven by rapid AI development. For example, in July, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled America’s AI Action Plan, which recognizes AI as a key tool for maintaining U.S. technological, economic and defense leadership.

«Our specialists should carefully study this and other similar documents and draw practical conclusions. In turn, China has initiated the establishment of a global organization for AI cooperation. Its purpose is to promote a multilateral approach to AI governance, reduce the digital divide, advance ethics and encourage sustainable use of AI. I believe China’s proposal to establish such an organization should be supported and we should participate in the preparatory activities,» Tokayev stated.   

According to the president, this aligns with Kazakhstan’s goal of becoming Eurasia’s digital hub. Tokayev noted that he had previously instructed the preparation of necessary infrastructure, the development of a legislative framework and data collection systems, as well as the start of work on AI deployment.

«However, the progress in executing these instructions is unsatisfactory,» Tokayev said.

The meeting was also attended by Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Head of the Presidential Administration Aibek Dadebay, cabinet members and heads of the central government agencies.  

In late July, Kursiv.media reported that Kazakhstan has been testing a service called the «AI therapist» in its hospitals.