On May 28, 2026, the panel session "Artificial Intelligence and the New Paradigm of Competition: Threat or Driver of EAEU Cross-Border Market Development?" took place in Astana within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Forum. The event was organized by the Eurasian Economic Commission jointly with the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The session participants discussed the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on market transformation, the development of digital ecosystems, and shifts in approaches to antitrust regulation within the new digital economy.

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

During the session, it was noted that Kazakhstan is consistently forming a comprehensive national artificial intelligence ecosystem—ranging from digital infrastructure and computing power to talent development, the legislative framework, and international cooperation.

Today, Kazakhstan holds a leading position in Central Asia regarding its level of digital development and readiness for AI adoption. In 2025, the country ranked 58th out of 195 nations in the Government AI Readiness Index and emerged among global leaders in e-government development, securing 24th place in the UN E-Government Development Index and 10th place in the UN Online Services Index.

The Smart Data Ukimet state platform, which provides centralized and secure integration of government data, has become the key foundation for AI implementation. Thanks to this, Kazakhstan is transitioning from individual digital services to building a data-driven state and systematically integrating AI into public administration.

Great importance is attached to shaping a modern regulatory environment. The new Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Artificial Intelligence" aims to create transparent and clear rules for the industry's development, ensure the protection of citizens' rights, and establish a predictable environment for developers and international investors.

To ensure digital sovereignty, Kazakhstan is actively developing its own computing infrastructure. Two high-performance supercomputing clusters powered by the latest NVIDIA H200 chips are already operating in the country.

The alem.cloud cluster, which serves the public sector, universities, and startups, has become the largest supercomputing cluster in the region and entered the TOP500 global ranking. The second cluster, AI-Farabi, launched by Kazakhtelecom, caters to the corporate sector, banking industry, and export markets. Its performance exceeds 103 PFLOPS, which also earned it a spot in the TOP500 global ranking.

Furthermore, developing human capital remains one of Kazakhstan's priority tasks. The country is implementing the AI Movement initiative, aimed at training the population in basic AI skills. The Tomorrow School, Kazakhstan's first school of artificial intelligence, operates on the basis of Astana Hub, while universities are expanding the AI Sana program, which focuses on building AI competencies and entrepreneurial mindset among students.

The panel participants also discussed international experience in AI regulation, new forms of potential anti-competitive practices, the necessity of algorithmic transparency, and the development of antitrust authorities' capacities to conduct independent audits of AI systems.

The parties further deliberated on how to balance the protection of competition and consumer rights with the promotion of innovation and investment in AI, without compromising the technological sovereignty and security of states.

The participants emphasized that artificial intelligence remains a powerful driver of economic growth, productivity enhancement, and the development of cross-border digital markets.

Kazakhstan reaffirms its readiness for active international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and advocates for AI development based on the principles of trust, transparency, safety, and mutual advancement.

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