In brief
An international AI conference in Dushanbe drew about 200 participants from more than 20 nations, with Tajikistan’s Ministry of Industry and New Technologies outlining plans to boost AI’s share of the GDP to five percent by 2040.
An international conference on Artificial Intelligence was held in Dushanbe on Friday and Saturday at the initiative of Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, the Khovar news agency reported. The event drew attention from experts and policymakers interested in how AI can spur economic growth and innovation across the country.
The ministry articulated a clear fiscal goal: to raise the AI industry’s contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product to five percent by the year 2040. This target is part of a broader strategy that seeks to position Tajikistan as a competitive player in the global artificial‑intelligence market.
Participants said the conference was designed to bring together researchers, industry leaders and government representatives to align their efforts with the national AI development strategy. Emphasis was placed on building a roadmap that integrates emerging technologies into mainstream economic planning.
Around two hundred attendees from more than twenty countries signed on to a collective mission of accelerating AI research, deployment and commercialization. Many delegates represented emerging economies that are also eager to harness AI capabilities for socioeconomic gains.
Throughout Friday’s plenary sessions, speakers highlighted a range of AI prospects, from machine learning in agriculture to data analytics in public health. They underscored that the promise of AI rests on its potential to create new jobs, enhance productivity and improve the quality of life for citizens.
Saturday’s breakout groups focused on practical applications across key sectors of the national economy. Discussions explored how intelligent automation can streamline supply chains, augment risk assessment in finance, and support decision‑making in the public sector.
Delegates also explored mechanisms for deepening international cooperation in research, talent exchange and joint ventures. Statements from attendees suggested that collaborative alliances could attract investment, build local expertise and speed the diffusion of best practices.
The ministry welcomed the opportunity to showcase Dushanbe as a hub for cutting‑edge dialogue. Its spokesperson noted that hosting the conference signals the country’s readiness to invite global engagement and signal confidence in its policy framework.
While official records do not list detailed session titles, the two‑day agenda included keynote addresses, panel discussions and informal networking sessions, each designed to spur cross‑border dialogue and inspire new projects tailored to Tajikistan’s needs.
Observers expect the conference to lay groundwork for subsequent initiatives aimed at expanding digital infrastructure, enhancing STEM education, and incentivising private‑sector participation in the AI ecosystem. By strengthening the partnerships forged here, Tajikistan hopes to realise its 2040 GDP vision while contributing to regional prosperity.
