Kazakhstan has become the first country in Central Asia to join the international technology initiative Pax Silica. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Pax Silica unites states around the development of artificial intelligence, semiconductors, data centers, and critical minerals.
Documents on joining the alliance and a joint AI Opportunity Partnership statement were signed on June 25 in Washington by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev.
Following this, Kazakhstan entered an international technology alliance that already includes Australia, the United Kingdom, Israel, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the UAE, and other countries.
The Ministry of Digital Development notes that participation in Pax Silica opens opportunities for Kazakhstan to attract investment, develop high-tech industries, and enter new markets.
One of the key areas will be the processing of critical minerals and the production of high-value-added products – components for batteries, semiconductors, energy storage systems, and AI infrastructure.
"Our goal is not just to introduce individual technologies, but to build a full-fledged ecosystem of the new AI economy. We aim to move beyond the role of a raw material supplier and create more technological added value within the country," said Zhaslan Madiyev.
The agreement also provides for the development of research in artificial intelligence, the creation of computing infrastructure, and the attraction of private investment.
Additionally, the U.S. government and Stanford University are launching a network of Foundry Schools in participating countries to train specialists in AI, materials science, and high-tech manufacturing.
The Ministry of Digital Development noted that participation in Pax Silica will allow Kazakhstan to strengthen its position in global technology chains and become one of the key centers of the new AI economy in the region.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that the Eurasian Development Bank will allocate $90 million for the construction of the first Tier IV data center in Kazakhstan.