In 2024, the export of domestic IT services is expected to exceed $600 million. This was announced today during a government meeting, summarizing the discussion on the development of the IT sector, by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, as reported by a correspondent from the Kapital.kz business information center.
“We will continue to actively support the development of IT technologies and services. I would like to note that over the past five years, the export of domestic IT services has increased twentyfold, and by the end of this year, it will exceed $600 million. We must continue to pursue a progressive policy for the development of regional acceleration programs and a global partnership network in other countries,” he emphasized.
The Prime Minister reminded that the head of state set a goal to increase the contribution of digital technologies to the economy to 1% by 2029 and to achieve at least 80% local content in IT services.
“Currently, the IT sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the global economy. Kazakhstan ranks among the 30 most digitized countries in the world and holds 8th place in the provision of online services. In our country, the development of robotics and artificial intelligence technologies is progressing systematically, and the digital transformation of many areas of human activity continues,” Olzhas Bektenov noted.
A necessary legislative framework has been established and is constantly being improved, the Concept of Digital Transformation has been adopted, and favorable economic conditions have been created for the development of the venture market and startup ecosystems.
“The Astana Hub Technopark has become a real innovation cluster and a key partner for many startups. More than 1,500 companies are successfully operating at this site. Last week, I visited Astana Hub, where I familiarized myself with our developments and startups in the field of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. We have real achievements in these areas. The main drivers in achieving this goal should be IT hubs and venture funds,” the Prime Minister clarified.
Over the past six years, the volume of venture financing in Kazakhstan has grown more than sixfold. For further growth, Kazakhstan needs to attract leading experts in this field.
“To achieve this, we need to further develop educational programs, attract large businesses, and build a competent digital infrastructure. Alongside this, the president has set the task of developing artificial intelligence. Work is already underway to improve legislation in this area. Next year, the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Center in Astana is planned. The Ministry of Digitalization needs to keep this issue under special control,” he concluded.
According to the Prime Minister, breakthrough projects in E-commerce, Big Data, GameDev, Fintech, MedTech, and others have high export potential. Their active development should contribute to increasing the export of IT products and services to $1 billion by 2026.
“Therefore, there is a lot of work ahead in many areas. I want to draw your attention to the following. First, the digital infrastructure in the regions is not fully established. Akimats do not pay enough attention to these issues. It is very important to provide financial and infrastructure support to regional hubs. I instruct the Ministry of Digital Development, together with the akimats of the regions, to take measures to develop Astana Hub, support regional hubs, and create favorable conditions for the development of export-oriented areas in the IT sector,” the Prime Minister instructed.
He emphasized that preparing highly qualified specialists in the IT sector is a priority task.
“The necessary conditions have been created in Astana Hub, taking into account the best international practices. The new Artificial Intelligence Center should also become a magnet for young talents. I instruct the ministries of digital development, science and higher education, and education to develop a concept for further development and training in close cooperation with Astana Hub and regional hubs. We should not chase the quantity of specialists being trained, but rather focus more on the quality of their training,” Olzhas Bektenov noted.
According to him, it is necessary to continuously update the approaches to enhancing digital knowledge and skills based on the best global methodologies.
“Thirdly, we are developing the venture ecosystem. The Ministry of Digital Development needs to organize a government-level meeting with representatives of the venture market to discuss the creation of a corresponding fund. It is also necessary to update the approaches in the venture financing support system. Overall, the implementation of tasks related to digitalization, the development of the IT sector, and ensuring cybersecurity should contribute to the development of our economy,” the Prime Minister concluded.