In his address, the president noted that 2023 has been a significant year for the EAEU, and despite difficulties, the member countries are showing positive results in the economy. The main goal for the near future, Tokayev identified, is the need to enhance integration processes, as well as to strengthen the competitiveness and significance of the union. Starting in 2026, the EAEU will implement a declaration aimed at further developing economic processes until 2030 and 2045, which has been named the "Eurasian Economic Path."During its presidency, Kazakhstan plans to focus on several key aspects. One of them will be the implementation of artificial intelligence to support economic integration. The president emphasized that modern AI technologies can effectively predict trade flows and analyze the impact of customs duties and agreements on the economic development of countries. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed to sign a joint statement regarding the responsible development of AI within the EAEU during the Eurasian Economic Forum, which will take place in 2026 in Astana. He also highlighted the development of the EAEU as a logistics center of Eurasia. The head of state stressed the urgent need to improve transport and customs infrastructure, as well as to develop international transport corridors and multimodal transportation. Additionally, he proposed creating an integrated system for managing cargo flows using AI. Among other priorities were the digitalization of the industrial sector and the agro-industrial complex, as well as the development of cooperation for the production of competitive products. The president also noted the importance of creating conditions for the integration of digital solutions and AI into enterprises and farms. Tokayev also pointed out the necessity of developing barrier-free trade. He noted that customs and state regulations should not be used as tools of pressure on the member states of the union. To promptly identify trade barriers, it is proposed to use AI in monitoring legislative initiatives of the member countries. Furthermore, the president emphasized that economic cooperation of the EAEU with external partners should be expanded. In 2025, agreements were signed on a free trade zone with Mongolia and Indonesia, as well as an economic partnership agreement with the UAE. In the future, Kazakhstan sees it as advisable to develop interaction with the Global South, the Arab world, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Kazakhstan, as Tokayev noted, is ready to actively contribute to the fulfillment of all tasks set on the EAEU agenda during its presidency.
