Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov attended the international industrial exhibition INNOPROM.Belarus in Minsk and spoke at the plenary session “Union of New Technologies: Creating the Industry of the Future.”

The session was also attended by Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers – Chief of Staff of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan – Chairman of the CIS Council of Heads of Government Kokhir Rasulzoda, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, and Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran Atabak Seyyed Mohammad.

In his remarks, Olzhas Bektenov highlighted that the strategic vision of the Head of State is aimed at building an innovative and digital economy.

“In the context of global trends, new technologies affect the competitiveness of industries and the quality of life of our citizens. This is why the President of Kazakhstan pays special attention to this issue. We are actively building a digital architecture that includes data centers, reliable communication channels, and modern technology parks. To ensure large-scale implementation of advanced technologies, a Digital Headquarters operates under the Government,” the Prime Minister noted.

He underlined that manufacturing is currently the most actively digitalized sector. Over the past year, the number of companies applying innovative solutions has increased 3.5 times. This is transforming production approaches, opening opportunities for cooperation, and bringing enterprises to a higher level of efficiency.

In the mining and metallurgy sector, unmanned technologies, underground radio communication systems, dispatching, and robotics are being introduced. Many of Kazakhstan’s major enterprises have already fully digitized the production cycle—from ore crushing to concentrate output—using 3D mine models, drones, and industrial robots.

Other industries are showing similar dynamics. In the oil and gas sector, digital solutions are applied at all stages—from extraction and refining to fuel delivery to end consumers. The OilTrack platform monitors petroleum product movement at each stage; Digital Contract automates subsoil use; and Digital Distribution of Oil and Petroleum Products ensures transparency and real-time control.

In mechanical engineering, operational response centers for emergencies have been established, computer vision solutions for quality control are being implemented, and digital twins are being introduced.

To accelerate technological progress, Kazakhstan is developing artificial intelligence infrastructure. On the initiative of the Head of State, the first supercomputer cluster in Central Asia has been launched, enabling the use of AI not only in the public sector but also in scientific research and the development of domestic startups. Sectoral AI accelerators, demonstration platforms, and pilot zones at enterprises are also being created.

Alongside technology development, efforts are being made to prepare the environment for scaling up. A key element of the innovation ecosystem will be the new city Alatau City in Almaty region, which will serve as a hub of business activity and innovation, combining technological progress with a comfortable living environment.

Special attention is being paid to human capital development. In the Year of Working Professions, the focus is not only on raising the status of workers but also on improving specialists’ skills in line with new technologies in the labor market.

As part of cooperation between the business communities of Kazakhstan and Belarus, joint projects are being implemented to turn resources into competitive goods and technologies. One example is a project in Kazakhstan to produce combine harvester cabins in partnership with Russian and Belarusian companies.

Furthermore, sustainable logistics and exports are being advanced through digital platforms for industrial data exchange, simplified cross-border processes, and digital supply chain monitoring.

The Prime Minister stressed that creating the industry of the future requires active interaction between business and science, innovators and industrialists, partnerships with international companies, and government support.

“Kazakhstan is interested in attracting investment and is creating conditions for the development of industry and international cooperation. We aim to increase labor productivity and diversify the structure of production. The support measures in place cover the entire cycle: from access to raw materials to promoting finished products in foreign markets. At the same time, new realities require us to be competitive, above all in the digital domain,” Olzhas Bektenov said.

During his visit to the exhibition, heads of delegations toured the showcased products, including those produced in Kazakhstan. The national pavilion featured products from 20 leading enterprises in mechanical engineering, chemical, and construction industries. Among them were harvesters and tractors with integrated precision farming, air conditioning and navigation systems, batteries, railway components, building materials, and phosphorus-based fertilizers. Also on display were innovative solutions by Kazakhstani companies and startups from Nazarbayev University in the fields of digitalization, industrial safety, and IT solutions for healthcare, education, and industry.

The INNOPROM international exhibition has been held for 15 years. During this time, its geography has expanded significantly—from 15 to 60 countries and to more than 1,000 participating enterprises.