In brief
In early November, Dushanbe hosted a two‑day AI conference backed by the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies. Participants explored ways to boost the sector’s contribution to the national GDP to 5 percent by 2040, a milestone set in Tajikistan’s national AI development strategy. The event marked a key step in the country’s efforts to modernise its economy and expand global ties in technology.
An international conference focused on artificial intelligence was held in the capital city of Dushanbe on Friday and Saturday, November 1, 2026. The event was organized at the initiative of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies, according to coverage by Xinhua’s Khovar news agency.
The conference gathered roughly two hundred attendees representing more than twenty countries. Delegates discussed a range of topics, from the prospects for AI development to the potential applications of the technology across diverse sectors of the national economy. They also addressed ways to deepen international collaboration on the subject.
Central to the forum was Tajikistan’s objective of raising AI’s share of the gross domestic product to five percent by the year 2040. The target is enshrined in the country’s national AI development strategy, a policy framework that places the technology at the core of future economic planning.
Conference Highlights
Participants noted that achieving the 5 percent GDP goal will require robust policy measures and substantial investment in infrastructure, education, and research. The Ministry of Industry and New Technologies presented its roadmap for fostering domestic AI capabilities, while international experts offered insights into best practices from their respective nations.
Discussions also covered the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing public services, such as healthcare delivery, transportation management, and environmental monitoring. Delegates exchanged case studies and explored potential models for integrating AI tools within governmental operations.
The meeting underscored the importance of multinational cooperation. Attendees agreed that shared research initiatives, joint training programs, and cross‑border technology exchanges can accelerate progress and mitigate the risk of uneven development across regions.
In alignment with the national strategy, the conference reinforced the Ministry’s leadership in coordinating AI policy across ministries, academia, and the private sector. The event served as a forum for stakeholders to negotiate roles and responsibilities in a cohesive implementation plan.
The presence of participants from a wide spectrum of countries highlights Tajikistan’s engagement with the global technology community. The country’s leadership aims to position itself as a competitive hub for AI innovation within Central Asia and beyond.
Economic experts highlighted that a 5 percent contribution of AI to GDP would translate into significant revenue gains, job creation, and competitive advantages for local businesses. The planning committee will monitor progress through mid‑term reviews and adjustments to policy emphasis as needed.
The conference also provided a platform for civil society voices, particularly those concerned with data privacy, digital inclusion, and equitable access to AI‑driven services. Their participation signals the Ministry’s intent to incorporate broad public accountability into national AI initiatives.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies intends to launch pilot projects that apply AI to streamline supply chains and improve resource management across industries. The conference marked an official step toward advancing the country’s digital agenda and reinforcing its commitment to responsible innovation.
Overall, the Dushanbe forum highlighted a collaborative vision, a clear investment roadmap, and a commitment to measuring tangible progress toward the 2040 GDP objective. The meeting set the stage for subsequent policy sessions, stakeholder consultations, and the official rollout of AI‑driven programs nationwide.
