Kazakh President Tokayev calls on EAEU countries to accelerate digitalization of the agro industry

ASTANA. May 29 (Interfax) - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called on Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member countries to implement digital technologies more actively in industry and agriculture, saying that digitalization is a key factor in competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

"Robotics, cloud solutions in the industrial sector and mining and metallurgy, and 'digital twins' of large industrial enterprises increase productivity and reduce costs. Agricultural automation increases crop yields, conserves water resources, and reduces environmental impact," Tokayev said on Friday at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Astana.

Tokayev emphasized that economic digitalization is not a technological fad, but, rather, a key factor in competitiveness.

"Thanks to digital capabilities for detailed planning and forecasting, Kazakhstan has harvested record grain volumes for the second year in a row at 27 million tonnes. Work is underway to digitize fully all agricultural land. The use of agricultural drones, satellite navigation, and weather station data is actively expanding. The process of allocating land for use is being transferred to e-format. Government support for farmers will be completely digitized, which will reduce corruption risks," Tokayev said.

Tokayev added that the efforts of EAEU countries could focus on supporting high-tech initiatives that could bolster the union's position on the global food market.

"Implementing amendments to the treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union regarding financial support for cooperation projects in the agro-industrial complex is an important step in this direction," Tokayev noted.