Kazakhstan will take the chair of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on 1 January 2026 and has set out an ambitious agenda focused on digital transformation, trade facilitation and deeper economic cooperation. In a message to fellow heads of state, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev framed the coming year as an opportunity to accelerate integration and raise the bloc’s competitiveness amid ongoing global uncertainty.
EAEU digital integration
At the top of Kazakhstan’s priorities is the adoption of artificial intelligence as a tool for economic integration. The government argues that AI can improve trade forecasting, streamline customs receipts and provide clearer assessments of trade agreements’ economic impact. Kazakhstan highlights national initiatives such as the Alem.ai centre in Astana and the CryptoCity pilot in Alatau as platforms ready to support regional cooperation on AI, digital regulation and economic transformation.
Kazakhstan proposes a joint declaration on responsible AI development to be signed at the Eurasian Economic Forum in Astana in 2026. The declaration would set a common direction for member states on digital governance and encourage sharing of expertise and best practice. Officials say the aim is to direct technological advances towards tangible benefits for citizens and enterprises across the union.
Improving the region’s logistics performance is the second major pillar of Kazakhstan’s programme. The country calls for urgent upgrades to transport, customs and multimodal corridors so freight can move across EAEU territory faster and with fewer administrative hurdles. Kazakhstan’s Smart Cargo project and the ongoing shift to electronic documentation are offered as ready-made elements for integration with partners’ systems.
Central to the logistics push is a proposed AI-backed integrated freight flow management system. Authorities say such a platform would reduce delivery times and financial delays, bolster the competitiveness of Eurasian corridors and help the union plug into global supply chains. Kazakhstan urges cooperation with major logistics operators, both within the EAEU and in third countries, to build a single, streamlined transport architecture.
Reindustrialisation and agricultural modernisation form the third strand of the plan. Kazakhstan calls for expanded co‑operation on industry and agribusiness projects that can compete internationally. The proposal includes directing finance towards innovative projects, fostering automation and encouraging widespread adoption of digital tools and AI across factories and farms. The state intends to support the development of start‑ups and competence centres that can drive automation and productivity.
On trade policy, Tokayev stressed that administrative barriers must be eliminated. Customs, health, veterinary and phytosanitary measures should not be used to impose pressure on member states or impede trade. Kazakhstan recommended that the Eurasian Economic Commission enforce agreed rules and that member states introduce AI tools to monitor legislative initiatives which might create new obstacles.
Finally, Kazakhstan called for broader external outreach. Recent free trade and partnership deals with Mongolia, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates demonstrate the EAEU’s ability to deepen ties beyond the region, and Kazakhstan encourages expanded engagement with countries in the Global South, Southeast Asia and Africa.
During its chairmanship, Kazakhstan says it will work to implement the “Eurasian Economic Road” declaration for 2030 and 2045, and to translate strategic goals into concrete projects. The government emphasises that progress will depend on coordinated effort among member states to create jobs, attract investment and modernise economies across the union.
Key Takeaways:
- Kazakhstan assumes the EAEU chair from 1 January 2026, prioritising digital transformation and cross-border trade facilitation.
- President Tokayev proposes AI-driven cooperation, an integrated freight management platform and the Smart Cargo initiative to cut delays and costs.
- Plans include industrial and agricultural digitalisation, removal of administrative trade barriers and expanded ties with Global South partners.
- Kazakhstan invites a joint declaration on responsible AI at the 2026 Eurasian Economic Forum and offers national centres like Alem.ai and CryptoCity as collaboration hubs.
