Central Asian forums focus on digital innovation and investment

Regional investment and technology forums in Central Asia have highlighted a growing focus on digital transformation and innovation. At the TAJ-TECH 2026 International Forum in Dushanbe, participants issued the Dushanbe Declaration on Innovation and Digital Technologies. The declaration emphasizes using technology for sustainable development, investing in youth digital literacy, and ensuring equal access for women and persons with disabilities. A key outcome was support for establishing a Regional Artificial Intelligence Center in Central Asia to facilitate scientific cooperation and technological testing.

In Ashgabat, the Turkmenistan Investment Forum 2026 addressed economic diversification and new investment instruments. Discussions centered on fintech, green transformation, and the regulation of virtual assets following the implementation of Turkmenistan’s Law ‘On Virtual Assets’ in early 2026. The forum also featured an inaugural Legal Forum on Investment, covering international arbitration and investment legislation, with participation from organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme.