PM: co-operation in digital transformation is among priorities of Belarus' presidency in EAEU
The intensification of co-operation in the field of digital transformation is a separate item on the list of priorities of the Belarusian presidency in the EAEU – as stated by Belarus’ Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko at a plenary session of the Digital Almaty – 2025 international digital forum that is being held today, January 31st, at the Atakent Business Co-operation Centre in Almaty
The Prime Minister (who is on a two-day working visit to Kazakhstan) addressed the session participants, “In 2025, the Republic of Belarus is presiding over the EAEU bodies, and the priorities of work for this period have been determined: for us, the intensification of co-operation between the EAEU members in the field of digital transformation occupies a special place in this list. The reason is clear: it is impossible to achieve the tasks we face today without using digital technologies – in particular, artificial intelligence technologies. At the same time, the main point here is to work together in this direction.”
As noted by Mr. Golovchenko, artificial intelligence is now much spoken about. Some see it as an opportunity for a technological breakthrough, while others are concerned about the unpredictable consequences that everything new and unexplored may produce. “There are also the ones who speculate on both risks and benefits. At the same time, we all continue to race for innovation, and this is a necessity in today's rapidly changing world. The key task for us is to find a balance between the introduction of advanced technologies and security, social stability and the well-being of citizens,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies in Belarus is proceeding in two main directions, “The first and most important aspect is to ensure the social policy of the state, and we focus here mainly on medicine, biotechnology, and pharmacology. The uniqueness of Belarusian developments in the field of medicine is that they are focused primarily on our people. The standardised production and the automation of routine processes are also among the areas of the AI application.”
Mr. Golovchenko stressed that research shows that Belarusians trust new technologies, including artificial intelligence, “The hopes for innovation are connected not only with the hopes of improving the standard of living. People see an opportunity to maintain national identity and develop cultural traditions in this way.”
The Prime Minister stated that 80+ countries already have national strategies on artificial intelligence, and some states are in the process of forming related legislative acts, “Two main approaches to regulating artificial intelligence are clearly visible: the first one is that everything is prohibited except what is allowed, and the second one is that everything is allowed except what is prohibited. A more open policy is typical for the countries that create innovations themselves: i.e. China uses an ‘everything is allowed’ approach to accelerate technology development. At the same time, the European Union – which has stricter laws – is slowing down the implementation of new solutions. As a result, its companies often relocate to countries with more favourable conditions for creating innovations.”
As Mr. Golovchenko noted, the EAEU countries are also actively working in this direction, “The approaches that have already been tested in world practice can significantly simplify our path. For example, a draft model law on artificial intelligence technologies for the CIS countries is currently being developed in Belarus. It will be released this year. The main purpose of the law is the framework unification of the legislations of the CIS member states. The model law can also become the basis for developing common conceptual approaches to the development of artificial intelligence at the EAEU level.”
