With the advancement of technology worldwide, the IT sector is gaining importance. Forums and events on informatics are organized in various countries. These events provide important opportunities to discuss innovations in the IT sector, exchange ideas and evaluate opportunities in the sector. In this context, the first Central Asia IT Forum was held on 24 March 2023 in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The event brought together important stakeholders of the IT sector in the region. Various topics were discussed at the summit to contribute to the digital transformation of the region.
The forum held in Bishkek was also attended by the USA and Japan. Leading IT companies from the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan participated in the meeting. The meeting of world leaders in the IT sector, organized with the support of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic and with the assistance of the Japan Foreign Trade Organization, can be described as an important event.[1] After the forum, there is a feeling that Kyrgyzstan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for information technologies. Almaz Isanov, Head of the Department of Political and Economic Studies of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, said at the event:[2]
“Kyrgyzstan has a demographic advantage. Young people make up more than 45% of the population. Young people are ready to enter a new era where they will need the internet.”
Kyrgyzstan has made significant progress in the IT sector in recent years. The country has skilled human resources in IT. Kyrgyzstan stands out in terms of software development, data processing and telecommunication services. As it is known, software development, telecommunication and data processing services are among the most important areas of the information technology sector. Therefore, Kyrgyzstan’s transformation is on the way to making the country a modern digital society and a digital ecosystem.
The potential of Kyrgyzstan in the field of information technologies is supported by state measures. The 1999 Law “On Informatization” and the 2002 “National Strategy on Information and Communication Technologies for the Development of the Kyrgyz Republic” regulate the development of information technologies.[3]
In 2019, the Bishkek administration adopted the “Digital Kyrgyzstan 2019-2023” strategy. According to the strategy, the goal was to develop digital infrastructure and internet connectivity. “Digital literacy” was created by supporting economic growth and banking sectors through digital transformation, developing and disseminating internet-based platforms and services, disseminating information technology education and developing opportunities.
The country’s modernization and development as a digital society continues. Digitalization and use of technology has increased in areas such as public administration, education, economy and online payment system. In particular, efforts are being made to solve artificial intelligence problems. The establishment of contactless and mobile payment for individuals’ shopping, as well as the establishment of a cross-border payment method for money transfer, are among the important issues being addressed.
In early 2023, internet usage in Kyrgyzstan reached 77.9%, with 5.2 million internet users in the country. In January 2023, 2.75 million people were registered as social media users in Kyrgyzstan, which is 41.1% of the total population. [4]
Several initiatives have been undertaken to promote information technology development in Central Asia. One of these initiatives is the Central Asian Research and Education Network, which aims to enhance scientific and educational cooperation among Central Asian countries by providing high-speed internet connectivity and advanced IT services. The project is supported by the European Union and the International Center for Science and Technology.[5] Kyrgyzstan is also part of this project.
As a result, the IT sector in Kyrgyzstan is developing rapidly. The fact that the country has a young and educated population also creates a strong basis for the development of skilled labor in the IT sector.
[1] “First Central Asian IT Forum kicks off in Bishkek”, Kabar News, http://en.kabar.kg/news/first-central-asian-it-forum-kicks-off-in-bishkek/, (Date of Accession: 25.03.2023).
[2] Ibid.
[3] “Kyrgyzstan Review”, РАЗВИТИЕ СИСТЕМЫ ТЕЛЕКОММУНИКАЦИЙ И ИНФОРМАЦИОННЫХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ, https://rus.gateway.kg/strategii-razvitiya/nacionalnaya-strategiya-sokrashheniya-b/razdel-v-obespechenie-ustoychivogo-yekon/razvitie-sistemy-telekommunikaciy-i/, (Date of Accession: 26.03.2023).
[4] “Date Portal Digital 2023 Kyrgyzstan”, Datare Portal, https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-kyrgyzstan#:~:text=The%20state%20of%20digital%20in%20Kyrgyzstan%20in%202023&text=There%20were%205.21%20million%20internet,percent%20of%20the%20total%20population, (Date of Accession: 26.03.2023).
[5] “CAREN (Central Asia)”, In the Field, https://www.inthefieldstories.net/network/caren/, (Date of Accession: 26.03.2023).
