Tokayev addresses leaders of Russia, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent an address to the heads of state of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member countries on the occasion of Kazakhstan assuming the chairmanship of the organization.
Below is the text of the address.
"Dear colleagues,
From 1 January 2026, the Republic of Kazakhstan assumes the chairmanship of the bodies of the Eurasian Economic Union.
The past year was a jubilee year for the Eurasian Economic Union. We have confidently stepped into the second decade of development of our integration association. Despite the global upheavals of recent years, our states are demonstrating positive economic dynamics.
Our common task for the upcoming period is to enhance the effectiveness of integration, strengthen the potential and relevance of the EAEU.
Starting in 2026, the implementation begins of the Declaration on the Further Development of Economic Processes within the Eurasian Economic Union until 2030 and for the period up to 2045, ‘The Eurasian Economic Path’. Priority attention will be given to the goals and objectives outlined in this strategic document.
During its chairmanship in the bodies of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Republic of Kazakhstan proposes to focus on the following key areas.
1. Artificial intelligence as a new tool for developing economic integration.
The world has entered a new historical era that opens up unprecedented opportunities, while at the same time creating new challenges, including growing technological inequality.
According to analysts, global investment in the development of artificial intelligence in recent years has exceeded one trillion dollars, and the contribution of AI to the world economy in the coming decades may reach more than ten trillion dollars.
Our task is to direct new technologies to the benefit of our peoples and turn them into a key factor of Eurasian economic integration.
Already today, artificial intelligence technologies are successfully addressing issues of forecasting trade flows and accurately assessing the impact of customs duties and trade agreements on the economic development of states.
The Republic of Kazakhstan has set itself a strategic goal — to become a fully-fledged digital nation. Government initiatives such as the Alem.ai Center in Astana and the CryptoCity pilot zone in Alatau demonstrate our readiness to actively develop the digital ecosystem.
Kazakhstan is open to the exchange of knowledge and experience with its EAEU partners in the field of artificial intelligence, digital regulation, and economic transformation. Through joint efforts, we will be able to adapt more effectively to new technological realities.
We propose that, on the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Forum, which will be held in 2026 in Astana, we sign a Joint Statement on the Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence within the EAEU.
This document is intended to define a new vector of cooperation in the sphere of digital transformation of our economies.
2. Eurasia’s Logistics Hub: from potential to leadership
The Eurasian Economic Union is a geopolitical bridge between East and West, North and South. Key transit routes run across the territories of our countries. In this regard, we must adhere to a common goal – to become the leading logistics hub on the continent.
To achieve this, it is necessary to take urgent measures to improve transport, logistics and customs infrastructure, to develop international transport corridors and multimodal transportation, as well as to ensure close cooperation between major logistics companies of the EAEU and third countries.
The introduction of intelligent systems and the use of big data will make it possible to create seamless logistics. Cargoes moving across the territories of EAEU member states must travel as quickly as possible, without unnecessary delays and bureaucratic red tape.
Kazakhstan is actively working in this direction. The Smart Cargo pilot project has been launched. Documentation is being converted into electronic format. The platform is also open for integration with the systems of our EAEU partner countries.
Within the EAEU, we propose creating an integrated cargo flow management system based on artificial intelligence.
Such a platform will help reduce delivery times and financial costs and will increase the competitiveness of Eurasian corridors. We propose that EAEU member states join efforts to form a single transport framework embedded in global supply chains.
3. Technological breakthrough: digitalization of industry and the agro-industrial complex
Industry and the agro-industrial complex are the economic foundation of the EAEU member states.
Our common task is to expand and deepen cooperation to produce goods that are competitive on the global level.
Within the EAEU, financing mechanisms have already been created for cooperative projects both in industry and in the agro-industrial sector. First and foremost, we must direct resources to breakthrough innovation projects.
It is important that every enterprise and every farm be interested in using digital solutions and artificial intelligence. To this end, it is necessary to create demonstration centers, develop start-ups in the field of automation and build competence centers.
The Eurasian Economic Commission should provide active support for breakthrough initiatives.
4. Barrier-free trade as an unconditional principle of the EAEU’s work
The practice of creating administrative barriers must be eradicated.

It is important that all artificial restrictions that block trade and the development of individual industries, bans on the movement of citizens and queues of freight transport at borders remain in the past.

Customs regulation and other state control measures (transport, sanitary, veterinary and phytosanitary) must not be used as instruments of pressure on the governments of EAEU member states.
A significant number of documents aimed at creating a barrier-free environment have been adopted within the EAEU. It is essential to strictly comply with the commitments undertaken and to prevent violations. This is the task of the Eurasian Economic Commission.
To promptly identify potential barriers, we propose connecting artificial intelligence technologies to the monitoring of legislative initiatives of the member states.
5. A new geography of trade: global dialogue
The EAEU must continue to actively expand economic cooperation with external partners.
In 2025, Free Trade Agreements were signed with Mongolia and Indonesia, as well as an Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE. This is a tangible result of the joint work of the member states and the Commission.
Going forward, it is advisable to deepen the EAEU’s relations with the countries of the Global South, the Arab world, Southeast Asia and Africa, as well as with reputable regional organizations.
Economic integration is an important tool designed to ensure tangible results from cooperation within the EAEU: the creation of new industries and modern jobs, the introduction of advanced technologies, and the formation of a free trade environment.
During its chairmanship, the Republic of Kazakhstan intends to contribute to the fullest possible extent to the implementation of the tasks included in this agenda.
I am confident that only through joint efforts can we achieve our goals and at the same time ensure the dynamic development of the economies of the EAEU member states and the strengthening of the overall potential of our integration association."