In brief
In late October 2026, the Tajikistan government hosted an international conference on artificial intelligence in its capital, Dushanbe, with about 200 attendees from more than 20 nations. The event, reported by Xinhua, reiterated the country’s ambition to raise AI’s contribution to the GDP to 5% by 2040, while discussing applications and cooperation opportunities.
The international conference on artificial intelligence (AI) convened in Dushanbe on Friday and Saturday, according to a report by Xinhua published on November 1, 2026. The event was organized by the Tajikistan Ministry of Industry and New Technologies and was covered by the Khovar news agency on Saturday, Oct. 31, marking a significant moment in the country’s technology agenda.
Xinhua noted that the chief aim of the conference was to elevate AI to a 5% share of Tajikistan’s gross domestic product by 2040—a target aligned with the national AI development strategy that the ministry has been advancing over the past few years.
About 200 participants representing more than 20 countries attended, representing one of the most internationally diverse gatherings for AI in Central Asia. Xinhua emphasized that the attendee list included experts and representatives from academia, industry, and governmental bodies, creating a multilayered dialogue about the technology’s future in the region.
Speakers at the conference explored the potential applications of AI across different sectors of the national economy, from agriculture and manufacturing to finance and public administration. The discussions were framed by a need to tailor AI solutions to Tajikistan’s unique economic and infrastructural context while drawing lessons from global advances.
Another key focus highlighted by Xinhua was the importance of deepening international cooperation in AI. The ministry’s officials highlighted partnerships with foreign research institutions and technology firms as essential for knowledge exchange and capacity building, suggesting that such collaborations would accelerate the country’s progress toward its 2040 GDP target.
While the conference underscored the strategic importance of AI for Tajikistan’s future economic development, it also reflected a broader international trend of positioning artificial intelligence as a driver of national growth. The event served to demonstrate the country’s readiness to engage with global AI ecosystems and to invite investment and collaboration across borders.
Overall, the Dushanbe conference showcased Tajikistan’s commitment to integrating AI into its economic framework while also seeking out global partners to support that vision, in line with the reports by Xinhua and the ministry’s long‑term strategic plan.
