WANA (Jan 31) – Iran’s First Vice President, who is visiting Kazakhstan, presented several proposals at the Almaty Digital 2025 conference.

 

These included:

Connecting communication infrastructure,

 

Harmonizing regulations and facilitating digital economy policies,

 

Cooperating in the development of shared digital platforms,

 

Countering unilateralism in digital governance,

 

Advancing artificial intelligence-driven economies.

Full Speech of Mohammad-Reza Aref at the Conference:

 

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

I am delighted to participate in the Almaty Digital 2025 conference. I sincerely appreciate the government and people of Kazakhstan for their warm hospitality. It is an honor to speak today among professionals in the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors.

 

Over the past decade, the share of the digital economy in global GDP has grown exponentially, leading to the emergence of smart economies and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In the coming years, data-driven industries will flourish.

 

With the increasing integration of sensors, industrial control systems, and digitalization across all sectors, data is becoming as vital to the smart economy as oil was to the industrial revolution. Many nations have recognized that failing to keep pace with these transformations could result in losing their competitive edge. Countries that have successfully leveraged information technology and data-driven innovations have created new job opportunities, expanded businesses, promoted responsible consumption, optimized energy efficiency, and adopted sustainable economic models.

 

In this regard, I would like to emphasize that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a leading country in the digital economy and aims to strengthen its position by utilizing its highly educated workforce. For the first time, Iran has dedicated a full chapter of its Seventh National Development Plan to the digital economy, aiming to:

 

Facilitate digital business activities,

 

Digitize all government services,

 

Strengthen data protection measures, and

 

Develop national strategies for emerging technologies such as AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance efficiency.

 

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the World Bank, and Iran’s Statistics Center, the digital economy currently contributes nearly 7% of Iran’s GDP, with plans to increase this to 10% under the Seventh Development Plan. Official statistics indicate that the number of active businesses in the digital economy sector has exceeded 450,000, including startups, online platforms, and tech companies operating in e-commerce, fintech, digital health, and education. In the public sector, e-government initiatives and the launch of a national licensing portal have significantly improved online services.

 

Moreover, according to Iran’s National Cyberspace Center, Iran’s ICT investment in 2022 exceeded $15 billion, including the expansion of 5G networks. Additionally, the E-Commerce Development Center of Iran estimated the total value of Iran’s e-commerce transactions in 2022 to be over $60 billion.

 

Iran’s Growing Role in Artificial Intelligence

Iran is also a regional leader in AI. Every year, over 3,500 students graduate with master’s and doctoral degrees in AI-related fields from top universities. In scientific research, Iran ranks second in the region in AI publications. Iranian specialists actively contribute to global AI projects and open-source initiatives, reflecting the country’s increasing capabilities.

 

By 2023, Iran ranked fourth in the region in terms of the number of AI-focused companies. Iran’s AI strengths lie in areas such as content creation, publishing, administrative services, media, entertainment, privacy protection, and transportation—all of which provide opportunities for further innovation and regional technology exports.

 

In terms of AI regulations and standards, Iran has taken significant steps, publishing its National AI Strategy in 2024. These achievements highlight Iran’s potential to become a regional hub for emerging technologies. The country prioritizes technology diplomacy, particularly in ICT.

 

Despite facing challenges such as unilateral sanctions, which have restricted access to certain technologies and markets, Iran has leveraged these obstacles as opportunities to strengthen domestic capabilities. Through continuous investment in digital infrastructure and technological innovation, Iran has secured a notable regional and global position. This has led to rapid growth in tech startups and the localization of advanced technologies.

 

Regional Digital Cooperation

 

Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

The digital economy and smart businesses cannot thrive solely within national boundaries. Without regional and international collaboration, local companies will struggle to compete with global tech giants. A regional or international economic framework is essential for the success of digital transformation.

 

The Eurasian Digital Platform is a groundbreaking initiative that fosters digital integration among Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states and key partners like Iran. This platform leverages AI, blockchain, and cloud computing to enhance data exchange, trade, and financial services innovation.

 

To capitalize on EAEU’s collective capabilities, I propose the following five key initiatives for expanding digital economy cooperation:

 

1. Connecting Communication Infrastructure: Developing shared telecommunication networks and emerging digital technologies among EAEU member states will enhance data flow and facilitate digital trade, particularly through data transit across borders.

 

2. Harmonizing Regulations and Digital Economy Policies: Establishing unified legal frameworks for IT and AI-related regulations will create a cohesive digital ecosystem across member states.

 

3. Developing Joint Digital Platforms: Establishing regional platforms for finance, education, and business networking will boost cross-border trade and economic integration.

 

4. Countering Unilateralism in Digital Governance and AI Economy: Strengthening decentralized digital cooperation will reduce dependence on monopolistic global tech policies.

 

5. Collaborating on Digital Product Development and AI Solutions: Joint efforts to develop independent digital payment systems and e-commerce platforms will significantly enhance intra-regional trade.

 

I hope this conference ushers in a new era of digital cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union and beyond. The time has come for Iran and its regional partners to unite and lay the foundations for a new industrial and digital era.

 

Thank you for your attention.