Dear friends & partners,
We are delighted to bring you the latest news on startup ecosystems in the CAREC region. Our newsletter highlights various developments in the areas of startups, ICT, and digital transformation.
We would be happy to report on your organization’s work, so feel free to share your story or article with us. This newsletter is distributed to various stakeholders in the CAREC region. For more updates join our telegram channel: https://t.me/CAREC_digital
Regards,
Team CAREC
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Digitalization Policy and Initiatives
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CAREC Countries Drive Digitalization of Phytosanitary Certification for Safer Plant Trade
The CAREC member countries are making substantial progress towards digitalizing phytosanitary certification to enhance safe trade of plants and plant products. The recent CAREC conference, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, focused on advancing electronic phytosanitary certification and integrating national single window certification processes into the IPPC ePhyto Solution as part of the CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda 2030's digitalization initiative.
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CAREC Institute Advocates for Digital Trade Facilitation and Policy Measures
Dr. Hans Holzhacker, the Chief Economist of CAREC Institute, discussed the importance of trade facilitation measures, digitalization, and paperless trade at the Central Asian E-Commerce Forum's panel in Almaty, Kazakhstan. He highlighted the need for enhanced reliability and security of digital systems to eliminate paper backups and emphasized the importance of policies to improve competitiveness and support those impacted by increased import competition resulting from digitalization and e-commerce.
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PRC Implements Regulations on Generative AI, Balancing Innovation and Governance
China has introduced new regulations aimed at governing generative AI, marking the first law specifically addressing this technology. While the final regulation appears to be less stringent than earlier drafts, it is part of China's ongoing efforts to balance innovation and control in AI governance.
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Azerbaijan's President Highlights 'Digital Silk Way' for Enhanced Digital Connectivity
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan highlighted the "Digital Silk Way" project, aiming to establish a fiber-optic network connecting Europe to Central and South Asian markets, promoting advanced digital connectivity. The project is recognized as a strategic initiative and is expected to enhance digitalization and attract global tech giants to the broader Caucasus and Central Asia region.
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Kazakhstan Partners with SpaceX for Rural School Internet Connectivity
Kazakhstan's Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, Bagdat Mussin, emphasized the partnership with SpaceX to provide 2,000 rural schools with Starlink connectivity, aiming to bridge the digital divide in the country. The collaboration with SpaceX will enhance education opportunities and connectivity in remote areas, fostering the development of the IT sector and bolstering the country's digital future.
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Opportunities and Upcoming Events
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“Fintech without borders. Digital Eurasia” International forum in Almaty
Fintech companies and startups, IT parks, accelerators, business angels, venture capital companies, telecom operators and other industry participants will discuss various issues related to the development of e-commerce and fintech in Almaty on October 17-18.
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Almaty conference on Digitalization of education
Conference on information technologies in education in Kazakhstan will take place on October 20 in Almaty. Among the speakers are representatives of the largest universities in the country: Maqsut Narikbayev University, UIB, ENU.. The main topics of discussion: “Digital University” “Corporate and distance learning”.
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Empowering Startups: Workshops at Fergana Branch of TUIT
A series of seminars and workshops, organized by IT Park and Doujin Gakkou will commence at the Fergana branch of Tashkent University of Information Technologies (TUIT) on October 19th. The events will cover various aspects of startups, including an ideathon, an incubation program, a hackathon, and Android development training.
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ICT Week 2023 Uzbekistan
ICT Week 2023 Uzbekistan will be hosted on October 24-27 in Tashkent. The first day will feature an international forum that will bring together leading experts, industry representatives and entrepreneurs from around the world to discuss key topics and trends. In the following days there will be an exhibition of technology companies, as well as panel discussions.
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Startup Ecosystem Initiatives
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CAREC Regional Startup Bootcamp thrives across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan
The CAREC Regional Startup Boot Camp officially began on August 21 at Astana Hub, marking the start of an inspiring ten-day journey. Collaboratively organized with incubation centers Astana Hub, Kazakhstan; IT Park in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and Next Step Innovation Center from Azerbaijan, this boot camp was hosted for 3 days by each partner.
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CAREC Innovation Decoded workshop on ICT-based cross-border e-commerce
During the workshop speakers and participants discussed the significance of digital trade for SMEs and the commitment to supporting Central Asian countries in building a high-quality digital trade platform. Also they shared insights on the innovative talent training model of China (Hangzhou) Cross-Border E-Commerce College.
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CAREC Innovation Decoded workshop - Access to PRC: Collaboration and operation
On September 20, 2023, the 4th CAREC Innovation Decoded webinar was organized featuring Mr. Ningning Huang, a registered foreign lawyer with expertise in cross-border investment. The event delved into vital legal aspects of international cooperation between Central Asian and Chinese organizations, including compliance with Chinese laws and international regulations.
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Astana Hub Battle 2023: Showcasing Innovation in Central Eurasian IT Startups
Digital Bridge hosted one of the most significant startup competitions - the Astana Hub Battle. Over 200 IT companies from Central Eurasia participated in this competition to further advance their IT projects. Out of the initial pool, 100 exceptionally competitive projects advanced to the semi-finals. Ultimately, 10 outstanding projects were chosen to compete in the grand finale. These finalists included Garderob, Cleek, MyMind, Porte, ProsperPay, Qtap, Beksar, TrustContract, IMPRO, and MyStory.
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500 Global Launches Fifth Stream of Startup Acceleration Program in Georgia
Venture capital firm 500 Global, in collaboration with the Bank of Georgia and the Georgia Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA), has launched the fifth stream of its startup acceleration program in Georgia. Ten startups from five countries were carefully selected to participate in this twelve-week program, providing them with mentoring and guidance from international experts to refine their business strategies and fuel sustainable growth in both domestic and global markets, ultimately integrating into the 500 Global international network.
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Pakistan's Tech Startup Boom and Key Players
The rise in internet connectivity driven by low-cost smartphones has played a significant role in the growth of over 250 startups in Pakistan since 2015. Notable startups include Markaz, Airlift Technologies, Bazaar, PostEx, Retailo Technologies, Tajir, Grocer App, Dawaai, and more, revolutionizing various sectors from eCommerce to healthcare and finance.
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The Deepening Integration of Digital Technologies and China's Real Economy
China's digital economy reached over 50 trillion RMB in 2022, solidifying its position as the world's second-largest, according to the Digital China Development Report. President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of the digital economy's integration with the real economy at the 2023 China International Intelligent Industry Expo. The fusion of digital technologies and traditional industries is driving innovation, creating more flexible and efficient supply chains, and promoting economic growth through new production processes and intelligent upgrades.
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About CAREC Program
The CAREC 2030 Strategy emphasizes the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) across the CAREC Program’s spectrum of operations. As part of its CAREC Digital Strategy 2030 implementation and upcoming initiatives, efforts are being made to accelerate digital adoption in the Program’s five operational clusters.
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