In a move that could redefine Central Asia’s role in global trade, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are doubling down on tech and transit management, setting the stage for a high-stakes game of innovation and infrastructure. Talgat Kaliev, director of the Institute of Applied Ethnopolitical Studies, isn’t mincing words. He’s calling for both countries to harness their technological prowess to secure and streamline transit processes. And he’s not just talking about keeping up; he’s talking about leading the pack.
Kaliev, in a recent address, dropped a truth bomb: the Great Silk Road didn’t just fade away because of maritime routes. It lost its shine because it couldn’t keep up with the times, technologically speaking. “We cannot afford to repeat these mistakes,” he warned, driving home the point that Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan need to be more than just participants in the tech game—they need to be the ones setting the rules.
He’s not alone in this vision. Kaliev sees a powerhouse alliance brewing among Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and China. These countries, he argues, have what it takes to become tech titans. But here’s the kicker: they need to stop being just transit territories and start being the ones calling the shots in international projects.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is also taking a hard line against counterfeit goods, particularly in the electronics sector. Deputy Mazhilis Karakhat Abden has been blowing the whistle on the rampant sale of fake branded products, from Dyson hair dryers to AirPods. She’s not just mad about the intellectual property theft; she’s worried about consumers getting duped and ending up with dodgy products.
Minister of Justice Erlan Sarsembayev is backing her up, confirming that the government is cracking down on counterfeiters. In 2024 alone, they’ve busted around 300 cases of illegal trademark use. Sarsembayev is clear: state bodies are on it, working to limit the advertising of fake goods on popular online platforms.
So, what does all this mean for the future of Central Asia’s role in the global economy? For starters, it’s a wake-up call. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are saying loud and clear: we’re not just here to play; we’re here to win. By focusing on homegrown technological development and protecting intellectual property, these nations are staking their claim in the global market.
Kaliev’s call to “focus on the active promotion of these processes” echoes Abden’s fight against counterfeiting. Both are pushing for a future where Central Asian countries aren’t just passive players but are equipped to thrive. As these initiatives unfold, the ripple effects will be felt by consumers, businesses, and the broader geopolitical landscape.
The push for tech sovereignty and the crackdown on counterfeits aren’t just about economic resilience; they’re about setting a new standard. As Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan continue to strengthen their partnership, the rest of the region—and the world—will be watching. This isn’t just about trade routes and tech; it’s about carving out a new identity in an increasingly interconnected world. And if Kaliev and Abden have anything to say about it, Central Asia is ready to take center stage.
