IT Path to the Caribbean: Kazakhstan Expands International Digital Partnership

The Hague, April 7, 2025 – A delegation from Curaçao, an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, led by Minister of Justice, Government Affairs, Planning and Public Service Shalten Hato, visited the Embassy of Kazakhstan in The Hague to discuss prospects for bilateral cooperation in digitalization, information technology, and e-government. The meeting followed a recent working visit of Ambassador Kairat Abdrakhmanov to the Caribbean Island, during which these important issues were discussed for the first time.

The Kazakh side presented its achievements in the digital transformation of the public sector, including a presentation of the national e-government system. It was noted that Kazakhstan ranks 10th in the world according to the UN E-Government Services Index, demonstrating a high level of development in digital solutions — from biometric identification and artificial intelligence to the proactive provision of public services.

Special attention was given to the implementation of the principle of "digital equality." Ambassador Abdrakhmanov emphasized that despite geographical challenges such as the country's vast territory and low population density, Kazakhstan consistently ensures access to public services even in the most remote regions. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev places particular emphasis on using AI as a key tool for the sustainable development of Kazakh society.

The meeting demonstrated mutual interest in enhancing cooperation in advanced IT to improve public administration efficiency. Both parties noted similarities in approaches to modernizing public services and recognized the potential for closer cooperation in this area, including in education and human resource development. In addition, conversation also highlighted the positive momentum in the development of contacts between the justice authorities of the two countries, which may serve as a foundation for further expansion of cooperation.

Sides expressed readiness to facilitate direct contact between relevant institutions of Kazakhstan and Curaçao to exchange experience and deepen engagement.