On 9-10 November, 2021, the third StrategEast State and IT Eurasian Forum was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, with the Lead topic: Development Through Collaboration.
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The StrategEast State and IT Eurasian Forum is an annual event, that serves as a unique platform for dialogue between governments and leaders of the IT industry. The forum was held in Kyrgyzstan for the first time. More than 150 participants from different countries took an active participation in the forum. Eleven thematic sessions were held successfully, as well as world best practices were analyzed. Aktilek Tungatarov, the Executive Director at American Chamber of Commerce, moderated the plenary session of the Global IT Industry in Eurasia.
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The global topic during the forum was the discussion of the prospects of Central Asia to become the digital hub of Eurasia. Also, it was actively discussed the creation of new IT parks, mechanisms for accelerating the launch of startups and fintech projects. Another discussion was about blockchain technology. Technology was seen as an effective management tool. They sorted out questions related to Big Data, what it is and how to manage it.
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Key achievements of the forum are:
1) Opening of the office of one of the largest engineering companies in the world EPAM Systems, Inc. in Bishkek.
2) Creation of a fund of $100 million in support of startups in Central Asia with a 50% share of investments in startups of Kyrgyzstan.
3) Announcement of the launch of a startup acceleration program in Kyrgyzstan with funding from international donors.
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The Forum brings together representatives of global and local tech companies, governments, international financial institutions, and development agencies. It provides an opportunity to discuss what needs to be done to enhance the innovative economy across the region and assists Eurasian countries with their integration into the global economy.