Kazakhstan Becomes First Central Asian Nation to Join U.S.-Led Pax Silica Initiative

Kazakhstan has become the first country in Central Asia to join Pax Silica, a U.S.-led international technology initiative focused on artificial intelligence, secure supply chains and high-tech manufacturing. Officials say the move will strengthen the country’s role in the global digital economy while opening new opportunities for investment and technological cooperation.

The accession documents, along with a joint statement under the AI Opportunity Partnership, were signed in Washington on 25 June by Zhaslan Madiyev, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. Kazakhstan joins a group of countries that includes Australia, the United Kingdom, India, Israel, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of AI and Digital Development, participation in the initiative is expected to attract foreign investment, expand high-tech manufacturing and improve access to international markets. Priority areas include critical mineral processing, semiconductor production, battery technologies and AI infrastructure.

U.S. officials welcomed Kazakhstan’s participation, citing the country’s strategic location along the Middle Corridor, abundant critical mineral resources and growing commitment to digital transformation. Analysts say the agreement could further strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a regional technology and innovation hub.