The digital economy is taking center stage in Kazakhstan, where a driverless light rail system in the capital Astana is moving residents with the support of big data and the Internet of Things, a concrete example of how Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) cooperation is bringing smart technology into everyday life.
The project comes as the SCO marks its 25th anniversary, with member states stepping up cooperation in capital, technology and talent flows across borders, rapidly shaping their efficient, sustainable and highly innovative digital economies.
"Technological development's sweeping the world. Digital solutions are employed in fields ranging from the automotive industry to culture and education. The digital economy has become a reality," said Anar Tuleubayeva, vice chair of the Qaz.Al Association.
Phase one of the Astana Light Rail Transit (LRT) project extends for 22.4 kilometers. It is Central Asia's first urban light rail line to feature fully automated driverless operation. With vibration-damping wheels and enhanced sound insulation, passengers can barely hear or feel the train moving.
"Everything's beautiful and very clean. The seats are comfortable. I hope it stays this way. It's very smooth, a really comfortable ride. It'll be great to take the light rail to and from work," said Galiya Khassenkhanova, a resident of Astana.
The line has 18 stations serving the city's business districts, residential neighborhoods, the airport and the main railway station. Big data and the Internet of Things are supporting the monitoring and management of operations.
"At every station there are platform attendants. In the event of an emergency, there are cameras filming what happened," said dispatcher Medet Altynbek.
Train operator Marat Malikov described the training process: "We first spent six months in Astana studying the theory. Then we went for practical training in Tianjin, China. After that, we completed another three months of hands-on training in electric train operations here in Astana."
Cooperation among SCO countries has allowed capital, technology, and talent to flow across borders, benefiting urban residents and improving city life.
"It shows Kazakhstan's developing and our technology's advancing. The light rail will ease traffic congestion. The system's so interesting. It's fantastic. Go, Kazakhstan!" said Rustem, a resident of Astana.
The digital economy is not about dry statistics or government documents, but a new economic model that is improving every aspect of daily life, experts say.
"Our cooperative projects within the SCO framework have brought advances in such areas as smart healthcare and cross-border e-commerce," said Tuleubayeva.
Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, said the bloc has identified new priorities for future development across a wide range of key areas. "These include security, new forms of cooperation and the digital economy."
Digital economy takes center stage in Kazakhstan as SCO marks 25 years of cooperation
Digital economy takes center stage in Kazakhstan as SCO marks 25 years of cooperation
