A leadership training seminar dedicated to the topic “The use of artificial intelligence in social and economic transformation processes in the CAERC region” was held in the city of Urumqi, People’s Republic of China. Aygun Ahmadova, Acting Head of the Digital Trade Hub of the Institute of Economic Reforms Analysis and Communication (CAERC), made a presentation at the training.

Aygun Ahmadova spoke about Azerbaijan’s national priorities in the field of artificial intelligence, the use of AI-based approaches in the monitoring of state programs, as well as the innovations introduced in the activities of the Digital Trade Hub. She also talked about the role of CAERC’s “Azexport.az” platform in promoting the “Made in Azerbaijan” brand and the contributions of the “Startup School” program of the “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal to the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The main directions of the “Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025–2028,” which is monitored and evaluated by CAERC, were presented, including governance, data infrastructure, human capital development, and innovation environment. Steps such as the creation of national supercomputer centers, the AI Academy initiative, and the expansion of AI applications in industrial zones were also highlighted.

Aygun Ahmadova emphasized the work carried out to expand the digital trade ecosystem, modernize the e-signature system, and develop cross-border digital services. She noted that within the CAERC framework, areas such as human capital development, green energy and digital infrastructure, high-performance computing applications, the startup ecosystem, and the digital transformation of the public sector have great potential for cooperation.

The event was organized by the CAERC (Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation) Institute, the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China, the Asian Development Bank Institute, and the local government of Urumqi. The main goal of the seminar was to assess the opportunities created by artificial intelligence for socio-economic development in the CAERC region, strengthen strategic knowledge and management skills of leaders, and promote regional cooperation and knowledge exchange.