Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 15 May (BelTA) – Close attention is paid to the problem of the digital transformation of the economy and the state administration system in Belarus. Belarusian Communications and Informatization Minister Sergei Popkov made the relevant statement during the Eurasian Digital Forum (EADF) on 15 May, BelTA has learned.

Sergei Popkov said: “Close attention is paid to the problem of the digital transformation of the economy and the state administration system in Belarus. This matter is a high priority on the agenda of all the developed nations and international organizations. It is also a national social and economic development priority for Belarus. The president has outlined the policy for the country’s future development: building an IT country. The Digital Economy Development Ordinance gave unprecedented rights to companies residing in the Hi-Tech Park where the latest blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies, and smart contracts will be practiced and polished.”

Sergei Popkov noted that since the central government pays close attention to the problem of digital transformation Belarus is a leader in forming the national digital market and has started vigorous international activities aimed at harmonizing the digital markets of the economic partners. “In 2012 Belarus put forward the proposal on forming common trade and information space in the Eurasian Economic Union. In 2013 Belarus suggested harmonizing the digital markets of the Eastern Partnership and European Union states. Within the framework of this initiative Belarus coordinates efforts in such areas as the digitization of trade, commerce, logistics, customs, and transport corridors,” he explained.

The Communications and Informatization Minister pointed out that the successful implementation of the initiative to harmonize the digital market of the Eastern Partnership and European Union countries, vigorous cooperation with South Korea in developing the national paperless trade system, cooperation with China in implementing the Belt and Road initiative create the foundation for expanding international cooperation in this sphere onto the entire Euro-Asian region.

“We hope that the Eurasian Digital Forum will become an annual effective dialogue platform where representatives of the private sector and experts, government agencies of Eurasian countries will be able to discuss topical matters of formation and harmonization of the global digital market,” stated Sergei Popkov.

The Eurasian Digital Forum (EADF) is taking place in Minsk today as part of the international forum on international and communication technologies TIBO 2018. The purpose of the Eurasian Digital Forum is to discuss topical aspects of digital transformation and harmonization of digital markets at the national level and the intercountry level.

Heads of ministries and administrations from the CIS member states, representatives of the Eurasian Economic Commission, who are responsible for the digital transformation of the economy and the state administration system, leading international experts in the area of information and communication technologies, representatives of major technological companies are expected to make speeches during the plenary session of the forum. The plenary session focuses on drivers and barriers with regard to the prospects of creating a united Eurasian digital market.

Panel sessions are held to discuss ways to overcome digital transformation barriers, simplify interaction between countries in the sphere of trade, and integration in transcontinental delivery chains.

TIBO 2018 is scheduled to take place in Minsk on 14-18 May.