The creation of the Central Asian Council on New Technologies was proposed by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, speaking on Thursday at the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in Dushanbe.

 “Another area where the interests and goals of states in Central Asia must be reliably ensured and implemented, and where we under no circumstances can allow us to lag behind, is innovation and new technologies,” the head of Turkmenistan noted, adding that the countries of the region have  great potential for innovative growth, good scientific schools and technological developments.

 In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan noted that it is necessary to combine these advantages, establish an exchange of experience, knowledge, skills, jointly study and implement advanced foreign competencies, provide the most favorable conditions for the development of innovative knowledge, and encourage youth creative initiative.

 Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that giving the economies of the countries of the region a pronounced innovative character and digital dimension today is a task of paramount importance, and it is best to do this together.

 “In this regard, it is proposed to create a Council of Central Asian Countries on New Technologies, which will coordinate joint efforts in this direction,” said Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

 As the head of state emphasized, such a Council could take on the functions of a think tank for the formation of a united strategy for the states of the region on new technologies, make relevant recommendations and develop specific proposals.