Sherali Kabir, the Minister of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan, has called for embracing artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to improve the quality of life, rather than fearing its potential. Speaking at a news conference in the capital, Kabir emphasized that AI is not the future, but the present, and how it is used depends entirely on us.
"When we introduced AI at our ministry, I personally ensured that all employees used it. Today, I can see the results — the quality of their work has changed significantly. Whether we like it or not, technology will become a part of our everyday lives. We have also suggested that the Agency of Public Service introduce AI in other government departments across Tajikistan. The quality of documents prepared by the ministry has already improved. So, there is no need to fear AI; it is a truly revolutionary technology," Kabir stated.
The minister also shared an intriguing example of AI's capabilities: “In just one minute, AI read the entire 'Avesta' to me in its original language. In Tajikistan, there is only one scientist who speaks the Avestan language, while in St. Petersburg, there are two or three, and a few more in France. You can see how technology is changing the world for the better,” he remarked.
Responding to concerns raised by journalists about the potential negative consequences of AI, Kabir reassured the audience that AI does not pose a threat: "People fear that AI will get out of control and become dangerous. But this is not true. Without electricity or the servers that power AI, it simply will not work. The control will always remain with humans. Therefore, there is nothing to fear. Artificial intelligence is like a wild horse: don't fear it, ride it. We have no other way forward."
Kabir is confident that AI will enhance both the personal and professional lives of individuals and encouraged everyone to adopt new technologies to foster progress.
In addition, Kabir revealed that Tajikistan is actively working on preparing a new generation of specialists for the digital economy. The country is already implementing educational programs that teach the basics of statistics and AI from early school years.
One of the key steps in this process, according to Kabir, was the establishment of the first data center in Tajikistan, "Daryo," which actively utilizes AI to support local businesses and service domestic startups.