Central Asian countries are actively transforming from a raw materials periphery into a cutting-edge technological laboratory for the global fuel and energy complex, as analysts note in a report by companies.rbc.ru.
According to World Bank estimates, the region's economic growth in 2025 exceeded 6%, one of the highest rates in the world.
Uzbekistan has chosen a strategy of deep technological modernization: amid declining gas production, the country has launched a large-scale investment program worth $33 billion. The project has already attracted $11.9 billion in foreign direct investment and enabled the implementation of automated drilling systems that reduce well commissioning times.
Kazakhstan is focusing on optimizing existing production capacities. Flagship projects include the creation of a "digital twin" of the Tengiz field and the implementation of neural network algorithms at Karachaganak and Kashagan. These solutions allow for the prediction of process downtime, improved seismic survey accuracy, and reduced operating costs.
An important development area has been the development of national IT standards and the creation of national data centers in Tashkent and Astana. Software products developed in the region are gradually becoming an independent export asset.
Human resource potential is also growing: specialists with experience in projects involving Chevron and Shell are now developing proprietary monitoring and analytics platforms. With Kazakhstan planning to produce at least 90 million tons of oil by 2026, digitalization is becoming a key tool for maintaining competitiveness and complying with increasingly stringent environmental standards.
Experts predict that the successful experience of the two countries could become a model for modernizing the energy sector in other resource-dependent economies of Eurasia.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 30, 2026