On February 28, StrategEast President Anatoly Motkin moderated a panel “The Emerging Tech Hub in Eurasia” at the Web Summit in Doha, Qatar. At the panel, participants engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue about the prospects of strategic partnerships between Central Asian and Caucasus nations with their counterparts in the Gulf. The discourse delved into how such collaborations could shape the IT ecosystems of the regions and impact the global knowledge-driven economy.
Anatoly Motkin, President of StrategEast and the moderator of the discussion, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach in the IT sector. Mr. Motkin believes that pooling efforts between Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the GCC region could create a new technological hub. Stressing the importance of IT education as the foundation of this partnership, Mr. Motkin stated, “Universities are a place where talents are born and mature. They are our main partners in all regions where we operate.”
Mr. Motkin envisioned a strategic partnership that transcends geographical boundaries, creating a unified digital market for Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Gulf. He highlighted the competitive advantage and profitability of such a technology hub, stating, “The Gulf countries need the most advances digital solutions, while for young people from Central Asia and the Caucasus, this is an opportunity to work remotely, without leaving their country.”
The concept of a single digital market, where countries are mere hours away from each other, could revolutionize the IT landscape and bring mutual benefits. Mr. Motkin’s vision extends to providing services to Gulf companies from the talent pool in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
The panel discussion was enriched by the insights of notable participants, including Nuria Kutnaeva, the Minister of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jason Harman, Senior Vice President of EPAM and Representative for the Middle East, and Amy Peck, Founder of EndeavorXR.
As Web Summit Qatar 2024 continues to unfold, the discourse on fostering strategic alliances and leveraging the potential of emerging tech hubs promises to shape the future landscape of IT development in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
