Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - On 25 November, in the format of video conference, chaired by Uzbekistan, the first Meeting of the heads of ministries and departments of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states responsible for the development of information and communication technologies was held.

The event was attended by heads and representatives of ministries and departments of the SCO member states.

Oleg Pekos, First Deputy Minister for Development of Information Technologies and Communications of the Republic of Uzbekistan, made a welcoming speech at the Meeting. As the Deputy Minister noted, the outstripping development of the digital economy, e-government, artificial intelligence is a priority direction of the state policy of all members of the Organization. This event will make its feasible contribution to the development of the SCO member states in the field of ICT, and the decisions made here will serve for the future and further growth of the SCO's role in the global infocommunication community.

During the Meeting, the participants discussed a wide range of issues related to the further strengthening of multilateral cooperation of the SCO member states in the field of digital development. An agreement was reached on establishing a regular exchange of experience within the SCO, in particular, within the framework of the development of e-government, the digital economy, IT education, the IT industry, support for startups in the IT industry, artificial intelligence, as well as a policy for managing the radio frequency spectrum.

An exchange of views took place on the current state and prospects for the development of telecommunications infrastructure, the introduction of modern services and services based on broadband infrastructure in the SCO member states. The parties also discussed and approved the draft Program of Cooperation of the SCO Member States on the Development of Digital Literacy.

The event was attended by the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Vladimir Norov.