Japan plans to train Turkmen specialists in the field of artificial intelligence and to support the establishment of data centres in Turkmenistan. This was stated by Toshihiro Kitamura, Director-General for Press and Public Affairs at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Japan, at a press briefing in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal.

According to him, online training could be delivered with the participation of specialists from the University of Tokyo, which houses a laboratory run by a professor specialising in artificial intelligence.

Cooperation in this area is developing within the framework of the ‘Central Asia–Japan’ dialogue. Mr Kitamura highlighted the need to develop AI for economic growth and to establish international rules governing its use.

The Japanese side also intends to take Turkmenistan’s needs into account. In particular, Tokyo is prepared to facilitate the use of AI in the exploration of natural resources.

Furthermore, Japanese private companies are interested in establishing data centres in Turkmenistan. They are considering the possibility of cooperating with local companies or working directly with the country’s government.