What are the main trends in digital market regulation in Central Asia?

At the Digital Kazakhstan PLAS Forum, Natalia Malyarchuk, public relations consultant and head of Markets Mentor's GR practice, presented an analysis of the key trends which will shape the future of Central Asian markets.

In her speech, Malyarchuk identified four main trends affecting the digital market development in the region. The first is the antitrust regulation strengthening, with Central Asian countries actively adopting the European Union's experience by introducing stricter laws to protect competition.

The second trend is data localisation. Governments are seeking to regulate data processing on their territory, which supports local companies but can also impose restrictions on innovation. A third important aspect is the regulation of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, which are often perceived as a threat. This requires a balanced approach to their control.

Finally, Malyarchuk noted the competition between the state and the market, as governments see the economic potential of digital markets and actively participate in them. This can limit opportunities for global players. She stressed that foreign companies should be aware of the risks and the importance of dialogue between business and government to create an enabling environment for innovation. The expert called for self-regulation and joint efforts to make the market more attractive for investment.