"The process of integrating digital technologies into all spheres of human life is one of the key conditions for progress. Digital technologies are changing the structure of the global economy. On the one hand, this requires fundamental changes in technology, culture, and the principles of creating new services, and on the other hand, it expands opportunities and prospects, " the minister said. "At present, we are faced with the task of effectively using the existing opportunities for infrastructure development, modern scientific potential for the transition to a new digital reality through the intensive use of innovative technologies."
"The difficult situation with the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 has become a new challenge for the whole world. And digital technologies in these conditions have become one of the most effective ways to minimize the negative consequences of the pandemic, as a result of which distance learning mechanisms have been successfully developed, remote work schemes in offices have been actively used, and approaches to online meetings, negotiations, and forums have been successfully implemented. I am pleased to note that in the current situation, the Eurasian Development Bank has successfully implemented the project "Traveling without COVID" in the interests of the citizens of our countries," Konstantin Shulgan said.
Currently, according to the minister, we can see how electronic commerce is developing more and more actively in the global space. "Belarus does not stay away from this digital progress, and therefore the state program of digital development of Belarus for 2021-2025, adopted in 2021, included important measures to promote the development of electronic commerce, including the creation of a national trade and cooperation platform for Belarusian enterprises, as well as an integrated system of digital cataloging of goods (products) of Belarus for the formation of a single market of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union," the head of the department said.
At the same time, the realities emphasize the need to move away from regional (sectoral) digitalization projects to the single digital market of the EAEU, the minister believes.
"A single market of goods, services, and capital without barriers, exceptions, and restrictions can only be formed through the digital transformation of business and state control based on digital transparency. The speed of such changes will determine the further competitiveness of states in the international digital market, " the minister is convinced.
Konstantin Shulgan also noted that it is extremely important to create favorable and trusting conditions for the legally significant interstate exchange of data and electronic documents between individuals, legal entities and officials, public authorities and management bodies of the EAEU countries. The development of a cross-border space of trust will increase the efficiency of electronic interaction, he believes.
"Undoubtedly, the dynamics of the implementation of digital projects of the EAEU depends on our activity and the infrastructure and digital development of each of the EAEU states. At the same time, one of the most important points in the integration processes is digital sovereignty and effective data exchange. Belarus actively supports the joint implementation of digital projects in the EEU. At the same time, the implementation of joint projects requires the coordinated work of all participants at the country and international levels. Only if this condition is met, we can get the necessary result both in terms of choosing the most effective solutions, and in reducing the time and cost of implementing digital projects, " the minister concluded.