Iranian Minister of Information and Communication Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi said on Monday Tehran is a key player in the field of Artificial Intelligence in the Persian Gulf and is firm in launching cooperation with the regional countries in this emerging field.
He made the remarks at the Iran
Corridor 2025 conference held in Dubai showcasing the rapidly growing areas of telecommunication
technology, innovation, and connectivity in Iran.
Heading a delegation, Hashemi
departed for the United Arab Emirates late on Sunday to officially inaugurate
the event. Excerpts from the Iranian ICT minister’s opening speech follow:
The Persian Gulf region has a
pivotal role in the evolving artificial intelligence ecosystem. AI is reshaping
how we approach challenges and seize opportunities. It is not only a technological revolution
rather a catalyst for economic growth and social transformation. This region
possesses unique strengths that position us to harness AI’s potential and
become a global digital leader.
As regional countries
increasingly invest in AI infrastructure, they lay the cornerstone for
innovation-driven economies that shape the future. The Persian Gulf region offers
an unparalleled opportunity to foster AI initiatives that cater to our
collective aspirations. By cultivating environments that encourage
collaboration and investment, we can transform our region into a powerhouse of
AI excellence, attracting global tech giants while strengthening intraregional
partnership for shared prosperity.
As a major stakeholder in the
regional digital landscape, Iran brings invaluable assets to the table. Our
domestic mobile phone operator, with over 50 million users as well as thriving
digital service platforms such as Snapp! and digikala, each serving more than
30 million users, provide an abundance of multifaceted data -- an essential
ingredient for AI development.
Despite facing economic
sanctions, Iran has successfully developed a resilient fintech ecosystem that
continues to thrive and innovate. Moreover, our country’s academic and research
capabilities have propelled us to the forefront of AI advancements. In 2023,
Iran ranked second in the region in terms of the number and quality of
scientific papers in AI, demonstrating our commitment to cutting-edge research
and development. Moreover, Iran holds the second position in the region for AI
developers, highlighting the depth of our skilled workforce and stands fourth
in the region in terms of the number of AI firms, showcasing our dynamic and
rapidly growing ecosystem.
Our human capital, available at
competitive costs is a strategic advantage that positions Iran as a valuable
partner in regional AI initiatives. This combination of talent, data, and
innovation makes Iran a key player in the regional AI value chain, capable of
driving meaningful cooperation and development. Looking ahead, Iran is committed
to fostering regional cooperation and building a future where AI drives prosperity
and unity.
We propose a strategic framework
for collaboration that leverages our collective strengths, combining Iran’s
skilled human capital and its infrastructure with the investment capabilities
and infrastructure of our neighboring countries. By establishing AI
acceleration hubs, facilitating joint investment in free zones, and enhancing
academic collaboration and elite exchange programs, we can unlock new
opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
The usability of regional
processing capacity by Iranian companies, along with the creation of shared
ecosystems, will enhance our collective competitiveness on the global stage. We
envision a future where the Persian Gulf region emerges as a leading force in
AI development, driving solutions that address our shared challenges and propel
us toward a prosperous future. Together, let us act boldly, invest wisely, and
transform our shared vision into a reality because the future of AI belongs to
us.
The time to act is now.