Asia Economy

An Asia Times commentary argues that China and India, the two largest economies in BRICS, should combine strengths to build open-source artificial intelligence. The piece suggests China's computing infrastructure and India's software talent could complement each other in developing AI models that bypass Western closed systems, giving the bloc a route to technological independence.

Uzbekistan hosted ICTWeek, an event framed as a showcase of the country's ambition to become a regional tech hub. Coverage describes Central Asia as a 'land of startups', pointing to growing investment, government support for digitalisation, and a rising generation of tech entrepreneurs. Observers say the week highlighted how countries like Uzbekistan are working to diversify their economies beyond commodities through technology and innovation.