Tehran – Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Minister Satta Hashemi, in a meeting with Ambassador of Japan, emphasized the importance of promoting cooperation in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).
The conference, held in Tehran on Wednesday, focuses on expanding communications infrastructure, strengthening collaboration between advanced technologies such as AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), exchanging digital policymaking expertise and implementing joint research projects.
Authorities also discussed the possibility of developing interactions between universities and research centres in the two countries, Mehr’s news agency reported.
Emphasizing scientific research cooperation between Iran and Japan, the Iranian Telecommunications Research Centre (known as the Institute of Communication and Information Technology) was established, and Hashemi also called for the promotion of interaction in the field of knowledge-based.
The official said that touched on the scientific capabilities of Iranian universities, “One of the key axis of cooperation can focus on sharing knowledge and experience in the ICT sector and training specialized human resources. They are willing to benefit from Japanese expertise and share the country’s scientific capabilities.”
In praise of Iran’s scientific and technological advances, Japanese officials expressed hope that relations between the two countries will be strengthened.
In April, ICT, Deputy Minister Ehsan Chitsaz and Japanese Deputy Minister of International Affairs and Communications, Imagwa Takuo stressed the need to expand technical cooperation in key sectors such as the development of artificial intelligence (AI), digital economy and sustainable communication infrastructure.
At a conference held in Tokyo, authorities have explored ways to further strengthen collaboration, the IRNA reported.
Establishing the “Iran and the Digital Innovation Centre”, collaborating in policymaking for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and platform regulations, and holding joint university courses to train professionals in the digital economy.
Takuo announced that Japan is ready to promote digital ties with Iran, saying that Iran is pursuing a digital transformation path that focuses on local and long-term considerations. Japan supports this approach and is ready to implement a collaborative project by evaluating Iran’s constructive proposals.
The two also agreed to establish a joint executive working group to follow up on the implementation of the agreements reached.
ICT Status
The combination of talent, data and innovation allows Iran to become a key player in the region’s AI value chain, driving meaningful cooperation and development. Iran is committed to promoting regional cooperation and building a future in which AI promotes prosperity and unity, Hasemi said in February.
Emphasizing that Iran is a key stakeholder of the region’s digital landscape, Hasemi said Iran is a major player in AI in the Persian Gulf and is ready to begin cooperation with the regional state on the issue.
Officials made their remarks while working on the Iranian Corridor 2025 conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
He said it is a country’s mobile phone operator and a thriving digital services platform such as Snapp. And, serving over 30 million users each, Digikala offers a wealth of multifaceted data. It’s an essential element of AI development, Press TV reports.
Despite facing economic sanctions, Iran has been successful in developing a resilient fintech ecosystem that continues to flourish and innovate, Hashemmi noted.
“Our country’s academic and research capabilities have driven us to the forefront of AI advancement. In 2023, Iran ranked second in the region in terms of the number and quality of AI scientific papers, indicating its commitment to cutting-edge research and development,” he added.
“Iran holds second place in the AI developer region, highlighting the depth of its skilled workforce, ranks fourth in the region in terms of the number of AI companies, and presents our dynamic and rapidly growing ecosystem,” the Iranian minister continued.
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