ZTE highlights AI-Driven innovations and the "5i" for bridging the intelligent economy divide at GSMA M360 Eurasia

• James Zhang, Senior Vice President of ZTE, highlighted AI's role in driving the digital economy and proposed the "5i"—Inspiration, Intelligence, Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact—as a guiding framework to address the challenges in developing the intelligent economy
• By integrating technologies like FDD M-MIMO, DSS, and AI into 4G networks, ZTE unlocks the full potential of 4G, ensures a seamless evolution to 5G, and safeguards key operator assets such as spectrum, networks, and user bases
• ZTE reaffirms its backing of "Digital Uzbekistan 2030" by deploying mobile networks in remote areas to ensure inclusive digital access for all citizens

Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 23 May 2025 - ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, participated as a Gold Partner at the GSMA M360 Eurasia forum held in Tashkent from May 21–22. Supported by the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan and VEON, the event served as a key gathering point for stakeholders across the ICT and telecom sectors to explore policies, investments, and partnerships shaping the future of digital transformation across Eurasia. 

James Zhang, Senior Vice President of ZTE, speaking at GSMA M360 Eurasia

The forum spotlighted how cutting-edge mobile technologies – including AI, 5G, and professional skills development – can boost economic growth and sustainability in the region. ZTE's participation focused on the transformative power of artificial intelligence in accelerating the digital economy.

The current AI-driven intelligent economy is developing rapidly. According to IDC's forecast, AI could drive global GDP growth by 3.5% by 2030, becoming a key engine of global economic growth. It is expected to reshape production, everyday life, and business models, while unlocking vast development opportunities.

At the GSMA M360 Eurasia forum, James Zhang, Senior Vice President of ZTE, delivered a keynote speech on AI-Driven Innovations and the "5i" for Bridging the Intelligent Economy Divide. In his keynote address, James Zhang introduced a development blueprint for intelligent economies, structured around three pillars: building digital infrastructure, enabling new intelligent business models, and ensuring people-centric, ethical AI deployment. He proposed the "5i"—Inspiration, Intelligence, Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact—as a guiding framework to address the  challenges in developing the intelligent economy.

"AI is not just a technology, but a catalyst for economic growth and inclusive development," said James Zhang. "Through the '5i', we are unlocking new value across industries. ZTE has embedded advanced AI capabilities across our entire ecosystem—from RAN networks and intelligent computing infrastructure to smart manufacturing and next-gen devices. We are committed to unlocking new value for our partners through AI-driven innovation."

The digital economy holds tremendous potential in the Eurasian region. In 2024, global 5G connections accounted for 25%, whereas in Eurasia, the figure stands at only 1%. There remains a significant gap to achieve the region's target of 41% 5G penetration by 2030. The integration of 5G and AI can reduce data transmission latency, enhance data processing efficiency, and lower the cost of AI applications. This integration not only enables flexible interaction between AI agents and users but also leverages AI capabilities to optimize 5G network performance based on specific business scenarios.

James Zhang stated: "For developing regions, AI can become a tool for equity, making technology a driving force for inclusivity and progress. Over the past few years, ZTE has maintained long-term strategic cooperation with major operators in the Eurasian region. ZTE is committed to empowering operators to accelerate network development. By integrating technologies like FDD M-MIMO, DSS, and AI into 4G networks, ZTE unlocks the full potential of 4G, ensures a seamless evolution to 5G, and safeguards key operator assets such as spectrum, networks, and user bases. Moving forward, we will continue accelerating the development of the mobile economy across the region through AI-driven innovation, providing comprehensive 5G products and services with superior performance and cost-effectiveness, helping countries build new digital infrastructure, and promoting the digital transformation of various industries."

Eurasian nations are embracing digitalization as a catalyst for socio-economic growth, aligning with global trends. Uzbekistan has positioned itself at the forefront of this movement, implementing ambitious reforms to become a regional IT hub through nationwide broadband expansion, accelerated high-speed internet and universal mobile connectivity.

As a committed partner in this journey, ZTE has maintained long-term strategic partnerships with Uzbekistan's major telecom operators supporting the government's "Digital Uzbekistan 2030" initiative. ZTE is actively involved in building 5G networks and carries out projects to deploy mobile networks in the most remote and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring inclusive access to digital services for all citizens of the republic. In addition to infrastructure development, ZTE actively collaborates with Uzbekistan's top universities to nurture local ICT talent, cultivating the next generation of digital innovators.

"We believe the future of Eurasia's digital economy lies in inclusive innovation," said James Zhang. "For ZTE, we are helping shape a more connected, empowered, and intelligent future for the region through strategic partnerships, AI-driven solutions, and deep local engagement. Mobile investment is not just about numbers, it's about lighting the path to a more connected, efficient, intelligent, and empowered world. Join us in igniting this transformative journey."