Middle Eastern Nations Join US-Led Initiative for AI and Semiconductor Security
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are poised to participate in a United States-led initiative aimed at fortifying artificial intelligence and semiconductor supply chains, as disclosed by Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg during an interview with Reuters.
This development is particularly significant given the historical political rifts within the Middle East, underscoring a concerted effort by the US to unify Israel and Gulf nations within a cohesive, technology-centric economic framework.
The initiative, referred to as Pax Silica, aims to safeguard the entirety of the technology supply chain, encompassing critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, computing, and data infrastructure.
It represents a fundamental element of the Trump administration’s economic statecraft, designed to reduce reliance on rival nations while simultaneously enhancing collaboration among allied partners.
Helberg emphasized, “The Silicon Declaration isn’t merely a diplomatic communiqué; it serves as an operational blueprint for a new economic security consensus.”
This coalition comprises nations including Israel, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Britain, and Australia. Qatar is anticipated to endorse the Pax Silica declaration on January 12, followed by the UAE on January 15.
In contrast to traditional alliances, Helberg described Pax Silica as a “coalition of capabilities,” where membership is driven by each country’s industrial proficiencies and corporate strengths.
Helberg expressed hope that this initiative could expedite the economic transition in the Middle East, moving away from an overreliance on energy toward a more diversified, technology-driven economy. He remarked, “For the UAE and Qatar, this signifies a transition from a hydrocarbon-centric security paradigm to one rooted in silicon statecraft.”
This development unfolds against the backdrop of The Future Minerals Forum, a government-organized global conference focusing on minerals and supply chains, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 13 to 15. The event will convene senior officials, industry leaders, and investors.
Helberg noted that the Pax Silica group will prioritize expanding its membership this year, establishing strategic projects aimed at securing supply chains, and coordinating policies to protect critical infrastructure and technology.
The group convened in Washington last month, and Helberg anticipates additional meetings throughout the year.
Discussions are currently underway regarding initiatives to modernize trade and logistics routes, notably the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, leveraging advanced US technology to foster regional integration and expand America’s economic influence.
Officials from the US and Israel are set to unveil a strategic framework linked to Pax Silica, featuring the “Fort Foundry One” industrial park in Israel, which aims to accelerate various projects.
Furthermore, cooperation in artificial intelligence will be on the agenda, with a memorandum of understanding tentatively scheduled for signing on January 16.
Source link: Thedailystar.net.
