Tariq Saeedi In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on 13 February 2026, the Embassy of Japan will host a reception to celebrate Emperor Naruhito's birthday. This early gathering – the official date falls later on February 23 – isn't just a diplomatic nicety; it's a vibrant nod to the enduring institution of Japan's monarchy, which weaves seamlessly into the fabric of the nation's … [Read more...]
UNRCCA sees youth engagement as the key to making preventive diplomacy more effective
Youth Initiative: In 2019, UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) launched the Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) for young people from Central Asia and Afghanistan. The PDA aims to raise awareness among young people of United Nations peace and security activities and the UN Youth Strategy, while broadening their perspectives and laying the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan participates in the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Germany – Central Asia
On 11 February 2026, in Berlin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov took part in a meeting between the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany and the heads of foreign ministries of Central Asian countries. The main topics of the talks were the development of cooperation in the energy sector, issues of regional partnership and others, … [Read more...]
Berlin Hosts Historic Central Asia-Germany Ministerial Meeting, Elevates Strategic Partnership
nCa Report Germany solidified its commitment to Central Asia on Wednesday, hosting the first-ever ministerial-level meeting in the C5+1 (Z5+1) format with all five Central Asian nations, marking a significant step in the deepening "Strategic Regional Partnership" between the regions. The high-level diplomatic gathering brought together Foreign Minister Johann … [Read more...]
Iran Unveils Major Container Terminal at Sarakhs border with Turkmenistan to Boost Central Asia Trade Links
Iran has established a significant new container transport complex at Sarakhs, a strategic border town with Turkmenistan in northeastern Iran, positioning the Islamic Republic as a crucial transit hub between China, Central Asia, and Europe, according to recent reports. The terminal, currently being constructed by China on the Iran-Turkmenistan border, marks a major … [Read more...]
Central Asia 2026: From Great-Power Prize to Geostrategic Platform
Hao Nan Editor’s note: This is the truncated version of an analysis by Hao Nan. It was originally published by the think tank Valdai Club. The complete text of the analysis is available at this link --- https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/central-asia-2026-from-great-power-prize/ --- Ed. In 2025, Central Asia began to look less like a blank space on someone else’s … [Read more...]
China and Central Asia’s Renewable Energy Turn
nCa Commentary Central Asia’s energy transition is gaining momentum, and China is emerging as one of its most influential external drivers. Long associated with oil, gas, and coal, the region is now accelerating investment in solar and wind power as electricity demand rises, infrastructure ages, and governments seek to reduce exposure to volatile hydrocarbon … [Read more...]
UNHCR welcomes its new Representative for Central Asia
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is pleased to announce the arrival of Mahir Safarli as its new Representative for Central Asia. In this role, based in Almaty, he will lead UNHCR’s engagement and activities across Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Mr. Safarli presented his credentials to Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign … [Read more...]
Subsistence Farming Is Not a Derogatory Term — And Should Not Be Treated as One. It can be backbone of food security in Central Asia
nCa Report Reframing Subsistence Farming in the Context of Central Asia The term subsistence farming is often treated as a synonym for stagnation, poverty, or underdevelopment. While technically neutral, it has acquired negative undertones in policy discourse and popular usage. In Central Asia, however, this framing is not only inaccurate—it is strategically … [Read more...]
Central Asia Emerges as a Key Supplier of “Green” Minerals: UN and EU Launch Major Project
ON 28 January 2026, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), together with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and with financial support from the European Union, announced the launch of a new three-year project in Central Asia titled “Secure Critical Raw Materials (CRMs): Strengthening CRM Supply Chains in Central Asia.” The world is … [Read more...]
Ashgabat to Host Turkmen Textile Expo 2026: A Gateway to Central Asian Fashion and Industry
From 4 to 6 June 2026, Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan will transform into a vibrant hub for the global textile and fashion industry. Following its landmark debut in 2025, the Turkmen Textile Expo returns with an even larger scale, offering an unparalleled B2B platform for international brands, manufacturers, and investors. A High-Level Strategic Partnership The … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Strategic Pivot: Navigating Between Giants While Building From Within
Tariq Saeedi The five republics of Central Asia—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan—are experiencing a quiet but significant transformation. Three decades after independence, these countries are no longer merely buffer states caught between larger powers. They're actively crafting foreign policies that maximize their autonomy while pursuing … [Read more...]
Top 5 Mega-Projects in Central Asia with Asian Capital – EDB Data
Central Asia receives nearly 57% of all Asian investments, totaling US $68 billion. The key recipients are Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. This was stated in the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) report titled "The Eurasian Region and Partner Countries in Asia: Analysis of Investment Flows Based on EDB Mutual Investment Monitoring." According to the report, the … [Read more...]
The Economic Horizon for Central Asia: Experts Opine on Mid- to Long-Term Prospects
Tariq Saeedi Central Asia—comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge, according to recent analyses from independent think tanks, academic experts, and regional specialists. Over the past six months, from August 2025 onward, discussions have centered on the region's potential to leverage … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Assumes Chairmanship of the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone
Kazakhstan has assumed the chairmanship for 2026 within the framework of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia (CANWFZ), according to the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The chairmanship functions were officially handed over to Kazakhstan during a consultative meeting of the CANWFZ member states. In addition, the parties discussed joint efforts … [Read more...]
EBRD invests almost US$ 2 billion in Central Asia and Mongolia in 2025
Anton Usov In 2025 the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested almost US$2 billion (€1.72 billion) through 120 projects in Central Asia and Mongolia. This represents one of the Bank’s strongest operational results in the region for more than a decade. Uzbekistan was the leading recipient of EBRD funding in 2025 for the sixth year running (over … [Read more...]
The Serakhs–Mary–Serkhetabat Highway: Leadership Architecture and Turkmenistan’s New Economic Pragmatism
In Turkmenistan, grand transport connectivity projects are gaining momentum, designed to consolidate the country’s role as a primary logistics hub on the Eurasian map. One of these bold infrastructure initiatives is the construction of the Serakhs–Mary–Serkhetabat (SMS) high-speed highway. Spanning approximately 450 kilometers, the project is set to be implemented by Ojar … [Read more...]
Reassessing the Legacies of Attila, Genghis Khan, and Timur: A Central Asian Perspective
Tariq Saeedi In Western historiography, figures like Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, and Amir Timur (often known as Tamerlane) are frequently cast as barbaric destroyers—symbols of chaos and conquest that ravaged civilizations. This narrative, shaped largely by the accounts of those who fell victim to their campaigns, such as Roman chroniclers for Attila or Persian scribes … [Read more...]
Central Asia and Turkiye: A New Phase of Interconnectivity
Dilorom MAMATKULOVA, Leading research fellow of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan The strategic convergence between Turkiye and Central Asian states –driven by shared historical and cultural heritage alongside mutually reinforcing economic interests – is cultivating a novel architectural framework for regional … [Read more...]
Turkmen-Russian High-Level Consultations Focus on Regional Security and Strategic Partnership
On 29 January 2026, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and the deputy foreign minister of Russia, Mikhail Galuzin. During the talks, the parties discussed topical issues on the bilateral agenda, including the schedule of upcoming inter-state contacts, avenues for further developing trade and … [Read more...]
Exclusive Interview: U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Rood Unveils America’s Strategic Vision for Central Asia and Turkmenistan
In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the United States continues to deepen its engagement with Central Asia, prioritizing economic connectivity, energy security, and regional stability. This exclusive interview with Elizabeth Rood, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan, offers rare insights into Washington's national interests in the region, the outcomes of the … [Read more...]
World Bank Launches REMIT: $1 Billion for a Central Asia’s first-ever regional electricity market
The World Bank has approved the Regional Electricity Market Interconnectivity and Trade (REMIT) Program for Central Asia. The program aims to establish the region's first regional electricity market, enhancing energy security and affordability, expanding transmission capacity, and laying the foundation for large-scale integration of renewable energy sources into the power … [Read more...]
Russia and Central Asian Countries to Establish a Joint Energy Working Group
Russia and five Central Asian states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—have agreed to establish a specialized working group on energy at the level of deputy ministers. This was announced following consultations held in the “Central Asia–Russia” format at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The new working group will … [Read more...]
Davos 2026 and Central Asia
Tariq Saeedi This is a kind of lightweight analytical look at the Davos 2026 and some of the things that may relate to Central Asia. We have divided the narrative into three sections: Participants from Central Asia at Davos 2026 The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 concluded on January 23, 2026, with nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries, … [Read more...]
SPECA Economic Forum 2026 Concludes with Strong Regional Commitments on Connectivity, Trade, and Sustainable Development
The SPECA Economic Forum 2026, held on 21–22 January in Ashgabat, brought together high-level government representatives, UN regional commissions, international financial institutions, and regional experts to advance cooperation across transport, energy, digital trade, and sustainable development in Central Asia. Hosted under the theme “Regional Connectivity for Sustainable … [Read more...]
The Ambassadors of Central Asia and Mongolia met with the Chairman of the House of Representatives of Belgium
Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belgium Sapar Palvanov, together with the ambassadors of Central Asian and Mongolian countries accredited in Brussels, held a meeting with Peter De Roover, Chairman of the Belgian House of Representatives. Opening the meeting and speaking on behalf of the Central Asian countries, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan stressed that today Central Asia is … [Read more...]
“Central Asia – Russia” Format Consultations Held in Moscow
On 22 January 2026, high-level consultations in the "Central Asia – Russia" format were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The meeting focused on the implementation of the Joint Action Plan for Central Asia and Russia for 2025–2027. The head of the Turkmen delegation, Ambassador of Turkmenistan E. Aydogdyev, noted in his remarks the importance … [Read more...]
Asymmetrical fusion of Traditional and Non-Traditional Security Threats faces Central Asia. Solution is within.
Tariq Saeedi This is the era of entangled risks. --- There is an asymmetrical fusion of Traditional and Non-Traditional Security Threats facing Central Asia. Traditional Security (TS) Threats are conventional, state-centric, military-focused risks, such as wars, border disputes, and invasions, threatening state sovereignty. Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Threats are … [Read more...]
The EDB has outlined seven key areas for cooperation among multilateral development banks
The EDB has proposed a partnership roadmap for MDBs. The Bank's new research “Cooperation of Multilateral Development Banks in Emerging Markets and Developing Countries: Untapped Opportunities” contains seven specific areas for MDB cooperation, ranging from financial resources to regional expertise. According to EDB analysts, this approach will enable MDBs to combine their … [Read more...]
GDP Per Capita Hits $15,000: Kazakhstan Sets Record for Central Asia
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hailed a landmark year for the Kazakhstan economy during the 5th meeting of the National Kurultai on 20 January 2026. Addressing the assembly, the Head of State revealed that the nation’s GDP per capita has reached an unprecedented $15,000, setting a new record for both the country and the Central Asian region. The President attributed these … [Read more...]
Tokayev: Saving the Aral Sea Remains a Global Priority
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev underscored the critical state of the Aral Sea during his address at the 5th meeting of the National Kurultai, calling the environmental recovery of the region a task for all of humanity. Speaking in the region most directly impacted by the ecological disaster, the President highlighted the necessity of proactive "water diplomacy" and enhanced … [Read more...]
AI with a Turkic Character: Kazakh Startup Cybernet AI Launches First Major Speech Recognition Model for Turkic Languages
The Kazakhstan-based startup Cybernet AI has unveiled the largest Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) model specifically designed for Turkic languages, according to the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This project marks a milestone as the first large-scale AI development of its kind to emerge from Central Asia. Unlike … [Read more...]
Resilient Together: Strengthening the Caucasus and Central Asia Through Regional Cooperation
Yingming Yang, Vice-President, Asian Development Bank, and Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, International Monetary Fund Despite heightened global uncertainty and persistent geopolitical tensions, the Caucasus and Central Asia have continued to surprise on the upside. Growth in the subregion, which includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, … [Read more...]
Historic Milestone: China-Central Asia Trade Turnover Surpasses $100 Billion for the First Time
In 2025, economic and trade cooperation between China and Central Asian nations reached a qualitatively new level, hitting a historic milestone. According to official data from the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC, reported by Xinhua News Agency, the total trade turnover between China and the region amounted to $106.3 billion, a 12% increase over the previous year. This … [Read more...]
The Ancient Ocean Tethys: How a Vanished Sea Shaped the Mountains of Central Asia
Imagine a gigantic ocean that once stretched from what is now the Mediterranean Sea all the way to the distant corners of Asia. This was the Tethys Ocean — a vast body of water that separated ancient continents. Today, only the Mediterranean remains as its remnant, but its influence on Earth’s landscape has proven far more enduring than one might expect. A new study by … [Read more...]
SPECA Economic Forum 2026 in Ashgabat to advance regional connectivity and the UN drive to peace and trust
The United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) will hold its annual economic forum and the 20th session of its Governing Council in the framework of the SPECA High-Level Week in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, from 20 to 23 January 2026. These events will mark a major milestone for regional cooperation at a time when global challenges demand renewed … [Read more...]
Alternative Crops for Sustainable Sugar Self-Sufficiency in Central Asia
nCa Report Introduction In the previous report, we looked at the potential Stevia-based sweeteners to help replace about 30% of the total sugar imports of Central Asia. This report is continuation of the search for alternatives to enable Central Asia to reduce its dependence on the imported sugar. Both of these are accompanying extensions to the main report – … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Economic Rise: EDB Chief Economist on Transport Corridors, Logistics Boom, and the Path to Industrial Power
Central Asia is rapidly emerging as one of the world's most dynamic economic regions, with robust growth, expanding trade routes, and strategic opportunities in logistics and industry. Evgeny Vinokurov, Chief Economist of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) shares his perspective on this transformation. Originally featured on The Astana Times YouTube channel, this interview … [Read more...]
Stevia as a Partial Alternative to Sugar: Enhancing Food Security in Central Asia
nCa Report Introduction Central Asia faces significant food security challenges, particularly with vulnerabilities in key commodities like sugar, cooking oil, and tea. Sugar, in particular, relies heavily on imports due to limited domestic production in countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. While stevia (Stevia … [Read more...]
nCa Special Reports Launched
We have launched a new product line – nCa Special Reports. The first report: Turkmenistan 2025 – Trade Sector ----- This report is available free of cost to anyone who may be interested in evaluating the quality and content of our reports. Please contact us at news.asia@gmail.com if you are interested in obtaining a free copy of this report. These reports are … [Read more...]
Economies of Central Asia Show Robust Growth Amid Slowdown in CIS – UN Report
Most countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia maintain strong economic growth momentum, despite an overall slowdown in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Georgia region. These findings are presented in the new UN report "World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026." According to the report, following 4.6 per cent growth in 2024, the region’s GDP is … [Read more...]
Airspace of Iran
nCa Report Key Points Overview of Traffic and Revenue Iran's airspace serves as a vital link for global aviation, but the 2025 conflict introduced uncertainties. Current estimates indicate recovery toward pre-conflict levels, with fees supporting infrastructure. For details, see sources like Safe Airspace and OPS Group. Diversion Implications Diversions during … [Read more...]
Shared Borders, Shared Futures
Niu Honglin is a producer and host with CGTN. She is also one of the editors of Stories of Xi Jinping. Peace doesn’t always fall apart because of distant rivals. Peace breaks down because neighbors stop talking. Borders are challenged, and trust chipped away. Small disagreements fester and become permanent. In a world full of global flash points, it’s often relationships … [Read more...]
Importance of Iran as Transit Territory
nCa Report Iran serves as a critical transit hub connecting the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe through a network of land, rail, and sea routes. Its strategic location facilitates the efficient movement of goods, supporting regional trade and economic integration. Over the last three years (2023-2025), Iran's transit infrastructure has seen … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan to Expand Capacity of Tuyamuyun Hydro Complex on Border with Turkmenistan
Along the Amu Darya River on the border between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan lies a major hydroelectric facility known as the Tuyamuyun Hydro Complex. This complex includes 30 key hydraulic structures and four interconnected reservoirs: the Channel Reservoir, Sultansanjar Reservoir, Kaparas Reservoir, and Koshbulak Reservoir. These are linked by a system of canals and gates. The … [Read more...]
Gas, Nuclear Energy, and Logistics: How Central Asia Transformed from “Periphery” to a Pillar of Russia’s Economic Strategy
The Moscow-based Russian Civil Society Fund recently released a report titled "A Decade of New Opportunities: Outlines of a New Strategic Partnership Between Russia and the Countries of Central Asia." The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the strategic partnership between Russia and the Central Asian states over the past decade (2015-2025). It also forecasts the … [Read more...]
The Untapped Tech Talent of Central Asia’s Steppes
Tariq Saeedi Every morning across rural Central Asia, a teenager might wake before dawn to track down a wandering camel across miles of steppe, calculate which sections of cropland can be irrigated with the day's limited water supply, or improvise a repair on broken farm machinery using whatever materials are at hand. These aren't the activities we typically associate … [Read more...]
EDB: China’s FDI stock in Central Asia has increased over ten years to US $35.9 billion
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has released its second report under the flagship Monitoring of Mutual Investments project. The paper focuses on China, the Eurasian region’s leading investment partner in 2025, and shows that Chinese investment in the region continues to grow steadily despite the global decline in FDI flows. Over the past ten years, this investment has … [Read more...]
Central Asia in 2025
Tariq Saeedi While much of the world spent 2025 navigating economic uncertainty and geopolitical turbulence, Central Asia quietly emerged as one of the year's most remarkable success stories. The five nations—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan—achieved something increasingly rare in today's fractured global landscape: they maintained steady … [Read more...]
Building a world of lasting peace through dialogue and consultation
CGTN podcast In October 2013, at a conference on work related to neighboring countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping first put forward China's fundamental policy guideline for diplomacy with neighboring countries — amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. “Amity” stands for close and friendly relations, “sincerity” for mutual trust and honesty, “mutual benefit” … [Read more...]