The Governments of the United States of America, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan commemorated the tenth anniversary of the C5+1 diplomatic platform with a joint statement outlining a renewed commitment to regional prosperity, sustainable development, and strengthened economic cooperation. Established in 2015, the C5+1 framework has … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan President’s Visit to Washington: Participation in the C5+1 Summit, Series of Meetings, Turkmen-American Business Forum
During a working visit to the United States from 4 to 7 November 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in the “Central Asia + United States of America” (C5+1) Summit in Washington, met with President Donald Trump, and held a series of meetings with business leaders and high-ranking officials. Additionally, a Turkmen-American business forum was held … [Read more...]
UNODC Concludes Annual Programme Steering Committee Meeting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan, successfully held its annual Programme Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2022-2025 on 6 November 2025 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The hybrid-format event brought together over 100 participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, … [Read more...]
C5+1 Washington Summit: The Buttons align with the Buttonholes
Tariq Saeedi President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan at the C5+1 summit in Washington, DC, on November 6, 2025. According to the early reports, here are the main outcomes of the summit: * * * The outcomes, as we know from the early reports, are encouraging in that they build on the … [Read more...]
Rubio announces plans to visit all five Central Asian nations next year
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his intention to visit all five Central Asian countries in the coming year, signaling a renewed commitment to deepening ties with the region. Speaking at a welcome reception hosted at the State Department on 5 November, Rubio addressed foreign ministers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, along with the … [Read more...]
Central Asia Economic Outlook 2025: A Comprehensive Survey of Macroeconomic Indicators and Projections
Editor’s Note: This report is experimental in nature. We have taken the data from IMF, World Bank, ADB, EBRD, and EDB and attempted to arrive at mean economic indicators. All of these financial institutions have their own methodologies because of the differences in their particular focus. This leads to the economic indicators being assessed differently by the different … [Read more...]
U.S. State Department and Kennedy Center to Host Landmark C5+1 Tenth Anniversary Business Conference Ahead of Washington Summit
As Central Asian leaders converge on the U.S. capital for a presidential summit C5+1, the US Department of State, in partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, announced it will host the C5+1 Tenth Anniversary Business Conference, according to the US Department of State. The event underscores a decade of deepening ties between the United States and … [Read more...]
Central Asia Gears Up for Historic C5+1 Summit with Trump: A Mix of Optimism and Caution
Tariq Saeedi As the world watches the evolving dynamics of global diplomacy, the upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington, D.C., on November 6, 2025, is generating significant buzz across Central Asia and beyond. This gathering, marking the 10th anniversary of the C5+1 format that brings together the United States and the five Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, … [Read more...]
The C5+1 Summit in Washington: Toward Forging an Inclusive U.S.-Central Asia Partnership
Tariq Saeedi The recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, on October 30 feels like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise tense international landscape. Their bilateral talks led to breakthroughs on tariffs, rare earth minerals, and trade disputes, fostering a palpable mood of reconciliation that could … [Read more...]
Housing in Steppes and Deserts of Central Asia
nCa Report Providing housing to the populations scattered across the steppes and deserts of Central Asia is a unique challenge. The conventional housing solutions – urban and rural – cannot be neatly applied to the region. There has to be a dedicated category of housing suitable for the environment and challenges of the steppes and deserts. Unlike the urban centres … [Read more...]
Green Climate Fund Backs $250M ‘Glaciers to Farms’ Program for Central Asia and Pakistan
nCa Report The Green Climate Fund has approved $250 million in financing for the Asian Development Bank's flagship regional initiative, "Glaciers to Farms," which aims to build sustainable water and agricultural systems for vulnerable communities living in glacier-dependent areas across Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Pakistan. The program addresses one of the most … [Read more...]
Central Asia and the Law of Proximity
Tariq Saeedi Have you ever noticed how you're more likely to strike up a friendship with the person sitting next to you in class or the neighbor across the street than someone halfway across the world? It's not just coincidence—it's this fascinating idea called the ‘Law of Proximity’ from social psychology. Basically, it boils down to the fact that physical closeness … [Read more...]
New China-Central Asia Transport Corridor Launches Trial Operations
Seven trucks carrying containers departed from the Kashi International Hub Port in northwestern China's Xinjiang region on October 15, marking the launch of a trial international transport service connecting China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, according to Chinese state media reports. The multimodal transport corridor represents a significant development in … [Read more...]
Tajikistan’s: Pioneering AI Leadership in Central Asia and Beyond
nCa Analysis Tajikistan is moving energetically, and pretty fast, to position itself as the regional powerhouse in artificial intelligence (AI) and related disciplines. It is following a hybrid model, merging the indigenous components with the foreign partnership elements. The sum total can possibly be more than its component parts. Under the vision and patronage of … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan receives invitation for US-Central Asia summit in Washington DC
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan has received the invitation from President Donald Trump of the USA for participation in the US-Central Asia summit. The summit will take place in Washington DC on 6 November 2025. According to the Watan news show of Turkmenistan, the message from Trump reads: “I would like to invite you to the White House for a meeting with … [Read more...]
World Bank: Europe and Central Asia Must Invest in Jobs to Drive Growth
Economic growth in Europe and Central Asia has slowed but the region remains resilient despite ongoing global and regional challenges, according to a World Bank press release issued on October 7, 2025. Regional GDP is expected to grow by 2.4 percent in real terms this year, down from 3.7 percent in 2024. The slowdown is primarily driven by a weaker pace of expansion in … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Participates in Ministerial Meeting in Luxembourg: Focus on Trans-Caspian Corridor and Green Agenda
On 20 October 2025, a Turkmenistan delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Myahri Byashimova participated in a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg, held following the EU Foreign Affairs Council session. The meeting brought together foreign ministers and representatives from EU Member States, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Republic of Moldova, Türkiye, Ukraine, and … [Read more...]
Samarkand hosted the first meeting of defense ministers of Central Asian states
On 20 October 2025, the first-ever meeting of defense ministers of Central Asian states was held in Samarkand, as reported by Uzbekistan’s National Information Agency UzA. At the beginning of the session, a message from the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was presented to the participants. The message emphasized that in recent years, … [Read more...]
Transit Through Central Asia Surges by 70% from 2020 to 2024
Central Asia is rapidly emerging as a key transit hub in Eurasia, proving that a lack of sea access is no barrier to economic growth. Thanks to its unique geographical position at the heart of the continent and the active implementation of infrastructure projects, the region is experiencing remarkable growth in transit transportation. According to data from the Eurasian … [Read more...]
UNRCCA co-organizes Fifth Regional Conference on the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia
Baku, Azerbaijan - On 13-16 October, UNRCCA and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), with the support of the People’s Republic of China through the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF), organized the fifth regional conference on the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia. The Early Warning Network is being developed to … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Rice Report
nCa Report Key Points on Rice in Central Asia Annual Consumption Evidence leans toward total regional consumption of about 1 million tons in recent years, with per-country estimates based on population and per capita data. For instance, Kyrgyzstan's consumption is around 50,000 tons (Statista: CIS Rice Consumption by Country), reflecting lower reliance on … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan hosted 3rd Central Asia-India Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils/National Security Advisers
On 16 October, in Bishkek, the third Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils/National Security Advisers in the Central Asia and India format was held under the chairmanship of the Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic Baktybek Bekbolotov. This multilateral format is a continuation of broad regional cooperation in the interests of peace … [Read more...]
Report: State of E-Commerce in Central Asia
nCa Report Editor’s Note: There are certain shortcomings in this report, mainly because quite a bit of the related information and data is not available on the net. Some of the information is behind the firewalls. The difference in methodologies among the data sources is another factor. For the collation and augmentation of information and for the general heavy … [Read more...]
Central Asia and China Open New Logistics Routes: Trial Launch of Multimodal Corridor to Turkmenistan
On Wednesday, 15 October, the trial operation of the international multimodal transport corridor linking China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan officially launched, according to Xinhua. The corridor features two multimodal routes, with goods transported by rail from Xi’an (Shaanxi Province, Northwest China) and Chengdu (Sichuan Province, Southwest China) to Kashgar … [Read more...]
Fergana to host the First Fergana Peace Forum
The first session of the Fergana Peace Forum, titled “Fergana Valley: Uniting Efforts for Peace and Progress” is scheduled for October 15–16, 2025, in the city of Fergana. Next week, the city of Fergana will transform into a focal point for international dialogue and cooperation, hosting key stakeholders from across the region and beyond. This gathering underscores the … [Read more...]
China-Europe Freight Train Marks 50,000th Trip from Horgos Port
A China-Europe freight train loaded with electronic products, mechanical and electrical equipment, and daily necessities departed from the Horgos Railway Port in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for Małaszewicze, Poland, on Saturday, marking the 50,000th train to pass through the port since operations began in March 2016, according to the Global Times. The … [Read more...]
Ferghana Valley: a Common vision of a Strategy for Sustainable Development and Prosperity
Diloram Mukhsinova and Bekhzod Alimjanov, senior researchers at the Center for Foreign Policy Studies (Uzbekistan) Annotation. The Ferghana Valley is the historical heart of Central Asia, where a new model of regional cooperation based on trust, good neighbourliness and sustainable development is currently taking shape. The initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat … [Read more...]
The Taste of Diplomacy: How Tajikistan Charmed Leaders of Central Asian and Russia with a Spectacular Harvest Display
On 9 October 2025, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon hosted an informal gathering—a "friendship evening"—for the heads of state participating in the Central Asia–Russia Summit and the CIS Summit at the government residence in Dushanbe. A vibrant exhibition of Tajikistan’s agricultural products and national cuisine was organized in the picturesque setting of the … [Read more...]
A firm commitment to partnership and alliance: Putin on Strengthening Russia-Central Asia Ties
On October 9, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the second Central Asia–Russia summit in Dushanbe, reaffirming Russia's dedication to strengthening strategic partnerships and alliances with Central Asian states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The speech highlighted the immense potential for economic cooperation, outlining key … [Read more...]
Transport, Nuclear Energy, Industrial Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s President Names Partnership Priorities for Central Asia and Russia
At Dushanbe Summit on Thursday, 9 October 2025, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev called on the countries of Central Asia and Russia for closer coordination and cooperation in the six-sided format, urged by "growing geopolitical tension and crisis phenomena in the world economy." In this context, the leader of Uzbekistan outlined his vision for the prospects of … [Read more...]
Trade, Transport, Energy, and Security: Initiatives of the President of Kazakhstan at the Central Asia – Russia Summit
Trade with Russia accounts for one-third of the total trade turnover of the Central Asian countries, announced President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev while addressing the Central Asia – Russia Summit in Tajikistan. "It is gratifying that the situation in the Central Asian region itself has evolved in recent years towards political solidarity, economic cooperation, and … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Russia Summit: Kyrgyz President Highlights Positive Shift in Central Asian Security Situation
For Kyrgyzstan, the Central Asian countries and Russia invariably remain key partners. This format serves as a practical tool for deepening comprehensive partnership, stated President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic at the Second Central Asia – Russia Summit in Dushanbe. Speaking about the current international situation, Sadyr Japarov noted that the meeting was … [Read more...]
President of Tajikistan Chaired the Second “Central Asia–Russia” Summit in Dushanbe
On 9 October 2025, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, the Second “Central Asia–Russia” Summit was held at the Government Residence in Dushanbe. The summit brought together the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Russian … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Russia Summit: Turkmenistan’s President Calls for a Return Civilized Communication in International Relations
On 9 October 2025, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the Second Central Asia – Russia Summit in Dushanbe, which was held under the chairmanship of Tajikistan. President Berdimuhamedov underscored the importance of the Second Summit as a step towards transitioning cooperation in this format onto a systemic basis, reflecting an objective process … [Read more...]
Communiqué of the Dushanbe Summit: Central Asia and Russia Reaffirm Commitment to Multipolarity and Strategic Partnership
On 9 October 2025, the Central Asia–Russia Summit was held in Dushanbe under the chairmanship of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. The summit was attended by the heads of state of Central Asia and Russia: President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, … [Read more...]
Report: China and Central Asia Railway Connections
nCa-AI Collaborative Report Key Points Current Railway Connections The primary links are at Alashankou-Dostyk and Khorgos-Altynkol, both on the China-Kazakhstan border. These handle the vast majority of rail cargo between China and Central Asia. A third crossing, Bakhty-Chuguchak, is being developed to increase capacity. No direct rail connections exist yet to … [Read more...]
Transforming the Aral Sea region into a global hub for climate technologies: green energy, water-saving innovations, and opportunities for international partnership
B.S.Khabibullaev, Director of the Aral Sea International Innovation Centre under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan Introduction: The Significance of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly The participation of the President of the Republic of … [Read more...]
Central Asia Wheat Situation Report: Season 2024-2025
nCa Report Executive Summary The wheat situation in Central Asia for the 2024-2025 agricultural season presents a generally positive outlook despite significant climate challenges. The region successfully completed autumn sowing under favorable conditions, achieved average to above-average harvests in most countries, and experienced robust export demand, particularly from … [Read more...]
Dushanbe to host CIS and “Central Asia–Russia” Summits
On 9–10 October 2025, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, will host a series of high-level meetings in the formats of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Central Asia: • Summit of Heads of State in the “Central Asia–Russia” format• Meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State• Meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers On 9 October, the Presidents of Tajikistan, … [Read more...]
Mini and Micro Investments and Other Instruments for Self-Reliance
Tariq Saeedi In the quest for economic advancement, developing countries often turn to foreign investments that must eventually be repaid, like loans for critical infrastructure and growth initiatives. These inflows can spark progress, but they frequently come with terms that subtly influence national policies, potentially eroding economic autonomy and the freedom to … [Read more...]
Dubai: One of the oldest trading towns in history and its ancient connections with Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova and Raviliya Kadyrova Dubai, a shimmering beacon of modernity in the Arabian Gulf, has roots deeply embedded in the sands of history as a vital hub of commerce. Its transformation from a prehistoric mangrove swamp to a bustling international trade center spans over 7,000 years, marked by waves of migration, cultural exchanges, and economic … [Read more...]
Central Asian Leaders at UN General Assembly: Urgent Call to Protect Glaciers and Water Resources
At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Central Asian leaders issued a stark warning about the rapid melting of glaciers, which threatens water and food security for millions. The Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan proposed bold initiatives, including international forums and new institutions, to avert an impending … [Read more...]
ADB Cuts Developing Asia Growth Outlook Amid Trade Tensions, But Central Asia Stays Robust
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is trimming its growth outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific by 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points for this year and next, respectively, amid the emergence of a new global trade environment, shaped by tariffs and updated trade agreements. Economies in the region are projected to grow by 4.8% this year and 4.5% next year, according … [Read more...]
EBRD gives positive outlook for Central Asian economies
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) expects the Central Asian economies of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to grow by 6.1 per cent on average in 2025, according to its latest Regional Economic Prospects report. This solid growth is supported by strong industrial output, robust domestic … [Read more...]
Ghazali, Rumi, and Iqbal: A Timeless Troika of Hope for Central Asia
Tariq Saeedi Imagine sitting down with a cup of chai on a crisp autumn evening in Ashgabat, the kind where the desert wind whispers secrets from a thousand years ago. You're flipping through stories of three souls—Al-Ghazali, Rumi, and Iqbal—who never planted roots in Central Asia, never watched the sun dip behind the Kopet Dag mountains. Yet their voices? They're woven … [Read more...]
3rd Central Asia Inter-Parliamentary Forum Held in Bishkek
On 23 September 2025, the 3rd Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States was held in Bishkek under the theme “Parliaments of Central Asian Countries: Effective Solutions for Comprehensive Regional Development.” Opening the forum, Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament of Kyrgyzstan) Nurlanbek Shakiev emphasized that in a short period, the forum has become the … [Read more...]
Central Asia: The Quiet Powerhouse Shaping a Stable Future at UNGA
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova As the world gathers for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, there's a palpable sense that this meeting carries more weight than many in recent memory. With the theme "Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights," it arrives at a time when global cooperation … [Read more...]
Turkmen Delegation Takes Part in Study Visit to Spain Under CADAP 7
Madrid/Oviedo, Spain — 22–26 September 2025. The Turkmen delegation is taking part in a study visit to Spain, organized within the framework of the EU-funded Central Asia Drug Action Programme – Phase 7 (CADAP 7). The visit is being carried out with the support of CADAP in cooperation with the Fundación Internacional y para Iberoamérica de Administración y Políticas Públicas … [Read more...]
Central Asia: Where Privilege Meets Global Responsibility
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova In the vast expanse of the Eurasian landmass, Central Asia occupies a position that is both geographically central and strategically pivotal. This region, encompassing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, possesses a constellation of unique characteristics that distinguish it from any other part of the … [Read more...]
Lavrov Outlines Priorities for Russia’s Economic Cooperation with Central Asia
Russia's aggregate trade turnover with Central Asian countries exceeds $45 billion per year. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a session of the Business Council under the Russian Foreign Ministry, where key areas of interaction with Central Asian states and measures to support Russian companies in foreign markets were discussed. According to … [Read more...]