Participants from every Central Asian country, including Turkmenistan, attended the international online conference Colvir Islamic Brunch Live, hosted by Colvir Software Solutions in September 2026. Bank representatives and financial market experts discussed practical aspects of developing Islamic banking, from regulation and staff training to banking processes and IT … [Read more...]
One Resort, Three Summits: Avaza Puts Regional Diplomacy to a Practical Test
From October 7 to 9, the CIS, the Central Asia–Azerbaijan format and the Caspian environmental track converge on Turkmenistan's coast. What follows the meetings will matter more than the meetings themselves. Tariq Saeedi The Avaza National Tourist Zone on Turkmenistan's Caspian coast is ready for three unusually dense days of diplomacy. From October 7 to 9, a sequence of … [Read more...]
A New Regional Mindset: Political Trust Is Turning into Economic Capital
Tulkin Teshabaev, Rector of Tashkent State University of Economics Doctor of Economics, Professor The changes taking place in Central Asia in recent years can hardly be described as simple diplomatic rapprochement. This process is also transforming the economic landscape of the region. The political foundation of this change is linked to a new regional approach that began … [Read more...]
TIF 2026 — Why Ashgabat’s Milestone Forum is a Turning Point for Central Asian Connectivity
Tariq Saeedi, Elvira Kadyrova, and Liliya Zhirnova As the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2026) opens its doors in Ashgabat today, it marks more than just a gathering of global capital. Coinciding with the landmark celebrations of Turkmenistan's 35th anniversary of independence, this forum represents a profound geopolitical and macroeconomic pivot. For a country … [Read more...]
From Dubai to Ashgabat: Why Central Asia Is Moving Higher on the Global Energy Agenda
Discussions at GOTECH 2026 are highlighting a significant shift in the international energy conversation: technology is advancing rapidly, but energy security, regional connectivity and access to large-scale resources remain fundamental. For Central Asia — and Turkmenistan in particular — the combination is creating a new strategic opportunity. Taking place in Dubai from 29 … [Read more...]
SRSG Kaha Imnadze participates in the Second Fergana Peace Forum in Khujand
On 28–29 September, Kaha Imnadze, SRSG for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA, participated in the Second Fergana Peace Forum in Khujand, Tajikistan – the second major event organized within the UNRCCA-supported Fergana Peace Process. Building on the inaugural Forum held in Fergana, Uzbekistan, in October 2025, the event brought together representatives of national and regional … [Read more...]
Nature’s Infiltration: Redefining Urban Water Resilience via the Sponge City Model
nCa Report Part I: Understanding the Sponge City Concept As climate change accelerates the frequency of extreme weather events, traditional urban infrastructure—often termed "grey infrastructure"—is failing. Densely paved cities act as giant funnels, forcing heavy rainwater into concrete channels and storm sewers that quickly become overwhelmed, leading to catastrophic … [Read more...]
World Bank: Trans-Caspian Corridor Investments Could Triple Trade Volumes by 2040
Report puts infrastructure need at more than $25 billion, with a further $30 billion for enabling investments A new World Bank Group report estimates that investment in the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC), also known as the Middle Corridor, could more than triple trade volumes along the route and halve travel times by 2040. The report, Integration: World-Class … [Read more...]
Azerbaijan Ambassador and RECCA Discuss Expanding Climate Dialogue in Central Asia–Azerbaijan Format
The further development of environmental cooperation in the Central Asia–Azerbaijan format was discussed at a meeting between Gismat Gozalov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan, and Mergen Kepbanov, Director of the Project Office of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (RECCA) in Turkmenistan, according to the RECCA Project Office in … [Read more...]
The Way Forward: Navigating the Next Era of the Korea-Central Asia Partnership
Elvira Kadyrova and Tariq Saeedi The conclusion of the historic, first-ever Korea-Central Asia Summit in Seoul marked a definitive structural shift in Eurasian diplomacy. While initial global coverage rightly focused on the immediate deliverables of the Seoul Declaration—including the institutionalization of biennial summits and the blueprint for South Korea’s "K-Silk … [Read more...]
B5+ITALY Business Platform Launched in Astana, Marking New Stage in Italy–Central Asia Economic Partnership
The Central Asia–Italy Business Platform Forum was held in Astana on September 18, officially launching the B5+ITALY platform, according the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration. Italy was represented by Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Maria Tripodi. The forum brought together deputy ministers from the relevant ministries of Italy, Kyrgyzstan, … [Read more...]
The Rise of Central Asia: The Trans-Eurasian Trade Routes Re-routing
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova Global supply chains were built for efficiency, not survival. For decades, the system hummed along on a fragile formula: concentrate manufacturing in East Asia and rely on a few high-traffic maritime channels like the Suez Canal or northern rail tracks cutting through Russia. But post-pandemic ripples, grinding trade friction between … [Read more...]
Business Summit in Seoul: Turkmenistan Ready to Expand Direct Contacts Between Business Communities of Central Asia and Korea
Turkmenistan is ready to facilitate the expansion of direct contacts and exchanges between the business communities of Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea, as well as the development of new joint projects. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated this while speaking at the first "Central Asia – Republic of Korea" Business Summit in Seoul on 16 … [Read more...]
Smart City Diplomacy and Digital Education: Turkmenistan Outlines Strategic Initiatives at Inaugural Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit
On Wednesday, 16 September, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit and the inaugural six-party Business Summit in Seoul. During the summit, Turkmenistan presented the "Smart City Diplomacy" initiative, proposed expanding cooperation in education and digital skills for youth, stepping up joint scientific … [Read more...]
Korea and Central Asia to Hold Summits Every Two Years: Seoul Declaration Adopted
The presidents of the Republic of Korea and the five Central Asian countries — Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan — adopted the Seoul Declaration, outlining long-term areas of cooperation and a new institutional framework for engagement between the sides. The document was adopted in Seoul on September 16 following the first Korea–Central Asia … [Read more...]
Trade, Critical Minerals and Infrastructure: Korea and Central Asian Countries Sign 19 MoUs at First Business Summit
Elvira Kadyrova South Korea and the five Central Asian countries have agreed to expand business cooperation in trade and investment, critical minerals, energy, infrastructure and logistics. The agreements were reached at the first Korea–Central Asia Business Summit, held in Seoul on 16 September 2026. According to the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, the … [Read more...]
Yonhap: Full text of op-ed by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun marking 1st S. Korea-Central Asia Summit
The following is the full text of an op-ed written by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun for Yonhap News Agency ahead of the first South Korea-Central Asia Summit. Moving Beyond the Silk Road, Toward the Future: New Horizons for the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation The First Korea-Central Asia Summit 2026 is to take place on September 16 in Seoul. It will be a historic occasion … [Read more...]
Central Asia: Time to Look at Non-Conventional Pipelines
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova The global pipeline infrastructure is undergoing an irreversible paradigm shift. Driven by net-zero climate mandates and the need for long-term economic resilience, international midstream operators are looking past traditional hydrocarbons. Pipelines are no longer viewed strictly as rigid, single-commodity transit tubes for crude oil and … [Read more...]
The Quiet Successes Reshaping Modern Tajikistan
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova Beneath the surface of day-to-day geopolitics, a quiet transformation is taking place in Tajikistan. It is currently executing a series of far-reaching strategic pivots in environmental diplomacy, green energy, digital infrastructure, and public health that deserve genuine international praise. A Global Voice for the Frozen … [Read more...]
Seoul Brings Central Asian Leaders Together for First Summit with South Korea
Central Asian leaders are gathering in Seoul this week for the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit, marking a major upgrade in a cooperation format that has brought the region and South Korea together at the ministerial level since 2007. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in the Republic of Korea on 14 September for a state visit and will … [Read more...]
Seoul to hold 1st Central Asia summit, discuss critical minerals, supply chain cooperation
Park Boram Seoul will host the first South Korea-Central Asia Summit next week to discuss cooperation with the region in areas including critical minerals, energy sources and the diversification of global supply chains, the presidential office said Friday, Yonhap reports. The inaugural event, set for Wednesday, will bring together the heads of state of Kazakhstan, … [Read more...]
“C5+1”: The US and Central Asian States Agree on Steps to Deepen Partnership
On 9 September 2026, Ashgabat hosted a regular meeting of the Secretariat for Multilateral Cooperation in the “C5+1” format, which brings together the Central Asian states and the United States of America, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The meeting focused on the further development of the “C5+1” format, as well as practical aspects of interaction … [Read more...]
Time-tested friendship: Ashgabat marks 35th anniversary of Tajikistan’s Independence
On 8 September 2026, Ambassador Niyatbekzoda Vafo Alibek hosted a reception in Ashgabat to mark a milestone date — the 35th anniversary of Independence of Tajikistan. The event gathered members of the diplomatic corps, government agencies, and the public, standing as a vivid illustration of the growing bonds of good-neighborliness, mutual respect, and deep strategic partnership … [Read more...]
20th Anniversary of the Semipalatinsk Treaty: Central Asia Reaffirms Commitment to a World Free of Nuclear Weapons
The Central Asian states have reaffirmed their commitment to humanity’s common goal of achieving a world free of nuclear weapons, while expressing concern over the lack of substantial progress in global nuclear disarmament. This was stated in a joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of the States Parties to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia (CANWFZ … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Digital Mirage: Why Low-Tech Remains the Real Engine of Stability
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova Walk through the glossy corridors of the Astana Hub in Kazakhstan or attend a high-profile tech summit in Tashkent, and you will hear an intoxicating narrative. --- Central Asia, the story goes, is on the cusp of an absolute digital revolution. From FinTech breakthroughs and AI-driven government services to clean energy innovations, the … [Read more...]
Tajikistan at 35: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova As the Republic of Tajikistan marks the 35th anniversary of its state independence on September 9, 2026, the occasion prompts a profound reflection on one of the most remarkable transformations in the modern history of Central Asia. Three and a half decades ago, when the Soviet Union fractured, Tajikistan inherited a landscape fraught with … [Read more...]
Central Asia Must Prepare for the Climate That Is Coming
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova A new United Nations assessment has delivered an uncomfortable message: the world's central climate target is no longer avoidable, only manageable. On 2 September 2026, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) released Limiting Overshoot, which states plainly that global warming will cross the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels within … [Read more...]
Central Asia — Economic Model for Tomorrow Morning
Tariq Saeedi For three decades, the economic story told about Central Asia has largely been a story about what lies beneath the ground and what passes over it: hydrocarbons, cotton, minerals, and — increasingly — transit. That story is not wrong. It is simply incomplete, and its limits are becoming visible. A model built primarily on extraction and passage generates … [Read more...]
Afghanistan’s Trade Realignment: The Shift from Pakistan to Central Asia and Iran
How border closures, a Taliban directive, and new transit corridors are redrawing Afghanistan's economic map Tariq Saeedi For decades, Pakistan was Afghanistan's principal commercial gateway to the outside world. Geography made the relationship almost unavoidable: Afghanistan is landlocked, and Pakistan offered the shortest overland route to the Arabian Sea and the ports … [Read more...]
Xi Jinping–Sadyr Japarov Meeting in Bishkek: China and Kyrgyzstan Build a New System of Comprehensive Connectivity
Elvira Kadyrova The talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek on 31 August marked a new phase in China–Kyrgyzstan relations — from implementing individual infrastructure and investment projects to building a comprehensive system of economic connectivity spanning transport, border infrastructure, trade, standards, investment, … [Read more...]
Malaysia Further Strengthens Appeal Among Central Asian Travellers
Tourism Malaysia continues to see strong momentum across Central Asia, as travellers from the region choose Malaysia as their travel destination. From January to June 2026, Malaysia welcomed 53,347 visitors from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, a 23.3 per cent increase compared with 43,280 visitors during the same period in 2025. Most markets … [Read more...]
Xinhua: China’s cotton know-how takes root in Central Asia
Several hundred kilometers from Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, cotton plants in a 1,000-mu (about 66.67 hectares) demonstration field are approaching one meter in height, each bearing 8 to 10 bolls. For Song Meizhen, chief scientist of a high-quality cotton research team at the Institute of Western Agriculture under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the … [Read more...]
ADB Approves $400 Million Financing Facility to Modernize Borders, Facilitate Trade in CAREC Region
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $400 million regional financing facility to modernize border crossing points, lower transport and logistics costs, and improve the movement of people and goods across the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) region. The Border Upgrades for Integration, Logistics, and Development (BUILD) facility will support priority … [Read more...]
Seoul Hosts Cultural Promo Event Ahead of First Korea-Central Asia Summit 2026
The Preparatory Office for the First Korea-Central Asia Summit 2026 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held an offline Promotional Event for the First Korea-Central Asia Summit 2026 at Cheonggye Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. According to the foreign ministry of Korea, This offline promotional event was organized to wish for a successful hosting of … [Read more...]
Not Only a Crisis, But Solutions: How Central Asia Is Halting Land Degradation
Central Asia’s land resources are facing mounting pressure from degradation caused by extreme weather conditions, rapid rates of warming, systemic resource management errors, and high rates of urbanization. More than 80 million hectares—over a quarter of the region’s land area, or roughly four times the size of Kyrgyzstan—are already degraded, according to the authors of the … [Read more...]
Startup Culture and Central Asia
Startup culture, in its classic form, is a set of working habits — flat hierarchies, fast iteration, generalist roles, and a tolerance for failure — that grew out of Silicon Valley's need to build new things quickly under conditions of extreme uncertainty. It is often defined against "corporate culture," which prizes stability, process, and risk avoidance over speed and … [Read more...]
OSCE strengthens the regional capacity of Central Asian countries in medical support for Explosive Ordnance Disposal operations
From 3 to 13 August 2026, a regional OSCE training course on medical support for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations was conducted at the Peace Operations Centre of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty. The course was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) in partnership with the Centre for Arms Control and Inspection … [Read more...]
Central Asian and Azerbaijani Customs Officers Participate in Maritime Transport Security Training
From 11 to 13 August 2026, a joint practical training session on information exchange in maritime transport took place at the international seaports of Turkmenbashi and Alyat, the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan reports. The event brought together members of port control units from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. It was organized by the UNODC … [Read more...]
Korea’s energy opportunity in Central Asia
Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu, deputy director of the Seoul Institute of Global Affairs For much of the post-Soviet period, Korea’s relationship with Central Asia has been defined by trade. Seoul saw Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as emerging markets for Korean cars, electronics and consumer goods. Three decades later, that relationship is being … [Read more...]
Speed, Scale and Savings: How the Slavic Caravan Is Boosting Trade Between Belarus and Central Asia
A new block train service linking Belarus with Central Asia is demonstrating how dedicated rail operations can significantly reduce transit times while lowering logistics costs for regional exporters. On 5 August 2026, the first Slavic Caravan freight train arrived at Chukursay station in Tashkent after completing the more than 4,000-kilometre journey from Belarus in less … [Read more...]
Preparations for the First “Central Asia – Korea” Summit: Draft “Seoul Declaration” Agreed in Astana
On 31 July, Astana hosted the 3rd Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) to prepare for the first "Republic of Korea – Central Asia" Summit. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Chung Eui-hae, and attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Arman Issagaliyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Idibek … [Read more...]
Exclusive Interview – William Leaf – Head of OSCE Centre, Ashgabat
If we were to put a human face on versatile fortitude, it would be William Leaf, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. Ambassador William R. Leaf is in his second year of tenure as the head of the OSCE mission. Backed by 30 years of rich experience, William Leaf is a kind of institutional memory for all the three dimensions of the OSCE: 1. The Politico-Military Dimension; … [Read more...]
A Fusion of Sports, Intellect, and Technology: Astana Hosts “Games of the Future 2026”
On 29 July, the grand opening ceremony of the international multi-sport tournament "Games of the Future 2026" took place at the Barys Arena in Astana. From 29 July to 9 August, the Kazakh capital is hosting the international event for the first time. The tournament uniquely bridges the gap between esports, traditional athletics, and cutting-edge technology, bringing together … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan to Host Informal Central Asia–Azerbaijan Summit
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay state visits to Kyrgyzstan from 30 July to 1 August. This was announced by Askat Alagozov, Press Secretary to the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, according to Kyrgyz media reports. During the same days, an informal consultative meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and … [Read more...]
Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements: Understanding the Resources Shaping the Future
nCa Report For much of the past decade, the global conversation on energy has focused on oil, natural gas and renewable power. More recently, another group of resources has moved into the spotlight: critical minerals and rare earth elements. These materials are now central to discussions on economic security, industrial policy, technological innovation and supply chain … [Read more...]
The SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Cholpon-Ata (24 July 2026): Outcomes and Implications Ahead of the Bishkek Summit
1. Participants and Related Events The Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (CMFA) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) met on 24 July 2026 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, under the Kyrgyz chairmanship. The meeting constituted the principal ministerial preparation for the Council of Heads of State Summit, scheduled for 1 September 2026 in Bishkek, which will … [Read more...]
Older Than the Silk Road: Sericulture in Central Asia Dates Back 4,000 Years
Sericulture emerged in Central Asia around 4,000 years ago—nearly 2,000 years earlier than historians long believed. Scientists reached this conclusion following the discovery of three ancient silkworm cocoons at the Bronze Age site of Sapalli Tepe in Uzbekistan, reports the online magazine Archaeology News. For many years, researchers linked the expansion of silk production … [Read more...]
Investments in the Eurasian Transport Network Exceed $345 Billion, with a Fifth Accounted for by Central Asia
Eurasia’s transport landscape is set for a major expansion, with 402 ongoing and planned projects valued at $345 billion, alongside an additional $100 billion worth of ventures slated for launch. Central Asian countries account for over 21% of the total investments directed toward the development of the Eurasian Transport Network. A total of 114 projects worth over $71.75 … [Read more...]
Turkmen Delegation Learns About South Korea’s Digital Water Technologies
From July 21 to 23, a Turkmen delegation visited South Korea to strengthen cooperation in the water management sector. The visit to Seoul took place at the invitation of Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, News1.kr reports. The Turkmen delegation included representatives of the State Committee for Water Resources of … [Read more...]
Three Central Asian Nations Lead CIS in Exchange-Traded Volume Growth with Belarus
Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have emerged as the top three Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) nations for growth in exchange-traded turnover with Belarus. Official data for the first half of 2026 shows exchange trade with Kazakhstan grew to 139% year-on-year, while Tajikistan reached 308%, and Turkmenistan spearheaded the surge at 360%. The figures were … [Read more...]