On 17 May 2024, Representatives from the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, gathered in Tashkent today, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring every child born on their territories are registered at birth. The ‘Central Asian Conference on Ensuring Birth Registration to … [Read more...]
Islamic Organization for Food Security Proposes Cooperation Areas with Central Asia
The Islamic Organization for Food Security offers the Central Asian countries several priority areas of cooperation, including attracting investments in agriculture and the creation of genetic banks. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of IOFS outlined key initiatives for cooperation during his remarks at the meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosted the first Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries
The first Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries was held in Astana on 16 May 2024. The event was attended by Secretary of the Security Council of Kazakhstan Gizat Nurdauletov, Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan Marat Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of Tajikistan Nasrullo Mahmudzoda, Secretary of the … [Read more...]
A new park in Xi’an, China, strengthens the cultural ties between China and Central Asian countries
The Central Asia park was opened in Xi'an, China, a year after a historic summit of leaders of China and Central Asian nations, CCTV reports. The park features sculptures that pay homage to the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that fostered centuries of exchange between the regions. Visitors can immerse themselves in Central Asian culture through displayed gifts like … [Read more...]
Brussels hosted first-ever informal meeting of the heads of diplomatic missions of Central Asia, Mongolia and the Caribbean countries
The historic first joint informal meeting of the heads of diplomatic missions of the countries of Central Asia, Mongolia and the Caribbean took place in Brussels. This meeting, initiated by the ambassadors of the Central Asian countries and Mongolia accredited in Belgium, marked a new stage in interregional cooperation and aimed to exchange experience in expanding trade, … [Read more...]
E-Commerce in Tajikistan readying to bloom
Tajikistan is diligently working to mainstream the ecommerce across the economic and societal space of the country. On December 24, 2022, the country adopted the Law “On Electronic Commerce”. The Law seeks to protect the rights and legitimate interests of citizens and organizations engaged in e-commerce and ensures the free operation of e-commerce in the country. An … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the secretaries of the security councils of Central Asian countries
Welcoming the heads of delegations, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the first meeting of the secretaries of the security councils of the countries of Central Asia is intended to become an effective platform for combining efforts to prevent external and internal challenges and threats, as well as developing the necessary response measures. – This is especially important … [Read more...]
UNRCCA co-organizes inaugural meeting of Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees
On 14 May 2024, the first meeting of the Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees took place in Tashkent. The high-level event was organized by UNRCCA in close partnership with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Nine
nCa Report About half of the research paper of Pavlenko was reproduced in the previous part of this series. Now we are presenting the remaining part of his paper. * * * There are few localised species, namely endemic and sub-endemic representatives. Among the endemics are the Karakum species: Artemisia dimoana, Crucianella sabulosa and a recently described species, one of … [Read more...]
Central Asian economies to record strong growth despite natural disasters in the region
Anton Usov According to the latest Regional Economic Prospects (REP) report published by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Central Asian economies in 2024 are expected to see growth slowing to 5.4 per cent. However, a rebound to 5.9 per cent is expected in 2025. The report notes that intermediated trade with Russia, which had been a significant … [Read more...]
Rome to host Italy+Central Asia meeting at the end of May
On 29 May 2024, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani will meet in Rome with colleagues from five Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, Nova News agency reports. According to the source, the meeting will bring together Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, … [Read more...]
First meeting of the Regional Expert Council in Central Asia on the rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees held in Tashkent
The first meeting of the Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees from Conflict Zones in Central Asia was held on May 14 in Tashkent. The Regional Expert Council was established at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev in March 2022 in Tashkent at the High-Level International Conference on … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Eight
nCa Report As mentioned in the previous Part Seven of this series, we are now presenting a research paper authored by Professor Pavlenko of the Astrakhan University (Russia). He presented this paper at the International Cold Winter Desert Conference in the framework of CADI (Central Asia Desert Initiative) was held 2-3 December 2021 in Tashkent. Flora and vegetation of … [Read more...]
Trade integration in Central Asia under the spotlight at the CATF in Almaty
The 13th Central Asia Trade Forum (CATF) themed “Trade Connections: Bridging Globally” started on 15 May 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event is organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). More than 300 business executives and government officials from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the United States are meeting in … [Read more...]
EU Launches Educational Program for Young Central Asian Diplomats
The European Union has launched a new educational program specifically designed for young diplomats from Central Asia. The initiative, unveiled on 13 May 2024, in Bruges, Belgium, aims to strengthen educational and diplomatic ties between the regions, according to the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium. The program was developed with the participation of leading European … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Seven
nCa Report The International Cold Winter Desert Conference in the framework of CADI (Central Asia Desert Initiative) was held 2-3 December 2021 in Tashkent. In the next two parts of this ongoing report, we will reproduce one paper in full. After that, we will present selected passages from one or two more papers delivered at this conference. * * * First, we would like to … [Read more...]
More Diversified Trade Can Make Middle East and Central Asia More Resilient
Jihad Azour Dislocations from the pandemic, geoeconomic fragmentation, and Russia’s war in Ukraine have shifted world trade dynamics. While this has created challenges, the redirection of trade has also generated new opportunities, particularly for the Caucasus and Central Asia. Since the war began, the region’s economies have shown continued resilience and trade activity … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Six
nCa Report Any conversation about the deserts of Central Asia cannot be complete without the mention of Professor Agajan Babayev. --- He is 95. He is a living legend. A geomorphologist, a world class specialist in desert typology, a mentor of three generations of academics and scholars, Babayev spent very productive 70 years in the field and academic work related to earth, … [Read more...]
Central Asian Universities Engage with European Circular Economy Practices
Representatives from universities in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan participated in a series of meetings across Europe as part of the European Union's Erasmus+ CirculEC project. This initiative focuses on developing innovative training programs on circular economy and sustainable development for Central Asian higher education institutions. The … [Read more...]
E-Commerce in Turkmenistan turning the corner
The ecosystem of e-commerce in Turkmenistan is turning the corner. Consumer confidence, the central element for success in the digital marketplace, is rising fast. Statista estimates that the volume of ecommerce in Turkmenistan will reach about USD 370 million this year. The projected annual growth is 8.06%, which will bring the trade volume of ecommerce to USD 544 million … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Five
nCa Report The deserts in Central Asia are winter-cold deserts. Of all the winter-cold deserts in the world, 95% are in the Central Asian region. It puts them in a different category from the other deserts of the world. This creates a challenge for the people who are working to preserve the delicate ecosystem of these deserts and figuring out the sustainable ways to benefit … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Four
nCa Report CADI – Central Asia Desert Initiative – was a project involving several countries and organizations. It lasted from July 2016 to July 2022, stretching beyond its planned period of implementation. CADI studied the deserts of Central Asia from different perspectives and gave valuable insight. Here is the text of the brochure of the project: Conservation and … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Three
nCa Report In the previous part of this series, we gave some information about the Central Asia Southern Desert, comprising Kyzylkum and Karakum deserts. Now let us look at what is called the Central Asian Northern Desert. Central Asian Northern Desert Again, the narrative is from One Earth, with some slight … [Read more...]
Tashkent hosted a climate change and adaptation conference
On 6-7 May 2024 Conference on Climate Change and Adaptation took place in Tashkent. The conference was organized by UNDP jointly with the Committee on the Development of the Aral Sea Region and Ecology of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Hydrometeorological Service Agency (Uzhydromet) of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Two
nCa Report Lumping some of the deserts in Central Asia together, based on their characteristic, and objectives of the study, is a useful idea. In the experts’ circle, two desert groups are prominent: 1. Central Asian Southern Desert; 2. Central Asian Northern Desert. Central Asian Southern Desert Here is the write-up from One … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part One
nCa Report There are some 14 territories and areas in Central Asia that are categorized as deserts. Some of them are in this category mainly for technical reasons and one of them should not have existed at all. The total area of deserts in Central Asia comes to about 1.5 million square km. This should be taken as an approximation because some territories overlap at some … [Read more...]
RECCA Partners with Turkmenistan NGOs for Environmental Projects
The Regional Environmental Center of Central Asia (RECCA) has signed memoranda of understanding with leading public organizations of Turkmenistan – the Society for the Protection of Nature of Turkmenistan and the Tebigi Kuwwat (Nature’s Energy) enterprise, according to RECCA. "This event opens a new page of cooperation with the civil society of Turkmenistan and provides new … [Read more...]
International Day of the Markhor: Celebrating the Endangered Screw-Horned Goat
24 May is now officially recognized as International Day of the Markhor, a majestic screw-horned goat native to Central and South Asia. The UN General Assembly recently adopted a resolution to celebrate this unique animal. Found in countries like Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the Markhor is sadly classified as endangered. The name … [Read more...]
Uzum of Uzbekistan is authentic unicorn in digital ecosystem of Central Asia
The media has hailed Uzum as Uzbekistan’s first tech ‘unicorn’ – a pre-IPO company with a valuation of over $1billion. Uzum is Uzbekistan’s largest digital platform, providing a wide range of services, including e-commerce, express delivery, banking, fintech, and business development. Its ecosystem serves nearly a third of the nation’s population every month. It has … [Read more...]
International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) launches landmark Trade Connect Central Asia+ (TCCA+) Program at the 3rd Tashkent International Investment Forum
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), member of Islamic Development Bank Group, is delighted to announce the launch of its newest flagship Trade Connect Central Asia+ (TCCA+) Program at the 3rd Tashkent International Investment Forum. The aim of the Program is to facilitate economic growth and regional economic integration amongst the six Organisation … [Read more...]
Qatar hosted 3rd Arab-Central Asia Economic Forum
The 3rd session of the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan was held in Doha, Qatar on 29-30 April 2024. Turkmenistan was represented by Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy B. Yalakov. Welcoming the forum, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized that both … [Read more...]
Ashgabat hosted Central Asian Conference on Water Issues
On Tuesday, 30 April, a regional conference of Central Asian countries on water management issues was held in Ashgabat, TDH reports. The event is part of the USAID Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity project (WAVE). The forum was attended by representatives of the water sector, a number of ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, … [Read more...]
Jana Post of Kazakhstan is a success story in e-commerce in Central Asia
E-Commerce is not a novelty in Central Asia anymore. It has been embraced by the mainstream society. However, the activity at e-commerce platform, though robust, is mostly on the local scale. The expansion is constrained by two factor: 1. The limited geography of first-mile-collection and last-mile-delivery services; and 2. Lack of unified payment gateway solutions. Some … [Read more...]
Groundwater in Central Asia – Part Three
nCa Report IGRAC (International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre) is based in the Netherlands. Since 2014, IGRAC has provided various inputs to the SDGs process, including position papers and articles contributing to the indicators of the targets 6.3.2 (water quality), 6.4.2 (water stress), 6.5.2 (transboundary waters) and 6.6.1 (ecosystems). In 2018, the WWAP … [Read more...]
24,000 companies with Russian capital operate in Central Asian countries
At the Innoprom Central Asia exhibition in Tashkent, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, minister for industry and trade Denis Manturov emphasized the growing economic ties between Russia and Central Asia. He revealed that over 24,000 companies with Russian capital operate in the region, with combined investments exceeding $38 billion. According to the government … [Read more...]
Groundwater in Central Asia – Part Two
nCa Report In the first part of this series, we quoted from a research study about TBAs (Transboundary Aquifers) in Central Asia. The term Transboundary in the context of aquifers is not very old – it was first used in 2017. When an aquifer is transboundary i.e. shared by two or more countries, its physical features are trumped by the corresponding geostrategic … [Read more...]
Youth supports Drug Use Prevention in Central Asia with UNODC Peer to Peer Initiative “Friends In Focus”
From April 22nd to 25th, UNODC Regional Youth Network for Central Asia convenes in Tashkent, Uzbekistan for the "Peer-supported Drug Use Prevention with Friends in Focus" training. This bespoke program brings together Youth Network members and policymakers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. In her opening remarks, Ms. Diloram … [Read more...]
Groundwater in Central Asia – Part one
nCa Report Groundwater is an important – and generally rechargeable – source of water. In Central Asia, where the growing water shortage requires every possible effort to make responsible use of the water resources and ensure their sustainability. The groundwater – literally the water in the ground – is usually not under the spotlight when we talk of the water … [Read more...]
Inter-regional and Intra-regional partnership formats speed up economic integration in Central Asia
nCa Analysis The pith of the recent inter-regional and intra-regional formats of partnership in Central Asia is simply impressive. While it contributes solidly to the space for peace and progress, it also creates bulwarks against any negative influences of the prevailing geopolitical situations from spilling over into the region. In the past few days, the GCC and Central … [Read more...]
IMF cautiously upbeat on economies of Caucasus and Central Asia
“Resilience in the global economy and easing global inflationary pressures are positive developments for economies in the Middle East and Central Asia. Overall growth is projected to strengthen to 2.8 percent in 2024 (from 2.0 percent in 2023) and 4.2 percent in 2025,” says the opening paragraph of the executive summary of the IMF Report ‘Regional Economic Outlook – Middle East … [Read more...]
UNODC, CASC Network and CARICC co-organize a Regional Training on Investigation of Cybercrime Cases in Central Asia for prosecutors from the region
From 16 to 19 April, UNODC and the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre (CARICC) co-organized a Regional Training on Investigation of Cybercrime Cases for prosecutors from Central Asia, with the participation of experts from the Judicial Cooperation Network for Central Asia and Southern Caucasus (CASC). During the four-day training hosted at the CARICC … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Japan share experience: Seminar for the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus on earthquake risk reduction
From 16 to 19 April this year, Almaty is hosting a seminar organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA in cooperation with the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development «KazAID», the Kazakh Research Institute of Construction and Architecture and the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction. Japan, being one of the most seismically … [Read more...]
2nd Ministerial Meeting of the “GCC + Central Asia” Strategic Dialogue adopted a Joint Statement – Samarkand to host the Dialogue’s next Summit
On 15 April 2024, Tashkent, hosted the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue “Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf - Central Asia” (GCC + Central Asia), chaired by the foreign minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov. The forum was attended by: Bahrain – Foreign minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani Kazakhstan - Deputy Minister of … [Read more...]
EU empowers Central Asian educators with innovative learning tool
From 15 to 19 April, over 250 educators will participate in a week of training events organised by the European Union (EU) in Astana, Kazakhstan. The training, targeting trainers from five countries, will introduce participants to SCAFFOLD, an EU-developed deck of cards designed to assist educators in creating effective learning activities. Special attention will be given to … [Read more...]
ПРООН и партнеры организовали Региональный семинар по водной дипломатии для укрепления сотрудничества в области устойчивого управления водными ресурсами в Центральной Азии
Ашхабад, 11 апреля 2024 года: ПРООН в Туркменистане совместно с Международным фондом спасения Арала (МФСА) в Центральной Азии и Научно-информационным центром Межгосударственной комиссии по устойчивому развитию (НИЦ МКУР) организовали Региональный семинар по водной дипломатии. Семинар был проведен 9 апреля 2024 г. в здании ООН в Ашхабаде. Мероприятие было организовано в рамках … [Read more...]
UNDP and partners held a Regional seminar on water diplomacy to strengthen cooperation for sustainable water management in Central Asia
Ashgabat, April 11, 2024: UNDP in Turkmenistan, together with the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) in Central Asia and the Scientific Information Centre of the Interstate Commission for Sustainable Development (SIC ICSD), organized a regional seminar on water diplomacy. The seminar was held on April 9 in the UN building in Ashgabat. The event was organized as … [Read more...]
The population of Central Asia is nearly 81 million. By 2050, it would be 100 million
The population of Central Asia is currently in excess of 80.8 million. There has been an average growth of one million during the past ten years. The experts estimate that by 2050, the population of Central Asia would exceed 100 million. Central Asia - Population Country Population (million) Per square km density Average age Literacy … [Read more...]
EVENT – Unveiling a Sustainable Future: 3rd CAREC Climate Policy Dialogue
The CAREC Institute is proud to announce the upcoming 3rd CAREC Climate Policy Dialogue, scheduled to take place on April 25, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Beijing Time. This pivotal event will bring together policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change in Central Asia. Amidst rising temperatures and increasing water … [Read more...]
Restructuring of foreign office of Türkiye – new general directorate of OTS and Central Asia created
Under a decree issued by President Erdogan on 6 April 2024, the government of Türkiye has restructured its foreign office. In order to strengthen ties with the Organization of Turkic States, a Central Asia and the Organization of Turkic States General Directorate has been set up. The other changes include: The America and Latin American have been bifurcated into … [Read more...]
UNODC enhances the capacities of Central Asian border and migration services officers in authenticating travel documents
From 11 to 13 March, UNODC organized a regional training on verification of the authenticity of travel documents in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, for 27 mid- and senior-level officers from Central Asian border and migration services officers. The training aimed to equip the officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively tackle challenges encountered … [Read more...]