The power systems in Central Asia have undergone several phases of initial integration, subsequent dis-integration, and gradual and systematic reintegration. The Director of CDC Energia, Kh. Shamsiev, PhD, gave a useful and informative presentation at the recently held TESC 2024 in Ashgabat. The presentation was titled: Power systems’ cooperation within the framework of … [Read more...]
President of S.Korea embarks on state visit to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
President Yoon Suk Yeol will be on a state visit to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan next week, the Korea Herald reports. Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee will embark on the trip on Monday and are scheduled to wrap up their visit on 15 June. Seoul will work to integrate South Korea's innovation prowess with Central Asian countries' potential for economic … [Read more...]
Young women from Turkmenistan and Central Asia are invited to participate in the OSCE Renewable Energy Scholarship Program
To support young women’s early careers in the renewable energy sector, the OSCE is proud to announce the second edition of the fully-funded scholarship for the Master’s programme in Strategic Management of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. The scholarship will support female applicants from Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Mongolia to pursue a Master’s Degree at the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan took part in the EU-Central Asia High-Level Political and Security Dialogue in Belgium
On 5 June 2024, the next meeting of the EU-Central Asia High-Level Political and Security Dialogue took place in Brussels. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs A. Gurbanov headed the delegation of Turkmenistan at the event. The event brought together representatives of Central Asian countries and the European Union. During the first session on the theme “Evolving Global and … [Read more...]
Interdepartmental Working Group of Turkmenistan for monitoring implementation of GCM discusses institutional and practical aspects of systemic integration and application of gender-sensitive approaches in migration management
Ashgabat, June 3-4, 2024. Representatives of national organizations comprising the Interdepartmental Working Group for monitoring the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and public associations of Turkmenistan discussed issues relating to systemic integration and application of gender-sensitive approaches in migration management at … [Read more...]
Changing algorithm of Google and e-commerce in Central Asia
Several things are necessary for the success of an online trading platform. One of them is to be found easily in a search by a client who has decided to make the purchase. Google, the largest search engine, keeps changing its algorithm continually. The server-side team of every e-commerce website, particularly the content creators, need to remain abreast of the changes … [Read more...]
Astana hosted the 2024 China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum
The Central Asia-China cooperation mechanism has brought valuable opportunities for human rights protection, livelihood and economic development in the region, said stated participants at the 2024 China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum which was held in Kazakhstan's Astana on 28-29 May 2024. The forum themed "building a China-Central Asia community of shared … [Read more...]
Head of the UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze visits Brussels and participates in Troika meeting
On 27-29 May 2024, Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of UNRCCA, visited Brussels and participated in the Troika meeting, organized together with Terhi Hakala, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, and Kate Fearon, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre. The Troika format was established in 2010 to coordinate … [Read more...]
Delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the Ministerial conference “Central Asia – Italy”
On May 29, 2024, a ministerial conference in the “Central Asia – Italy” format was held in Rome. The event was attended by the executives of foreign policy departments of Central Asian countries, Italy, as well as representatives of the European Union. The Deputy of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, was the head of … [Read more...]
Law enforcement officers from special intervention units in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan enhanced their skills
20-24 May 2024, Bratislava, Slovakia - The European Union-funded project on Law Enforcement in Central Asia (LEICA) organised a second wave of training for nine law enforcement officers from special intervention units in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The first wave, held from 15-19 April, 2024, included participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. This training … [Read more...]
Hope for the Aral Sea: Italy and Central Asia Partner on Restoration Project
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (Aics) and the Water system management company (Sogesid) signed a document, which will pave the way for realization of project of Aral sea rehabilitation. The declaration of intent for the "definition of an operational and functional model for environmental remediation and regeneration interventions in contaminated areas" was … [Read more...]
Rome hosted 3rd Ministerial Conference “Italy-Central Asia”
On 29 May 2024, in Rome Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani met with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for the third Ministerial Conference Italy-Central Asia. "Italy looks with great interest to the political collaboration and opportunities that … [Read more...]
First TIR logistics hub opens in Western China in boost to pan-Asian trade
A new TIR logistics hub accredited by IRU, the first-of-its-kind, was inaugurated yesterday in Kashgar, China, a major city and trade gateway in the western region of Xinjiang, close to Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan. The unique facility brings together all essential transit services under one roof: customs clearance, warehousing, cargo handling, route development, and … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan intends to strengthen relations with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region
During a cabinet of ministers meeting on Saturday (25 May), the Deputy Prime Minister, foreign minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov reported on the measures being implemented to further develop Turkmenistan's relations with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Countries such as China, Japan, Korea and Malaysia took a special place in the report. China: Regarding … [Read more...]
Representatives of Turkmenistan took part in a diplomatic training for Central Asia on EU foreign policy
From 13 to 24 May 2024, five representatives of Turkmenistan's institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in a specialized training for diplomats and officials of … [Read more...]
Tokayev delivered a lecture in Singapore on the theme “Kazakhstan and the role of the Middle Powers: promoting security, stability and sustainable development”
During the state visit, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered the 46th Singapore lecture, in which he expressed his vision of the role of the middle powers in ensuring global security, stability and sustainable development. The Singapore lectures, organized by the Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS) since the 1980s, provide a unique opportunity for academics, political … [Read more...]
Growing partnership between Kazakhstan and Singapore may become a bridge between Southeast Asia and Central Asia
On 23-24 May 2024, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid his first state visit to Singapore, a country that is a strategic partner of Kazakhstan in Southeast Asia. This was the first visit in more than 20 years, but not the first visit for Tokayev personally. He previously served as a young diplomat in Singapore during the 1970s. President Tokayev's visit … [Read more...]
Expert Conference on Security Issues in the Central Asia-EU Format Held in Tashkent
On May 24, the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA) hosted an expert conference on the topic "Central Asia – the European Union: a new agenda for security cooperation". The event was co-organised by the IICA and the European Union (EU). The forum was attended by more than 100 representatives of ministries and departments, diplomatic missions, leading research … [Read more...]
Situation of e-commerce in Central Asia
The Daryo.uz news service of Uzbekistan published on 13 March 2024 a report on the ecommerce situation in Central Asia. Here, we are reproducing the report in full: Central Asian countries consider establishing dedicated bank accounts for e-commerce transactions The e-commerce sector in Central Asia reached a value of $8bn in 2022, as per IMARC Group, a global research and … [Read more...]
Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus Meeting Concludes with Pivotal Commitments to Digital, Social, and Environmental Innovation
On 23 May 2024, the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus Meeting successfully concluded in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The event, centred on "The role of women in the economies of Central Asia: leadership for promoting digital, social, and environmental innovation,” brought together women leaders from across the region to strategize and commit to enhancing women’s roles in these … [Read more...]
Head of the UNRCCA participated in the opening of CAWLC’s event under the Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship
On 23 May, SRSG Kaha Imnadze participated in the opening event of the Central Asia Women Leaders’ Caucus under the chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan in 2024. The event was held within the framework of the Central Asia Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) launched in 2020 with the support of UNRCCA, UNDP and UN Women to boost the political, economic and social participation of women in … [Read more...]
Washington D.C. Hosts Annual Trans-Caspian Forum, Outlines Challenges
Assel Satubaldina The Caspian Policy Center organized the eighth Annual Trans-Caspian Forum on May 21 in Washington, D.C., to discuss the current challenges and prospects for a multi-modal Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) to maximize its capacity. From L to R: Tamar Satterwhite from the Commercial Law Development Program; Winnie Wang from the World Bank; … [Read more...]
Central Asian States reaffirm commitment to registering all children at birth
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...]