Bilguun Batsukh Known for their picturesque natural beauty and breath-taking mountains, the lands of Central Asia are especially vulnerable to climate change due to their high altitude and dependency on extractive industries. The EBRD and donors invest comprehensively in Green Economy Transformation in Central Asia, from facilitating policy dialogue, developing legislative … [Read more...]
Global Gateway: EU and Central Asian countries agree on building blocks to develop the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor
During the two-day Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity, the European Union, Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) and other gathered partners from across the world have made important steps to start the development of the fast route Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor linking Europe and Central Asia within … [Read more...]
EIB Global to Support Sustainable Transport in Central Asia with Co-financing of €1.47 Billion
EIB Global, the European Union's bank for long-term investments outside the EU, has signed memorandums of understanding for project co-financing with Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan for a total of €1.47 billion, the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan reports. This significant commitment was announced at the EU-Central Asia … [Read more...]
European and international financial institutions announce €10 billion commitment to support sustainable connectivity in Central Asia
The Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity started today (29 January 2024) in Brussels. The event brings together government officials, financing institutions, businesses and civil society from Europe, all five Central Asian countries, and beyond. European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis announced that European and … [Read more...]
Xinjiang Opens Large-Scale Electric Vehicle Production Targeting Central Asia
A large-scale production facility of motorcycles and electric bikes has opened in Khorgos, China, on the border with Kazakhstan, CGTN reports. The company is located in the Xinjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone and belongs to a local technology company in the field of new energy Kingold. This is the first such project in Xinjiang, fully focused on the Central Asian market. 150 … [Read more...]
Xinjiang’s Trade grows with Central Asia, Becoming its Largest Market
Urumqi customs data shows Central Asia as the largest trading partner for China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR). In 2023, trade turnover surged by 50%, accounting for a remarkable 79.4% of XUAR's total foreign trade volume, Xinhua reports. Trade with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, XUAR's top three partners, increased by 70.8%, 25.8%, and 93.4%, … [Read more...]
Central Asian Law Enforcements Trained in Advanced Crisis Negotiation Techniques
Techniques of negotiation in hostage and the use of weapons in crisis situations, has been the focus of a five-day training organized by the project on Law Enforcement in Central Asia - LEICA, funded by the European Union, in Almaty (Kazakhstan). The training took place from 22-26 January 2024. At the training actively participated 19 officers of diverse law enforcement … [Read more...]
Italy Proposes Aral Sea Restoration Project to Central Asia
An Italian engineering company has unveiled a project to revive the Aral Sea basin, offering hope for environmental recovery in Central Asia where the sea's shrinkage stands as a major crisis. President Roberto Mantovanelli and CEO Errico Stravato of SOGESID presented the initiative to ambassadors of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan at the Ministry for … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan voiced its priorities during High-Level Briefing to Member States on UN Office of Counter-Terrorism’s projects in Central Asia
On January 23, 2024, a High-Level Briefing to Member States on UN Office of Counter-Terrorism's projects in Central Asia was organized at the UN headquarters. The briefing was attended by Under-Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Vladimir Voronkov, Executive Director of the Executive Directorate of the UN Counter-terrorism … [Read more...]
Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity – 29 and 30 January 2024
The European Commission invites you to the Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity; Taking place on 29 and 30 January 2024 in Brussels, the Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity will bring together high-level representatives from Central Asian countries, EU Member States, partner countries along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, EU … [Read more...]
Ecology, climate and water are the foundation of effective domestic and foreign policy
Ismail Dairov “Our country is part of a transboundary water system” --- President Sadyr Japarov, II People's Kurultai, Bishkek, December 15-16, 2023 Environmental, climate change and water policy issues have been the focus of the author's professional interests throughout his more than 30-year career at the national and regional levels. Moreover, if the first part of this … [Read more...]
THE TRUTH FOR THE DIPLOMAT: A VIEW FROM THE EAST – 3
Dr. Begench Karaev Part 3. Eastern Diplomat: A Closer Look Winter January morning. More precisely - 7:58 am. Although there is not much time left before sunrise, it is nevertheless dark enough to not turn on the car's headlights. I taxi out onto a small street that runs parallel to the fence of one of the foreign embassies. At the house next to it I see the silhouette of … [Read more...]
Pakistan unveils concept of the Second CPEC Cultural Caravan for Central Asian States
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture of Pakistan Jamal Shah, on Tuesday (23 Jan) met with Ambassadors of Central Asian States, Russia and China to discuss the initial plan of second ‘CPEC Cultural Caravan 2024’, APP reports. Addressing the diplomats, Jamal Shah told that Pakistan plans to organize a second China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Cultural Caravan … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Agency for International Development “KazAID” offers educational programs to civil servants from Central Asia
The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) is forging strong connections across Central Asia by offering valuable educational opportunities for civil servants. In a recent briefing attended by representatives from embassies of Central Asian countries, KazAID unveiled its 2024 program lineup, showcasing initiatives designed to enhance governance and regional … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Hopes to Save the Aral Lake
Prof. Dr. Abdulvahap kara Efforts to save the Aral Sea, which constitutes one of the world's biggest ecological disasters, continue. Kazakhstan took over the presidency of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), which has increased its activities in this regard in recent years. As of January 2024. Kazakhstan will fulfill this duty for a period of three … [Read more...]
THE TRUTH FOR THE DIPLOMAT: A VIEW FROM THE EAST – 2
Dr. Begench Karaev The Caliph asked: “So you are Layla, that drove the poor man Kais crazy? But I don’t find beauty in you, no matter how I look, I’m not going crazy!” And the lips of the young maiden whispered: “To see beauty, you must be Majnun, And carry its light in your eyes, and be faithful to me in both worlds... ...And yet the Truth knocks on … [Read more...]
Central Asia not circumventing Western sanctions
Raza Syed The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is forcing the whole world to adapt to a new political and economic reality. Sanctions, counter-sanctions, and the breakdown of existing production and logistics chains are becoming a serious challenge for some, and a matter of survival for other states. The countries of Central Asia are also deeply affected by this … [Read more...]
Margaritis Schinas – Europe is in long-term commitment with Central Asia
Vice President of EC completes his Central Asia visit with last stop in Turkmenistan Margaritis Schinas, the Vice President of the European Commission (EC) completed his tour of the five Central Asian countries with the last stop in Turkmenistan on 17 January 2023. In Turkmenistan, he had several meetings including with President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the foreign minister … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan Leads the Way in Central Asia Joining the UN Protocol on Water and Health
Uzbekistan has taken a significant step towards safeguarding its water resources and protecting public health by becoming the first Central Asian nation to join the UN Protocol on Water and Health, UN News reports. This initiative demonstrates the country's commitment to tackling critical water and sanitation challenges amidst a growing population and the harsh realities of … [Read more...]
EU-Uzbekistan Trade Grows, and EU-Central Asia Summit in Sight
Uzbekistan and the European Union witnessed a 30% surge in trade volume during 2023, as announced by the Uzbek President's press service following a meeting between President Mirziyoyev and EU Vice President Margaritis Schinas. Leading European companies are actively participating in major investment projects within Uzbekistan's high-tech sectors, further solidifying the … [Read more...]
Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong Meets with Ambassadors of the Five Central Asian Countries to China
On January 11, 2024, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong held a group meeting with ambassadors of the five Central Asian countries to China. Sun Weidong said that the five Central Asian countries are China's close neighbors and comprehensive strategic partners. Over the past decade, President Xi Jinping has maintained close exchanges with heads of state of the Central Asian … [Read more...]
Wang Yi: China-Central Asia Summit created a new platform for good-neighbourliness and friendly cooperation in the region
A successful China-Central Asia Summit, held last year, created a new platform for good-neighbourliness and friendly cooperation in the region. This statement came from foreign minister of China Wang Yi during his remarks at the Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations in Beijing on 9 January 2024. Here is a corresponding excerpt from his speech, … [Read more...]
Brussels to host Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity
Brussels will host Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity on 29-30 January 2024, European Commission reports. The Global Gateway Transport Investors Forum takes forward the conclusions of the EU-commissioned Study on Sustainable Transport Corridors between the EU and Central Asia, and aims to translate the political commitments of the EU and the five … [Read more...]
China’s major manufacturing hub opens new TIR route with Uzbekistan
Shenzhen is accelerating the development of TIR transport corridors connecting China to Central Asia to facilitate growing trade volumes, slashing delivery times. Following the successful launch of the Shenzhen (China) and Almaty (Kazakhstan) TIR route in 2023, a new route connecting Shenzhen to Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, has been activated by IRU member ZZHY. A Chinese … [Read more...]
THE TRUTH FOR THE DIPLOMAT: A VIEW FROM THE EAST
Dr. Begench Karayev Everything we see is only one appearance. Far from the surface of the world to the bottom. Consider the obvious in the world to be unimportant, For the secret essence of things is not visible. Omar Khayyam Whenever you trust words, And the truth that is known by the heart, Let the heart light up from the truth, There would … [Read more...]
ADB approved Project for Agricultural Development and Food Security in the Central Asia
Recently the Asian Development Bank approved technical assistance project titled “Resilient and Inclusive Agricultural Development and Food Security in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation”. The project’s covers Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The CAREC member countries face … [Read more...]
From Droughts to Floods: Adapting Central Asia’s Transport to a Changing Climate
Over the next decades, the effects of climate change will likely exert considerable pressure on the transport infrastructure of Central Asia. In response, policymakers and the engineering community need to implement resilient yet sustainable designs and construction solutions. Manual for Climate Change Adaptation Measures for Transport Infrastructure in Central Asia, developed … [Read more...]
PetroChina mulls construction of Line D of Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline in 2024
PetroChina is looking to start building the Line D of the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline in 2024. This was reported on 21 December 2023 by S&P Global, in an article penned by their analyst, Cindy Liang. It is understood that the negotiations between Turkmenistan and China are in an active stage, with both sides expecting to reach a mutually beneficial outcome. According … [Read more...]
EDB: mutual direct investments among Central Asian countries grow at 9.2% per year on average over the past seven years
The volume of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Central Asia is estimated at US$ 1.1 billion by the end of the H1 2023, marking a 1.8-fold increase from 2016. This is stated in the report of the Eurasian Development Bank "EDB Monitoring of Mutual Investments 2023". EDB analysts note that by mid-2023, the volume of FDI from Eurasian countries reached US$48.8 billion, … [Read more...]
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on combating environmental problems in Central Asia
In a crucial step towards tackling the region's mounting environmental concerns, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution titled “Central Asia facing environmental challenges: fostering regional solidarity for sustainable development and prosperity”. This document, spearheaded by Uzbekistan alongside numerous countries, marks a vital recognition of the dire … [Read more...]
Russia aims to strengthen partnership, alliance and good neighborliness with Central Asia
Russia sees its main task as pursuing a balanced policy aimed at strengthening partnership, alliance and good-neighborliness, and preserving its role as a key partner of the Central Asian states. The statement came from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin during his remarks at parliament’s meeting devoted to the geopolitical importance of the Central Asian region … [Read more...]
Role of women in organized crime in focus at OSCE workshop for law enforcement bodies in Central Asia
On 18 and 19 December, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, organized a regional workshop to present and discuss the findings of the OSCE assessment report on ‘Understanding the role of women in organized crime’ in the context of Central Asia. The workshop was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event … [Read more...]
Weaving a Brighter Future: Women Artisans of Central Asia Unveiled
The "Women Artisans of Central Asia: A Lookbook Journey," a new publication launched by USAID features the exceptional work of 50 women artisans from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, each piece a testament to their vibrant cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. The Lookbook offers a gateway to amazing variety of hand-woven … [Read more...]
Experts from EU and CA exchanging views regarding drug situation
On December 13 in Brussels, Belgium, the EU-Central Asia Drug Dialogue has been conducted under the chairmanship of Spain – regular annual dialogue aiming to strengthen international cooperation, exchange views and support the proper development of drug policies. CADAP supported the participation in the Dialogue of delegations from all 5 Central Asian countries among the … [Read more...]
Turkmen experts took part in the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Strategic Dialogue
Turkmen experts took part in the International Forum entitled "Strategic Dialogue Central Asia–Republic of Korea: Prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation", which was recently held in a hybrid format in Uzbekistan. The participants of the meeting from Turkmenistan, Chief Researcher Orazmukhammet Annabayev and researcher Dovletmurad Mammedov from the Scientific Center for … [Read more...]
Asian Development Bank slightly raises its 2023 forecast for economies of Caucasus and Central Asia
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has slightly raised its economic forecast for economies in Caucasus and Central Asia 2023. The upward revision reflects an improved outlook for Kazakhstan and Tajikistan for 2023. The growth forecasts for the Caucasus and Central Asia are revised up to 4.8% for 2023 from September’s 4.6% projection and down to 4.6% from 4.7% for 2024, according … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Consolidation opens New Era of Cooperation with South Korea
On 12 December, Tashkent hosted the third cultural and strategic forum, "The Korean Peninsula and the North: a joint journey to Uzbekistan," welcoming a prominent delegation from South Korea and ambassadors from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkiye. Launched by Seoul in 2021, the forum aims to foster understanding and collaboration … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Supports Turkmenistan’s Efforts to Strengthen Peace and Stability
Kazakhstan has expressed its strong support for Turkmenistan's efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the Central Asian region. During a meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development, held in Ashgabat, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Alibek Bakayev, lauded Turkmenistan's positive neutrality as a key … [Read more...]
EBRD launches Youth in Business programme in Central Asia
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is addressing the issue of youth entrepreneurship and employment in Central Asia by launching a seven-year €200 million (US$ 218 million) Youth in Business programme. It is designed to provide better access to finance and relevant training to young entrepreneurs in the region, where up to one third of the population is … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Concludes Chairmanship of Central Asian Women’s Dialogue with Conference on Countering Gender-Based Violence
Kazakhstan has successfully completed its chairmanship of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC), handing over the reins to Kyrgyzstan. To mark the culmination of Kazakhstan's chairmanship, an international conference titled "Countering Gender-Based Violence in the Region: In Search of Effective and Sustainable Joint Solutions" was held in Astana on 4 December. The … [Read more...]
Addressing Environmental Challenges Requires Collective Effort, Say Representatives of Foreign Ministries and Lawmakers from Central Asian countries
On 3 December 2023, the 10th meeting of representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Parliamentarians of Central Asian countries was held in Dubai (UAE) at the COP28 platform, Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia reports. The session's moderator and Center’s consultant, Ikrom Nazarov, outlined several tasks the countries have to solve. The first is … [Read more...]
Central Asia Unveils Regional Strategy to Tackle Climate Change
In a significant step towards addressing the escalating climate crisis, the Central Asian countries presented a comprehensive Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change at the UN Climate Summit in Dubai (COP 28). This strategy, unanimously approved by all Central Asian nations, marks a unified front against the region's growing vulnerability to climate change … [Read more...]
Environmental Solidarity: Central Asian Countries Unite to Address Shared Challenges
The governments of the Central Asian countries are determined to jointly solve environmental problems, which was demonstrated at the high-level meeting "Solidarity and Unity in the face of the challenges of the triple planetary crisis", organized on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai. According to the Regional Environmental Center of Central Asia, the meeting was attended by the … [Read more...]
The Central Asia Pavilion opens at COP28 in Dubai
On 1 December 2023, the grand opening of the Central Asia Pavilion at the 28th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP28) took place in Dubai, the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC) reports. The pavilion launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the Central Asian countries, development partners and representatives of civil society. Representative of … [Read more...]
Tashkent hosted OSCE-organized conference to discuss regional security in a globalized world
The Academy of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan in Tashkent hosted the V International scientific and theoretical conference on "The main trends in ensuring regional security in the context of globalization," as reported by the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan. The conference, organized in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), … [Read more...]
Why is COP 28 a landmark event for the future of Central Asian countries?
On 30 November 2023, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28) started its work in the UAE, Dubai. At this global climate summit engaged almost all countries of the world, the states of Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - will be presented as a single region … [Read more...]
Five Steps to Economic Resilience in the Caucasus and Central Asia
By Eugene Zhukov, Lyaziza Sabyrova, Roman Mogilevskii The ability of the economies of the Caucasus and Central Asia to effectively respond to external shocks critically depends on their cooperation in diversifying trade and transport routes. The right policies and development of the Middle Corridor is a key to success. In the last several years, the countries of the … [Read more...]
One Health Framework for Action Set to Enhance the Quality of Health Care Services Across Central Asia
Government officials of Central Asia gathered today at World Bank hosted regional conference to endorse the Central Asia One Health Framework for Action- a regional cooperation program designed to enhance the quality and productivity of health, agriculture, and environment sectors across the region. The framework serves as a strategic plan and investment structure, requiring … [Read more...]
Winners of the European Union Contests from Central Asia Study Latvian Experience in Energy Efficiency Promotion
Students, young researchers and professionals, as well as representatives of the most energy efficient schools from the countries of Central Asia (CA) are visiting Latvia for a week-long study tour “Promotion of Energy Efficiency – Latvian Experience”. Total 12 participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are taking part in the event at the … [Read more...]
UNRCCA convened annual meeting with deputy foreign ministers of Central Asian states in Bishkek
The thirteenth annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states, convened by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), took place in Bishkek on 27-28 November. The meeting brought together the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Taking into consideration … [Read more...]