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...]
Turkmenistan Discusses Transport Links with Europe at Connecting Europe Days
The consultations focused on transport connections between Europe and Central Asia were held in Brussels on the sidelines of the Connecting Europe Days 2024 event (2-5 April 2024), the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium reports. The meeting was attended by the head of the Department of Foreign Economic Relations and Logistics of the Agency of Maritime and River Transport of … [Read more...]
Arkadag Berdimuhamedov is on an official visit to Tajikistan – Turkmenistan and Tajikistan outline promising areas of cooperation
On 4-5 April 2024, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is on a two-day official visit to Tajikistan. On the first day of the visit, Berdimuhamedov met with President Emomali Rahmon, as well as with Chairman of the Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli (Parliament) of Tajikistan Rustami Emomali. Before the … [Read more...]
Pakistan Breaks Ground on Central Asian Trade with First Direct Shipment to Tajikistan
Recently, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) of Pakistan carried out the first direct delivery of cargo to Tajikistan. A batch of Pakistani potatoes travelled 1,400 km in just 7 days, reaching Dushanbe, Tajikistan's capital, via a China-routed path bypassing Afghanistan. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, the first direct shipment of cargo was … [Read more...]
New research reveals that chickens were widely raised across southern Central Asia from 400 BCE
An eggshell fragment from the site of Bash Tepa, representing one of the earliest pieces of evidence for chickens on the Silk Road. Credit: Robert Spengler Chickens are one of the most economically important animals in the world today. However, the story of their origins and dispersal across the ancient world is still poorly understood. In fact, new archaeological techniques … [Read more...]
Young people help to ensure access to sufficient amounts of clean water in Central Asia
Climate change has already irreversibly changed the lives of everyone all around the globe, with children bearing the heaviest burden. Concerned about water shortages, air pollution and increased heat waves, children and young people in Central Asia are taking measures to protect their future. Saving water at school Fifth graders from the city of Shchuchinsk (Kazakhstan) … [Read more...]
Central Asia is a home for over 530 species of birds
April 1 is International Bird Day. More than 530 species of birds live in the countries of Central Asia. More than 200 species are listed in the Red Books of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Among them are the white-eyed duck, the common flamingo, and the black stork, living in the valleys of large rivers and the Caspian Sea, as well as the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Hosts Digitalization Training for Central Asian Civil Servants
The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) is partnering with Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to offer the Dostyk Digitalization program. This initiative aims to enhance the digital skills of civil servants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, KazAID reports. From 1 to 5 April 2024, in Astana, 20 civil servants will … [Read more...]
Turkmen Railways had a meeting with the Ambassador of Tajikistan
The Railway Agency of Turkmenistan ("Turkmendemiryollary") hosted a meeting on 30 March 2024, with Tajikistan's Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Vafo Niyatbekzoda. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation in the field of railway transport. In particular, special attention was paid to increasing the volume of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan handed over the chairmanship of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development to Tajikistan
On 28 March 2024, Kazakhstan hosted a meeting of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD) in Astana, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Representatives from the environmental ministries of Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) attended the meeting. Additionally, representatives from the … [Read more...]
CIS Border Chiefs met in Uzbekistan to address Central Asian security challenges
On 28 March 2024, Khiva, Uzbekistan hosted the 8th regional meeting of heads of border agencies from CIS member states, according to the CIS Executive Committee. The event was attended by delegations of the border agencies of Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Coordination Service of the Council of Commanders of the … [Read more...]
Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan met with the head of the parliamentary Turkmen-Kazakh friendship group
Ambassador of Turkmenistan Batyr Rejepov met with the Head of the parliamentary Turkmen-Kazakh friendship group, member of the Committee of the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan on International Affairs, Defense and Security Izmukhambetov Baktykozha. During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of important issues on deepening Turkmen-Kazakh cooperation through … [Read more...]
China and Central Asian countries to launch the secretariat of the joint cooperation mechanism
China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will launch the secretariat of the China-Central Asia mechanism. The ceremony will take place on 30 March in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. This was stated at a press conference on 29 March by Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Lin Jian. Four years ago, China and the five Central Asian countries jointly set up the … [Read more...]
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeks to foster cooperation with Turkmenistan
The recent visit by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to Ashgabat explored opportunities for cooperation with Turkmenistan, according to the US Embassy. The CDC delegation was led by Dr. Alexander Millman, Program Director for the Division of Global Health Protection in Central Asia and included meetings with representatives from the Ministry of … [Read more...]
EU Horizon Europe program opens up new opportunities for scientists and researchers in Central Asia
The EU Horizon Europe program offers funding for organizations from Central Asian countries for research and innovation projects. What is Horizon Europe? Horizon Europe is the European Union’s 9th research and innovation (R&I) framework programme with the biggest budget ever – EUR 95.5 billion. The programme duration is 2021-2027. The programme facilitates … [Read more...]
EDB Report: Infrastructure in Eurasia: short-term and medium-term trends
The Eurasian Development Bank’s (EDB) latest report titled Infrastructure in Eurasia: Short-Term and Medium-Term Trends highlights ten significant trends in the region’s energy, transportation, logistics, water supply and telecommunications sectors. Through meticulous monitoring, the EDB has identified ten important short- and medium-term investment and institutional … [Read more...]
Первый в истории бизнес-диалог Центральная Азия – США «B5+1» завершился принятием рекомендаций по экономической интеграции в ЦА
Форум B5+1, государственно-частный бизнес диалог для Центральной Азии и Соединенных Штатов, состоявшийся на прошлой неделе в Алматы, Казахстан, завершился принятием конкретных рекомендаций по ускорению региональной интеграции и экономического развития Центральной Азии, говорится в заявлении Центра международного частного предпринимательства (CIPE), который провел форум. В … [Read more...]
Inaugural B5+1 Forum adopted recommendations for Economic Integration in Central Asia
The B5+1 Forum, a public-private business dialogue platform for Central Asia and the United States, held last week in Almaty, Kazakhstan, announced a series of concrete recommendations to accelerate Central Asia’s regional integration and economic development, according to the statement of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), who led the forum. In … [Read more...]
Almaty Hosts First B5+1 Forum: U.S. and Central Asia Strengthen Business Ties
The inaugural B5+1 Forum kicked off on 14 March 2024 in Almaty, bringing together representatives from the public and private sectors of the United States and Central Asia. Over 200 experts and investors from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the U.S. are participating in the forum. The goal is to foster stronger collaboration and improve the … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries are building new transport corridors and changing logistics
Serikbol Koshmaganbetov Geopolitical turbulence in the world is radically changing the infrastructure of transport flows in Central Asia. Asian countries are eager to send their cargo to Europe via the historic Great Silk Road. What is the current development of cargo transportation logistics in Central Asian countries, read the material of the correspondent of Kazinform … [Read more...]
A Dialogue on “Central Asian Connectivity Project Pipeline” between IsDB-AIIB-MCDF and Regional Countries
On 11-12 March 2024, the Regional Dialogue on Central Asian Connectivity (CAC) Project Pipeline has convened in Istanbul, Turkiye, to facilitate a stakeholder dialogue aimed at identifying and assessing cross-border connectivity projects in Central Asia. Organized jointly by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the … [Read more...]
UNODC conducts training in Ashgabat for border and migration officers from Central Asia
On 11 - 13 March, UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is conducting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, a regional training on verification of the authenticity of travel documents for 27 mid- and senior-level officers from the border and migration services of Central Asian countries. At the training sessions, participants learn about the new methods and techniques for … [Read more...]
USA-Central Asia Business Dialogue to be held in Almaty
The inaugural business dialogue in the USA-Central Asia format (B5+1 Forum) will take place on 13-15 March 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. B5+1 was initiated as part of a larger program called “Improving the Business Environment in Central Asia” (IBECA), which is administered by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) – an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce … [Read more...]
Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Austria discussed the current situation in Afghanistan
On 11 March 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna. The Austrian Foreign Ministry's press release notes: "The situation in Afghanistan, especially with regard to the fight against terrorism, organized crime and illegal migration, was the focus of today's … [Read more...]
Amudarya is not a single river – It is an integrated river system spanning six countries
nCa Report Amudarya, the most famous river of Central Asia, is not a single river – It is an integrated river system spanning six, possibly seven countries. Amudarya is usually written as Amudarya River, which is superfluous because ‘darya’ in Amudarya means river. This river has always caught the imagination of the travellers and authors. In various languages and during … [Read more...]
Italian Senator Urges Businesses to Focus on Central Asia’s Potential
The Italian Senate recently hosted a conference on the "Middle Corridor: safe transit route between Italy, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia”, according to Uzbekistan news outlet “Dunyo”. The event, organized by the Italian Institute for Asia (ISIA), brought together Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Edmondo Cirielli, heads of diplomatic … [Read more...]
UK Foreign Secretary plans to visit Central Asia
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron is going to visit Central Asia, as evident from his recent statement at the parliament. During the parliament debates on foreign affairs, he said: “…Central Asia is one of those networks in which we want to do better. I am planning a visit there. I will be holding a round table with anyone who knows the industries, business, voluntary bodies … [Read more...]