At the upcoming six-party summit with Central Asian countries, China will present an extensive cooperation plan. This was announced in the congratulatory message of Chinese President Xi Jinping to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the International Nowruz Day. Welcoming the participation of the President of Turkmenistan in the first … [Read more...]
UK Minister for Europe to visit Tajikistan and Turkmenistan
Minister for Europe of the United Kingdom Leo Docherty will visit Tajikistan and Turkmenistan to step up engagement with these countries in the field of energy security, climate and strengthening trade ties, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said. On the eve of his trip, Leo Docherty commented: “Since their independence, the UK has been unwavering in its … [Read more...]
Astana to host the Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum
Famous intellectuals from 25 countries of the world will be gathered by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS) in Astana at the Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum. On July 13 and 14, 2023, the Central Asian Forum on the theme “Asia in the Changing World: Agenda for the Future” will be held. It is … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan aims to build up its transit capacity between China and Central Asia
Kazakhstan aims to construct a large commercial and logistics hub on the bypass railway around Almaty, which will be built to boost the transit flows from China to Central Asia, The transit goods to/from neighboring China have been delivered to Kazakhstan through the Altynkol - Khorgos border crossing, where there is an intensive growth in traffic. The Almaty railway … [Read more...]
Astana to host USA+CA session on Afghanistan
Thomas West, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan, and Rina Amiri, the Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights, will travel to Astana, Kazakhstan, and Doha, Qatar, from July 26 to 31, says US State Department. In Astana, they will meet with their counterparts from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for a C5+1 … [Read more...]
EBRD report: Anti-Russian sanctions boost Central Asian economies
The countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus have made impressive progress in developing trade through the intermediary trade of goods from Western countries to Russia. After the introduction of sanctions, the EU's trade turnover with Russia's eastern neighbors increased many times, as did their trade with Russia. Trade turnover within the EAEU increased by 40%in … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan to host Microsoft multiregional hub
Microsoft has decided to locate its multiregional hub in Kazakhstan, reports Kazinform. It will cover Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Mongolia, and Pakistan. «Localization of the Microsoft operation will let Kazakhstan turn into a centre of attraction of technologies and advanced solutions on a regional level. Being a centre of technological development and … [Read more...]
Bankruptcy of trucking giant Yellow Corp. and vital lessons for Central Asia
nCa Analysis The American trucking giant Yellow Corp. (previously known as YRC Worldwide) is declaring bankruptcy and it has sent shockwaves across the transportation industry and the e-commerce world. With its workforce of more than 30000, Yellow was the third largest small-freight company in the transportation sector in the USA, specializing in low-cost transportation of … [Read more...]
Biden plans summit with Central Asian leaders
US President Joe Biden plans to hold the first summit in the C5+1 format with the participation of the Presidents of Central Asian countries. This follows from a letter addressed by Biden to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. “I hope you will join me and our fellow leaders for a formal C5+1 meeting on September 19 or September 20 to discuss how we can all … [Read more...]
Brussels Energy Club Addresses Clean Energy Transition in Central Asia
Brussels Energy Club (BREC) held a first-ever conference on energy security and sustainability in Central Asia on July 4 in the Belgian capital. Four panel sessions explored regional and interregional collaboration in delivering the energy transition in Central Asia, a fast-growing region. The event was organized in partnership with the diplomatic missions of Kazakhstan, … [Read more...]
CA countries, U.S. discuss wide range of issues at special session on Afghanistan
Kudrenok Tatyana 28 July 2023 Photo: gov.kz ASTANA. KAZINFORM - US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West visited Astana to attend the C5+1 special session on Afghanistan, Kazinform cites the press service of the Kazakh MFA. Within the framework of this session, which was held at the site of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, … [Read more...]
CAREC Think Tanks Explore Role of Digital Adoption in Driving Sustainable Economic Development in Central Asia
The Seventh CAREC Think Tank Development Forum was held in Urumqi, China on 16-17 August 2023. The two-day forum under the theme of “Embracing Digital Technology for Sustainable Economic Development” was organized by the CAREC Institute in partnership with China-Eurasia Expo Secretariat and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Finance Department, and with financial support from … [Read more...]
Cargo transportation between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan digitized
The first international transportation under the digital transport program between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has launched, the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan reports. This system enables the proper and timely completion of the registration process between the two sides while transferring goods through the customs border. In addition, the e-TIR project, implemented … [Read more...]
Central Asia and impending avalanche of corporate debt maturities in the USA
nCa Analysis There is the impending avalanche of the corporate debt maturities in the USA. It will create a mix of challenges and opportunities for Central Asia. First, let us look at the issue of the corporate debt maturities in the USA. Goldman Sachs predicts that corporate debt maturities will be US$230 billion for the rest of 2023, US$790 billion in 2024, and US$1.07 … [Read more...]
Central Asia and Pakistan strive to improve transport and logistics links
Elvira Kadyrova This week, the authorities of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan discussed with Pakistan issues of transport connectivity within the framework of joint corridors that aim to connect South Asia with Central Asia, with access beyond the region. On Wednesday, 12 July, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif paid special … [Read more...]
Central Asia in the Taliban Era | A Conversation with George F. Kennan Fellow Mélanie Sadozaï
By Mélanie Sadozaï on July 10, 2023 2022: Cross-Border Bridge between Tajikistan and Afghanistan Q: Describe your background and what brought you to the Wilson Center. I received my PhD in International Relations at the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations in Paris in October 2022. My PhD research was on the … [Read more...]
Central Asia must remain vigilant against spontaneous fires
With an unusually hot summer and other factors triggering wildfires in many countries, Central Asia needs to remain vigilant against spontaneous fires. As a standard practice, the fire departments across the region maintain the map of the areas and spots at risk of spontaneous fires. It would be advisable to update those maps. There should be a general campaign through … [Read more...]
Central Asia presents huge opportunities for UK exporters –Trade Commissioner Kenan Poleo
Central Asia is one of the most dynamic and rewarding regions for British businesses. This region, with its fast-growing and diversifying economies, presents huge opportunities for UK exporters and has a vital role to play in helping Great Britain reach exporting ambition. This was stated by UK Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Kenan Poleo in interview with … [Read more...]
Central Asia remains resilient to geopolitical headwinds – EBRD says
In 2023 Central Asian economies are set to grow by 5.2 per cent on average according to EBRD forecast Further growth of 5.4 per cent is expected in 2024 High interest rates, inflation and commodity prices may affect regional long-term growth The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is expecting Central Asian economies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz … [Read more...]
Central Asia to consolidate efforts in solving problems of the environment and sustainable development
Astana – Kazakhstan – On September 4-5, 2023, the third meeting of the Advisory Council of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development of Central Asian Countries (ICSD) was held. In his welcoming speech, the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Nysanbayev, stressed the importance of this meeting. “Since its inception, … [Read more...]
The Pension Rage may not reach Central Asia but Woke Culture might
Tariq Saeedi The first two parts of this series were ‘reports’ and this part is an opinion piece. It is also the concluding part of this short series. The Pension Rage swirling angrily in France may spread at some point in time to the other OECD countries but there is no real risk of that kind of thing taking place in Central Asia. The real threat for Central Asia in the … [Read more...]
Central Asian Animal Health Network members look at the future of animal health and One Health
The Central Asian Animal Health Network (CAAHN) convened on 8−9 June for its third meeting since its establishment in 2019 in the historical city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to delve into the future of animal health and the One Health approach within the region. Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the World … [Read more...]
Central Asian artisans enter international markets with the support of the ITC
The International Trade Center, with the support of the European Union, helps small craft enterprises from five Central Asian countries to sell their products through the NOVICA e-commerce marketplace. Founded in 1999 in Los Angeles with the goal of empowering artisans around the world and preserving endangered cultural arts Novica.com has become the leading online trading … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries can fruitfully cooperate for local production of vaccines against viruses and infections including Covid strains and plague
The whole world, and the Central Asian region in particular, continues to struggle with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have had a serious impact on the health care and socio-economic sphere of the countries of the region. Everyone is just beginning to recover from the legacy of a global epidemic, and experts are already warning that the incidence of new … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries finalize a Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change
On 4-5 July 2023, the 4th meeting of the Regional Working Group on the development of a Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Central Asia under the Green Central Asia initiative implemented by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) was held in a hybrid format in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper writes. The text of the … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries seek to boost digital economy cooperation – Central Asia’s GDP is growing faster than the world economy
On 14 September 2023, the Economic Forum of Central Asian Countries on the topic "Digital Economy, E-commerce and Innovations" was held in Dushanbe. The forum was attended by a delegation of Turkmenistan headed by the Minister of Economy and Finance of Turkmenistan Serdar Jorayev. The Turkmen delegation included heads and representatives of a number of ministries and … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries were engaged in a comprehensive briefing presented by the UNRCCA after the UN Security Council meeting
On August 11, 2023, a detailed briefing was convened at the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN, graced by the participation of Mr. Kaha Imnadze, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCD), alongside the Permanent Representatives of the Central Asian States. Mr. Imnadze … [Read more...]
Central Asian experts discuss issues of data-driven economic policy development
More than 150 representatives of government agencies and experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and the UK are taking part in the second conference "Effective Governance for Economic Development in Central Asia", which is taking place on May 17-18 in Almaty. Participants discuss innovative approaches and share best practices in … [Read more...]
Central Asian Forum on Security and Cooperation in Astana spotlights the region’s role in changing geopolitical environment
On 13 July, the first day of the Central Asian Forum on Security and Cooperation "Asia in the Changing World: Agenda for the Future" wrapped up in Astana. The new dialogue platform brings together experts from leading research centers of the world, Central Asian countries, international and regional organizations. The Forum is held jointly by the Kazakhstan Institute for … [Read more...]
Trade turnover between Russia and Kazakhstan takes the lion’s share in Russia’s trade with Central Asia
In 2022, the trade turnover between Russia and Central Asia grew by 15% compared to 2021, exceeding US $ 42 billion. At the same time, the trade turnover between Russia and Kazakhstan accounted for most of this indicator equaling to US $ 28 billion. The figures were announced on Tuesday by Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister, minister for industry and trade of Russia. He … [Read more...]
Central Asian Leaders to adopt a package of documents in Dushanbe
A package of five documents is expected for adoption following the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States, to be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 14-15 September 2023. The statement was made by deputy foreign minister of Tajikistan Sodik Imomi at a press briefing on Wednesday, 30 Aug 2023. The set of the documents include: Joint statement of the Heads … [Read more...]
Central Asian Ministries of Health unite forces at high-level meeting in Dushanbe
High-level focal points from Ministries of Health of Central Asian countries met in Dushanbe in the Republic of Tajikistan on June 27th, to discuss how subregional collaboration and prioritized activities and investments can accelerate delivery on global, regional and national commitments for health and well-being. This meeting, organized by the World Health Organization, paved … [Read more...]
Turkmen FM attended SPECA Ministerial Meeting in Geneva
The Turkmen delegation headed by the foreign minister Rashid Meredov is on working visit to Geneva to participate in a number of major international events and hold meetings in international organizations, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry said. On 17 April 2023, the delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the ministerial meeting for the countries participating in the United … [Read more...]
Chart of the Day: China-Central Asia relations enter a new era of mutual trust and benefit
China has established a comprehensive strategic partnership, advanced the building of a community with a shared future for mankind at the bilateral level, and signed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation documents with all five Central Asian countries. The latest milestone took place in January this year, when China and Turkmenistan elevated the bilateral … [Read more...]
Chart of the Day: The achievement of China-Central Asia’s cooperation
The China-Central Asia Summit is scheduled to open on May 18 in the northwest Chinese city of Xian. At China's invitation, presidents from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will attend the summit. Since establishing diplomatic relations three decades ago, China and the five Central Asian countries have developed strategic partnerships and found … [Read more...]
China and Central Asia Strengthen Ties at the Cooperation Forum in Xiamen
The 10th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum opened on Saturday in Xiamen, Fujian Province, eastern China. The two-day forum is organized by the SCO Committee on Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation and the People's Government of Fujian Province and is dedicated to promoting friendly relations and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, Xinhua … [Read more...]
China and Central Asian countries to establish business council
The China-Central Asia Business Council will be established to strengthen economic cooperation between the countries, Xinhua reports with reference to Yang Xiaojun, a representative of the China Committee for the Promotion of International Trade. He said that the ceremony of establishing the business council will be held on 19 May in Xi'an on the sidelines of the … [Read more...]
China continues to forge connectivity with Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova China continues to enhance connectivity with Central Asia by paving new transport channels to propel its flagship Belt and Road initiative. More recently, containers were sent for the first time from the eastern province of Hebei to Uzbekistan via a multimodal route, and the southeastern Shenzhen city, the largest export center of China, is launching TIR … [Read more...]
China hosts grand welcoming ceremony for visiting presidents of Central Asia
The official welcoming ceremony of the heads of State participating in the first Central Asia–China Summit took place in the Tang Dynasty Park in Xi'an on May 18, 2023. President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his wife, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov and his wife, President … [Read more...]
China To Accelerate Tajikistan Investments To Speed Up Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan-China Gas Pipeline
China’s Vice Premier, He Lifeng, has been discussing with his counterpart Rustam Emomali of Tajikistan an acceleration of the Line “D” construction of the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan-China gas pipeline. Emomali is also responsible for Tajikistan’s State power and is on an official visit to China to deal directly with this and other projects bottleneck issues. … [Read more...]
China–Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum – 2023: a step towards the rapprochement of the peoples of the two regions
On 12 September, a Chinese-Central Asian Forum on the development of Human Rights was held in Beijing, dedicated to the theme "Co-building the Belt and Road – the development and progress of human rights," the magazine “China” reports. The event held under the auspices of the Chinese Foundation for the Development of Human Rights was organized by the Center for Broadcasting … [Read more...]
Climate change – Central Asia is united at various platforms including CAREC
Central Asia is fully conscious of the challenges posed by the climate change, global warming and related complications. The region is united for the sake of the shared future. Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC) is among the various platforms that bring the countries of Central Asia together for dealing with issues related to climate change. Here are … [Read more...]
Concept of the debate of the UN General Assembly on the Zones of Peace, Trust and Cooperation of Central Asia, initiated by Turkmenistan, was published as an official document of the 77th session
The concept of the debate of the UN General Assembly initiated by Turkmenistan on agenda item 61 "Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation of Central Asia" was published in the six official languages of the Organization as a document of the 77th session of the General Assembly. The debate is scheduled for 16 May 2023 at United Nations Headquarters, in accordance with General … [Read more...]
UNECE: Central Asia would need a massive shift rather than a massive increase in investment to reach net zero by 2050
Today, fossil fuels account for 95% of total energy supply in the 5 countries of Central Asia - - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - that are members of UNECE. A massive shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable sources will be needed for countries to comply with their obligations under the Paris Agreement and shift to a low-carbon … [Read more...]
Digital technologies to be discussed at Economic Forum of Central Asian countries
The Economic Forum of the Central Asian States on the topic of "Digital Economy, Digital Trade and Innovation" will be held in Dushanbe on 14 September 2023. The forum is one of a series of events held within the framework of the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States and the next meeting of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the … [Read more...]
Digital transformation of railway transport discussed at the ESCAP meeting in Almaty
The second Expert Group Meeting and Capacity Building Workshop on Digital Transformation of Railway and Multimodal Transport in North and Central Asia were held on 26-27 April 2023 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in a hybrid format, the press service of the TRACECA Project reports. At the meeting of the Expert Group, the ESCAP Secretariat presented several projects in support of … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan introduces foreign diplomats to the situation in the Aral Sea region
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan organized an information tour to the Aral Sea region for ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions of international organizations accredited in the country. The purpose of the visit to the Republic of Karakalpakstan is to raise awareness on the efforts undertaken by Uzbekistan to restore the ecology of the Aral Sea region … [Read more...]
Xi’an-Central Asia Railway Express was launched by Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian countries and China
On Wednesday, 26 April, the foreign ministers of the Central Asian countries and China on the sidelines of the 4th meeting in Xi'an took part in the launch ceremony of the Chang’an special freight train of China-Europe Railway Express from Xi’an to Central Asia. The event marked the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. There are 260 BYD New Energy … [Read more...]
DUSHANBE COMMUNIQUE of the First Meeting of Transport Ministers of Central Asian States
(Unofficial translation) On Wednesday, 13 September, within the framework of the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States, the First Meeting of transport ministers of Central Asian states took place, following which the Dushanbe Communique was adopted. The full text of the document follows. Heads of ministries and departments of Central … [Read more...]
Dushanbe hosted Second Forum of Rectors of Higher Professional Educational Institutions of Central Asia
The Second Forum of Rectors of Higher Professional Educational Institutions of Central Asian States was held on 13 September 2023, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, as part of the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States. The forum was attended by representatives of 70 higher educational institutions from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and … [Read more...]