nCa Report Agroecology in Central Asia: Principles, Benefits, and Practical Implementation Introduction Agroecology is an interdisciplinary approach that integrates ecological principles into agricultural practices to create sustainable food systems. It seeks to balance productivity with environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability. In the context of Central Asia—a region characterized by its diverse landscapes, fragile […]
New Economic Prospects to Open in Samarkand – On the Upcoming EU–Central Asia Summit
Obid Khakimov, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms On April 3–4, 2025, Samarkand will host a historic event: the first-ever Summit between the European Union and Central Asia. The meeting will be chaired by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and will include the participation of the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, […]
EU-Central Asia: 20th Ministerial meeting held in Ashgabat on 27 March 2025
The European Union and the five Central Asian countries reaffirmed their strong political commitment to strengthening engagement and deepening cooperation during the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on 27 March 2025 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The Foreign Ministers of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well […]
The Central Asia–European Union ministerial meeting was held in Ashgabat
The 20th Central Asia-European Union Ministerial Meeting was held in Ashgabat on March 27, 2025. It was attended by the heads of the foreign ministries of the Central Asian countries, as well as a European delegation led by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European […]
EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas to travel to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas will start the regional tour of Central Asia on 27 March 2025. The first stop is Turkmenistan where she will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Ashgabat. High level delegations from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan […]
EU and Central Asia: Partnership on the strength of Peace, Trust, and Neutrality
nCa Commentary The ministerial meeting of EU and Central Asia is just about to take place in the run-up to the first EU and Central Asia summit, scheduled for early next month in Samarkand. The events are taking place in the year designated by the United Nations as the Year of Peace and Trust, aligning […]
Strengthening EU-Central Asia Cooperation: A Shared Vision for the Future
Op-ed by H.E. Beata Pęksa, Ambassador of the European Union to Turkmenistan The European Union’s partnership with Central Asia is built on a foundation of shared values and a commitment to mutual prosperity. As the EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan, I have witnessed firsthand the deepening of this relationship, which is not only a regional endeavor […]
Speech of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the International Conference “International Year of Peace and Trust: the role of interregional cooperation in ensuring sustainable development”
Here is slightly paraphrased translation of the speech by National Leader of Turkmenistan Arkadag Berdimuhamedov as given by Turkmen State News Agency TDH: Dear conference participants! I would like to thank you for participating in this forum and wish you a successful forum! Representatives of foreign countries, international organizations and large companies gathered here, which […]
The National Leader of Turkmenistan and the President of Uzbekistan discussed preparations for the upcoming summits
On 19 March 2025, a telephone conversation was held between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. The discussion focused on opportunities to deepen interstate cooperation and preparations for upcoming regional summits. At the outset, the sides exchanged warm […]
Arkadag explains some policy directions of Turkmenistan in speech at international forum
The National Leader of Turkmenistan, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov, spotlighted some policy direction of Turkmenistan on Wednesday, 19 March 2025. He was delivering a keynote address at the inaugural session of the “International Year of Peace and Trust: the Role of Interregional Economic Cooperation in Ensuring Sustainable Development.” In his speech, Arkadag highlighted the importance of the […]
Bridging Nations, Building Trust: How Infrastructure is Forging Peace, Trust and Prosperity across Central Asia
nCa Analysis The winds of change sweeping across Central Asia and its neighboring regions tell a story of transformation, one where the hum of construction and the promise of connectivity are rewriting old narratives of division and scarcity. At the heart of this shift lies a powerful idea: that infrastructure—both the tangible networks of roads, […]
The border of eternal friendship from now on and forever – Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan sign an epochal Treaty on the state border
The historic Treaty on the state border was signed by President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov following summit talks in Bishkek on 13 March 2025. Two border crossings, which have been closed since 2021, have resumed operation on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border. On 14 March, Tajik Somonair Airline will perform its […]
Visit of the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships to Ashgabat – transport, energy and trade among the key topics of the upcoming talks
On the eve of the first Central Asia–European Union Summit, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela begins his week-long tour of five Central Asian countries on 12 March. Turkmenistan will be the first country to be visited by the Commissioner. In an exclusive interview with the newspaper Neutral Turkmenistan, Síkela revealed the purpose […]
EU Commissioner Síkela to Embark on Ambitious Central Asia Tour this week
Jozef Síkela, the European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, is set to embark on a seven-day diplomatic mission across all five Central Asian countries from 12 to 18 March 2025. The tour reflects the EU’s growing strategic interest in a region representing a €340 billion economy with an average annual growth rate of 5%. In […]
Japan expresses readiness for further cooperation with Turkmenistan in preparation for the Central Asian summit
The recent visit of Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan Akihisa Nagashima to Turkmenistan has become an important stage in the development of bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue. In a letter addressed to the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Akihisa […]
Interview of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Euronews TV channel
The Euronews team visited Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov answered questions from the correspondent of this TV company Loro Bakwelli. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s interview opens up a unique opportunity for an international audience to get acquainted with the country’s position on key regional […]
Central Asia – Agriculture Afresh – Part One
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova “Despite all our accomplishments, we owe our existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact it rains,” said the U.S. radio broadcaster, Paul Harvey in 1978. Yes, just six inches of soil. This is the thin layer between our existence and non-existence. The inspiring British film ‘Six Inches […]
Global Gateway in Central Asia: Commissioner Síkela’s mission will focus on mutual development projects
Between 12 and 18 March, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela will visit the five Central Asian countries to strengthen the EU-Central Asia partnership ahead of the EU-Central Asia Summit and scale up Global Gateway, the EU’s investment strategy to boost jobs and sustainable economic growth. Commissioner Síkela said: “Central Asia is an important […]
Management of border crossing points located along transit corridors in Central Asia discussed at OSCE regional workshop in Turkmenistan
An OSCE-organized regional workshop on the management of border crossing points located along transit corridors in Central Asia, held in a blended format, took place from 4 to 6 March 2025 in Ashgabat. The workshop brought together, online and in-person, officials from the five Central Asian countries’ border security and customs management, migration, law-enforcement, veterinary, […]
EU-funded BOMCA 10 empowering women in Central Asian border regions
On 4-6 March 2025, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10), which is funded by the European Union (EU), successfully conducted a regional workshop “Women for Development of Central Asian Border Regions” in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. This initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to enhancing gender equality and empowering female professionals within state agencies across […]
EU-funded BOMCA 10 Programme organised Study visit to Latvia on national customs information systems
From 4-6 March, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) organised a study visit Latvia on introduction of the national customs information systems for representatives of customs services from Central Asian countries. During the previous activities of BOMCA 10, EU experts visited CA countries to provide assistance, develop recommendations and share experience […]
First visit of the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia to Turkmenistan
The newly appointed European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia, Ambassador Eduards Stiprais, paid working visit to Turkmenistan on 4-6 March. Mr Stiprais arrived in Ashgabat just three days after his appointment, underlining the importance the European Union places on its engagement with Turkmenistan and Central Asia. During his visit, Mr Stiprais held a […]
UN General Assembly Establishes Regional Centre for Sustainable Development in Almaty
In a landmark decision underscoring global commitment to sustainable development, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution to establish the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan. The resolution, spearheaded by Kazakhstan on behalf of Central Asian states, garnered support from 152 UN member states as co-sponsors, […]
FitchRatings: Islamic Finance Shows Potential in Central Asia as GCC Ties Deepen
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan could lead Central Asian Islamic finance industry growth over the medium-to-long term, although the industry is likely to remain niche, Fitch Ratings says. Government initiatives to tap funding from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Islamic multilateral institutions, diversifying the financial sector and boosting financial inclusion, could support growth. However, non-enabling […]
The first container train launched from India to Kazakhstan
As part of the expansion of international transport corridors, the first container train connecting India and Kazakhstan was launched, Uzbek Railways reports. The project is implemented with the support of three major transport and logistics operators in the region: Uztemiryulcontainer JSC (the official forwarder for railways of Uzbekistan), TULM JSC (the Transport and Logistics Center […]
“Drops of the Future” workshop series concludes with a public event in Vienna, advancing co-operation on water, energy, and food in Central Asia
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has recently hosted the final event of the “Drops of the Future” workshop series. The event brought together young leaders, experts, and key stakeholders from Central Asia and beyond to explore collaborative and consensus-driven approaches to finding sustainable solutions for water, energy and food systems. The […]
EU and Central Asia – Redefining the paradigm
Tariq Saeedi Geologically, mainland Europe and mainland Asia are one gigantic continent – Eurasia. They share the same tectonic plates, and they are a contiguous landmass, with lack of water boundaries that define a continent. They are separated by a line that is imaginary – the Ural River and the Ural Mountain. The mass travels, […]
The Business and Investment Conference brought together the Middle East, Central Asia and Azerbaijan
The Ministers of Economy, Trade and Investment of Arab countries, Central Asian states and Azerbaijan held the first business and investment conference on 26-27 February 2025 on the sidelines of the Investopia 2025 International Forum in Abu Dhabi under the motto “Towards sustainable cooperation and Partnership”. The Conference on Arab Business and Investment with the […]
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan announced its position on water issues at a meeting with the World Bank
On 28 February 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Vice President of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia Antonella Bassani, as well as with the regional directors of the World Bank and representatives of the International Finance Corporation. During the negotiations, the parties highlighted priority areas […]
OSCE Facilitates Regional Programme Exchange Visit for Central Asian Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialists to Belgium
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international co-operation in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) practices, a group of Central Asian EOD specialists, including two Border Service officers, successfully completed a Regional Programme Exchange visit to Belgium from 10 to 14 February 2025. The visit was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, the OSCE […]
Türkiye’s investments in the Eurasian region: significant growth and diversification
According to the latest Report of the Eurasian Development Bank “The EDB Monitoring of Mutual Investments (EDB MMI) on the Eurasian Continent”, the volume of Türkiye’s stock foreign direct investment in the countries of the Eurasian region reached $ 12.3 billion at the end of the first half of 2024. This represents a significant increase […]
New EU Special Representative for Central Asia appointed
The Council of the European Union appointed Mr Eduards Stiprais as new EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia. He will take up his duties on 1 March 2025 with an initial mandate of 2 years, succeeding Terhi Hakala. According to Council’s press-release, the task of the new EUSR will be to promote relations between […]
Border of Peace: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Sign Final Border Delimitation Protocol
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic agreement, finalizing their state border alignment along its entire length and signing the final border delimitation protocol. Following governmental delegation negotiations on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border delimitation on 21 February 2025, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet – Head of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan Kamchybek Tashiev […]
Central Asia expands cooperation on sustainable use of shared rivers
Over the past three years, the Central Asian countries have concluded four new bilateral agreements on river water resources management. In the context of climate change, cooperation between the countries of the region is becoming more active. However, there are still gaps in the protection of transboundary groundwater. These topics were discussed at a regional […]
EDB: Central Asia accounts for 47% of total Chinese investments to Eurasian region
China is the largest exporter of investments in the Eurasian region. By mid-2024, China’s direct investment stock amounted to $58.6 billion, according to the Eurasian Development Bank’s study titled “Mutual Investments on the Eurasian Continent: New and Traditional Partners”. China’s investments are traditionally concentrated in the extractive industries ($36.2 billion). Over 18 months (2023 – […]
EDB: Turkmenistan is the largest recipient of FDI from the UAE
The UAE’s investment stock in the Eurasian region showed steady annual growth between 2016 and 1H 2024. It has increased by 71% since 2016, reaching $12.2 billion at the end of 1H 2024. Over the past year and a half, the growth has been 18.4%, according to the new study by the EDB (Eurasian Development Bank). […]
UNRCCA Co-Organizes Side Event on Tajikistan’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy
On February 12, 2025, UNRCCA in partnership with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Government of Tajikistan held a side event: Prevention of Violent Extremism through the Implementation of Tajikistan’s “National Strategy on Countering Extremism and Terrorism (2021-2025)”, at the United Nations Headquarters, New York. The side event was organized as part […]
Aral Sea Revival: A Testament to International Cooperation and Sustainable Restoration
nCa-AI Collaborative Report Once a symbol of ecological disaster, the Aral Sea is witnessing a remarkable recovery, thanks to the concerted efforts of Central Asian nations and international partners. Recent developments highlight significant progress in restoring the Northern Aral Sea, offering hope for environmental recovery, economic revitalization, and improved quality of life for local communities. […]
China’s TIR boom: New hubs, new operations, new horizons
China’s TIR transport market experienced remarkable growth in 2024, marking a turning point in its development. With record-breaking numbers, the rise of new operations, and the establishment of logistics hubs, 2025 promises even greater expansion and innovation.China’s TIR operations surged in 2024, with an expanded scope covering cross-border e-commerce, cold chain products, and bulk freight. […]
First EU-Central Asia summit to take place on 3-4 April 2025 in Uzbekistan
The President of the European Council, António Costa, along with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, will be travelling to Uzbekistan for the first-ever EU-Central Asia summit on 3-4 April 2025, the European Council said in a press release. The summit will be hosted by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with the […]
United to advance the 2030 Agenda: Central Asia countries pledge to act for gender equality in the region
On February 6, 2025, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan collectively affirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as outlined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), during a high-level meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. The pledge was formalized through a joint statement. The event, titled […]
Kyrgyzstan and China Deepen Strategic Partnership: Outcomes of Sadyr Japarov’s State Visit to Beijing
From 5 to 7 February 2025, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov paid a state visit to the People’s Republic of China, during which he met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The visit was marked by the signing of important agreements and strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields. Perhaps the most significant moment […]
Ending poverty through E-Commerce in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan?
Yaroslav Eferin, Kate Gromova, Ana Cortes-Gonzalez Trade has fueled economic growth in Central Asia, despite geographic challenges. Goods from Central Asia, without seaports, must go the extra mile to reach their destination. Trade costs for landlocked developing countries–equivalent to a 540% tariff,–hinder the competitiveness of the region’s entrepreneurs and curb potential income growth. E-commerce may […]
Turkmenistan highlighted gender progress at UN Women & Kazakhstan convened high-level meeting on gender equality
On 6 February 2025, UN Women and the Government of Kazakhstan convened a high-level subregional meeting for Central Asia countries to outline key actions they will take – or are already taking – to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 5 and related gender targets across all Sustainable Development Goals. The event brought together the […]
Dushanbe hosted a meeting of Special Representatives of the Central Asia and EU for Afghanistan
On February 5, 2025, the Sixth meeting of Special Representatives for Afghanistan in the format of «Central Asia – European Union» was held in Dushanbe. At the meeting, the Turkmen delegation was headed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov. During the session, a comprehensive exchange of views took place on […]
International Year of Peace and Trust picking speed
Tariq Saeedi The year is picking speed. Some presidents of the regional countries are already on their foreign visits and some will travel out later this month. This is the year of Peace and Trust. — Trust (and, subsequently, peace) does not materialize simply by dedicating a slice of time such as a year to […]
Interview: Kyrgyz president expects Chinese modernization to bring new opportunities for Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has said that Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to the comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era with China, and the two countries have effectively enhanced mutual trust and benefits based on friendly relations and productive cooperation. At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japarov is to pay a state visit […]
Artificial Intelligence in Central Asia: strategies, initiatives, prospects
nCa Report The development of artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key priorities of the state policy of the Central Asian countries. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan demonstrate a systematic approach to the development of AI, forming the necessary infrastructure, training personnel and creating favorable conditions for innovation. Each country has identified its […]
Afghanistan’s Trade with Central Asia Reaches $1.6 Billion
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced that Afghanistan’s trade with five Central Asian countries has reached a total value of $1.696 billion during the current solar year (March 2024 to March 2025), TOLOnews reported. According to ministry spokesperson Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, exports accounted for $112 million of this trade volume, while imports […]
Comprehensive Report on E-Commerce Trends and Developments with Focus on Central Asia
E-commerce in 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Innovations The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving, with new trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the way we buy and sell online. Here’s a look at some of the key developments in the e-commerce world: 1. The Rise of AI-Powered Shopping Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the e-commerce experience. […]