On Wednesday, 15 October, the trial operation of the international multimodal transport corridor linking China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan officially launched, according to Xinhua. The corridor features two multimodal routes, with goods transported by rail from Xi’an (Shaanxi Province, Northwest China) and Chengdu (Sichuan Province, Southwest China) to Kashgar … [Read more...]
Fergana to host the First Fergana Peace Forum
The first session of the Fergana Peace Forum, titled “Fergana Valley: Uniting Efforts for Peace and Progress” is scheduled for October 15–16, 2025, in the city of Fergana. Next week, the city of Fergana will transform into a focal point for international dialogue and cooperation, hosting key stakeholders from across the region and beyond. This gathering underscores the … [Read more...]
China-Europe Freight Train Marks 50,000th Trip from Horgos Port
A China-Europe freight train loaded with electronic products, mechanical and electrical equipment, and daily necessities departed from the Horgos Railway Port in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for Małaszewicze, Poland, on Saturday, marking the 50,000th train to pass through the port since operations began in March 2016, according to the Global Times. The … [Read more...]
Ferghana Valley: a Common vision of a Strategy for Sustainable Development and Prosperity
Diloram Mukhsinova and Bekhzod Alimjanov, senior researchers at the Center for Foreign Policy Studies (Uzbekistan) Annotation. The Ferghana Valley is the historical heart of Central Asia, where a new model of regional cooperation based on trust, good neighbourliness and sustainable development is currently taking shape. The initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat … [Read more...]
The Taste of Diplomacy: How Tajikistan Charmed Leaders of Central Asian and Russia with a Spectacular Harvest Display
On 9 October 2025, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon hosted an informal gathering—a "friendship evening"—for the heads of state participating in the Central Asia–Russia Summit and the CIS Summit at the government residence in Dushanbe. A vibrant exhibition of Tajikistan’s agricultural products and national cuisine was organized in the picturesque setting of the … [Read more...]
A firm commitment to partnership and alliance: Putin on Strengthening Russia-Central Asia Ties
On October 9, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the second Central Asia–Russia summit in Dushanbe, reaffirming Russia's dedication to strengthening strategic partnerships and alliances with Central Asian states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The speech highlighted the immense potential for economic cooperation, outlining key … [Read more...]
Transport, Nuclear Energy, Industrial Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s President Names Partnership Priorities for Central Asia and Russia
At Dushanbe Summit on Thursday, 9 October 2025, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev called on the countries of Central Asia and Russia for closer coordination and cooperation in the six-sided format, urged by "growing geopolitical tension and crisis phenomena in the world economy." In this context, the leader of Uzbekistan outlined his vision for the prospects of … [Read more...]
Trade, Transport, Energy, and Security: Initiatives of the President of Kazakhstan at the Central Asia – Russia Summit
Trade with Russia accounts for one-third of the total trade turnover of the Central Asian countries, announced President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev while addressing the Central Asia – Russia Summit in Tajikistan. "It is gratifying that the situation in the Central Asian region itself has evolved in recent years towards political solidarity, economic cooperation, and … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Russia Summit: Kyrgyz President Highlights Positive Shift in Central Asian Security Situation
For Kyrgyzstan, the Central Asian countries and Russia invariably remain key partners. This format serves as a practical tool for deepening comprehensive partnership, stated President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic at the Second Central Asia – Russia Summit in Dushanbe. Speaking about the current international situation, Sadyr Japarov noted that the meeting was … [Read more...]
President of Tajikistan Chaired the Second “Central Asia–Russia” Summit in Dushanbe
On 9 October 2025, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, the Second “Central Asia–Russia” Summit was held at the Government Residence in Dushanbe. The summit brought together the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Russian … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Russia Summit: Turkmenistan’s President Calls for a Return Civilized Communication in International Relations
On 9 October 2025, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the Second Central Asia – Russia Summit in Dushanbe, which was held under the chairmanship of Tajikistan. President Berdimuhamedov underscored the importance of the Second Summit as a step towards transitioning cooperation in this format onto a systemic basis, reflecting an objective process … [Read more...]
Communiqué of the Dushanbe Summit: Central Asia and Russia Reaffirm Commitment to Multipolarity and Strategic Partnership
On 9 October 2025, the Central Asia–Russia Summit was held in Dushanbe under the chairmanship of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. The summit was attended by the heads of state of Central Asia and Russia: President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, … [Read more...]
Report: China and Central Asia Railway Connections
nCa-AI Collaborative Report Key Points Current Railway Connections The primary links are at Alashankou-Dostyk and Khorgos-Altynkol, both on the China-Kazakhstan border. These handle the vast majority of rail cargo between China and Central Asia. A third crossing, Bakhty-Chuguchak, is being developed to increase capacity. No direct rail connections exist yet to … [Read more...]
Transforming the Aral Sea region into a global hub for climate technologies: green energy, water-saving innovations, and opportunities for international partnership
B.S.Khabibullaev, Director of the Aral Sea International Innovation Centre under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan Introduction: The Significance of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly The participation of the President of the Republic of … [Read more...]
Central Asia Wheat Situation Report: Season 2024-2025
nCa Report Executive Summary The wheat situation in Central Asia for the 2024-2025 agricultural season presents a generally positive outlook despite significant climate challenges. The region successfully completed autumn sowing under favorable conditions, achieved average to above-average harvests in most countries, and experienced robust export demand, particularly from … [Read more...]
Dushanbe to host CIS and “Central Asia–Russia” Summits
On 9–10 October 2025, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, will host a series of high-level meetings in the formats of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Central Asia: • Summit of Heads of State in the “Central Asia–Russia” format• Meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State• Meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers On 9 October, the Presidents of Tajikistan, … [Read more...]
Mini and Micro Investments and Other Instruments for Self-Reliance
Tariq Saeedi In the quest for economic advancement, developing countries often turn to foreign investments that must eventually be repaid, like loans for critical infrastructure and growth initiatives. These inflows can spark progress, but they frequently come with terms that subtly influence national policies, potentially eroding economic autonomy and the freedom to … [Read more...]
Dubai: One of the oldest trading towns in history and its ancient connections with Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova and Raviliya Kadyrova Dubai, a shimmering beacon of modernity in the Arabian Gulf, has roots deeply embedded in the sands of history as a vital hub of commerce. Its transformation from a prehistoric mangrove swamp to a bustling international trade center spans over 7,000 years, marked by waves of migration, cultural exchanges, and economic … [Read more...]
Central Asian Leaders at UN General Assembly: Urgent Call to Protect Glaciers and Water Resources
At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Central Asian leaders issued a stark warning about the rapid melting of glaciers, which threatens water and food security for millions. The Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan proposed bold initiatives, including international forums and new institutions, to avert an impending … [Read more...]
ADB Cuts Developing Asia Growth Outlook Amid Trade Tensions, But Central Asia Stays Robust
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is trimming its growth outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific by 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points for this year and next, respectively, amid the emergence of a new global trade environment, shaped by tariffs and updated trade agreements. Economies in the region are projected to grow by 4.8% this year and 4.5% next year, according … [Read more...]
EBRD gives positive outlook for Central Asian economies
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) expects the Central Asian economies of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to grow by 6.1 per cent on average in 2025, according to its latest Regional Economic Prospects report. This solid growth is supported by strong industrial output, robust domestic … [Read more...]
Ghazali, Rumi, and Iqbal: A Timeless Troika of Hope for Central Asia
Tariq Saeedi Imagine sitting down with a cup of chai on a crisp autumn evening in Ashgabat, the kind where the desert wind whispers secrets from a thousand years ago. You're flipping through stories of three souls—Al-Ghazali, Rumi, and Iqbal—who never planted roots in Central Asia, never watched the sun dip behind the Kopet Dag mountains. Yet their voices? They're woven … [Read more...]
3rd Central Asia Inter-Parliamentary Forum Held in Bishkek
On 23 September 2025, the 3rd Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States was held in Bishkek under the theme “Parliaments of Central Asian Countries: Effective Solutions for Comprehensive Regional Development.” Opening the forum, Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament of Kyrgyzstan) Nurlanbek Shakiev emphasized that in a short period, the forum has become the … [Read more...]
Central Asia: The Quiet Powerhouse Shaping a Stable Future at UNGA
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova As the world gathers for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, there's a palpable sense that this meeting carries more weight than many in recent memory. With the theme "Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights," it arrives at a time when global cooperation … [Read more...]
Turkmen Delegation Takes Part in Study Visit to Spain Under CADAP 7
Madrid/Oviedo, Spain — 22–26 September 2025. The Turkmen delegation is taking part in a study visit to Spain, organized within the framework of the EU-funded Central Asia Drug Action Programme – Phase 7 (CADAP 7). The visit is being carried out with the support of CADAP in cooperation with the Fundación Internacional y para Iberoamérica de Administración y Políticas Públicas … [Read more...]
Central Asia: Where Privilege Meets Global Responsibility
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova In the vast expanse of the Eurasian landmass, Central Asia occupies a position that is both geographically central and strategically pivotal. This region, encompassing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, possesses a constellation of unique characteristics that distinguish it from any other part of the … [Read more...]
Lavrov Outlines Priorities for Russia’s Economic Cooperation with Central Asia
Russia's aggregate trade turnover with Central Asian countries exceeds $45 billion per year. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a session of the Business Council under the Russian Foreign Ministry, where key areas of interaction with Central Asian states and measures to support Russian companies in foreign markets were discussed. According to … [Read more...]
Record Growth in Freight Transport: China and Central Asia Strengthen Logistics Ties
In the first eight months of 2025, freight trains between China and Central Asia made 9,626 cross-border trips—an increase of 22.7% compared to the same period last year, setting a new record for this timeframe. During this period, 751,000 standard containers (TEU) were transported, marking a year-on-year growth of 31.1%, according to China Media Group. As of 31 August 2025, … [Read more...]
The EU flagship initiative Border Management Programme in Central Asia holds the Closing Conference of the 10th Phase in Kyrgyzstan
On 5 September 2025, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) marked the completion of its 10th phase with a Closing Conference held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The conference served as the final milestone in the Programme’s journey, drawing conclusions, reviewing achievements and discussing the future direction of EU–Central Asia cooperation in the … [Read more...]
Tashkent hosts First Ever International Forum of Children’s Ombudsmen of Central Asian Countries
On 11–12 September 2025, Tashkent is hosting the first ever International Forum of Central Asian Commissioners for Children’s Rights under the title of “Current issues in strengthening mechanisms for the protection of children's rights in Central Asian countries: regional cooperation among Children's Rights Commissioners.” The event is organized by the Children’s Ombudsman of … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan strengthen cooperation among women business leaders
The International Trade Centre (ITC) organized a study visit to Samarkand for women entrepreneurs from Turkmenistan from the 3rd to the 6th of September under “Turkmenistan: Enhancing Trade Resilience and Integration” project, funded by the European Union (EU). The delegation participated in the “100+ Women’s Leadership” series of events, designed to promote experience sharing … [Read more...]
EDB and India Exim Bank Analyze Trade and Investment Relations Between India and Central Asia
Mutual trade between India and Central Asian countries has grown from $500 million in 2010 to $1.7 billion, following an upward trajectory. This is highlighted in an analytical report titled “Exploring Trade and Investment Relations between India and Central Asia: Unlocking Economic Benefits.” The report was jointly prepared by the Eurasian Development Bank (EABR) and the … [Read more...]
CADAP 7 and the Government of Turkmenistan host the Central Asian Youth Forum on Health and Sustainable Development in Ashgabat
On September 10, 2025, the Central Asia Drug Action Programme, Phase 7 (CADAP 7), together with the Government of Turkmenistan are pleased to launch the Central Asian Youth Forum 2025, an event dedicated to "Health and Sustainable Development as a Path to Peace". The two-day forum will take place from September 10-11, 2025, at the Institute of Telecommunications and Informatics … [Read more...]
3rd EU-Central Asia Economic Forum to take place in Uzbekistan in November
The third EU-Central Asia Economic Forum will take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 26 November 2025, according to the website of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships. Building on the two previous iterations of the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum, held in 2021in Bishkek and 2023 in Almaty, and organised in partnership with the … [Read more...]
ADB, ACWA Power to Build Central Asia’s First Wind Power Plant with Battery Energy Storage
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and ACWA Power Company (ACWA Power) signed a $51 million loan package to build the Nukus 2 Wind and Battery Energy Storage facility in Uzbekistan’s Qoraozak district in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The project will be implemented by ACWA Power Beruniy Wind FE LLC, which is fully owned by ACWA Power. This project is Central Asia’s first wind … [Read more...]
Disaster Preparedness Capacities in Culture Sector Strengthened in Central Asia
From 25 to 29 August 2025, 34 professionals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan gathered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, for a regional training on strengthening disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness for culture. Jointly organized by UNESCO Almaty and International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural … [Read more...]
UNRCCA joins OSCE Central Asian heads of mission regional meeting on cooperation on youth
On September 5, 2025, UNRCCA participated in an online session on youth as part of the OSCE Central Asian Heads of Mission regional conference in Tashkent. The high-level meeting convened OSCE Heads of Missions, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE Mari Neuvonen, and … [Read more...]
OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Special Envoy Hakala to visit Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan
VIENNA/HELSINKI, 5 September 2025 — The Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Envoy, Terhi Hakala, will visit Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan from 8 to 16 September to meet with high-level government officials and civil society. The aim of the visit is to further strengthen the OSCE’s partnerships in the region. Throughout the visit, Special Envoy Hakala will also engage … [Read more...]
Central Asia and Gulf Countries Strengthen Trade Partnership: Turnover Surges Fourfold to $3.3 Billion
In a significant milestone for regional economic cooperation, trade between Central Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has seen remarkable growth, reaching $3.3 billion in 2024, according to the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB). This represents a 4.2-fold increase compared to 2020, underscoring the deepening economic ties between the two regions. The GCC … [Read more...]
“In the Revival of the Silk Road: Major Joint Projects in Transport Infrastructure”
Shoxjaxon Sikhnazarov, Chief Specialist of the Center for the Study of Transport Problems The Silk Road is one of the largest symbolic manifestations of economic and cultural integration in the history of human civilization, ensuring connections between East and West for almost two thousand years. Along the Silk Road, not only commercial goods - silk, wood, precious stones, … [Read more...]
Central Asia as a strategic bridge between East and West: Discussion on EU-Central Asia Cooperation at the Bled Forum in Slovenia
Within the framework of the anniversary Bled Strategic Forum (1-2 September Slovenia), a round table "The Centrality of Central Asia" was held, dedicated to the issues of expanding cooperation between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia. The discussion was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myakhri Byashimova, Deputy Minister of … [Read more...]
Roadmap to Boost Trade: How Bishkek and Astana Strengthen Economic Ties
On 22 August 2025, during the official visit of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Kyrgyz Republic and summit talks with President Sadyr Japarov, a series of bilateral documents were signed aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the two countries across various domains, from economy and trade to culture and security. This recent … [Read more...]
Geography of Success: Uzbekistan Seeks to Leverage the Transit-Transport Potential of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan
Elvira Kadyrova Uzbekistan, as a double-landlocked country, is actively working to transform its geographical constraints into competitive advantages by developing transit corridors. This was evident from the statements made by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the trilateral summit “Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan” held in Awaza, Turkmenistan, on 22 August 2025. An … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and UNESCAP Develop Drought Monitoring System for Central Asia
Amid global climate change, particularly rising air temperatures, the world faces significant environmental challenges. Some regions experience disasters such as rising water levels, floods, and droughts, signaling a worsening ecological situation. Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, is not immune to these global threats. Central Asia is a critical region where the impacts … [Read more...]
New Transboundary Tourism Route to Connect Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan
A new transboundary circular tourism route covering Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan (Khorezm and Karakalpakstan), and Kazakhstan has been developed, according to Uzbek media reports. The route connects four regions of Central Asia, offering travelers a diverse cultural and educational program. It was designed by Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee in collaboration with relevant … [Read more...]
Water as a Strategic Resource: Central Asian Countries Discuss Challenges and Solutions at the 90th ICWC Meeting in Kazakhstan
On 14 August 2025, the 90th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC), comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, took place in the resort town of Borovoe, Republic of Kazakhstan. Participants addressed key issues of water resource management in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins, as well as progress in … [Read more...]
Ancient Hunters in Eurasia: Archaeological Discoveries in Uzbekistan Reshape the History of Hunting
In the Obi-Rakhmat Grotto in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent Region, archaeologists have uncovered evidence that bows and arrows were used in Eurasia much earlier than previously thought. The findings, published in the scientific journal Plos One by an international team of researchers from France and Russia, were reported by the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Siberian … [Read more...]
The 2035 Eurasian Transport Network: over 300 infrastructure development projects with a total investment of over $234 billion
The EDB presents its Transport Projects Observatory, a tool for monitoring and coordinating the infrastructure development in the course of the implementation of the Eurasian Transport Network unique concept developed by the Bank. The Observatory is a database and an interactive map of transport corridor development projects implemented in 13 Eurasian countries. As of July 1, … [Read more...]
The Revival of the Silk Road: China’s Chang’an Express – The Railway Caravan of the 21st Century
Elvira Kadyrova Recently, a youth delegation from Turkmenistan visited Xi’an, the capital of China’s Shaanxi Province, where we explored one of the most significant international transport infrastructure facilities—the Xi’an Assembly Center for China-Europe trains, located at the Xi’an Chanba International Dry Port. This expansive complex, spanning 3,734 square meters, … [Read more...]
Development of New Reliable Transit Corridors is Key to Sustainable Progress in Central Asia – President of Uzbekistan
According to the World Bank, high transportation costs and unstable transit result in Central Asia losing up to 2% of its GDP annually, with logistics costs accounting for up to 60% of the value of goods—several times higher than the global average. This was stated by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on August 5 during his speech at the Third UN Conference on … [Read more...]