The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has released its second report under the flagship Monitoring of Mutual Investments project. The paper focuses on China, the Eurasian region’s leading investment partner in 2025, and shows that Chinese investment in the region continues to grow steadily despite the global decline in FDI flows. Over the past ten years, this investment has … [Read more...]
Central Asia in 2025
Tariq Saeedi While much of the world spent 2025 navigating economic uncertainty and geopolitical turbulence, Central Asia quietly emerged as one of the year's most remarkable success stories. The five nations—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan—achieved something increasingly rare in today's fractured global landscape: they maintained steady … [Read more...]
Building a world of lasting peace through dialogue and consultation
CGTN podcast In October 2013, at a conference on work related to neighboring countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping first put forward China's fundamental policy guideline for diplomacy with neighboring countries — amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. “Amity” stands for close and friendly relations, “sincerity” for mutual trust and honesty, “mutual benefit” … [Read more...]
Livestock Sector in Central Asia: Challenges and Opportunities
In the vast steppes and mountain pastures of Central Asia, livestock have been more than just animals—they've been wealth, sustenance, and a way of life for millennia. Today, this ancient tradition stands at a crossroads, caught between the weight of modern challenges and the promise of unprecedented opportunities. Livestock, in its broadest sense, refers to domesticated … [Read more...]
Central Asia poised to become Trillion Dollar Economy by 2035
Central Asia, as a region, has shown remarkable growth across economic indicators in 2025. According to the Moderate Scenario, the region may gain the status of a Trillion Dollar Economy by 2035. Current Economic Baseline According to the most recent data, Central Asia's combined GDP reached $519 billion in 2024 China Daily. The latest forecast from Evgeny Vinokurov, … [Read more...]
Russia’s pivot toward Asia includes increased gas supplies to Central Asia
As reported by 24.kg, Gazprom’s supplies to Central Asia will more than double within five years, with the company seeking to redirect volumes previously destined for the European market. According to information from EADaily, which cites data from Gazprombank’s Center for Economic Forecasting via Vedomosti, supplies are estimated at 19-20 billion cubic meters. Open.kg … [Read more...]
Traditional December Summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States: Year-End Review and Future Plans
On 22 December 2025, in St. Petersburg, leaders from member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) gathered for their traditional informal pre-New Year summit. Participants included: Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President … [Read more...]
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) Railway: A Strategic Connectivity Project
nCa Short Report The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway is a pivotal infrastructure project designed to boost trade and economic ties across Central Asia, connecting China directly with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Initially proposed in the 1990s, it has gained significant traction as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to create alternative trade … [Read more...]
The Central Asia Plus Format: A Platform for Partnership, Not Political Realignment
Tariq Saeedi The Central Asia Plus (CA+) format has emerged as one of the most dynamic diplomatic frameworks in recent years. What began as a modest initiative has blossomed into a diverse constellation of partnerships, with countries and regional blocs eager to engage with the five Central Asian republics—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and … [Read more...]
Termez Dialogue at Doha Forum
The Termez Dialogue: Bridging Central and South Asia Through Afghan Connectivity An Interpretive Analysis of Regional Cooperation and Security Concerns In the ancient Uzbek city of Termez, where the Silk Road once thrived and civilizations converged for millennia, a new chapter in regional diplomacy is unfolding. The Termez Dialogue, launched from May 19 to 21, 2025, … [Read more...]
Eurasian Economies to Grow by up to 9.3% in 2026: EDB Publishes New Macroeconomic Outlook
18 December 2025 The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has presented its Macroeconomic Outlook for 2026–2028. According to EDB analysts, investment activity and domestic demand will remain the key drivers of growth in most countries of the region, despite moderate global economic expansion and persistently elevated interest rates. Key takeaways: More about the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan President Arrives in Japan for Central Asia-Japan Summit
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed for a working visit to Japan on December 17 to attend the inaugural Central Asia + Japan Dialogue summit at the leaders' level, according to state media reports from Turkmenistan and Japan. The landmark summit, scheduled for 19-20 December in Tokyo, will be chaired by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan's … [Read more...]
Central Asia emerges as Powerhouse in Aviation World
Central Asia is quietly becoming a powerhouse in the aviation world, emerging as the fastest-growing market globally over the past two decades, even though it's still the smallest region in terms of total scheduled seats. According to a recent analysis from OAG, the region is on track to offer 33.7 million seats in 2025, fueled by a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%—that's … [Read more...]
China’s Economic Roadmap for 2026: A Pivot Toward Deeper Ties with Central Asia
nCa Report As 2025 draws to a close, China's Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC) has laid out a pragmatic blueprint for the year ahead, emphasizing stability amid domestic slowdowns and global uncertainties (source). The meeting, held in Beijing from December 10 to 11, reaffirmed commitments to boosting domestic demand, stabilizing the property sector, and leaning on … [Read more...]
Mutual investment in the Eurasian region reached a record US $48.4 billion: a new report by the EDB
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has released the report as part of its flagship project Monitoring of Mutual Investments. New data show that investment activity in the Eurasian region continues to expand despite the global decline in foreign direct investment (FDI). Mutual FDI between the region’s countries reached a record US $48.4 billion at the end of the first half … [Read more...]
Authentic Outcomes of Neutrality Conference in Ashgabat – Part Three
The Conversation Heard Around the World: What Ashgabat Promises Generation Beta Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova As the final echoes of speeches faded in Ashgabat on December 12, 2025, what lingered was not merely diplomatic courtesy but something far more significant: the dawning recognition that active, dynamic neutrality is not a relic of 20th-century idealism but a … [Read more...]
Authentic Outcomes of Neutrality Conference in Ashgabat – Part Two
Turkmenistan's Neutrality as a Catalyst for Regional and Global Integration Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova The Neutrality Advantage: A Unique Convening Power Turkmenistan's 30-year commitment to permanent neutrality, internationally recognized by the UN in 1995, 2015, and 2025, has created a distinctive diplomatic asset: the ability to bring together nations that … [Read more...]
President of Kyrgyzstan: Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads – Important Platform for Strengthening Peace and Trust
President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov delivered a speech on December 12 at the international forum “Peace and Trust: Unity of Goals for a Sustainable Future,” dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. In his remarks, President Japarov commended … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan to Declare 2027 as the Year of Preventive Diplomacy within the Non-Aligned Movement
Uzbekistan plans to declare 2027 as the Year of Preventive Diplomacy during its upcoming chairmanship in the Non-Aligned Movement. The initiative is aimed at supporting efforts to resolve conflicts in the interests of future generations. This was stated by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the International Forum of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat on 12 … [Read more...]
Progress of Telemedicine in Central Asia
As of December 2025 Telemedicine continues to make meaningful strides across Central Asia in 2025, with a clear focus on reducing the urban–rural healthcare gap. All five countries are advancing digital health solutions, though at different paces and scales. The most visible progress is in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, where internationally supported projects are … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Infrastructure Revolution Is Already Underway — Now Let’s Make It the Most Innovative on Earth
Tariq Saeedi Central Asia has done something extraordinary in the past two decades: it has built. --- From the high-speed rail that now links Almaty to Tashkent in hours instead of days, to the gleaming new terminals at Nursultan Nazarbayev and Tashkent International airports, the Turkmenbashy-Farab motorway of Turkmenistan, to the fiber-optic networks that have brought … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan: a strategic partnership that strengthens the region
In recent years, cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has been experiencing a new, truly rapid stage of development. Today, bilateral relations are no longer limited to just diplomatic ties — they have acquired a complex character: from joint economic, transport and logistics projects to large-scale cultural initiatives that strengthen friendship and … [Read more...]
The Lifeline: Siberian Rivers May Save Central Asia
nCa Report On a crisp November morning in Moscow, members of the Russian Academy of Sciences gathered to discuss what many had considered a relic of Soviet hubris: the possibility of redirecting Siberian rivers thousands of kilometers south to the parched lands of Central Asia. The proposal, announced on November 14th, represents the latest resurrection of an idea that … [Read more...]
Transport integration in Central Asia: the contribution of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
Ibrahimova Dildora, Head of the Centre for Transport and Logistics Development Studies at the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan Transport cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is now taking on strategic importance, shaping a new architecture of connectivity in Central Asia and creating additional opportunities for the region to enter the wider … [Read more...]
Speech by President of Turkmenistan at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers (6 December 2025)
Dear participants of the meeting! At the initiative of Turkmenistan, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus the Resolution "2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust", which became one of the significant political events. In this regard, I would like to note that a number of important international events were held in 2025. The significance of the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Leads Central Asia with Fastest Customs Transit Times, GIZ Study Shows
Turkmenistan has the fastest customs transit processing in Central Asia, with an average clearance time of just 37 minutes, according to a new study conducted by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) between August and October 2025. The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan released the findings on 4 Dec, highlighting the country’s continuing leadership in … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Voice in the UN: Kyrgyzstan Ambassador to Turkmenistan Holds Briefing on His Country’s Candidacy for UN Security Council
Elvira Kadyrova As part of diplomatic efforts aimed at gaining international support, the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Turkmenistan, Azizbek Madmarov, held a briefing in Ashgabat dedicated to Kyrgyzstan's candidacy for non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 period. The event was attended by heads and staff of … [Read more...]
European Union Says It Seeks No Expansion in Central Asia
The European Union’s special representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, rejected suggestions that Brussels is pursuing political or economic expansion in the region, emphasizing that the bloc’s growing engagement is driven solely by mutual benefit and a desire for stability. “We are not immediate neighbors, so it is very difficult to accuse us of any attempts at … [Read more...]
OPEC Fund Has Invested Heavily in Central Asia, Kazakhstan Official Says
The OPEC Fund for International Development, a multilateral lender owned by OPEC member states, has directed more than $1.4 billion to development projects across Central Asia over the past 20 years, Kazakhstan’s first deputy minister of national economy, Azamat Amrin, told lawmakers this week. The figure emerged during parliamentary debate on ratification of a framework … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries agree on water limits for 2025–2026
The Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia has approved water intake limits and reservoir operation modes for the non-growing season of 2025–2026. So, for Amu Darya River, the total limit is set at 55.4 billion cubic meters, including 15.9 billion cubic meters for October—April period. Distribution by country: The Aral Sea and Amu Darya delta … [Read more...]
Afghanistan Strengthens Export Ties with Central Asia Through Local Manufacturing and Trade Expansion
As reported by Omid Radio, Afghanistan has launched the 25th phase of exports from Herat province, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to expand trade with Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan. During a ceremony in Herat, Governor Shaikh Maulana Islam Jar emphasized the growing production capabilities of Afghanistan, particularly … [Read more...]
TAPI: The idea, the ideology, and the way forward – Part Four
Tariq Saeedi In the previous part of this report, we saw that Afghanistan can step up to consume larger volumes of gas from TAPI. Now, we must construct the scenarios for Pakistan to absorb the remaining volumes from TAPI. This brings us to a whole new world of possibilities. This also opens the gates for substantial partnership between Pakistan and Central Asia. … [Read more...]
TAPI: The idea, the ideology, and the way forward – Part One
Tariq Saeedi The Statement: TAPI is more than an idea --- it is an ideology. The Spectrum: From Preposterous to Profound TAPI, as a gas pipeline project connecting Turkmenistan with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India is an idea; an idea whose time has come, an idea that is akin to the force of nature. TAPI, as a corridor, is the collective name for a number of … [Read more...]
UNRCCA Convenes Fifteenth Annual Meeting with Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian States in Almaty
The fifteenth annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states, convened by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), was held in Almaty on 27–28 November 2025. The event gathered the high-level officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Given the continued relevance of … [Read more...]
C5 is now C6 – What will change?
Tariq Saeedi The transformation of Central Asia's consultative mechanism from C5 to C6 with Azerbaijan's formal inclusion represents far more than a diplomatic courtesy. At the November 2025 Tashkent summit, Central Asian leaders agreed that Azerbaijan would participate as a full member in future meetings, marking a strategic realignment that recognizes existing realities … [Read more...]
Global Gateway: Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum Key Deliverables
Tashkent, 27 November 2025 – the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TCTC) and Connectivity Investors Forum concluded with a strong signal of joint ambition from the European Union, South Caucasus and Central Asian countries, Türkiye, International Development Banks, the private sector and regional partners. The Forum demonstrated how the Global Gateway strategy is moving from … [Read more...]
Neutrality as the Bridge: Why Central Asia and ASEAN Are Natural Partners in a Divided World
Tariq Saeedi In just over two weeks, on 12 December 2025, Ashgabat will host the high-level International Forum "Peace and Trust", the flagship event marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality – a status uniquely recognized by the United Nations in 1995 and reaffirmed ever since. The UN has declared 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s Generation 2050: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Chance for Rapid Economic Growth
Central Asia stands at the threshold of a historic demographic window that could trigger decades of accelerated economic growth – but only if governments act now to invest heavily in their young people, warns a major new UNICEF regional report. Titled “Generation 2050: Investing in Tomorrow, Today”, the study reveals that more than half the population of Kazakhstan, … [Read more...]
Aliyev Thanks Turkmenistan’s Leadership for Supporting Azerbaijan’s Full Entry into Central Asia Summit Format
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent letters of gratitude to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the Turkmen state news agency TDH reported. In both letters, President Aliyev expressed deep appreciation for Turkmenistan’s strong support of the … [Read more...]
Global Gateway: 3rd EU-Central Asia Economic Forum – Key Deliverables
The 3rd EU – Central Asia Economic Forum demonstrated the growing momentum of the partnership between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia. Coming after the first-ever EU – Central Asia Summit in Samarkand, the EU – Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Ashgabat, and the recent visit of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of … [Read more...]
UNRCCA сo-organizes the Annual Women, Peace and Security Conference of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Dialogue
On 25 November 2025, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze took part in the annual “Women, Peace and Security” Conference of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Dialogue (WLC), held in Dushanbe under the Chairmanship of the Republic of Tajikistan, and co-organized by UNRCCA, UN Women, and UNFPA. The event convened members of the … [Read more...]
Rising Heat, Rising Risk: Regional Policy Actions
Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) 2024 was the hottest on record globally. In Asia and the Pacific, Bangladesh was the worst-hit country, with about 33 million people affected by lower crop yields that destabilized food systems, along with … [Read more...]
A Pipeline to Success: Central Asia’s Strategic Opportunity
Editor's note: We are reproducing this article by Daniel Runde, originally published by The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune. While we at nCa do not agree with the entirety of the drift of this article, there are two reasons why we are reproducing it: 1. It projects a point of view currently prevalent among some influential circles; 2. It is not totally 'out of the box' but it is … [Read more...]
Tashkent: The Pulsating Heart of Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova Tashkent is a city where you can literally feel the pulse of life and the unstoppable energy of youth. That’s exactly how Uzbekistan’s capital revealed itself to me, the vibrant megapolis of Central Asia. Our delegation of journalists from Turkmenistan stayed at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, the InterContinental Tashkent, part of the prestigious … [Read more...]
Central Asian Leaders Forge ‘New Era’ of Unity in Tashkent, Welcoming Azerbaijan Into the Fold
nCa Report In a historic gathering that reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia, the presidents of five Central Asian nations convened on 16 November 2025 for the seventh consultative meeting of regional heads of state, unanimously admitting Azerbaijan as a full member and laying the groundwork for deeper economic, security and cultural integration. The summit, … [Read more...]
25th Central Asia Media Conference “Actioning Media Viability for Informed and Resilient Societies”
Marking its 25th edition, the RFoM’s (OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media) Central Asia Media Conference will be held on 13 and 14 November 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This year’s conference on “Actioning Media Viability for Informed and Resilient Societies” will spotlight how free, independent and viable media serve the public good, strengthen democratic institutions … [Read more...]
US and Central Asian Nations adopted C5+1 Joint Statement for Economic cooperation – Critical Minerals, AI Integration and Trans-Caspian Connectivity under the spotlight
The Governments of the United States of America, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan commemorated the tenth anniversary of the C5+1 diplomatic platform with a joint statement outlining a renewed commitment to regional prosperity, sustainable development, and strengthened economic cooperation. Established in 2015, the C5+1 framework has … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan President’s Visit to Washington: Participation in the C5+1 Summit, Series of Meetings, Turkmen-American Business Forum
During a working visit to the United States from 4 to 7 November 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in the “Central Asia + United States of America” (C5+1) Summit in Washington, met with President Donald Trump, and held a series of meetings with business leaders and high-ranking officials. Additionally, a Turkmen-American business forum was held … [Read more...]
UNODC Concludes Annual Programme Steering Committee Meeting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Regional Office for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan, successfully held its annual Programme Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2022-2025 on 6 November 2025 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The hybrid-format event brought together over 100 participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, … [Read more...]
C5+1 Washington Summit: The Buttons align with the Buttonholes
Tariq Saeedi President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan at the C5+1 summit in Washington, DC, on November 6, 2025. According to the early reports, here are the main outcomes of the summit: * * * The outcomes, as we know from the early reports, are encouraging in that they build on the … [Read more...]