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 … [Read more...]
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, … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
“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 … [Read more...]
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, sometimes friendly and sometimes not so … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 of partnership … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 of 34% compared to 2016 and 8.8% … [Read more...]
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 the EU and the countries of Central Asia on the … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 seminar held in … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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). According to the report titled “Mutual Investments on the Eurasian … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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, … [Read more...]
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 participation of the leaders … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 of the high-level meeting was the … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 heads and … [Read more...]
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 priority issues of regional … [Read more...]
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 Peace and Trust. It requires consistent hard work to build … [Read more...]
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 to China from … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 made up … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
Meeting in Brussels: The ambassadors of Central Asia and Mongolia discussed with the head of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee preparations for key events in 2025
On 27 January 2025, at the initiative of the Ambassadors of Central Asia countries and Mongolia accredited in Belgium, a meeting was held in Brussels with David McAllister, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Belgium reports. The meeting participants discussed preparations for key events, including: • 6th … [Read more...]
The National Coordination Meeting on the project “Central Asia Pandemic Preparedness and Response through the One Health approach” was held in Ashgabat
In order to promote health, economic stability, social development, and environmental sustainability, the Central Asian countries are cooperating to enhance their capacity to prepare for and respond to pandemics and epidemics. The Central Asian countries are working together to implement the One Health approach in the field of pandemic prevention, preparedness and response … [Read more...]
Topical issues of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan discussed in Tokyo
Political consultations On 27 January 2025, Turkmen-Japanese political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries took place in Tokyo. The Turkmen side was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov, and the Japanese side was led by Masaki Ishikawa, Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs … [Read more...]
The Regional Environmental Center of Central Asia has signed a memorandum of cooperation with NGOs in the eastern region of Turkmenistan.
Last week, the project office of the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CARECECO) in Turkmenistan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Taze Zaman NGO, which operates in the Lebap province, the eastern region of Turkmenistan. The memorandum is aimed at strengthening the long-term partnership between CARECECO and Taze Zaman in order to improve the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan mainstreaming e-commerce through legislative adjustments – volumes grow
Kazakhstan continues to structuralize the space for e-commerce, protecting the interests of the consumers and creating a level playing field for all. The sector is thriving. Kazinform reports that the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan plans to tighten requirements for online platforms. The head of the department, Arman Shakkaliev, commented on … [Read more...]
EBRD sets an investment record in Central Asia
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has set a new operational record in Central Asia by investing €2.26 billion through 121 projects in six regional economies last year – almost doubling its annual investment in Central Asia compared with 2023. It also mobilised €784 million from co-financiers, thus bringing more than €3 billion into the … [Read more...]
The concept of Turkmenistan’s activities and priorities within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust
The trends and events of the last few years indicate serious changes in international and interstate relations, the intensification of global and regional contradictions, and the emergence of conflicts in various parts of the world. The cause-and-effect relationships of these phenomena are diverse, but it is obvious that the defining characteristic of the current state of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan account for 95% of Central Asia’s total GDP, EDB says
The three largest economies — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan — account for 95% of Central Asia’s total GDP and are net exporters of hydrocarbons, says Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) in the reports titled “Macroeconomic Forecasts 2025-2027”. In 2024, Central Asia’s nominal GDP could exceed $500bn. According to our estimates, it will increase by more than 10% and … [Read more...]
Applications for the GoViral75 Young Leaders Program are open in Central Asia
Applications for the GoViral75: Emerging Leaders Fellowship program for young leaders from Central Asia have been accepted as part of the GoViral project. The program is aimed at supporting youth initiatives in the fields of media, business, culture and technology in order to strengthen cooperation between the countries of the region. The Emerging Leaders Fellowship provides … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan – UAE: Partnership for a Green Future
Alisher Kadirov, Head of Department, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been experiencing a period of rapid development in recent years, characterized by deepening cooperation in many areas, especially sustainable development and the … [Read more...]
Central Asia is a Key Vector of Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy
Azamat Sulimanov, Head of Department, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Analyzing the events of recent years, as well as the processes taking place in Central Asia, the radical changes that have taken place in the region in a fairly short period of time become obvious. Many experts agree that the region has … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan’s Eco-Course: Ban on AI-80, New Industrial Restrictions and Mandatory Plastic Recycling
By the end of 2025, Uzbekistan plans to completely abandon the use of AI-80 gasoline, which does not comply with the Euro-4 environmental standard and significantly pollutes the environment. This is reported by the Uz Daily agency. The ban stems from recommendations received from various sources, including the general public, international and local environmental … [Read more...]
PMs of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan met at Tri-Border Point, push for regional integration
On 8 January 2025, a trilateral meeting was held between Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic-Head of the Presidential Administration Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdullah Aripov and Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda. The premiers met at the junction of the state borders of the three countries — in the Batken region of … [Read more...]
Central Asia commits to end statelessness with Ashgabat Declaration
ALMATY – Central Asian States have reaffirmed their commitment to eradicate statelessness, adopting the Ashgabat Declaration on Ending Statelessness in Central Asia, published today in Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Turkmen, Uzbek, Russian and English languages. Adopted by the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
Human Rights Youth Festival dedicated to International Human Rights Day in Ashgabat
From 9 to 10 December, the OHCHR Regional Office for Central Asia organized a Youth Festival on Human Rights to commemorate Human Rights Day, which is celebrated annually on 10 December. 25 young women and men, SDG Ambassadors and youth activists from civil society organizations learned about UN human rights mechanisms and international approaches to equality and … [Read more...]
Inception of UNDP’s Regional Initiative to Enhance Urban Resilience in Central Asia
Central Asia is among the world’s most vulnerable regions to natural hazards and climate-induced challenges, including earthquakes, floods, droughts, avalanches, and landslides. Over the past decade, these disasters have claimed thousands of lives and impacted millions of people across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. With the added pressure of … [Read more...]
The UN General Assembly declares 23 October as the International Snow Leopard Day
On December 12, the United Nations General Assembly, at the initiative of Kyrgyzstan, proclaimed October 23 as International Snow Leopard Day. 61 countries, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, China, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, co-sponsored the resolution. The snow leopard, also known as the ounce, inhabits the high-altitude … [Read more...]
ADB Upwardly Revises Growth Forecast for Caucasus and Central Asia
The growth projection for the Caucasus and Central Asia is revised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) upward to 4.9% from 4.7% for 2024 and to 5.3% from 5.2% for 2025, according the latest edition of the Bank’s Asian Development Outlook (ADO), released on 11 December. The adjustment reflects robust growth in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to date, higher … [Read more...]
The UN General Assembly adopted the Resolution “Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia” initiated by Turkmenistan
On 2 December, 2024, during the 43rd plenary session of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, a resolution submitted by Turkmenistan on behalf of the Central Asian countries "Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia" was adopted. Introducing the draft resolution, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations A.Atayeva thanked the UN member … [Read more...]
Central Asia–Korea Friendship Day celebrated in Seoul
On 6 December 2024, in Seoul, the celebration of the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Friendship Day took place at the Library of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. The event was organized by the CA-Korea Friendship Association in cooperation with the embassies of five Central Asian countries with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea. The … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan hosted an anniversary meeting on strengthening cooperation between nuclear-weapon-free zones
On December 5, 2024, a meeting of the States parties to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia on the theme "Strengthening cooperation between existing nuclear-weapon-free zones" was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting, dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia, … [Read more...]
Water issues, gas supplies and upcoming high-level meetings – The President of Uzbekistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people discussed key issues of cooperation
On 5 December 2024, a telephone conversation took place between the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During the conversation, the sides discussed in detail topical issues of further strengthening the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership relations … [Read more...]