On 3 December 2024, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid a working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the One Water summit. At the beginning of the visit, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov performed Umrah (small pilgrimage) to the holy Kaaba, visiting Makkah. Participation in the … [Read more...]
IFAS and AFD Join Forces to Secure Water Future in Central Asia
The Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (EC IFAS) and the French Development Agency (AFD) announce a partnership to promote sustainable water resources management in Central Asia. As part of the "One Water Summit" initiative, AFD announces that it has authorized a grant of €2 million for EC IFAS, a key international organization in … [Read more...]
International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation and ESCAP join forces in effort to grow export opportunities through Investment Promotion Agencies in Central Asia
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) have embarked on the implementation of a strategic partnership for a project under the Trade Connect Central Asia+ (TCCA+) Program in the region: “Boosting Exports through Foreign Direct Investments (FDI)”. The project complements … [Read more...]
Strengthening trade and economic ties in the region: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are developing an AEO agreement
Recently, Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan Maksat Khudaikulyev met with Executive Secretary of the International Center for Transport Diplomacy Igor Runov. The meeting focused on the issue of concluding a trilateral Agreement on mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) with the participation of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and … [Read more...]
Strengthening multilateral cooperation: outcomes of the 5th meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China and Central Asian countries
On 1 December 2024, the fifth meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China and Central Asian countries took place in Chengdu. The meeting, which was chaired by Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi, was attended by: • Kazakhstan - Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu. • Kyrgyzstan – Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubayev • Tajikistan - … [Read more...]
The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the ministerial meeting “Central Asia – China”
On 1 December 2024, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, participated in the 5th meeting of foreign ministers of the Central Asia-China format, held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Participants at the meeting emphasized the significant role of cooperation within the CA-China format in strengthening constructive partnerships and … [Read more...]
Enhancing Substance Use Prevention, Supply Reduction, and Developing National Expertise in Addictology and Treatment in Central Asia
On 27-28 November, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, an International Conference “Enhancing Substance Use Prevention, Supply Reduction, and Developing National Expertise in Addictology and Treatment in Central Asia” has been conducted with the support of EU-funded Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP). The event gathered delegations from all 5 Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, … [Read more...]
UNRCCA, UNOCT, OSCE and Government of Uzbekistan organize the Second Meeting of the Working Groups of the Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees
UNRCCA, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and the Government of Uzbekistan organized the second meeting of the working groups of the Central Asia Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees. The regional event, which took place … [Read more...]
The OSCE PA Ashgabat Conference: Dialogue for peace and a sustainable future
On 27 November, the first day of the Ashgabat Conference titled "Parliamentary Diplomacy in the OSCE Area: Dialogue as a Tool for Building Bridges for a Secure and Peaceful Future" took place. The event was jointly organized by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA). The primary goal of the conference was to bolster regional dialogue and … [Read more...]
OSCE fosters dialogue on critical infrastructure resilience in Central Asia and beyond
On 22 November 2024, 25 government officials from Central Asia gathered in Ashgabat for a Regional Conference on “Critical Infrastructure Protection in Central Asia: Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security”. The event was organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the OSCE Centre … [Read more...]
OSCE: Central Asia plays a key role in the development of new trade routes
Ambassador John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat, speaking at the conference the session 1 of ITTC Conference themed “Transport Transit Corridors and Intermodal Connectivity”, stressed the role of modernization and expansion of transit corridors to strengthen economic stability and environmental sustainability. The OSCE, as the largest regional security … [Read more...]
China Exim Bank opens a regional office in Uzbekistan
The Export-Import Bank of China (China Exim Bank) further strengthened its presence in Central Asia with the opening of a representative office in Tashkent on 22 November 2024. The China Exim Bank was founded in 1994. It is a state-owned political bank aimed to support China's foreign trade, investment and international economic cooperation, and is directly subordinate to … [Read more...]
The Central Asia–China Gas Pipeline: 500+ billion cubic meters of clean energy and millions of tons of reduced emissions
For over 14 years, the Central Asia-China gas pipeline has been a vital conduit for clean energy, delivering over 500 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China, Chinese media reported, citing the West Pipeline Company of the Chinese PipeChina Corporation. The Khorgos gas compressor station, a critical component of the pipeline, serves as the initial entry point for … [Read more...]
The EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, to conduct farewell visits to the region
The EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, will carry out farewell visits in the region in the coming weeks. This series of visits will provide an opportunity to reflect on her mandate and to reinforce the EU’s commitment to enhance partnerships with Central Asian countries. During her visits, Ambassador Terhi Hakala will meet with partners, … [Read more...]
IRENA and Azerbaijan Unveil Renewable Energy Partnership for Central Asia at COP29
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) unveiled a new partnership model that can accelerate renewable energy deployment and foster green industrialisation in Central Asia. The partnership was launched by IRENA at the COP29 Energy Transition Investment Forum for Central Asia. The two-day forum takes place at COP29 and is co-hosted by IRENA, the COP29 Presidency, … [Read more...]
OSCE regional seminar promotes development of green energy in Central Asia
Representatives of environmental and energy ministries and institutions from five Central Asian countries shared best practices in green energy transition at an OSCE-organized regional seminar that took place on 14 and 15 November 2024. The seminar, hosted by the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan, was held in a hybrid format, with students and professors of … [Read more...]
Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus concludes Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship with the final Conference and Expo aimed at strengthening women’s entrepreneurship in Central Asia
On 14-15 November, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze participated in the final Conference of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) under Kyrgyzstan’s presidency in Bishkek. The conference was preceded by the regional "Woman Entrepreneurship EXPO-2024," which brought together women entrepreneurs and … [Read more...]
A Multilateral trust Fund for Central Asian countries presented at COP29 in Baku
A high-level meeting at COP29, co-organized by the COP29 Presidency, Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, UNECE and UNESCAP, saw the introduction of the SPECA Multi-Partner Trust Fund. The high-level representatives of participating States of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) signed the Baku Joint Ministerial Statement on the … [Read more...]
ADB Launches Major Initiative for Central Asia and South Caucasus to Build Resilience to Melting Glaciers
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a new regional program, Glaciers to Farms, that will promote sustainable water use and food security in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Pakistan amid the catastrophic impacts of accelerated glacial melt due to climate change, ADB said in a press-release on 14 November 2024. Supported by the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) Project … [Read more...]
Central Asian and Turkic Youth Climate Leaders Speak Out at COP29 in Baku
Assel Satubaldina Youth climate activists from Central Asia and Turkic countries discussed how youth can drive climate action at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku on Nov. 13. The event, dubbed Next COP Dialogue of Central Asian and Turkic Youth Climate Leaders, convened young environmental advocates from Azerbaijan, Hungary, Kazakhstan, the … [Read more...]
Accelerating Change: The Regional Platform for Fast-Tracking the Implementation of the UN Convention Against Corruption in Central Asia Contributes to Positive Developments!
At the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption held in December 2021, Resolution 9/4 on "Strengthening the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption at regional levels" was adopted, emphasizing the importance of developing technical assistance programs and adopting a regional approach in delivering anti-corruption technical … [Read more...]
Financial fortification: Central Asia’s approach to natural disaster readiness
Astana hosts the Central Asian forum on disaster financing and insurance, bringing together key stakeholders from across the region to address the urgent need for financial preparedness in battling natural disasters. Government leaders, insurance regulators, private sector representatives, and international experts looked into both the financial and logistical demands of … [Read more...]
Korea pledges $3 million to support climate action in Central Asia
The Korean government will donate $3 million over the next three years to support climate change initiatives in Central Asian countries, Yonhap reports. According to the finance ministry of South Korea, the agreement for the donation to the Climate and Sustainability Project Preparatory Fund was signed Friday during ministerial-level meetings held in Kazakhstan under the … [Read more...]
CAREC Ministers launched the Regional Climate Fund and endorsed Climate Change Action Plan
Member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program have endorsed a new Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) and launched the CAREC Climate and Sustainability Project Preparatory Fund (CSPPF) to strengthen regional collaboration on climate resilience, low-carbon growth, and sustainable development. This endorsement took place at the 23rd CAREC … [Read more...]
UNHCR applauds Turkmenistan for resolving statelessness – Ashgabat hosted regional conference on statelessness
On 8 November 2024, officials from 10 countries gathered in Ashgabat for a ministerial conference to end statelessness in Central Asia and to celebrate the region’s achievements toward that goal. Titled Ending Statelessness in Central Asia Ministerial Conference, the Ashgabat event was convened by the Government of Turkmenistan and UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Eradicates Statelessness, UNHCR says
Turkmenistan has made history by becoming the second country globally, after Kyrgyzstan, to completely eliminate statelessness. This significant achievement was announced by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Senior Protection Officer, Ms. Rano Saidumarova, during a briefing in Ashgabat. In September 2024, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov granted … [Read more...]
The Turkmen delegation attended the 17th “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” Cooperation Forum
On November 4, 2024 the 17th "Central Asia - Republic of Korea" Cooperation Forum took place in Seoul. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea Begench Durdyyev attended this Forum on behalf of the Turkmen side. The forum was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Cho Tae-yul. Delegations led by high-ranking officials from Central … [Read more...]
17th Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum: preparations for the first summit in 2025 discussed
On Monday, 4 November, the 17th Central Asia-Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum was held under the chairmanship of South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, which was attended by foreign ministers, deputy foreign ministers and chief delegates from five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, according to Korean news … [Read more...]
IFC Increases Impact in Central Asia with Strong Investments in Fiscal Year 2024
Climate finance, infrastructure, agriculture, and micro and smaller businesses in Central Asia were just some of the areas that benefited from strong funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, over the last fiscal year. The funds, coupled with advisory support, are helping to increase private sector participation, create jobs, … [Read more...]
E-Commerce in Central Asia increasing
Almost every day the media report some more developments in the e-commerce sector in Central Asia. The Russian e-commerce platform Wildberries is planning to construct two substantial logistics centers in the Kazakh cities of Almaty and Astana. The company's co-founder and CEO, Tatyana Kim, has confirmed this news while also revealing that a logistics hub in Almaty is … [Read more...]
Central Asian Water Experts Meet to Enhance Cooperation on Water, Energy, Environment and Climate Issues
On October 29-30, 2024, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the UNRCCA organized a “Expert Meeting on Water, Energy, Environment, and Climate Cooperation in Central Asia” as part of its water project. The meeting brought together representatives from relevant ministries, state agencies, and national and international experts, including those from UNESCO, UNECE, UNAMA, and DPPA, to assess … [Read more...]
INTERVIEW: Central Asia to grow by diversifying, says EDB chairman
Central Asia’s economic story is one of impressive growth, but to sustain this trajectory and achieve sustainable, long-term development, the region must diversify beyond its raw material sectors. According to Nikolai Podguzov, chairman of the board of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), which has invested in a broad range of sectors in the region, while Central Asia has … [Read more...]
OGT 2024: Turkmenistan and Central Asia can become a global renewable energy hub
We need natural gas, but we have also to have a lot of renewable energy to go forward with decarbonization and climate change mitigation, said during his online presentation Murman Margvelashvili, Director, Energy Studies from “World Experience for Georgia”. Both in the cases of natural gas and reenable energy Turkmenistan and Central Asia can play a major role, he … [Read more...]
E-Commerce and its relation with event planning and management
E-Commerce is encroaching on every imaginable territory – event planning and management is no exception. An article at Wbcom Designs provides the basic information about the role of e-commerce in the event planning and management: How E-Commerce Innovations are Transforming Event Management The e-commerce industry has changed dramatically over the years. Consumers are … [Read more...]
Ashgabat hosted the second Central Asia–Korea parliamentary forum
On October 14, 2024, the second parliamentary meeting in the Central Asia-Korea format took place in Ashgabat. The event was attended by: Woo Won Shik, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Nurlanbek Shakiev, Chairman of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic Yerlan Koshanov, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan invites CIS countries to participate in infrastructure projects toward South Asia – this is powerful idea with enormous potential
Tariq Saeedi Turkmenistan has invited the CIS countries to take part in the emerging and planned infrastructure projects aimed at connectivity with South Asia and beyond. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in his speech at the summit of the heads of state of CIS, floated the idea. The summit was held in Moscow on 8 October 2024. Here is the relevant portion from the speech … [Read more...]
Germany is economic powerhouse of Europe and a natural partner for Central Asia
Tariq Saeedi Germany is the economic powerhouse of Europe. It is the third largest economy in the world. The size of the German economy is simply impressive considering that it has always paid a heavy price for the broader cooperation in Europe. Germany also has an impeccable record of fulfilling its commitments. The roots are in the national psyche where the sense of … [Read more...]
China planning to establish joint science-technology centre with Central Asia
China, in pursuit of taking its partnership with Central Asia, is planning to establish a joint sci-tech (science and technology) centre with Central Asia. The idea was born during a meeting of the CPPCC (Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) in March this year. The authors of the idea have proposed to establish it in XAR (Xinjiang Yughur Autonomous Region), … [Read more...]
Additional ADB Grant to Strengthen Energy Security in Central Asia
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved additional grant financing of $15 million to help Tajikistan scale up an ongoing project to reconnect the country’s power system to the Central Asian Power System (CAPS) through interconnections with neighboring Uzbekistan. “Through the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program, ADB actively promotes regional … [Read more...]
EBRD forecasts robust economic growth in Central Asia
Anton Usov According to the latest edition of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) Regional Economic Prospects report, the short-term regional economic outlook for Central Asia remains positive. Regional growth is set to reach 5.1 per cent in 2024 and accelerate to 5.9 per cent in 2025 on stronger commodity revenues, infrastructure investment and … [Read more...]
K9 trainers from Central Asia successfully completed ToT course in Latvia
On September 24, the closing ceremony of BOMCA ToT course for dog handling instructors from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan (specializing in the search for explosives, ammunition, and weapons) took place at the Canine Center of the State Border Guard College of Latvia. The 2nd round of 3-month ToT course was organized under Component 2 of … [Read more...]
Bridge of Cultures: Central Asian designers in the heart of Europe
The first Central Asia–Europe Creative Forum is taking place in Brussels this week. 12 designers, fashion and art figures from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan presented their unique works at the European External Action Service, as well as at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium. Opening the meeting, Ambassador of Turkmenistan Sapar Palvanov … [Read more...]
E-Commerce in Central Asia – Some latest developments
The e-commerce sector in Central Asia is almost self-propelled now. The stakeholders continue to add facilities and features to make it profitable and beneficial across the board. The Fund for Digital Initiatives of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU) held a working meeting earlier this month to discuss … [Read more...]
Iran becomes a trade hub for agricultural exporters from Central Asia
In the medium term, we should expect Iran's regional role to grow and cargo flows to increase. Today, Central Asian countries consider Iran as a trade hub that will increase exports to Africa and the Middle East. Berik Bulekbayev, an expert consultant to the UNECE, the World Bank, and an honorary railwayman, said this during the fourth international conference Asia Grains & … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries strengthen commitment to school safety and resilience
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan convened this week a two-day ministerial meeting in Almaty Kazakhstan to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring safe and resilient schools for children. The ministerial meeting - co-organized by UNICEF, UNESCO, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Government of Japan, and the World Bank - brings … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosted second Central Asia–Germany Summit
The second Central Asia–Germany Summit was held in Astana on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. The meeting was attended by: • President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz • President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov • President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon • President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov • President of Uzbekistan … [Read more...]
Joint Declaration by the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Federal Chancellor of Germany
The text of the Joint Declaration adopted following the meeting of the heads of Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) with the Federal Chancellor of Germany is published on the official website of the Federal Government of Germany. Here is the full text of the Declaration: On 17 September 2024, President of the Republic of … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to take part in the Central Asia+ Germany Summit in Astana
Today, on 17 September 2024, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov left on a working visit to Kazakhstan to participate in the second meeting of the heads of Central Asian states with Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz in Astana. "By successfully implementing the peace-keeping foreign policy strategy initiated by the National Leader of the … [Read more...]
Afghanistan: Nearly 700 Million in Trade Conducted With Central Asian Countries
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce said that in the first five months of the current solar year, Afghanistan has conducted trade worth nearly $700 million with Central Asian countries. Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the ministry, said that around $60 million of exports have been made, and the ministry is working to increase the level of exports to Central … [Read more...]
Central Asia and Germany – A very special kind of relationship
Tariq Saeedi Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany will visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, 15-17 September 2024. This would be his first visit to the region. On 17 September 2024, the last day of his visit, Chancellor Scholz will participate in the C5+1 meeting in Kazakhstan. The trip comes a year after Scholz hosted the leaders of five Central Asian nations in Berlin to … [Read more...]