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...]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people participated in the One Water Summit in Riyadh
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...]