Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova The first generation of discussions about the Middle Corridor focused largely on geography. Maps were drawn, routes were compared, and countries were identified according to their position along the emerging Eurasian transport corridor. The next generation of discussion must move beyond maps. Transport corridors do not compete because … [Read more...]
Rail Cargo Between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Surges Amid Corridor Development
Rail freight traffic between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan has recorded robust growth in the first months of 2026, underscoring the strengthening of regional trade links and the expanding role of the eastern branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor. According to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway operator, bilateral rail cargo volumes with … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan Business Forum Boosts Economic Cooperation
Business representatives from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan met in Astana on 24 June 2026 for the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan Business Forum, an event aimed at deepening trade and economic cooperation and expanding ties between the private sectors of the two countries. Organized with the support of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan and the QazTrade Center for … [Read more...]
Iran Allocates Land for Kazakh Logistics Terminal at Shahid Rajaee Port, Advancing North-South Corridor Cooperation
nCa Report Iran has finalized approvals to allocate a land plot at its strategic Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas to Kazakhstan for the development of a dedicated logistics facility, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral transport and trade ties. According to Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister’s Office and multiple reports on the recent high-level talks, the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Completes Legal Groundwork for UN Regional SDG Centre as Tokayev Signs Ratification Law
nCa Report President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a law ratifying the agreement between Kazakhstan's government and the United Nations on the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan, the presidential press service Akorda announced. Tokayev also separately ratified a Memorandum of Understanding … [Read more...]
SRSG Kaha Imnadze participates in the Eighth Meeting of Special Representatives and Envoys of European Union and Central Asian countries on Afghanistan
On 15 June 2026, Kaha Imnadze, the SRSG for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA, took part in the “8th Meeting of the Special Representatives and Envoys of the European Union and Central Asian Countries on Afghanistan”. The meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan at the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and … [Read more...]
CSTO Advances Joint Electronic Warfare Capabilities, Bolstering Central Asian Security Amid Evolving Regional Threats
Defense officials from Central Asian states joined their CSTO counterparts in St. Petersburg on 17 June 2026 for a key meeting on electronic warfare (EW), highlighting the alliance’s push to integrate modern capabilities for collective defense in a region facing persistent security challenges. The Working Group on Electronic Warfare under the CSTO Council of Defense … [Read more...]
On the meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan
On June 16, 2026, a meeting was held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan Nurlan Nogayev. During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the further development of bilateral relations. In particular, the importance of … [Read more...]
What Kazakhstan’s NVIDIA Deal Means for Central Asia
Kazakhstan has unveiled a landmark $10 billion package of agreements with U.S.-based Firebird and AI leader NVIDIA, marking one of the most ambitious technology investments in the country's history. The initiative is designed to transform Kazakhstan into a major global center for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure. By partnering with leading … [Read more...]
Evolving Geopolitical Reality: Central Asia in the Focus of the European Union’s Strategic Interests
Elvira Kadyrova The recently concluded Central Asia Press Trip to Brussels for journalists from the five Central Asian nations provided a valuable opportunity to look behind the scenes of European diplomacy, enriching existing knowledge with fresh insights and perspectives. Expert discussions and briefings in the EU capital clearly indicate that the European approach to … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan to Strengthen Consular Cooperation
On 4 June 2026, Ashgabat hosted the latest round of bilateral consular consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, according to the foreign ministries of both countries. The Kazakhstan’s delegation was led by Azamat Aubekov, Director of the Consular Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of … [Read more...]
Outcomes of Putin’s Visit to Kazakhstan: Nuclear Power Plant, Billions in Investments, and a Breakthrough in Autonomous Shipping
The state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Kazakhstan is taking place from 27 to 29 May 2026. The main highest-level events were held in Astana on 28 May. The program traditionally included talks in narrow and expanded formats between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Putin, statements by the heads of state to the press, and the launch of joint … [Read more...]
Digitalization, Navigation, and Transport Corridors: Key Takeaways from the CIS Summit in Ashgabat
Ashgabat took center stage today as the premier diplomatic and business hub for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government sparked a wave of rapid-fire bilateral talks, paving the way for full-scale multilateral discussions. Delegations focused on pivotal issues, ultimately sealing agreements that will reshape regional … [Read more...]
Mutual trade between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan exceeds $125 million in Q1 2026
During January-March 2026, mutual trade between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan amounted to $125.3 million, with exports growing by 15% due to an increase in supplies of Kazakh agricultural products to Turkmenistan. These figures were announced during a meeting between the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Kenya Build an Economic Bridge Between Central Asia and Africa: Outcomes of the Tokayev-Ruto Summit Talks in Astana
Astana has become the venue for a major geopolitical and economic event, hosting the President of Kenya, William Ruto, on a state visit. This historic, first-ever visit by a Kenyan leader to the Central Asian republic marks the beginning of a new milestone in interregional partnership. On 20 May 2026, the leaders of the two countries, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and William Ruto, … [Read more...]
China is willing to deepen security cooperation with Central Asia
China is willing to work with Central Asian countries to continuously deepen practical cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, combating telecom fraud and other transnational crimes, high-quality Belt and Road security cooperation, and immigration management, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong said Monday. Wang made the remarks … [Read more...]
Security at the Crossroads of Eurasian Routes: President of Kazakhstan Receives Interior Ministers of the “Central Asia – China” Format
Ensuring stability amidst the transformation of global trade chains, protecting the digital space from the destructive influence of artificial intelligence, and consolidating efforts against transnational crime were the key themes of the meeting between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the ministers of internal affairs and public security from Central Asian … [Read more...]
Astana: Central Asia – China Format Discusses Strengthening Regional Security
On 18 May 2026, Astana hosted the second meeting of Ministers of Internal Affairs and Public Security within the "Central Asia – China" format. The participants discussed strengthening regional security and countering transnational crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and extremism, according to the interior ministry of Kazakhstan. Amid growing contemporary challenges, the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan participates in the UNV Asian Partner Roundtable in Bonn
Bonn, Germany— A delegation from Kazakhstan, led by Gulbara Sultanova from the Ministry of Culture and Information, met with UNV’s Executive Coordinator Toily Kurbanov during the Asian Partner Roundtable at the United Nations Campus in Bonn on 12–13 May 2026. Held during International Volunteer Year 2026, the Roundtable will focus on how volunteer action can strengthen … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Mejlis Hosts Conference: “The Constitution – A Legal Guarantee for State Development and Social Prosperity”
On 14 May 2026, the Mejlis of Turkmenistan hosted a conference titled “The Constitution – A Legal Guarantee for State Development and Social Prosperity,” held in honor of the Day of the Constitution and the National Flag of Turkmenistan in a hybrid format. The forum served as a platform for exchanging advanced legal practices and showcasing positive initiatives aimed at … [Read more...]
Central Asia Islamic Finance Potential Catalysed by Reforms, GCC Interest
Regulatory initiatives across several Central Asian countries since the start of 2026 and increasing engagement with GCC investors and Islamic multilateral institutions are likely to support the Islamic finance industry’s growth potential in this region, Fitch Ratings says. Unlocking this potential would require sustained policy support, equal tax treatments, and greater public … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan to host OTS Informal Summit this week
The Informal Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will be hosted by Kazakhstan on 15 May 2026 in Turkistan, the spiritual capital of the Turkic World. The summit will be held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development”, according to the OTS press release. The Summit will bring together the Heads of State … [Read more...]
The Ashgabat Corridor Revisited: A Quiet Artery Gains Strategic Weight
nCa Report In an era defined by shifting trade routes and geopolitical uncertainty, an old regional initiative is quietly re-emerging with renewed relevance. The Ashgabat Agreement corridor—linking Central Asia to the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman—has moved back into focus as countries seek resilient, diversified pathways for trade. What began in 2011 as a modest … [Read more...]
New Multimodal Corridor: Cargo from China to Afghanistan to Transit via Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
As part of the strategy to diversify transport and logistics corridors in the region, a new multimodal route has been launched for the delivery of containerized cargo from China to Afghanistan. The new path is designed to be a more efficient alternative to traditional maritime shipping. This was reported by Uztemiryulkonteyner (the container fleet operator of Uzbekistan … [Read more...]
Announce Your Achievements at the WOWBIZ Central Asia Business Solutions Awards
WOW GROUP invites you to participate in the international WOWBIZ Business Awards and Conference, which will take place in Almaty on July 3, 2026. The event brings together and promotes the best implemented projects from companies operating in the Central Asian market. The awards celebrate real-world business solutions across the full … [Read more...]
Beyond Herd Size: What Really Drives Farmers to Formal Markets in Central Asia
Efforts to modernize agriculture in Central Asia often focus on a simple idea: bigger farms perform better and integrate more easily into formal markets. However, research by Rustam Rakhmetov suggests that reality is far more nuanced. In his 2026 study, “Formal Market Participation and Farm Performance: The Case of Cattle Producers in Central Asia,” published in … [Read more...]
Astana 2026: Ecology, Water, and Strategic Convergence in Central Asia
nCa Report In a rare convergence of environmental urgency and geopolitical coordination, Kazakhstan hosted two interlinked high-level gatherings in Astana: Together, these meetings mark a qualitative shift in Central Asian diplomacy—from parallel national approaches toward collective regional frameworks, particularly in the critical domain of water and environmental … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan visits Kazakhstan for Regional Environmental Summit and Aral Sea Meeting
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Astana on April 21 for a working visit that places environmental diplomacy and regional cooperation at the forefront of Central Asia’s agenda. He is in Kazakhstan to take part in two key events: the Regional Environmental Summit and a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea—a body … [Read more...]
Central Asia’s “Green Corridor” Gains Momentum as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan Target Europe
A new regional energy axis is taking shape across Central Asia and the Caspian region, as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan advance plans to export renewable electricity to Europe through the ambitious “Green Corridor” project. The initiative reflects a deepening strategic partnership among the three countries, combining expanding renewable energy capacity with … [Read more...]
EDB: China’s FDI stock in Central Asia has increased over ten years to US $35.9 billion
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...]
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...]
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...]
Tokyo Declaration: Japan and Central Asia Usher in a New Era of Strategic Partnership (summary+full text)
The inaugural first leaders-level summit of the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue (CA+JAD) concluded in Tokyo today (20 Dec 2025) with the adoption of the Tokyo Declaration, a comprehensive roadmap that elevates ties between Japan and the five Central Asian republics to a deeper, more multifaceted strategic partnership. Japan’s Key Commitments Tokyo pledged to drive 3 … [Read more...]
Historic First Leaders’ Summit Strengthens Japan-Central Asia Ties – Japan announces CA+JAD Tokyo Initiative aimed at industrial advancement in Central Asia
Japan hosted the inaugural leaders-level Summit of the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue (CA+JAD) on December 20 in Tokyo, marking a significant elevation of a six-lateral platform launched in 2004 to promote regional cooperation and development. The meeting was chaired by Japanese Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi. Attendees included: Prime Minister … [Read more...]
Official Visit of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Japan (December 18-20, 2025)
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan arrived in Tokyo on December 18, 2025, for a three-day official visit, coinciding with the inaugural heads-of-state level "Central Asia + Japan" Dialogue (CA+JAD) summit scheduled for December 19-20. This visit marks Tokayev's first official trip to Japan as president and aims to elevate bilateral ties to a "future-oriented … [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...]
Belarus Launches Accelerated Rail Route to Iran via Russia and Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova The largest logistics operator in Belarus, “Beltamozhservice”, has announced the launch of an accelerated container rail service for cargo delivery to Iran. The new route follows the eastern branch of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) through Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. Delivery time is just 13–15 days, making it … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Launches Modernized Border Checkpoints with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
Elvira Kadyrova Kazakhstan has commissioned two upgraded automobile border checkpoints: "Kazygurt" on the border with Uzbekistan and "Temir-Baba" on the border with Turkmenistan, according to the official website of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan. The upgrades have reduced border crossing times to as little as 30 minutes thanks to the introduction of new … [Read more...]
Tokayev at the International Forum in Ashgabat: Kazakhstan Proposes to Expand the UN Security Council and Create an International Water Organization
President of Kazakhstan Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev, addressing the International Forum on Peace and Trust, underscored the urgent need for reform of the United Nations. He called for the expansion of the Security Council and the strengthening of the role of the General Assembly in global decision‑making. “Despite certain successes in resolving individual conflicts, the overall … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan Exchange Ideas on Advancing Scientific-Educational and Innovation Cooperation
The state visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Kazakhstan has become a landmark event that gave a powerful impetus to the development of bilateral relations, including in the scientific and educational sphere. This was highlighted by Turkmenistan’s Minister of Education Jumamurat Gurbangeldiyev in an article published in the newspaper … [Read more...]
State Visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan: A New Chapter in Strategic Partnership
On 24–25 November 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid a state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The summit talks were held at the Akorda Palace on 25 November, in a narrow and an expanded formats with the participation of official delegations. Both leaders emphasized the special closeness of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Sign Agreement to Build Fiber Optic Link, Boosting Regional Digital Connectivity
On the sidelines of the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to Kazakhstan, a bilateral meeting was held between the Minister of Communications of Turkmenistan, Hajimurat Hudayguliyev, and the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, Zhassulan Madiyev, as well as Vice Minister … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Forge Closer Economic Ties, Focus on $1 Billion Trade and New Transit Corridors
Deputy Prime Ministers of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan met in Astana today to accelerate economic partnership, setting their sights on a $1 billion trade target and securing vital logistics routes. Serik Zhumangarin, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, held discussions with Khodjamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers … [Read more...]
Food Security and Joint Research discussed by Agriculture Ministers of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan
A meeting between Turkmenistan’s Minister of Agriculture Charyyar Chetiyev and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov took place in Astana on 24 November 2025. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture, the parties discussed the current state of bilateral cooperation and prospects for its expansion in key areas of the agro-industrial … [Read more...]