According to the media of Kazakhstan and Afghanistan, and the official website of the prime minister of Kazakhstan, a Kazakh delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister forTrade, Minister Serik Zhumangarin, visited Kabul recently. The delegation included 18 heads or senior representatives of enterprises from Kazakhstan. The joint Kazakhstan-Afghanistan business forum took … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan steps up efforts to diversify oil export routes
The Kazakhstan’s port of Aktau on the Caspian shore has sent the first pilot shipment of 6,900 tons of oil from the country’s supergiant Kashagan field to the port of Baku for onward export, KazTransOil reports. The oil shipper is INPEX North Caspian Sea, Ltd, based in Tokyo. According to Hiroshi Ikeda, Director of the INPEX North Caspian Sea, Ltd branch in Kazakhstan, … [Read more...]
Astana to host the Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum
Famous intellectuals from 25 countries of the world will be gathered by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS) in Astana at the Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum. On July 13 and 14, 2023, the Central Asian Forum on the theme “Asia in the Changing World: Agenda for the Future” will be held. It is … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan aims to build up its transit capacity between China and Central Asia
Kazakhstan aims to construct a large commercial and logistics hub on the bypass railway around Almaty, which will be built to boost the transit flows from China to Central Asia, The transit goods to/from neighboring China have been delivered to Kazakhstan through the Altynkol - Khorgos border crossing, where there is an intensive growth in traffic. The Almaty railway … [Read more...]
Astana to host USA+CA session on Afghanistan
Thomas West, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan, and Rina Amiri, the Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights, will travel to Astana, Kazakhstan, and Doha, Qatar, from July 26 to 31, says US State Department. In Astana, they will meet with their counterparts from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for a C5+1 … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Pakistan are in talks to create a joint export-import company
A Pakistani delegation led by the Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Lahore Rao Khalid Mahmud, is visiting Kazakhstan. Meeting was held on 9 April 2023 with the First Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev. According Kazakh media including Kazinform, Shakkaliev said, “We have high hopes for the opening of a Kazakh trading house … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Russia reaffirm the course of strategic partnership and alliance during Nurtleu’s visit to Moscow
Issues of regional interaction were widely discussed during the talks between Kazakhstan's and Russia's Foreign Ministers The new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, appointed to this post just over a week ago, made his first foreign visit in a new capacity to Moscow. "This underlines the objective reality – the closest ties between Russia and … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan has recorded a record inflow of foreign direct investment over the past 10 years
EU and USA are in the top investors By the end of 2022, the gross inflow of foreign direct investment to Kazakhstan reached US $ 28 billion, breaking a record for the last ten years (in 2012 – US $ 28.9 billion). The indicator is 17.7% up compared to 2021 (US $ 23.8 billion), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan reports. The lion’s share of FDI in Kazakhstan's … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan takes important step in promotion of e-commerce – deliveries will be faster and cheaper
E-commerce is already a fairly popular in Kazakhstan but a bottleneck is that the deliveries from international platforms such as Amazon, Alibaba, Aliexpress, Lazada etc. are slow and expensive. Kazpost, the postal authority of Kazakhstan is taking steps to create arrangements with Omniva and Cainiao, the major players in the package delivery services, to make the deliveries … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan to host Microsoft multiregional hub
Microsoft has decided to locate its multiregional hub in Kazakhstan, reports Kazinform. It will cover Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Mongolia, and Pakistan. «Localization of the Microsoft operation will let Kazakhstan turn into a centre of attraction of technologies and advanced solutions on a regional level. Being a centre of technological development and … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan will start producing CT Scanners and Ultrasound machines
Kazakhstan has decided to start producing locally the CT Scanners and Ultrasound machines. The information came during a meeting between the Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov and director general of GE HealthCare in Russia and CIS Elena Legezina. According to a report by Kazakhstan Today, GE HealthCare is studying in depth the project on localization of the production of … [Read more...]
Biden plans summit with Central Asian leaders
US President Joe Biden plans to hold the first summit in the C5+1 format with the participation of the Presidents of Central Asian countries. This follows from a letter addressed by Biden to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. “I hope you will join me and our fellow leaders for a formal C5+1 meeting on September 19 or September 20 to discuss how we can all … [Read more...]
Lower House of the Parliament of Kazakhstan ratified the Agreement on the regime of the Kazakh-Turkmen state border
The Majilis of Kazakhstan (the lower house of Parliament) adopted the law "On ratification of the agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of Turkmenistan on the regime of the Kazakh-Turkmen state border," Kazakh media reported. "On 25 October 2021, an agreement on the regime of the Kazakh-Turkmen state border was signed between the … [Read more...]
Brussels Energy Club Addresses Clean Energy Transition in Central Asia
Brussels Energy Club (BREC) held a first-ever conference on energy security and sustainability in Central Asia on July 4 in the Belgian capital. Four panel sessions explored regional and interregional collaboration in delivering the energy transition in Central Asia, a fast-growing region. The event was organized in partnership with the diplomatic missions of Kazakhstan, … [Read more...]
Budget airline offers cheapest travel between Kazakhstan and China
It costs just about USD 40 to fly from Astana (Kazakhstan) to Urumqi (China). This is the tariff of the new flight route launched by FlyArystan, a budget airline of Kazakhstan. The travelers have flocked ardently. With two flights a week – Thursday and Sunday – there are no vacant seats until nearly the end of September 2023. The flight duration is 2 hours and forty … [Read more...]
CADAP: A delegation from Central Asia learns about prevention, treatment and harm reduction services for drug addicts in Spain
Delegates from institutions in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – key countries on the heroin route to Europe participate in a study visit today in Madrid and Barcelona in order to learn about the Spanish experience and improve their institutional capacity to develop, coordinate and implement drug policies, as well as to learn about the … [Read more...]
Canadian company gets First Lithium Brine Mining License in Kazakhstan
The Canadian company Condor Energies Inc., based in Canada has announced that it has obtained from the government of Kazakhstan the First Lithium License. The company has been awarded the license for a contiguous 37300-hectare area for lithium brine mining for a period of six years. Condor Energies Inc. http://www.condorenergies.ca/ According to Financial Post, a prior … [Read more...]
CAREC Think Tanks Explore Role of Digital Adoption in Driving Sustainable Economic Development in Central Asia
The Seventh CAREC Think Tank Development Forum was held in Urumqi, China on 16-17 August 2023. The two-day forum under the theme of “Embracing Digital Technology for Sustainable Economic Development” was organized by the CAREC Institute in partnership with China-Eurasia Expo Secretariat and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Finance Department, and with financial support from … [Read more...]
Cargo trucks leave Kazakhstan for Pakistan in test haul through Afghanistan – CAPS in motion
Kazakhstan sent on 31 July 2023 a test batch of cargo on trucks – the caravan will travel to Pakistan through Afghanistan. The announcement was made by Kairat Torebayev, Vice Minister of Trade and Integration, at a July 31 press briefing, report Kazinform and The Astana Times. In stories by Saniya Sakenova for The Astana Times and Temirgaliyeva Arailym for Kazinform, it … [Read more...]
Caspian Conference starts in Avaza — Turkmenistan voices concerns about ecological, environmental issues of Caspian Sea
Today, on August 12, 2023, the scientific and practical conference "The Caspian Sea - the Sea of Peace and Friendship", dedicated to the Day of the Caspian Sea, opened in a hybrid format in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. The representative forum is attended by the Chairman of the Mejlis, members of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, heads of ministries and … [Read more...]
Caspian countries discuss preparations for the foreign ministers’ meeting
On 18 August, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hosted a meeting in Moscow with the ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan dedicated to the International Day of the Caspian Sea, the Russian Foreign Ministry says. An interested exchange of views took place on a wide range of issues of multifaceted cooperation in the Caspian region. Further steps … [Read more...]
Central Asia and Pakistan strive to improve transport and logistics links
Elvira Kadyrova This week, the authorities of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan discussed with Pakistan issues of transport connectivity within the framework of joint corridors that aim to connect South Asia with Central Asia, with access beyond the region. On Wednesday, 12 July, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif paid special … [Read more...]
Central Asia presents huge opportunities for UK exporters –Trade Commissioner Kenan Poleo
Central Asia is one of the most dynamic and rewarding regions for British businesses. This region, with its fast-growing and diversifying economies, presents huge opportunities for UK exporters and has a vital role to play in helping Great Britain reach exporting ambition. This was stated by UK Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Kenan Poleo in interview with … [Read more...]
Central Asia to consolidate efforts in solving problems of the environment and sustainable development
Astana – Kazakhstan – On September 4-5, 2023, the third meeting of the Advisory Council of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development of Central Asian Countries (ICSD) was held. In his welcoming speech, the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Nysanbayev, stressed the importance of this meeting. “Since its inception, … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries can fruitfully cooperate for local production of vaccines against viruses and infections including Covid strains and plague
The whole world, and the Central Asian region in particular, continues to struggle with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have had a serious impact on the health care and socio-economic sphere of the countries of the region. Everyone is just beginning to recover from the legacy of a global epidemic, and experts are already warning that the incidence of new … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries finalize a Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change
On 4-5 July 2023, the 4th meeting of the Regional Working Group on the development of a Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in Central Asia under the Green Central Asia initiative implemented by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) was held in a hybrid format in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper writes. The text of the … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries seek to boost digital economy cooperation – Central Asia’s GDP is growing faster than the world economy
On 14 September 2023, the Economic Forum of Central Asian Countries on the topic "Digital Economy, E-commerce and Innovations" was held in Dushanbe. The forum was attended by a delegation of Turkmenistan headed by the Minister of Economy and Finance of Turkmenistan Serdar Jorayev. The Turkmen delegation included heads and representatives of a number of ministries and … [Read more...]
Trade between China and Kazakhstan hits record highs surpassing $24 billion
Trade between Kazakhstan and China has reached record levels, exceeding US $24 billion in 2022, stated by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister for Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin during the Central Asia+China online meeting of Ministers of Trade and Economy on Tuesday, 18 April. Zhumangarin noted that China is the main trading partner of both Kazakhstan and … [Read more...]
Central Asian experts discuss issues of data-driven economic policy development
More than 150 representatives of government agencies and experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and the UK are taking part in the second conference "Effective Governance for Economic Development in Central Asia", which is taking place on May 17-18 in Almaty. Participants discuss innovative approaches and share best practices in … [Read more...]
Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan has reached $1 billion
The trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan has reached $1 billion. And this is not the limit. The Central Asian country plans to continue expanding trade with Afghanistan and hold a joint business forum this summer. This follows from the statements of Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin. … [Read more...]
Central Asian Forum on Security and Cooperation in Astana spotlights the region’s role in changing geopolitical environment
On 13 July, the first day of the Central Asian Forum on Security and Cooperation "Asia in the Changing World: Agenda for the Future" wrapped up in Astana. The new dialogue platform brings together experts from leading research centers of the world, Central Asian countries, international and regional organizations. The Forum is held jointly by the Kazakhstan Institute for … [Read more...]
Trade turnover between Russia and Kazakhstan takes the lion’s share in Russia’s trade with Central Asia
In 2022, the trade turnover between Russia and Central Asia grew by 15% compared to 2021, exceeding US $ 42 billion. At the same time, the trade turnover between Russia and Kazakhstan accounted for most of this indicator equaling to US $ 28 billion. The figures were announced on Tuesday by Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister, minister for industry and trade of Russia. He … [Read more...]
Central Asian Leaders to adopt a package of documents in Dushanbe
A package of five documents is expected for adoption following the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States, to be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 14-15 September 2023. The statement was made by deputy foreign minister of Tajikistan Sodik Imomi at a press briefing on Wednesday, 30 Aug 2023. The set of the documents include: Joint statement of the Heads … [Read more...]
Central Asian Ministries of Health unite forces at high-level meeting in Dushanbe
High-level focal points from Ministries of Health of Central Asian countries met in Dushanbe in the Republic of Tajikistan on June 27th, to discuss how subregional collaboration and prioritized activities and investments can accelerate delivery on global, regional and national commitments for health and well-being. This meeting, organized by the World Health Organization, paved … [Read more...]
Central Asian Transport Ministers to Meet in Dushanbe for First Time
The 5th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States will be held in Dushanbe on 14-15 September 2023. The Ministers of Transport of the five countries of the region will meet for the first time on 13 September, the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan reports. It is expected that the meeting, which will be held under the chairmanship of the Minister of Transport … [Read more...]
Turkmen FM attended SPECA Ministerial Meeting in Geneva
The Turkmen delegation headed by the foreign minister Rashid Meredov is on working visit to Geneva to participate in a number of major international events and hold meetings in international organizations, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry said. On 17 April 2023, the delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the ministerial meeting for the countries participating in the United … [Read more...]
Chart of the Day: China-Central Asia relations enter a new era of mutual trust and benefit
China has established a comprehensive strategic partnership, advanced the building of a community with a shared future for mankind at the bilateral level, and signed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation documents with all five Central Asian countries. The latest milestone took place in January this year, when China and Turkmenistan elevated the bilateral … [Read more...]
China continues to forge connectivity with Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova China continues to enhance connectivity with Central Asia by paving new transport channels to propel its flagship Belt and Road initiative. More recently, containers were sent for the first time from the eastern province of Hebei to Uzbekistan via a multimodal route, and the southeastern Shenzhen city, the largest export center of China, is launching TIR … [Read more...]
China’s Gansu Province Extends Its Reach to Central Asia with New Air Links
A batch of cargo, including machine parts and fresh-cut flowers weighing 16 tonnes, was shipped from Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport in northwest China's Gansu Province to Almaty in Kazakhstan on August 28, 2023. The flight marked the opening of the province's first cargo flight route connecting Central Asia, Xinhua reports. With the launch of a new cargo route, the … [Read more...]
BOMCA advanced the skills of Central Asian training institutions, border guard, migration and law enforcement agencies on document security
On March 15, 2023, in Termez, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) held a regional online workshop for teaching staff of the border guard, migration and law enforcement agencies, as well as for the training institutions from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. To share the best practices from the region and from the EU, the … [Read more...]
Climate change – Central Asia is united at various platforms including CAREC
Central Asia is fully conscious of the challenges posed by the climate change, global warming and related complications. The region is united for the sake of the shared future. Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC) is among the various platforms that bring the countries of Central Asia together for dealing with issues related to climate change. Here are … [Read more...]
UNECE: Central Asia would need a massive shift rather than a massive increase in investment to reach net zero by 2050
Today, fossil fuels account for 95% of total energy supply in the 5 countries of Central Asia - - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - that are members of UNECE. A massive shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable sources will be needed for countries to comply with their obligations under the Paris Agreement and shift to a low-carbon … [Read more...]
Delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the second EU-Central Asia Economic Forum in Almaty – Joint Press statement issued following forum
On 19 May 2023, a high-level plenary session on strengthening trade and economic relations between the European Union and Central Asia was held within the framework of the 2nd EU-Central Asia Economic Forum in Almaty, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Kazakhstan reports. The purpose of the High-level Forum is to promote cooperation between EU and Central Asian countries in key … [Read more...]
Upper House of the Kazakhstan’s Parliament ratified Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan Agreement on the border regime
The Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan has approved the Law "On ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of Turkmenistan on the regime of the Kazakh-Turkmen state border," Kazinform reports. According to the information briefed during the Senate session, the agreement on the regime of the Kazakh-Turkmen state … [Read more...]
Digital technologies to be discussed at Economic Forum of Central Asian countries
The Economic Forum of the Central Asian States on the topic of "Digital Economy, Digital Trade and Innovation" will be held in Dushanbe on 14 September 2023. The forum is one of a series of events held within the framework of the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States and the next meeting of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan introduces foreign diplomats to the situation in the Aral Sea region
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan organized an information tour to the Aral Sea region for ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions of international organizations accredited in the country. The purpose of the visit to the Republic of Karakalpakstan is to raise awareness on the efforts undertaken by Uzbekistan to restore the ecology of the Aral Sea region … [Read more...]
DUSHANBE COMMUNIQUE of the First Meeting of Transport Ministers of Central Asian States
(Unofficial translation) On Wednesday, 13 September, within the framework of the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States, the First Meeting of transport ministers of Central Asian states took place, following which the Dushanbe Communique was adopted. The full text of the document follows. Heads of ministries and departments of Central … [Read more...]
Dushanbe Gears Up for the Summit of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan announced on Wednesday, 30 Aug, that preparations are underway for the next meeting of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. The meeting will be held on 14-15 September 2023 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in conjunction with the 5th Anniversary Consultative Meeting of the Heads … [Read more...]
Dushanbe hosted Second Forum of Rectors of Higher Professional Educational Institutions of Central Asia
The Second Forum of Rectors of Higher Professional Educational Institutions of Central Asian States was held on 13 September 2023, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, as part of the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States. The forum was attended by representatives of 70 higher educational institutions from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and … [Read more...]
Dushanbe Meeting of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea – Outcomes
nCa Report On 15 September 2023, a meeting of the Council of the Heads of the Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea was held in Dushanbe. The meeting was attended by: • Tajikistan - President Emomali Rahmon • Kazakhstan - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • Turkmenistan - President Serdar Berdimuhamedov • Uzbekistan - Shavkat Mirziyoyev • … [Read more...]