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...]
EBRD study looks at sustainable transport connections between Europe and Central Asia
nCa Report The EBRD has recently released a report on ‘Sustainable transport connections between Europe and Central Asia.’ It is the product of massive and wide-ranging collaboration including very active cooperation by the regional countries. It is also the result of the hard work of the EBRD teams at various locations. Here is a slightly abridged version of the Executive … [Read more...]
Economic cooperation between Korea and Central Asia discussed in Seoul
The Korea Times hosted a roundtable titled "Future of Korea-Central Asia Economic Cooperation" at the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) headquarters in Seoul, on Friday, 23 June. The meeting was aimed to discuss the potential synergy between Korea's technological prowess and Central Asia's resource wealth, which can open new opportunities for fruitful … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan attended OSCE organized Central Asian Meeting on Education on cybercrime and digital evidence in Tashkent
Approaches and methodologies for education on cybercrime and digital evidence for criminal justice practitioners were at the centre of a two-day regional meeting held on 9 and 10 March 2023 in Tashkent, says OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan. The event, organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, brought … [Read more...]
Empowering Central Asian Youth for Positive Change: UNODC ROCA’s Regional Initiative
The Central Asian region is at a critical demographic juncture. Young people under 30 years old constitute more than 50 percent of the population. In two decades, these young people will be the largest labor force the region has ever had. Data suggests that the age youth in the region try drugs of any kind dropped from 14 to 10 years old. This is a signal for the Central Asian … [Read more...]
Empowering youth voices in Central Asia: OSCE Summer School spurs engagement on climate change and security in mountain areas
From 17 to 26 August 2023, twenty young people from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan gathered in the northern Tian Shan mountains in eastern Kyrgyzstan to learn about climate-related security risks in mountain areas and deliberate on innovative solutions and collective actions to mitigate these risks. The summer school was organized by the … [Read more...]
EU to hold Investment conference later this year on connectivity with Central Asia
The investment conference will be held later this year to follow up the EBRD study on connectivity between Europe and Central Asia, according to the remarks by President of European Council Charles Michel after the second high-level regional meeting EU-Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan on 2 June. “Just last month, the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum looked at how to improve … [Read more...]
The 4th Edition EU – Central Asia Civil Society Forum ended in Tashkent
10 March 2023, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The annual EU Central Asia Civil Society Forum involving representatives of the civil society from Central Asia and the European Union took place in Tashkent on 10 March 2023. The discussion focused on the implementation of the EU Strategy on Central Asia. The event was commenced by the European Union Special Representative for … [Read more...]
EU-Central Asia: 10th High-Level Political and Security Dialogue held in Astana
The tenth round of the annual High-Level Political and Security Dialogue between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 13th June 2023, EU Delegation in Kazakhstan said in a press release. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan were … [Read more...]
Experts Name Mid-Term Cooperation Scenarios in Central Asia
Stronger ties between Central Asian nations will help the region withstand growing pressures in an uncertain world, according to an article published in the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper on Feb. 21 by experts from the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS), EY (Ernst & Young), and Kazakh National Academy of Sciences. The experts evaluate the region’s … [Read more...]
EXPO Central Asia 2023 Spotlights Region’s Economic Potential
On the sidelines of the 5th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Dushanbe, an exhibition of commodity producers of Central Asian countries is being held from 14 to 16 September 2023. On Thursday, the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan visited the expo. The purpose of the expo is to feature the products of … [Read more...]
Final Consultations Held in Dushanbe Ahead of Central Asian Summits
The final consultations of the Central Asian states on the preparation of the Fifth Anniversary 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 International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) took place in Dushanbe on 12 September 2023. The consultations were attended by … [Read more...]
First Central Asia – USA summit in New York – Agenda and Initiatives
nCa Report Contents Turkmenistan is expanding fruitful cooperation with all interested parties Biden proposed to launch C5+1 Critical Minerals Dialogue to develop Central Asia’s vast mineral wealth Kazakhstan counts on the support of the United States in the creation of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals Kyrgyzstan urges international … [Read more...]
US State Department issued final statement on Blinken’s meeting with FMs of Central Asian countries
On 28 February 2023, the US Secretary of State and the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met in Astana in the C5+1 format. The joint statement, adopted following the ministerial, highlights three blocks of issues considered during the gathering. In support of economic cooperation, the participants of the C5+1 … [Read more...]
First GCC-Central Asia Summit: Outcomes – Joint Investment Forum will be held until the end of 2023 – Uzbekistan to host next summit in 2025
Elvira Kadyrova On 19 July 2023, the first Summit of the Heads of State of the Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf and Central Asian countries was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The summit, chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was attended by: • President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • … [Read more...]
Foreign Ministers of Central Asia ‘Check the Clock’ on Regional and International Issues
On 13 September 2023, a meeting of Foreign Ministers of Central Asian states was held in Dushanbe under the chairmanship of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirodjiddin Mukhriddin, the MFA of Tajikistan reports. The meeting was attended by: • Turkmenistan – Rashid Meredov • Kazakhstan – Murat Nurtleu • Kyrgyzstan - Jeenbek Kulubayev • Uzbekistan - Bakhtiyor … [Read more...]
Foreign ministries of the Central Asian countries discuss preparations for the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of state
Consultations of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Central Asian countries on the preparation of the 5th Anniversary Consultative Meeting of the heads of Central Asian states were held in Dushanbe on 9-10 August 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan reports. During the consultations, the draft agenda, the Joint Statement and other documents planned for … [Read more...]
Foreign Ministry of Kyrgyzstan issued list of heads of delegations for EU-Central Asia summit
The Second Summit "European Union - Central Asia" will be held in Cholpon-Ata city on 2 June 2023 under the chairmanship of the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, MFA Kyrgyzstan said in a press release with reference to the head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic Muratbek Azimbakiev. The Summit will be attended by … [Read more...]
Schools in Kazakhstan will have 100% digital textbooks by next year
The school system in Kazakhstan is ready to ensure that 100% textbooks are in the digital form by the 2024. The announcement was made by the Minister of Education of Kazakhstan Gani Beisembayev, and carried by several media outlets including Kazinform. At present, 79% of the textbooks are in the digitized form. “11 publishing houses of the country are involved in the … [Read more...]