On 12 February 2024, the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) kicked off in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, under the slogan “Nature knows no borders”. The Forum brought together more than 1,800 participants from 130 countries to solve one of the […]
Turkmenistan Delivers 2,000 Tons of Liquefied Gas to Kyrgyzstan as Humanitarian Aid
On February 5, 2024, a shipment of 2,000 tons of liquefied gas (57 tank wagons) arrived at the Shopokov railway station in Kyrgyzstan. This humanitarian aid, sent upon the initiative of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was provided free of charge by Turkmenistan in response to the recent accident at the Bishkek CHP plant. Representatives from the […]
Afghanistan Eyes Balanced Trade with Central Asia
In 2023, Afghanistan imported about $1.4 billion worth of goods from Central Asian countries, while the country exported goods worth $100 million, TOLOnews reports, citing the Afghan Ministry of Industry and Trade. According to the ministry’s spokesman Akhundzada Abdul Salam Javad, the country’s main exports to Central Asia are fresh fruits, dried fruits, while attempts […]
Turkish Giant Rönesans Expands to Central Asia, First PPP Hospital Project in Kazakhstan Underway
Leading Turkish contracting and investment group Rönesans, expecting €3.3 billion revenue in 2023, outlined its ambitious expansion plans focusing on Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. In 2023, Rönesans deepened its relationships with international partners and embarked on several new collaborations and investments, showcasing its successful implementation of the EPC-F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing) […]
Kazakhstan Modernizes Customs Posts on the Border with Turkmenistan, China and Uzbekistan
The Government of Kazakhstan is launching a full-scale modernization of checkpoints on the border with China, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This was announced by Vice Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Birzhanov during a press conference at the Central Communications Service under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. These measures are being […]
European and international financial institutions announce €10 billion commitment to support sustainable connectivity in Central Asia
The Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity started today (29 January 2024) in Brussels. The event brings together government officials, financing institutions, businesses and civil society from Europe, all five Central Asian countries, and beyond. European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis announced that European and international financial institutions present at the […]
EBRD posts strong operational results in Central Asia in 2023
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested more than €1.2 billion (US$ 1.3 billion) in projects across Central Asia in 2023 to stimulate the region’s sustainable and inclusive growth, which is expected to continue at a pace of 5.9 per cent in 2024. Last year the Bank financed more than 100 […]
Turkmenistan Joins Regional Efforts to Expand Trans-Caspian Trade Route
Representatives from Turkmenistan, alongside officials from other Central Asian nations and international organizations, gathered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 25-26 January 2024, for the third meeting on expanding the Trans-Caspian Trade Route (TCTR). The Turkmen Logistics Association, Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM), and several transport and logistics companies actively participated in the discussions. The […]
Italy Proposes Aral Sea Restoration Project to Central Asia
An Italian engineering company has unveiled a project to revive the Aral Sea basin, offering hope for environmental recovery in Central Asia where the sea’s shrinkage stands as a major crisis. President Roberto Mantovanelli and CEO Errico Stravato of SOGESID presented the initiative to ambassadors of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan at the Ministry for […]
Kazakhstan and Pakistan are discussing options for transport connectivity – one of the routes runs through Turkmenistan
Kazakhstan and Pakistan are considering various options for transport connectivity in order to create an effective transport and logistics system that could play a critical role in enhancing economic relations. Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Talgat Lastaev met with First Deputy Minister of Communications, Railways and Maritime Affairs of Pakistan Syed Mazhar Ali Shah in Astana […]
Kazakhstan Gears Up for Second Phase of Northern Aral Sea Restoration Project
Kazakhstan is preparing to launch the second phase of the project to restore the Northern Aral Sea. Having completed a feasibility study that’s currently under state expertise, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is setting the stage for further collaboration with the World Bank. This renewed partnership builds on significant progress achieved in 2023, […]
Kazakhstan Agency for International Development “KazAID” offers educational programs to civil servants from Central Asia
The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) is forging strong connections across Central Asia by offering valuable educational opportunities for civil servants. In a recent briefing attended by representatives from embassies of Central Asian countries, KazAID unveiled its 2024 program lineup, showcasing initiatives designed to enhance governance and regional collaboration. One of the programs is […]
Kazakhstan and Hopes to Save the Aral Lake
Prof. Dr. Abdulvahap kara Efforts to save the Aral Sea, which constitutes one of the world’s biggest ecological disasters, continue. Kazakhstan took over the presidency of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), which has increased its activities in this regard in recent years. As of January 2024. Kazakhstan will fulfill this duty […]
Tokayev visited Rome: Kazakhstan and Italy Chart Course for Enhanced Trade and Investment Cooperation
Kazakhstan is Italy’s main economic partner in Central Asia, and Italy is Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner in the European Union and one of the leading investors in Kazakhstan’s economy. — underscored President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and Giorgia Meloni, the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy in their joint statement, adopted in Rome […]
Central Asia not circumventing Western sanctions
Raza Syed The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is forcing the whole world to adapt to a new political and economic reality. Sanctions, counter-sanctions, and the breakdown of existing production and logistics chains are becoming a serious challenge for some, and a matter of survival for other states. The countries of Central Asia are […]
40% of investments in the economy of Kazakhstan come from the European Union
About 40% of the attracted investments in the economy of Kazakhstan come from the countries of the European Union. This was stated by Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov at a meeting with Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas, held in Astana on 15 January. During the meeting, the sides discussed issues of increasing […]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan discussed prospects for cultural and humanitarian cooperation
On 11 January 2024, Ambassador of Turkmenistan Batyr Rejepov met with Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan Balayeva Aida. During this meeting, the parties discussed a number of bilateral issues of cultural and humanitarian cooperation and touched upon the issues of developing promising areas of collaboration. In particular, the parties exchanged views on the […]
A Decade of Booming Trade: China-Kazakhstan Logistics Base Surpasses 500,000 TEUs
For the past ten years, the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base has been a driving force in cross-border trade, exceeding a significant milestone by handling over 500,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) transported via China-Europe freight trains, according to Xinhua. This achievement marks a testament to the success of the Belt and Road Initiative, with Lianyungang […]
Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong Meets with Ambassadors of the Five Central Asian Countries to China
On January 11, 2024, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong held a group meeting with ambassadors of the five Central Asian countries to China. Sun Weidong said that the five Central Asian countries are China’s close neighbors and comprehensive strategic partners. Over the past decade, President Xi Jinping has maintained close exchanges with heads of state […]
Greening the Aral Sea: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Lead the Way
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, two Central Asian nations deeply affected by the Aral Sea’s environmental tragedy, are spearheading remarkable efforts to green the vast, exposed seabed. Their determined strides in reforestation hold immense promise for mitigating the ecological disaster’s negative impact on the region and beyond. Kazakhstan has set a target for 2024: sowing 275,000 hectares […]
Turkmenistan to reconstruct a customs post on the border with Kazakhstan
In January 2024, Turkmenistan will begin the reconstruction of the Garabogaz customs post on the border of Turkmenistan with Kazakhstan. The corresponding decree was signed by the President of Turkmenistan on 29 December 2023. The project is aimed at expanding the territory of the checkpoint, re-equipping and increasing its capacity. As part of the project, […]
Kazakhstan Seeks Access to Pakistani Seaports to Boost Trade
Kazakhstan is interested in gaining access to Pakistani seaports, such as Gwadar and Karachi, to promote exports to the markets of Pakistan and South Asia and to increase the attractiveness of the transit potential of the two countries in entering the markets of the Persian Gulf and East Africa. This was stated by the Minister […]
Kazakhstan Commissions Major Gas Field, Securing Domestic Energy Future
Friday, 22 December 2023, marked the historic commissioning of the Rozhkovskoye gas condensate field, a giant in western part of Kazakhstan that promises to forge regional development and strengthen domestic energy security through its immense hydrocarbon reserves. The field is being developed by a joint venture, which includes KazMunaiGas (50%), the Hungarian company MOL Group […]
Russian Railways extend discounts on transportation on the eastern branch of the North-South corridor
The Board of Russian Railways has decided to extend for 2024 the previously introduced discounts for the transportation of a wide range of goods. In particular, 20% discounts are extended for export-import container shipments through Russian-Kazakhstan border crossings, provided that the cargo also passes through the Bolashak – Serkhetyaka border crossing between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. […]
EDB: mutual direct investments among Central Asian countries grow at 9.2% per year on average over the past seven years
The volume of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Central Asia is estimated at US$ 1.1 billion by the end of the H1 2023, marking a 1.8-fold increase from 2016. This is stated in the report of the Eurasian Development Bank “EDB Monitoring of Mutual Investments 2023”. EDB analysts note that by mid-2023, the volume of FDI […]
Russia aims to strengthen partnership, alliance and good neighborliness with Central Asia
Russia sees its main task as pursuing a balanced policy aimed at strengthening partnership, alliance and good-neighborliness, and preserving its role as a key partner of the Central Asian states. The statement came from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin during his remarks at parliament’s meeting devoted to the geopolitical importance of the Central Asian […]
Weaving a Brighter Future: Women Artisans of Central Asia Unveiled
The “Women Artisans of Central Asia: A Lookbook Journey,” a new publication launched by USAID features the exceptional work of 50 women artisans from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, each piece a testament to their vibrant cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. The Lookbook offers a gateway to amazing variety of hand-woven carpets, intricate wood carvings, gleaming metalwork, […]
Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan will continue to strengthen mutual understanding and expand cooperation in all fields, says President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan, celebrated annually on 16 December. “Kazakhstan has traditionally been a reliable friend and partner of Turkmenistan. Our cooperation continues to strengthen and develop thanks to regular high-level visits,” the Head of Turkmenistan […]
Central Asian Emergency Services Learn from German Climate Risk Management
Representatives of emergency services from across Central Asia recently embarked on a learning journey to Germany, gaining firsthand insights into the country’s advanced approach to climate risk management, “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper reports. This tour, organized by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) under the “Climate Risk Management in Central Asia” project, offered knowledge exchange […]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Businessmen agreed to hold a bilateral business forum in 2024
In the first decade of December, a delegation from Kazakhstan successfully completed a four-day business mission to Turkmenistan. Organized by the Diplomatic Club “Astana” with the support of the Embassy of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan, the mission aimed to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The delegation members visited Ashgabat, Mary, Arkadag, Turkmenbashi, where they […]
Kazakhstan Supports Turkmenistan’s Efforts to Strengthen Peace and Stability
Kazakhstan has expressed its strong support for Turkmenistan’s efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the Central Asian region. During a meeting of the Group of Friends of Neutrality for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development, held in Ashgabat, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Alibek Bakayev, lauded Turkmenistan’s positive neutrality as a key factor […]
EBRD launches Youth in Business programme in Central Asia
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is addressing the issue of youth entrepreneurship and employment in Central Asia by launching a seven-year €200 million (US$ 218 million) Youth in Business programme. It is designed to provide better access to finance and relevant training to young entrepreneurs in the region, where up to one […]
Kazakhstan’s Cargo Carriers Divert Routes to Turkmenistan and Iran Amid EU Border Closures
Kazakhstan’s cargo carriers bound for Europe are reorienting their routes to Turkmenistan and Iran to ensure unhindered transit. This was announced by Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Satzhan Ablaliyev at a government meeting on Tuesday, 5 December 2023. Ablaliyev noted a positive trend in recent years, with Kazakhstani carriers increasing their share in the […]
Iranian Foreign Minister urges to step up work on defining baselines in the Caspian Sea
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian called on his colleagues from the Caspian countries to step up work on defining baselines in the Caspian Sea for further delineation of internal waters. “The convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea, signed in Kazakhstan, defines the rights, duties and general framework of cooperation between the five […]
Deepening cooperation between the Caspian littoral states is relevant in the context of forming a multipolar world order, says Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted the huge potential for the development of the Caspian region in trade, economic, environmental, scientific, humanitarian, transport and transit spheres. “Deepening practical cooperation between the Caspian states is also relevant in a broader sense: in the context of forming a multipolar world order and strengthening the positions of new […]
Kazakhstan supports the creation of an arms control mechanism in the Caspian basin
The need to create an arms control mechanism in the Caspian Sea basin was emphasized by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu during a meeting of foreign ministers of the Caspian littoral states (Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan) in Moscow, on 5 December 2023. “The Kazakhstan Foreign Minister also […]
Baku to host a meeting of the Caspian countries’ expert group on the organization of the Tehran Convention Secretariat
In a significant step towards establishing the Secretariat of the Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention), Baku will host the inaugural meeting of the ad hoc expert group tasked with organizing the Secretariat’s activities. The meeting is scheduled to take place on 18-19 […]
Moscow hosted a Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Caspian countries, Joint Statement adopted
On 5 December 2023, a meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Caspian littoral states took place in Moscow. The meeting was attended by: Azerbaijan – Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov Iran – Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian Kazakhstan – Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu Russia – Minister of […]
Addressing Environmental Challenges Requires Collective Effort, Say Representatives of Foreign Ministries and Lawmakers from Central Asian countries
On 3 December 2023, the 10th meeting of representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Parliamentarians of Central Asian countries was held in Dubai (UAE) at the COP28 platform, Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia reports. The session’s moderator and Center’s consultant, Ikrom Nazarov, outlined several tasks the countries have to solve. The first […]
The Central Asia Pavilion opens at COP28 in Dubai
On 1 December 2023, the grand opening of the Central Asia Pavilion at the 28th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP28) took place in Dubai, the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC) reports. The pavilion launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the Central Asian countries, development partners and representatives of civil society. Representative […]
CAREC Award: Turkmenistan’s Women’s Union Recognized for Advancing Gender Equality
At a landmark event, the first prize of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program for promoting gender equality was awarded. Eleven organizations and individuals from ten CAREC member countries were recognized at an awards ceremony in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 29 November 2023, on the sidelines of the 22nd CAREC Ministerial Conference. The CAREC […]
Tashkent hosted OSCE-organized conference to discuss regional security in a globalized world
The Academy of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan in Tashkent hosted the V International scientific and theoretical conference on “The main trends in ensuring regional security in the context of globalization,” as reported by the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan. The conference, organized in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), […]
Why is COP 28 a landmark event for the future of Central Asian countries?
On 30 November 2023, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28) started its work in the UAE, Dubai. At this global climate summit engaged almost all countries of the world, the states of Central Asia – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – will be […]
Media Forum sums up the outcomes of the Ashgabat World Kurash Championship
On Wednesday, 29 November 2023, a media forum was held in Ashgabat to celebrate the successful culmination of the 14th World Kurash Championship. The event, which concluded the previous day, witnessed the participation of 181 athletes from 45 countries across four continents, all vying for top honors in 15 medal categories. The media forum was […]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to Jointly Develop Corridor from China to Iran
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have agreed to jointly develop the China–Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran corridor. The agreement was reached during the first meeting of the Kazakh-Turkmen joint working group on the development of transport, transit, and logistics, held in Ashgabat on 26-27 November 2023. The meeting was co-chaired by Vice Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan Talgat […]
One Health Framework for Action Set to Enhance the Quality of Health Care Services Across Central Asia
Government officials of Central Asia gathered today at World Bank hosted regional conference to endorse the Central Asia One Health Framework for Action- a regional cooperation program designed to enhance the quality and productivity of health, agriculture, and environment sectors across the region. The framework serves as a strategic plan and investment structure, requiring collaboration […]
UNRCCA convened annual meeting with deputy foreign ministers of Central Asian states in Bishkek
The thirteenth 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), took place in Bishkek on 27-28 November. The meeting brought together the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Taking into consideration the importance of […]
Kazakhstan launches new railway project, improving regional connectivity and boosting trade
On Monday, 27 November, Kazakhstan started construction of a new railway line that will connect the southernmost regions of Kazakhstan with the rest of the country and improve transport connectivity with neighboring Uzbekistan. The project is expected to be completed in 2025. The 152 km long Darbaza – Maktaaral railway line will allow to reorient […]
DARYA project – Central Asia and the EU sum up the progress in flagship project focused on youth and education
Education and Labour Deputy Ministers from Central Asia gathered for two-day meeting (23-24 Nov 2023) in Torino, Italy, for a high-level meeting of DARYA (Dialogue and Action for Resourceful Youth in Central Asia), the first European Union’s regional project supporting education, youth employment and inclusive skills development in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. DARYA […]
Summit of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia in Azerbaijan – Outcomes
nCa Report On 24 November 2023, the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the participating countries of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) was held in Baku. The Summit was attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President […]