On Monday, 4 November, the 17th Central Asia-Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum was held under the chairmanship of South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, which was attended by foreign ministers, deputy foreign ministers and chief delegates from five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, according to Korean news … [Read more...]
E-Commerce in Central Asia increasing
Almost every day the media report some more developments in the e-commerce sector in Central Asia. The Russian e-commerce platform Wildberries is planning to construct two substantial logistics centers in the Kazakh cities of Almaty and Astana. The company's co-founder and CEO, Tatyana Kim, has confirmed this news while also revealing that a logistics hub in Almaty is … [Read more...]
A new era of our statehood
Nurlan NOGAYEV, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan October 25 marks Republic Day in Kazakhstan. The restoration of the status of Republic Day as the country's main national holiday in 2022 is dictated by the intention to restore historical justice and memory, confirming Kazakhstan's commitment to sovereignty, independence … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan has been selected as a Top Country within Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel 2025 list
Astana, October 23, 2024 — Lonely Planet, a leading international travel media, has named Kazakhstan as one of the best countries to visit in its annual Best in Travel 2025 rankings. Each year, Lonely Planet's experts carefully select the destinations based on recommendations from travelers, staff, writers, and other industry professionals. In 2025, Kazakhstan was chosen … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Seeks to Join TAPI Gas Pipeline Construction
Kazakhstan is actively negotiating with Turkmenistan to participate in the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, according to Yerlan Akkenzhanov, Vice Minister of Energy. Akkenzhanov highlighted the potential benefits of Kazakhstan's involvement in the project, emphasizing the country's interest in expanding its hydrocarbon export … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan Target $3 Billion in Trade
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan have signed a partnership roadmap aimed at boosting bilateral trade to a value of $3 billion. The agreement was inked by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin and Minister of Trade and Industry Nooriddin Azizi during bilateral business forum in Almaty on 22 October. The roadmap outlines a broad range of cooperation areas, including trade, … [Read more...]
Ashgabat hosted the second Central Asia–Korea parliamentary forum
On October 14, 2024, the second parliamentary meeting in the Central Asia-Korea format took place in Ashgabat. The event was attended by: Woo Won Shik, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Nurlanbek Shakiev, Chairman of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic Yerlan Koshanov, … [Read more...]
Expanding business horizons: Diplomatic Club Astana Invites Turkmen businessmen on a business mission to Kazakhstan
As part of the strengthening of trade and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, the Diplomatic Club Astana will organize a business mission to Kazakhstan, which will take place from 29 October to 1 November 2024. The participants will visit the cities of Almaty, Almaty region, Zhetysu region and the capital Astana. The main purpose of the event is to e encourage … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan enters the oilfield services market of Turkmenistan – The daughter of KazMunaiGas opens a branch in Ashgabat
The Satti – first jack-up drilling rig built in Kazakhstan – will start drilling operations in the Cheleken – Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, the press service of the national oil company of Kazakhstan "KazMunayGas" reports. The Satti is a unique invention fully equipped with advanced technologies for challenging offshore drilling operations. After modification in … [Read more...]
The final document of the International Forum: “The interrelation of times and civilizations – the basis of peace and development”, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Fragi
(Unofficial translation) On 11 October 2024, the International Forum "The Interrelation of Times and Civilizations – the basis of peace and development" was held, which was attended by the President of Turkmenistan, the President of the Republic of Armenia, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the President of the Kyrgyz … [Read more...]
International Forum: “The interconnection of times and civilizations – the basis of peace and development” – Leaders Call for Cooperation Across Cultures
Ten countries addressed at the plenary session of the International Conference "The Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the Basis of Peace and Development", dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Fraga. Here are quotes from the speeches of high-ranking speakers: President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov: "The great and rich heritage of … [Read more...]
Ashgabat hosted the International Conference “The Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the basis of Peace and Development” – The great rich heritage of Magtymguly predetermined the basis of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, says President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
On 11 October 2024, an international conference “The interconnection of times and civilizations – the basis of peace and development” dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great Turkmen poet and classic Magtymguly Fragi was held in Ashgabat under the chairmanship of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. As speakers, the forum was attended by: 1. … [Read more...]
Declaration on Strengthening Friendship and Deepening Multifaceted Strategic Partnership between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan
(Unofficial translation) Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, hereinafter referred to as the “Parties”, based on the desire to further deepen and expand the traditionally friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan based on good neighborliness, close partnership, trust and mutual support, guided by the Agreement on Strategic … [Read more...]
Turkmen-Kazakh Summit Talks in Ashgabat – Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to deepen strategic partnership – 20 documents signed
On Thursday, 10 October 2024, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Turkmenistan on an official visit. Upon arrival in Ashgabat, the head of Kazakhstan met with the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. After the meeting, Berdimuhamedov and Tokayev took part in the opening ceremony of the monument to Abai Kunanbayuly. The … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan deepen gas cooperation – QazaqGaz and Turkmengaz sign historic agreement
Today, in Ashgabat, the National Company of Kazakhstan QazaqGaz and the State Concern Turkmengaz signed an agreement on strategic cooperation in the development of the gas industry. The document was a part of documents package inked following high-level talks between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart … [Read more...]
Kazakh-Turkmen Business Council discussed prospects for cooperation
On 8 October, a meeting of the Kazakh-Turkmen Business Council was held in Ashgabat. The meeting brought together representatives of the business circles of both countries. The sides discussed new initiatives and projects in sectors such as energy, transport, logistics and agriculture, the Foreign Trade Chamber of Kazakhstan reports. The Co-chairman of the Kazakhstan’s part … [Read more...]
EBRD forecasts robust economic growth in Central Asia
Anton Usov According to the latest edition of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) Regional Economic Prospects report, the short-term regional economic outlook for Central Asia remains positive. Regional growth is set to reach 5.1 per cent in 2024 and accelerate to 5.9 per cent in 2025 on stronger commodity revenues, infrastructure investment and … [Read more...]
High Demand for Kazakh Grain in Central Asia
A recent forum of grain exporters and importers in Tashkent, Central Asia, highlighted the growing demand for Kazakh grain in the region. As reported by Kazinform, Uzbek farmers are currently harvesting 20 million tons of grain this year and are already exploring export opportunities. “We invited entrepreneurs who buy grain and fat-and-oil products from Kazakhstan to the … [Read more...]
Bridge of Cultures: Central Asian designers in the heart of Europe
The first Central Asia–Europe Creative Forum is taking place in Brussels this week. 12 designers, fashion and art figures from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan presented their unique works at the European External Action Service, as well as at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium. Opening the meeting, Ambassador of Turkmenistan Sapar Palvanov … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan will go to referendum next week on nuclear energy. Ensuing debate is of interest for the entire region
nCa Report Kazakhstan has been debating for quite some time, at different levels, on the advisability of going for nuclear energy. The nationwide referendum on 6 October 2024 will determine the outcome of the prolonged debate. The people have had plenty of opportunity to make an informed choice at the referendum. Just ahead of the referendum, Kazinform, th eprime news … [Read more...]
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan met with the heads of the fuel and energy complex of Turkmenistan
On 19 September 2024, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan, Nurlan Nogaev, met with the Chairman of the State Concern Turkmennebit, Guvanch Atajanov. During the talks, the parties noted the positive dynamics in cooperation between the two countries and stressed the significant potential of Turkmenistan in the energy sector. Special attention was paid to … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to install automatic water metering systems in the Syr Darya
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have agreed to install modern water metering systems at ten locations along the Syr Darya River. The decision was reached during a meeting between Kazakhstan's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, and Uzbekistan's Minister of Water Resources, Shavkat Khamrayev. The ministers discussed automating hydraulic posts and … [Read more...]
Factsheet on Kazakhstan’s Peace Initiatives
Overview Since gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has been following its peaceful and balanced foreign policy. The country is committed to multilateral cooperation in line with the UN Charter, playing an active role in international security and stability. This commitment has been demonstrated through a range of initiatives in nuclear non-proliferation, providing a … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan: Cornerstones of Central Asian Stability
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan stand as pivotal strategic partners in Central Asia. Their relationship, characterized by constructive neighborly dialogue, peaceful borders, growing economic cooperation, similarity of positions on topical issues of regional and international issues, and mutual understanding between their fraternal peoples, exemplifies the hallmarks of modern … [Read more...]
Abu Dhabi’s Gulf Capital, Kazakhstan’s QIC set up $800mln investments fund for Central Asia
Abu Dhabi private equity firm Gulf Capital and a subsidiary of Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund have established an $800 million fund to drive investments in Central Asia. The partnership between the Qazaqstan Investment Corporation (QIC) and Gulf Capital will include the expansion of the UAE firm’s portfolio companies in Kazakhstan, with the support of the Central Asia … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Outlines Priorities for Aral Sea Conservation
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with representatives of Central Asian countries to discuss the priorities of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) during Kazakhstan's chairmanship. At a meeting in Astana on 18 September, Bektenov presented the key objectives for IFAS, which include promoting integrated water resource management, addressing … [Read more...]
The first meeting of the Board of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea held in Astana
On 18 September 2024, Astana hosted the first meeting of the Board of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) within the framework of the Kazakhstan’s chairmanship. According to the Press Service of the Government of Kazakhstan, the event, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, was attended by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosted second Central Asia–Germany Summit
The second Central Asia–Germany Summit was held in Astana on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. The meeting was attended by: • President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz • President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov • President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon • President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov • President of Uzbekistan … [Read more...]
Joint Declaration by the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Federal Chancellor of Germany
The text of the Joint Declaration adopted following the meeting of the heads of Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) with the Federal Chancellor of Germany is published on the official website of the Federal Government of Germany. Here is the full text of the Declaration: On 17 September 2024, President of the Republic of … [Read more...]
Kazakh-German summit talks in Astana – Kazakhstan and Germany are implementing investment projects worth $55 billion
On 16 September 2024, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz had summit talks in Astana. Tokayev called Scholz's visit historic, as it is the first visit of the head of the German Government to Kazakhstan in the last 14 years. As Tokayev noted, Germany is one of Kazakhstan's main trading partners and top … [Read more...]
Central Asia and Germany – A very special kind of relationship
Tariq Saeedi Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany will visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, 15-17 September 2024. This would be his first visit to the region. On 17 September 2024, the last day of his visit, Chancellor Scholz will participate in the C5+1 meeting in Kazakhstan. The trip comes a year after Scholz hosted the leaders of five Central Asian nations in Berlin to … [Read more...]
Central Asia-Jiangsu Trade Center Opens in Nanjing, Boosting Regional Trade
On September 12, the opening of the Central Asia - Jiangsu Trade Center took place in the Chinese city of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. The multi-storey Center is a multifunctional platform for Central Asian businesses to enter the Chinese market, according to the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan. The Central Asia-Jiangsu Trade Center will be supervised by the … [Read more...]
Central Asian Parliaments Gather for Second Interparliamentary Forum in Uzbekistan
On September 12, 2024, the Second Interparliamentary Forum of Central Asian states kicked off in Khiva, Uzbekistan. Delegates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, including representatives of youth parliaments and local governments, are participating in the two-day event. In her opening remarks, Tanzila Narbayeva, Chair of the Senate of … [Read more...]
TIF 2024: Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan agree to expand cooperation in the gas industry
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the gas industry. Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev met with Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Batyr Amanov and Minister of State, Chairman of the State Concern Turkmengaz Maksat Babayev on the sidelines of the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TIF 2024) in Ashgabat. During the … [Read more...]
Arkadag Berdimuhamedov took part in the opening of the 5th World Nomad Games in Astana – The President of Kazakhstan will visit Turkmenistan in October
On 8 September 2024 the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, paid a working visit to Kazakhstan to participate in the official opening ceremony of the V World Nomad Games. Meeting with the President of Kazakhstan Before the opening ceremony, … [Read more...]
5th World Nomad Games Astana 2024 – there is more than meets the eye
All of us were nomads at the dawn of our existence as a species of primate. Deep in our hearts, we are still nomads. Central Asia is among the few regions in the world where the people have embraced modernism and progress without deleting their nomadic past. Century after century, the nomads from Central Asia kept spreading out in the world, starting new empires and … [Read more...]
Federal Chancellor Scholz to visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan to host Central Asia + Germany summit
Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz will visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan from September 15 to 17 and take part in the Central Asia + Germany summit, says the statement, published on the official website of the Federal Government of Germany. According to the report, this will be Scholz's first trip to Central Asia. The Federal Chancellor will hold bilateral talks … [Read more...]
Decrease in water level of Caspian is more problematic for Kazakhstan and Russia
nCa Report The level of the Caspian Sea has been decreasing and it is a common problem for all of the littoral states. There are joint efforts to reverse the phenomenon. The shallowing of the sea is more obvious in the sectors of Kazakhstan and Russia. According to a report by Turan.az, published on 5 March 2024, since 2005, the level of the Caspian Sea has been … [Read more...]
Downstream countries in Central Asia undertake mitigation efforts to prevent water scarcity
nCa Report Central Asia is facing a looming water crisis, driven by demographic growth and increasing agricultural demands. According to the World Bank, the region's population is projected to reach 90 million by 2050, leading to water shortages of up to 25-30%. Simultaneously, agricultural water consumption is expected to rise by 30% within the next decade. To mitigate … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Explore Joint Space Satellite Launch
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are considering a collaborative effort to launch a space satellite. According to the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, the issue of launching a group of joint satellites into space with the participation of the two countries was discussed at a meeting of the ministerial delegation in Astana on the sidelines of the "Asia-Pacific … [Read more...]
Turkish construction companies implemented projects in Turkmenistan worth over $53 billion
Since 1972 to August 2024, the Turkish contracting sector has implemented 12,277 projects in 137 countries, the Anadolu agency reports, citing the Turkish Ministry of Commerce. At the same time, most of the projects were carried out in Russia. The cost of contract projects implemented in Russia has reached $102.3 billion. Turkmenistan is a close second, boasting $53.3 … [Read more...]
New Center for Central Asian Studies Opens in Indonesia
The first-ever Center for Central Asian Studies has been established at the University of National Development of Indonesia in Jakarta, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. The center's focus will be on studying the potential, socio-political, socio-economic dynamics within Kazakhstan and other Central Asian states. It will also promote mutual investment, … [Read more...]
The 4th Conference of Regional Cooperation on Border Security in Central Asia “Issyk – Kul initiative” 2024 held in Latvia, Riga
Since 2011, under the BOMCA organized framework of the “Issyk-Kul Initiative”, Central Asian border agencies come together regularly in a regional forum for cooperation and information exchange in the field of border security in Central Asia. The 4th Conference of Regional Cooperation on Border Security in Central Asia ‘Issyk - Kul Initiative’ 2024 was held in Riga, Latvia … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan will replace subsidies for agriculture sector with easy credits, other measures
At the start of the 33rd session of the parliament of Kazakhstan, President Tokayev has asked for some bold measures to uplift the agriculture sector. Here is the relevant portion of his address to the lawmakers : An extremely important task is to attract investment to the agro-industrial complex. Despite the consequences of the floods, our farmers completed the sowing … [Read more...]
Improvement in investment climate and ease of doing business on agenda for parliament of Kazakhstan
President Tokayev of Kazakhstan, at the start of the 33rd session of the parliament, gave the detailed guidelines to the lawmakers for the current legislative work. Here is the relevant portion from his speech related to the investment climate and conditions for doing business : It is important to constantly work on improving the investment climate and conditions for … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan asks parliament to rehash tax laws
President Tokayev of Kazakhstan, in his landmark address to the lawmakers at the start of the 33rd session of the parliament has called for rehash of the tax laws. It is noteworthy that some major amendments to the Tax Code of Kazakhstan were already introduced in December 2023. The presidential speech of 2 September 2024 points the need for further rehash of the tax … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan’s Oil Industry: A Century of Growth
nCa Report Kazakhstan's oil industry has a rich history dating back over a century. The country's first oil production began in the eastern Karashungul field in 1899, with an initial daily output of 22-25 tons. The oil was transported by camel to the coast of the Caspian Sea, where it was loaded onto ships. Kazinform news agency has published information on the size of oil … [Read more...]
Armenia’s business mission to Almaty: Strengthening economic ties and new transport routes via Turkmenistan and Iran
Almaty recently hosted an important event for business cooperation between Kazakhstan and Armenia — 50 Armenian entrepreneurs visited Kazakhstan with a business mission. The event, organized by the Diplomatic Club “Astana” in collaboration with the embassies of both countries, was aimed at strengthening constructive dialogue between the countries, creating additional … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan stays focused on E-Commerce
The QazTech Alliance of Technology Companies recently held a roundtable on the digitalization of small and medium businesses in Kazakhstan, reports TengriNews. The e-commerce in Kazakhstan almost doubles every two years and currently accounts for 12.5% of total purchases. The participants of the roundtable noted the buoying role played by the digitalization of consumer … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan to Increase Middle Corridor’s Capacity to Ten Million Tons Annually
Saniya Sakenova The Kazakh government is working to implement the Roadmap to eliminate bottlenecks and develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) until 2027 between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Türkiye and between Kazakhstan and Georgia. This will increase the route’s capacity to ten million tons per year, the Prime Minister’s press service reported on Aug. … [Read more...]