On 9 May 2024, the head of the consular post of the Russian Embassy in Turkmenistan in the city of Turkmenbashi A.M. Korzhov and the Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zh.G. Zhumbergenov took part in the ceremony of laying flowers at the eternal flame monument in the central square of the city. The diplomats from Russia and Kazakhstan also paid tribute to the fallen … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Four
nCa Report CADI – Central Asia Desert Initiative – was a project involving several countries and organizations. It lasted from July 2016 to July 2022, stretching beyond its planned period of implementation. CADI studied the deserts of Central Asia from different perspectives and gave valuable insight. Here is the text of the brochure of the project: Conservation and … [Read more...]
7th meeting of the High-level Working Group on the Caspian Sea convened in Baku
On May 6-7, 2024, the 7th meeting of the High-level Working Group on the Caspian Sea was held in Baku, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reports. The negotiations were attended by Azerbaijan (head of delegation - S. Sharifov), Iran (head of delegation - A. Jahangiri), Kazakhstan (Head of delegation - Z. Amandzholova), Russia (head of delegation – M. Petrakov) and Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Two
nCa Report Lumping some of the deserts in Central Asia together, based on their characteristic, and objectives of the study, is a useful idea. In the experts’ circle, two desert groups are prominent: 1. Central Asian Southern Desert; 2. Central Asian Northern Desert. Central Asian Southern Desert Here is the write-up from One … [Read more...]
Signs of Recovery: Northern Caspian Sea Sees Rising Water Levels
Positive developments are emerging from the Caspian Sea, particularly in the northern region bordering Kazakhstan. Blogger Azamat Sarsenbayev from Aktau, reports a potential reversal in the water level decline. "The tide seems to be turning for the Caspian Sea," Sarsenbayev writes on social media. "Just a year ago, the receding water exposed the shoreline by tens of … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part One
nCa Report There are some 14 territories and areas in Central Asia that are categorized as deserts. Some of them are in this category mainly for technical reasons and one of them should not have existed at all. The total area of deserts in Central Asia comes to about 1.5 million square km. This should be taken as an approximation because some territories overlap at some … [Read more...]
Afghanistan starts unfolding its huge transit potential – trilateral hub planned in Herat
Afghanistan, a country at the crossroads of some major corridors, has started unfolding its transit potential in a systematic and measured manner. In a news story first reported by Reuters and subsequently expanded on by other media services, the acting commerce minister of Afghanistan, Nooruddin Azizi, told Reuters that Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan would … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Diverted 1 bln cu m of Floodwaters to Replenish Caspian Sea
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation redirected nearly 1 billion cubic meters of floodwater to the Caspian Sea. The water was channeled through four waterways: Baksai, Naryn, Chernaya Rechka, and Sokolok. These channels have a combined daily capacity of 12 million cubic meters, according to the ministry. Prior to the diversion, each channel underwent … [Read more...]
First Agroexpress Train Delivers Oat Flakes from Russia to India via Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan
The first Agroexpress train carrying oat flakes departed Russia for India. This inaugural trip utilized the eastern route of the North-South International Transport Corridor, traversing Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. This multimodal shipment of cargo was organized by the logistics arm of Russian Railways "Russian Railways Logistics" and LLC "Dry Port Yuzhnouralsky" … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to connect energy systems – MoU inked in Tashkent
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan are joining forces to create a unified energy grid, paving the way for a future of green energy exports to Europe. On May 1, Tashkent hosted the second meeting of the Ministers of Energy of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, during which the parties signed a memorandum of cooperation on the interconnection of the energy … [Read more...]
Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan held a trilateral meeting on transport issues in Kabul
A trilateral meeting was held in Kabul on 26 April 2024 with the participation of delegations from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan reports. The delegations were headed by: Afghanistan – Minister of Industry and Commerce Nuruddin Azizi Turkmenistan – Director of the Agency for Transport and Communications … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan calls for ‘Unity-Creation-Progress’ in his speech at Assembly of People Session
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his speech at the XXXIII session of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan, has dedicated the session to "Unity. Creation. Progress." He noted the large-scale work carried out to overcome the consequences of floods in a number of regions of the country. The president stressed that from the first days of the occurrence of the natural disaster, … [Read more...]
Jana Post of Kazakhstan is a success story in e-commerce in Central Asia
E-Commerce is not a novelty in Central Asia anymore. It has been embraced by the mainstream society. However, the activity at e-commerce platform, though robust, is mostly on the local scale. The expansion is constrained by two factor: 1. The limited geography of first-mile-collection and last-mile-delivery services; and 2. Lack of unified payment gateway solutions. Some … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Pakistan Pilot New Multimodal Export Route
A pilot project is underway to create a new multimodal export route stretching from Kazakhstan to Pakistan. The route will traverse Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, with a final leg by sea to Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. This was announced by Bauyrzhan Urynbasarov, Managing Director of Kazakhstan Railways JSC NC KTZ, during a visit to Afghanistan. The statement … [Read more...]
Russian Railways Offers Discount for Metal Exports on North-South Corridor
Russian Railways has implemented a significant discount for transporting ferrous metals through the eastern branch of the North-South international transport corridor. This route traverses Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The company's board approved a coefficient of 0.5 applied to the existing tariff for metal transportation in wagons. This translates to a 50% discount for … [Read more...]
Customs representatives of Central Asia, Southern Caucasus, Pakistan and the WCO Europe region discuss cooperation mechanisms and information exchange
On 9 and 10 April 2024, representatives from countries participating in the Inter-Regional Network of Customs Authorities and Port Control Units (IREN) held their sixth meeting to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from data sharing in relation to high-risk cargo. Representatives from Bulgaria, Poland, Türkiye and Italy also participated in the meeting which took … [Read more...]
UK Foreign Secretary travels to Central Asia and Mongolia – London announces £50 million of new funding to support region’s sovereignty
The UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron will visit Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia to as part of government ambition to increase engagement with this pivotal region of the world, Foreign Office reports. He will meet leaders across the region to deepen cooperation on shared challenges, from counter-terrorism to climate change. He … [Read more...]
Inter-regional and Intra-regional partnership formats speed up economic integration in Central Asia
nCa Analysis The pith of the recent inter-regional and intra-regional formats of partnership in Central Asia is simply impressive. While it contributes solidly to the space for peace and progress, it also creates bulwarks against any negative influences of the prevailing geopolitical situations from spilling over into the region. In the past few days, the GCC and Central … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Forge Stronger Alliance
Central Asian neighbors Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan solidified their partnership on Friday, April 19th, 2024, with a signed agreement by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Sadyr Japarov. The historic document – the Treaty on deepening and expansion of allied relations was inked during Japarov's official visit to Astana. "This document fully meets the interests of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan’s efforts to balance media freedom with protecting national interests
Emir Nuhanovic, President of the Institute for European policies and digital society. Kazakhstan’s media landscape has devolved into an arena where powerful interest groups vie for leverage over state assets and public influence. The country’s leadership is in a process of carrying out wide-ranging reforms, including strengthening freedom of speech, while also working to … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Boost Trade Ties with $300 Million Deal
Business leaders from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan struck a series of agreements worth $300 million during a major business forum held in Astana on 17 April 2024 The Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan reported this positive development. These deals encompass a variety of projects, including construction of solar power plants, development of a … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Japan share experience: Seminar for the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus on earthquake risk reduction
From 16 to 19 April this year, Almaty is hosting a seminar organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA in cooperation with the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development «KazAID», the Kazakh Research Institute of Construction and Architecture and the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction. Japan, being one of the most seismically … [Read more...]
2nd Ministerial Meeting of the “GCC + Central Asia” Strategic Dialogue adopted a Joint Statement – Samarkand to host the Dialogue’s next Summit
On 15 April 2024, Tashkent, hosted the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue “Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf - Central Asia” (GCC + Central Asia), chaired by the foreign minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov. The forum was attended by: Bahrain – Foreign minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani Kazakhstan - Deputy Minister of … [Read more...]
President Tokayev Signs Laws Aimed at Protecting the Rights of Women and Safety of Children
April 15, 2024 - Astana, Kazakhstan – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has enacted the laws of Kazakhstan “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan Regarding the Protection of Women’s Rights and Children’s Safety” and “On Amendments and Additions to the Administrative Offenses Code of Kazakhstan Regarding the Protection of Women’s … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan decides to establish railway connection with Pakistan through Trans-Afghan rail link
Pakistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to expand the Trans-Afghan rail link to enhance rail connectivity to boost transit, bilateral, and regional trade, report several media outlets including the Business Recorder. A meeting took place on 9 April 2024 in Islamabad between the Federal Secretary Railways and Chairman Pakistan Railways Board Syed Mazhar Ali Shah and the Ambassador … [Read more...]
Обращение Президента Казахстана в связи со сложной ситуацией из-за наводнения
Дорогие соотечественники! Обращаюсь к вам в связи с тяжелой ситуацией с весенними паводками после обильного снеготаяния. Произошла природная катастрофа, равной которой не было многие годы. Возможно, это самое крупное бедствие по своим масштабам и последствиям за последние 80 с лишним лет. Из-за паводков режим чрезвычайной ситуации местного масштаба объявлен в десяти … [Read more...]
Address of the President of Kazakhstan in connection with the difficult situation due to floods
Dear compatriots! I am addressing you in connection with the difficult situation with spring floods after heavy snowmelt. A natural disaster has occurred, the likes of which has not been seen for many years. This might be the biggest disaster in terms of its scale and impact in more than 80 years. Due to the floods, a local emergency situation has been declared in … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan has 78 billion tons of oil reserves. Caspian explorations may push it to 1 Trillion tons.
The estimated reserves of domestic oil of Kazakhstan amount to 78 billion tons. This information was provided by the Chairman of the Geology Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, Erlan Akbarov, while answering a question by the news service Kazinform. He said that currently, the country has oil reserves equal to 4 billion 400 million tons. Of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan join hands to bolster railway connectivity with China, establish Central Asia – South Asia rail links
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have agreed to create a joint venture between the railway authorities of the two countries. It will serve two major purposes: Bolster the railway cargo capacity along the China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan route Work together to build the Trans-Afghan railway line that will connect the Uzbek (and Kazakh) railway systems through a railway line … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Eye Expansion of Gas Cooperation
Senior officials from hydrocarbon industry of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan met today, 2 April 2024, in Ashgabat to discuss strengthening cooperation in gas sector. Sanjar Jarkeshov, Chairman of the Board of Kazakh gas giant QazaqGaz, met with Deputy Prime Minister Batyr Amanov and Turkmengaz Chairman Maksat Babayev. In particular, the parties noted their mutual interest in … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Hosts Digitalization Training for Central Asian Civil Servants
The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) is partnering with Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to offer the Dostyk Digitalization program. This initiative aims to enhance the digital skills of civil servants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, KazAID reports. From 1 to 5 April 2024, in Astana, 20 civil servants will … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan offers Armenia to benefit from transport opportunities through Iran and Turkmenistan
The Kazakhstani-Armenian business forum, organized by the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Armenia and the Diplomatic Club "Astana", was held in Yerevan on 27-31 March 2024. The forum fostered Business-to-Business (B2B) negotiations between representatives from various sectors – logistics, industry, IT, and trade. During the business forum, Kaiyrbolat Sakhmetov, … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan handed over the chairmanship of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development to Tajikistan
On 28 March 2024, Kazakhstan hosted a meeting of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD) in Astana, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Representatives from the environmental ministries of Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) attended the meeting. Additionally, representatives from the … [Read more...]
CIS Border Chiefs met in Uzbekistan to address Central Asian security challenges
On 28 March 2024, Khiva, Uzbekistan hosted the 8th regional meeting of heads of border agencies from CIS member states, according to the CIS Executive Committee. The event was attended by delegations of the border agencies of Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Coordination Service of the Council of Commanders of the … [Read more...]
Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Kazakhstan met with the head of the parliamentary Turkmen-Kazakh friendship group
Ambassador of Turkmenistan Batyr Rejepov met with the Head of the parliamentary Turkmen-Kazakh friendship group, member of the Committee of the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan on International Affairs, Defense and Security Izmukhambetov Baktykozha. During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of important issues on deepening Turkmen-Kazakh cooperation through … [Read more...]
China and Central Asia Formalize Partnership with launching Secretariat in Xian
High-ranking officials from China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan gathered in Xi'an on 30 March 2024 to inaugurate the Secretariat of the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism. This new body marks a significant step towards institutionalizing partnership between China and the Central Asian nations. Congratulatory messages on the occasion … [Read more...]
China and Central Asian countries to launch the secretariat of the joint cooperation mechanism
China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will launch the secretariat of the China-Central Asia mechanism. The ceremony will take place on 30 March in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. This was stated at a press conference on 29 March by Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Lin Jian. Four years ago, China and the five Central Asian countries jointly set up the … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan may import electricity from Turkmenistan to address potential shortages
Kazakhstan is ready to consider Turkmenistan's proposal for the supply of electricity and gas to ensure energy security and taking into account commercial attractiveness. This was stated at a press conference on Tuesday, 26 March, by country’s Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev, according to Kazakh news outlets. "We have regular consultations with all our colleagues from … [Read more...]
Первый в истории бизнес-диалог Центральная Азия – США «B5+1» завершился принятием рекомендаций по экономической интеграции в ЦА
Форум B5+1, государственно-частный бизнес диалог для Центральной Азии и Соединенных Штатов, состоявшийся на прошлой неделе в Алматы, Казахстан, завершился принятием конкретных рекомендаций по ускорению региональной интеграции и экономического развития Центральной Азии, говорится в заявлении Центра международного частного предпринимательства (CIPE), который провел форум. В … [Read more...]
Inaugural B5+1 Forum adopted recommendations for Economic Integration in Central Asia
The B5+1 Forum, a public-private business dialogue platform for Central Asia and the United States, held last week in Almaty, Kazakhstan, announced a series of concrete recommendations to accelerate Central Asia’s regional integration and economic development, according to the statement of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), who led the forum. In … [Read more...]
Kazinform Interview: Turkmenistan Ambassador on Bilateral Cooperation with Kazakhstan
In recent years, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan have been carrying out active exchanges in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. In 2024, it is planned to organize cross Culture Days of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Kazakhstan Batyr Rejepov spoke about this in an … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries are building new transport corridors and changing logistics
Serikbol Koshmaganbetov Geopolitical turbulence in the world is radically changing the infrastructure of transport flows in Central Asia. Asian countries are eager to send their cargo to Europe via the historic Great Silk Road. What is the current development of cargo transportation logistics in Central Asian countries, read the material of the correspondent of Kazinform … [Read more...]
A Dialogue on “Central Asian Connectivity Project Pipeline” between IsDB-AIIB-MCDF and Regional Countries
On 11-12 March 2024, the Regional Dialogue on Central Asian Connectivity (CAC) Project Pipeline has convened in Istanbul, Turkiye, to facilitate a stakeholder dialogue aimed at identifying and assessing cross-border connectivity projects in Central Asia. Organized jointly by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the … [Read more...]
Transport and logistics cooperation: Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are strategic partners
During their summit talks in Baku on 11 March 2024, Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan placed particular emphasis on transport and logistics cooperation, recognizing its strategic importance for strengthening bilateral relations. In addition to resources, the struggle for access to transport and logistics opportunities is now … [Read more...]
Amudarya is not a single river – It is an integrated river system spanning six countries
nCa Report Amudarya, the most famous river of Central Asia, is not a single river – It is an integrated river system spanning six, possibly seven countries. Amudarya is usually written as Amudarya River, which is superfluous because ‘darya’ in Amudarya means river. This river has always caught the imagination of the travellers and authors. In various languages and during … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan President Tokayev sees Trans-Caspian route hitting 10 million tons
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan expects cargo volumes on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) to reach 10 million tons in the future, taking into account strong demand and technological advancements. Tokayev, visiting Azerbaijan on 11-12 March 2024, made these remarks in an interview with Azerbaijani APA news agency. He emphasized the … [Read more...]
South Korea, Central Asia Launch Civil Service Cooperation Network
On 7 March 2024, South Korea's Minister of Personnel Management, Kim Seung Ho, met with heads of Central Asian diplomatic missions in Seoul. The meeting marked the launch of the South Korea-Central Asia Civil Service Network, a framework for cooperation in improving civil service systems, according to the Korea ministry of personal management. The meeting was attended by … [Read more...]
OSCE and Central Asia held a meeting in Ashgabat on regional cooperation in the field of ecology
On 4 March 2024, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Central Asian environment ministers convened in Ashgabat to discuss regional ecological cooperation, according to TDH. OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid emphasized the meeting's significance, highlighting its role in refocusing attention on contemporary environmental challenges. Schmid … [Read more...]
This Hungarian product could revolutionize agriculture; may save up to 50% on irrigation water
nCa Report Water & Soil is a Hungarian company. It produces a drug called ‘Water Retainer’ that is supposed to help save up to 50% on irrigation water. It is recommended by the FAO. Water Retainer According to the company website, the Water Retainer is an organic soil-conditioning product. Generally, its effects last 3 months, during which period – pending appropriate … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Entrepreneurs to Explore Business Opportunities in Turkmenistan
The Diplomatic Club “Astana” announces a business mission for Kazakhstani entrepreneurs to Turkmenistan, scheduled for 16-18 Marc 2024. The mission will take place in Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi, offering participants the opportunity to network with leading companies and business associations in Turkmenistan and visit the exhibition of achievements of Turkmen private … [Read more...]