Representatives of Central Asian countries today acknowledged the urgent need for regional cooperation in green development and committed to strengthen collaboration across critical sectors, including energy, trade digitalization, trade integration, trade facilitation, investment promotion, SME development, water cooperation and innovation ecosystems. The Dushanbe … [Read more...]
Delegation of Turkmenistan participated in the 2024 SPECA Economic Forum and the 19th session of the SPECA Governing Council
From 26 to 28 November 2024, the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Economic Forum on the topic “Green development in the SPECA region” and the 19th session of the SPECA Governing Council were held in Dushanbe as part of SPECA 2024 Days. The forum and session were attended by representatives of the governments of Member States, UN … [Read more...]
Chinese foreign minister to chair fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, will chair the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting from 30 November to 1 December in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Xinhua reports with reference to Chinese foreign ministry. Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of … [Read more...]
ITTC-2024: The Plenary session highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the field of transport
On 26 November, the International Conference "International Transport and Transit Corridors: Interconnection and Development" (ITTC-2024) began its work in Ashgabat. The speeches of the plenary session were devoted to topical issues of the development of the transport industry, including strengthening international cooperation, innovation, digitalization and environmental … [Read more...]
China Exim Bank opens a regional office in Uzbekistan
The Export-Import Bank of China (China Exim Bank) further strengthened its presence in Central Asia with the opening of a representative office in Tashkent on 22 November 2024. The China Exim Bank was founded in 1994. It is a state-owned political bank aimed to support China's foreign trade, investment and international economic cooperation, and is directly subordinate to … [Read more...]
Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus concludes Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship with the final Conference and Expo aimed at strengthening women’s entrepreneurship in Central Asia
On 14-15 November, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze participated in the final Conference of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) under Kyrgyzstan’s presidency in Bishkek. The conference was preceded by the regional "Woman Entrepreneurship EXPO-2024," which brought together women entrepreneurs and … [Read more...]
Inspiring story of founder Wildberries and her encouraging words for Tajikistan
We previously carried the story of Tatyana Kim (recently Bakalchuk ), the founder of Wildberries. She visited Dushanbe recently, where she signed an agreement with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held a meeting with local entrepreneurs and gave an exclusive interview to Asia-Plus. We are producing here a condensed version of her conversation with Asia Plus: This … [Read more...]
ADB Launches Major Initiative for Central Asia and South Caucasus to Build Resilience to Melting Glaciers
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a new regional program, Glaciers to Farms, that will promote sustainable water use and food security in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Pakistan amid the catastrophic impacts of accelerated glacial melt due to climate change, ADB said in a press-release on 14 November 2024. Supported by the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) Project … [Read more...]
Accelerating Change: The Regional Platform for Fast-Tracking the Implementation of the UN Convention Against Corruption in Central Asia Contributes to Positive Developments!
At the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption held in December 2021, Resolution 9/4 on "Strengthening the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption at regional levels" was adopted, emphasizing the importance of developing technical assistance programs and adopting a regional approach in delivering anti-corruption technical … [Read more...]
Tajikistan pledges to become a fully green country by 2037
Tajikistan intends to completely switch to energy production from renewable sources by 2032, based on its Strategy for the Development of a “green economy”, and turn into a “green” country by 2037. President Emomali Rahmon announced these goals at the COP29 climate conference in Baku. He emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and proposed several … [Read more...]
Financial fortification: Central Asia’s approach to natural disaster readiness
Astana hosts the Central Asian forum on disaster financing and insurance, bringing together key stakeholders from across the region to address the urgent need for financial preparedness in battling natural disasters. Government leaders, insurance regulators, private sector representatives, and international experts looked into both the financial and logistical demands of … [Read more...]
CAREC Ministers launched the Regional Climate Fund and endorsed Climate Change Action Plan
Member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program have endorsed a new Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) and launched the CAREC Climate and Sustainability Project Preparatory Fund (CSPPF) to strengthen regional collaboration on climate resilience, low-carbon growth, and sustainable development. This endorsement took place at the 23rd CAREC … [Read more...]
The Turkmen delegation attended the 17th “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” Cooperation Forum
On November 4, 2024 the 17th "Central Asia - Republic of Korea" Cooperation Forum took place in Seoul. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea Begench Durdyyev attended this Forum on behalf of the Turkmen side. The forum was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Cho Tae-yul. Delegations led by high-ranking officials from Central … [Read more...]
17th Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum: preparations for the first summit in 2025 discussed
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 benefits from Public-Private Partnership
The e-commerce in Central Asia is growing fast. The stakeholders in the public and private sector are learning from the experience and ironing out the snags. Tajikistan notes the need for better Internet service for efficient e-commerce The Tajik government has adopted the E-Commerce Program for 2025-2029, which aims to expand e-commerce, reduce trade costs, simplify … [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...]
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...]
Additional ADB Grant to Strengthen Energy Security in Central Asia
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved additional grant financing of $15 million to help Tajikistan scale up an ongoing project to reconnect the country’s power system to the Central Asian Power System (CAPS) through interconnections with neighboring Uzbekistan. “Through the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program, ADB actively promotes regional … [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...]
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...]
Embassy of Tajikistan hosts reception in Ashgabat to mark Independence Day
The embassy of Tajikistan hosted a reception in Ashgabat on 18 September 2024 to mark the Independence Day of Tajikistan. DPM Batyr Atdaev represented the government of Turkmenistan. Here is the speech of Ambassador Vafo Niyatbekzoda on the occasion: Your Excellency Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Mr. Atdaev Batyr Taganovich, Dear … [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...]
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 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...]
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...]
E-Commerce Development Programme of Tajikistan – 2025-2029
Tajikistan maintains sharp focus on the development of its e-commerce sector. This is a sound strategy. In an event anchored by the ministry of economic development and trade, the e-commerce programme in Tajikistan for the period 2025-2029 was presented on 27 August in Dushanbe. The programme was adopted by the government on 16 May 2024. In addition to expanding … [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...]
Magtymguly Secondary School built by Turkmenistan Inaugurated in Tajikistan
A new school built by Turkmenistan opened in Tajikistan on 1 September 2024. Presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan and Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan participated virtually in the opening ceremony of the Magtymguly Secondary School in the farmers association "Ergesh Sultanov" of the Dusti district in Tajikistan's Khatlon region. The school, constructed by Turkmen … [Read more...]
Warehouse space deficit in Central Asia estimated at 20 million m²
There is an acute shortage of warehouse space in Central Asia, which leads to a situation of zero vacancy in the market. According to Stanislav Akhmedzyanov, Managing Partner of IBC Global, the deficit of modern warehouse facilities in the region is measured in tens of millions of square meters. "If you need a high-quality modern warehouse, it is almost impossible to find … [Read more...]
Macroeconomic Review of EDB upbeat on growth in member countries
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has issued its periodical macroeconomic review of its member countries. On the whole, it reflect a positive picture of the growth pattern in its region of operations. The report says: Analysts of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) have released the latest Macroeconomic Review for the Bank's six member states. EDB's analysts note … [Read more...]
Tajikistan steps closer to achieve 5% of GDP from AI by 2040. More than 30 banks in 10 countries using AI algorithm developed by Tajik startup.
nCa Report Tajikistan, the only country in Central Asia with a clearly defined strategy for the development of AI, is stepping closer to its goal of generating 5% of GDP from AI by 2040. A startup in Tajikistan, zehn.ai – https://zehnlab.ai/en – has developed the artificial intelligence algorithm zGAN. The announcement was made at the start of August 2024 at a news … [Read more...]
Air Cargo Review – Central Asia and Caucasus – Part Four
Turkmenistan Fleet Expansion and Modernization Turkmenistan Airlines has made significant strides in modernizing and expanding its cargo fleet. In March 2023, the airline took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200P2F cargo aircraft, marking Central Asia's first Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) converted widebody. This aircraft, registered as EZ-F429, arrived in Ashgabat in May … [Read more...]
Tajikistan to build railway line up to border with Afghanistan. KOICA of Korea will cooperat
nCa Report Tajikistan is planning to build a railway line to its border with Afghanistan. The ministry of transport of Tajikistan and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have signed a protocol of negotiations on the development of a feasibility study (TES) for the Jaloliddini railway project Balkhi-Nizhny Pyanj. As reported by Asia Plus, “The main goal of … [Read more...]
ECI President Meets with Tajikistan’s Culture Minister to Enhance Collaborative Initiatives
In a significant step toward enhancing cultural collaboration among the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) and the ECO member states, Dr. Saad S. Khan, President ECI, called on H.E. Ms. Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, Honourable Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan, on August 5, 2024. Minister Sattoriyon expressed her enthusiasm for deepening ties with ECI and reiterated … [Read more...]
Central Asia-Japan Joint business forum held in Astana – Turkmenistan and Japan inked a package of deals
On 9 August 2024, a business forum of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue was held in Astana. The event was organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the Japanese Association for Trade with Russia and NIS (ROTOBO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazakh Invest, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of … [Read more...]
Korea and Central Asian countries discussed the plan of upcoming activities and events
On 8 August 2024, Foreign ministry of Korea hosted the 15th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Secretariat of the “Central Asia-Republic of Korea” Cooperation Forum. Turkmenistan was represented by Ambassador Begench Durdyyev. During the meeting, the members of the Executive Committee of the Secretariat, consisting of Ambassadors of the Central Asia countries and … [Read more...]
Central Asian Transport Ministers Advance Cooperation
Ministers of Transport of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan convened in Astana on 8 August 2023, to discuss enhancing regional connectivity. The meeting, held ahead of the Sixth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, focused on expanding transit corridors, rail and road infrastructure, and air travel options, ministry of … [Read more...]
President Sadyr Japarov: Our main goal is to turn Central Asia into a stable, economically developed, prosperous region
The format of Consultative meetings of the leaders of the Central Asian countries is in high demand and gives the necessary additional impetus to strengthening regional cooperation, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan said, speaking at the summit of the heads of Central Asia in Astana, on Friday, 9 August. "The past five meetings have shown the firm commitment of the … [Read more...]
President Emomali Rahmon: Rapid changes in the world necessitates developing a unified position on the future of Central Asia
Given the rapidly evolving global landscape, there is an urgent need for a unified position of Central Asian countries for the future, stated President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan during his remarks at the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. The Head of Tajikistan drew the attention of counterparts from Central Asian countries to the issues of … [Read more...]
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: The well-being of the Central Asian countries largely depends on common efforts and willingness to cooperate closely
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: The well-being of the Central Asian countries largely depends on common efforts and willingness to cooperate closelyCentral Asia, due to its geopolitical position, is fully experiencing all the negative consequences of the global crisis of confidence and escalation of conflicts, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed during his speech … [Read more...]
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: Kazakhstan’s strategic course to strengthen regional partnership and enhance the role of Central Asia on the world stage remains unwavering
Speaking at the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pointed out the importance of maintaining high dynamics of development in the Central Asian region in the current complex geopolitical and economic realities. He outlined a number of urgent tasks, the solution of which will contribute to the further … [Read more...]
6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Astana – Central Asian leaders outline long-term plans for regional cooperation
On 9 August 2024, the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian states was held in Astana under the chairmanship of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The summit was attended by: Kazakhstan – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Kyrgyzstan – President Sadyr Japarov Tajikistan – President Emomali Rahmon Turkmenistan – President Serdar … [Read more...]
Astana hosted the first meeting of the Ministers of Energy of the Central Asian states
On Tuesday, 6 August 2024, Astana hosted the first meeting of the energy ministers of the Central Asian states. The event was chaired by the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Almasadam Satkaliev. The meeting was attended by: • Kyrgyzstan - Minister of Energy Taalaibek Ibraev • Tajikistan - Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan Juma Daler Shofakir • … [Read more...]
UNRCCA, UNOCT, OSCE and Government of Uzbekistan organizes the first meeting of the Working Groups of the Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees
UNRCCA, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the Office of the Project Coordinator of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Government of Uzbekistan organized the first meeting of the working groups of the Central Asia Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees. The virtual event, held on 26 July … [Read more...]
Central Asia has the potential to become an important transregional transport, logistics, production and technological hub of the world economy – Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan
Akramjon Nematov, the First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISMI), expressed this opinion during the Forum of Analytical Centers of Central Asian Countries and the Republic of Korea in Tashkent. According to him, the states of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea have real prospects of … [Read more...]