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...]
First forum of analytical centers of Central Asia and the Republic of Korea takes in Tashkent
On 30 July, the International Institute for Central Asia (MICA) in Tashkent hosted the first expert Forum on the theme "Era of Change: Vision for Future Cooperation between Central Asia and the Republic of Korea." The event was co-organized by the MICA and the Secretariat of the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum. Around 100 representatives from ministries, diplomatic … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan – Tajikistan: Strategic partnership of fraternal peoples
Irina Imamkulieva Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, based on their strategic objectives and program documents, jointly maintain positive dynamics of interaction in all priority areas of cooperation. Based on the principles of equality, mutual support and trust, Turkmen-Tajik relations demonstrate an exemplary model of strategic partnership. The stages of a long journey Two … [Read more...]
Central Asia + Japan Summit Dialogue to take place in Astana on 9-10 August 2024
On July 24, 2024, the Meeting of Senior Officials of the «Central Asia + Japan» Dialogue was held via videoconference. The meeting was attended by deputy heads of foreign affairs agencies of the countries of Central Asia and Japan. Turkmenistan was represented at this event by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Gurbanov. The parties discussed the progress of … [Read more...]
The fate of pastures in Central Asia
The pastures are the backbone of livestock economy in Central Asia. The rational access to them and the robust system to maintain them is a joint responsibility of the government and the farming community. The countries in Central Asia, as a rule, cooperate with each other and share their knowledge. This is one of the reasons why Central Asia is among the most cohesive … [Read more...]
E-Commerce sector shaping up steadily in Central Asia
The ecommerce sector in Central Asia is steadily filling the gaps to attain full compatibility with the rest of the world. This entails vast enormous efforts in all the areas related to ecommerce. The progress is uneven – slow in some places and fast in the others – but there is certainly the movement forward. Recently, some more steps have been taken by the … [Read more...]
Xi paid a state visit to Tajikistan – Dushanbe and Beijing are moving towards further deepening comprehensive strategic relations
On 4-6 July 2024, President Xi Jinping of China paid a state visit to Tajikistan. As a result of the summit talks between Tajikistan and China, 29 new documents were signed on cooperation in various fields of trade and economy, including industry, energy, transport, digital economy, innovation and investment, as well as in cultural and humanitarian areas, including a Joint … [Read more...]
The National Leader of the Turkmen people attended the SCO summit in Astana
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit convened in Astana, Kazakhstan, on July 4, 2024. It comprised two key events: a meeting of the heads of the SCO member states and a meeting in the SCO plus format. The meeting of the SCO's supreme body, the Council of Heads of Member States, which was chaired by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was attended by … [Read more...]
OPEC Fund for International Development deepens commitment to Central Asia – New Agreements signed with Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan
The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is significantly increasing its commitment to the countries and people of Central Asia, which currently stands at US$1 billion in public and private sector loans as well as grants. Three new agreements with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, signed during the OPEC Fund Development Forum in Vienna to underscore … [Read more...]
Economic growth and health go hand-in-hand: Central Asia International Forum in Bishkek spotlights health investments as a catalyst for regional transformation
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 26 June 2024 – Under the motto “Health is the best investment”, the first-ever Central Asia International Health Investment Forum is bringing together international, regional and national stakeholders to highlight the transformative potential of health investments for sustainable development across the 5 WHO Member States of Central Asia. Hosted under … [Read more...]
Parliament of Turkmenistan hosted a Special Meeting dedicated to the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi
On 22 June 2024, a special videoconference meeting titled "Historical and cultural values uniting peoples" was held at the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great thinker and poet Magtymguly Fragi. The meeting was attended by representatives of the parliaments of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, … [Read more...]
Prospects of E-Commerce in Tajikistan
Tajikistan, proportional to its resources and the size of its economy, is making considerable efforts to promote ecommerce. Asia Plus interviewed recently the new chairman of the Association of E-Commerce Participants of Tajikistan, Ms. Nasima Bakhramova. We are producing here the Asia Plus article, based on the conversation with Ms. Bakhramova: E-commerce in … [Read more...]
Some practical steps in Tajikistan to save water and do so profitably
The Asia Plus news agency of Tajikistan recently had a conversation with Dr. Yarash Pulatov, a professor at the Institute of Water Problems, Hydropower and Ecology of the Academy of Sciences. For more than 25 years, Dr. Pulatov and his team have conducted research on the use of water-saving technologies. As a result, they outlined more than 20 water saving methods in the … [Read more...]
Central Asian States rally for water and climate solutions: Dushanbe Forum tackles critical water and climate challenges, signalling a united regional approach
Dushanbe, 14 June 2024 – The High-level Central Asian Forum on 'Water and Climate Change', organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in cooperation with the European Union and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, has become a cornerstone of the 3rd High-level International Conference on the International Decade for Action … [Read more...]
Power Systems Cooperation in Central Asia
The power systems in Central Asia have undergone several phases of initial integration, subsequent dis-integration, and gradual and systematic reintegration. The Director of CDC Energia, Kh. Shamsiev, PhD, gave a useful and informative presentation at the recently held TESC 2024 in Ashgabat. The presentation was titled: Power systems’ cooperation within the framework of … [Read more...]
Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze participates in the 3rd High-level International Conference on the International Decade for action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018 – 2028 in Dushanbe
On 10-11 June, Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of UNRCCA, participated in the Third High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018-2028, jointly organized by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the United Nations. The Conference aimed to … [Read more...]
Astana hosted the 2024 China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum
The Central Asia-China cooperation mechanism has brought valuable opportunities for human rights protection, livelihood and economic development in the region, said stated participants at the 2024 China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum which was held in Kazakhstan's Astana on 28-29 May 2024. The forum themed "building a China-Central Asia community of shared … [Read more...]
Hope for the Aral Sea: Italy and Central Asia Partner on Restoration Project
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (Aics) and the Water system management company (Sogesid) signed a document, which will pave the way for realization of project of Aral sea rehabilitation. The declaration of intent for the "definition of an operational and functional model for environmental remediation and regeneration interventions in contaminated areas" was … [Read more...]
Rome hosted 3rd Ministerial Conference “Italy-Central Asia”
On 29 May 2024, in Rome Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani met with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for the third Ministerial Conference Italy-Central Asia. "Italy looks with great interest to the political collaboration and opportunities that … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan received the Prime Minister of Tajikistan
On 24 May 2024, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda, Khovar news agency reports. During the meeting, the Prime Minister of Tajikistan conveyed to the President of Turkmenistan warm greetings and best wishes from the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. The sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues … [Read more...]
CIS Approves Action Plan for Enhanced International Transport Corridors
The action plan for optimizing infrastructure and developing international transport corridors passing through the territories of the CIS member states for the period up to 2030 was approved at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States held in Ashgabat on 24 May 2024. The action plan aims to strengthen cooperation between … [Read more...]
CIS Strengthens Cooperation in Energy, Chemical Industry, and Environmental Protection
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in energy, chemical industries, and environmental protection. This decision comes after a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in Ashgabat, where relevant concepts and action plans were approved. These documents were developed taking into account the need to reach … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Declared “City of New Sports Opportunities in the CIS”
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of Government has declared Ashgabat the "City of New Sports Opportunities," according to a press release from the CIS Executive Committee on 24 May 2024. The council also instructed the CIS Council for Physical Culture and Sports to develop a 2024-2025 Action Plan to realize this initiative. Turkmenistan has a … [Read more...]
Ashgabat hosted a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government
On 24 May 2024, a regular meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held in Ashgabat. The meeting was attended by: Azerbaijan - Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev Belarus - Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko Kazakhstan - Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov Kyrgyzstan - Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers – Head … [Read more...]
Situation of e-commerce in Central Asia
The Daryo.uz news service of Uzbekistan published on 13 March 2024 a report on the ecommerce situation in Central Asia. Here, we are reproducing the report in full: Central Asian countries consider establishing dedicated bank accounts for e-commerce transactions The e-commerce sector in Central Asia reached a value of $8bn in 2022, as per IMARC Group, a global research and … [Read more...]
Azerbaijan and Tajikistan elevate partnership to strategic level
On 23 May 2024, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon signed a Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Tajikistan in Baku. " Our interaction rests on the determination of our peoples, who have been cooperating for centuries, have been friends, and have created together. Today, our … [Read more...]
Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus Meeting Concludes with Pivotal Commitments to Digital, Social, and Environmental Innovation
On 23 May 2024, the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus Meeting successfully concluded in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The event, centred on "The role of women in the economies of Central Asia: leadership for promoting digital, social, and environmental innovation,” brought together women leaders from across the region to strategize and commit to enhancing women’s roles in these … [Read more...]
Central Asian States reaffirm commitment to registering all children at birth
On 17 May 2024, Representatives from the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, gathered in Tashkent today, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring every child born on their territories are registered at birth. The ‘Central Asian Conference on Ensuring Birth Registration to … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosted the first Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries
The first Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries was held in Astana on 16 May 2024. The event was attended by Secretary of the Security Council of Kazakhstan Gizat Nurdauletov, Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan Marat Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of Tajikistan Nasrullo Mahmudzoda, Secretary of the … [Read more...]
E-Commerce in Tajikistan readying to bloom
Tajikistan is diligently working to mainstream the ecommerce across the economic and societal space of the country. On December 24, 2022, the country adopted the Law “On Electronic Commerce”. The Law seeks to protect the rights and legitimate interests of citizens and organizations engaged in e-commerce and ensures the free operation of e-commerce in the country. An … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the secretaries of the security councils of Central Asian countries
Welcoming the heads of delegations, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the first meeting of the secretaries of the security councils of the countries of Central Asia is intended to become an effective platform for combining efforts to prevent external and internal challenges and threats, as well as developing the necessary response measures. – This is especially important … [Read more...]
Central Asian economies to record strong growth despite natural disasters in the region
Anton Usov According to the latest Regional Economic Prospects (REP) report published by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Central Asian economies in 2024 are expected to see growth slowing to 5.4 per cent. However, a rebound to 5.9 per cent is expected in 2025. The report notes that intermediated trade with Russia, which had been a significant … [Read more...]
Rome to host Italy+Central Asia meeting at the end of May
On 29 May 2024, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani will meet in Rome with colleagues from five Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, Nova News agency reports. According to the source, the meeting will bring together Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, … [Read more...]
Trade integration in Central Asia under the spotlight at the CATF in Almaty
The 13th Central Asia Trade Forum (CATF) themed “Trade Connections: Bridging Globally” started on 15 May 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event is organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). More than 300 business executives and government officials from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the United States are meeting in … [Read more...]
Central Asia + Japan Dialogue Summit Preparations Underway in Astana
On 14 May 2024, Astana hosted a meeting of Senior Officials for the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue. Representatives from the foreign ministries of Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan attended, along with Tajikistan's Ambassador to Kazakhstan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Gurbanov. Discussions centered on … [Read more...]
Afghanistan to increase electricity imports from neighboring countries
Afghanistan is set to increase its reliance on electricity imports from neighboring Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Iran in 2024, according to the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) electric power company. DABS reports that Afghanistan imported approximately 5.76 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity during the past year (1402 solar year). Building on this … [Read more...]