The OPEC Fund for International Development, a multilateral lender owned by OPEC member states, has directed more than $1.4 billion to development projects across Central Asia over the past 20 years, Kazakhstan’s first deputy minister of national economy, Azamat Amrin, told lawmakers this week. The figure emerged during parliamentary debate on ratification of a framework … [Read more...]
Central Asian countries agree on water limits for 2025–2026
The Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia has approved water intake limits and reservoir operation modes for the non-growing season of 2025–2026. So, for Amu Darya River, the total limit is set at 55.4 billion cubic meters, including 15.9 billion cubic meters for October—April period. Distribution by country: The Aral Sea and Amu Darya delta … [Read more...]
UNRCCA Convenes Fifteenth Annual Meeting with Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian States in Almaty
The fifteenth annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states, convened by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), was held in Almaty on 27–28 November 2025. The event gathered the high-level officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Given the continued relevance of … [Read more...]
Meeting of Energy Ministers of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Held in Tashkent
A meeting took place in Tashkent between the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, and a Turkmen delegation led by Minister of Energy Annageldi Saparov and Chairman of the State Concern “Turkmengas” Maksat Babayev, the press service of the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan reports. The talks were also attended by heads of leading fuel and … [Read more...]
Outcomes of the State Visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan: Mirziyoyev Awards Berdimuhamedov Uzbekistan’s Highest State Order – First Joint Border Trade Zone Launched
On 17 November 2025, in Tashkent, on the second day of the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Uzbekistan, high-level talks were held between President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The meeting, which took place first in a narrow format and then in an expanded format with the participation of official delegations, … [Read more...]
Visa-Free Access Introduced at Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan Joint Border Trade Zone
On the sidelines of the state visit of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov and Turkmenistan’s Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations Nazardurdy Agakhanov held detailed talks on the practical implementation of the newly launched Shavat–Dashoguz cross-border trade … [Read more...]
Tashkent: The Pulsating Heart of Central Asia
Elvira Kadyrova Tashkent is a city where you can literally feel the pulse of life and the unstoppable energy of youth. That’s exactly how Uzbekistan’s capital revealed itself to me, the vibrant megapolis of Central Asia. Our delegation of journalists from Turkmenistan stayed at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, the InterContinental Tashkent, part of the prestigious … [Read more...]
Central Asian Leaders Forge ‘New Era’ of Unity in Tashkent, Welcoming Azerbaijan Into the Fold
nCa Report In a historic gathering that reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia, the presidents of five Central Asian nations convened on 16 November 2025 for the seventh consultative meeting of regional heads of state, unanimously admitting Azerbaijan as a full member and laying the groundwork for deeper economic, security and cultural integration. The summit, … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan visits Uzbekistan
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan is on a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan, 16-17 November 2025. The visit coincides with the 7th meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of Central Asia that took place on 16 November 2025. The main content of the visit will take place on 17 November 2025. In addition to the other planned activities, there would be … [Read more...]
C5+1 Washington Summit: The Buttons align with the Buttonholes
Tariq Saeedi President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan at the C5+1 summit in Washington, DC, on November 6, 2025. According to the early reports, here are the main outcomes of the summit: * * * The outcomes, as we know from the early reports, are encouraging in that they build on the … [Read more...]
Rubio announces plans to visit all five Central Asian nations next year
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his intention to visit all five Central Asian countries in the coming year, signaling a renewed commitment to deepening ties with the region. Speaking at a welcome reception hosted at the State Department on 5 November, Rubio addressed foreign ministers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, along with the … [Read more...]
Central Asia Economic Outlook 2025: A Comprehensive Survey of Macroeconomic Indicators and Projections
Editor’s Note: This report is experimental in nature. We have taken the data from IMF, World Bank, ADB, EBRD, and EDB and attempted to arrive at mean economic indicators. All of these financial institutions have their own methodologies because of the differences in their particular focus. This leads to the economic indicators being assessed differently by the different … [Read more...]
The C5+1 Summit in Washington: Toward Forging an Inclusive U.S.-Central Asia Partnership
Tariq Saeedi The recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, on October 30 feels like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise tense international landscape. Their bilateral talks led to breakthroughs on tariffs, rare earth minerals, and trade disputes, fostering a palpable mood of reconciliation that could … [Read more...]
UNESCO Samarkand Summit: Recognition of Uzbekistan’s Role in Preserving World Heritage
Rarely do events within international organizations emerge that can truly symbolize a new era. The convening of the 43rd session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the ancient city of Samarkand stands as one such landmark moment. For the first time in the 40-year history of the organization, the … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan will welcome the international exhibition-fair “UzCharmExpoEurAsia–2025”, a premier event dedicated to leather, footwear, accessories, karakul, fur, wool, and locally produced goods
The upcoming “UzCharmExpoEurAsia–2025” exhibition will featuremore than 30 leading companiesfrom countries includingItaly, Turkey, Latvia, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan From October 28 to 30, 2025, the 19th International Exhibition-Fair “UzCharmExpoEurAsia–2025” will be held at the “Uzexpomarkaz” exhibition center in Tashkent, a premier event dedicated … [Read more...]
OGT 2025: Uzbekistan Ready to Participate in Hydrocarbon Production Projects in Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan is ready to take part in hydrocarbon production projects on the territory of Turkmenistan. This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Azizhoja Kobilov, speaking at the opening session of the International Conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025” (OGT 2025). Key Areas of Bilateral Partnership Cooperation between Uzbekistan and … [Read more...]
Samarkand hosted the first meeting of defense ministers of Central Asian states
On 20 October 2025, the first-ever meeting of defense ministers of Central Asian states was held in Samarkand, as reported by Uzbekistan’s National Information Agency UzA. At the beginning of the session, a message from the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was presented to the participants. The message emphasized that in recent years, … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Rice Report
nCa Report Key Points on Rice in Central Asia Annual Consumption Evidence leans toward total regional consumption of about 1 million tons in recent years, with per-country estimates based on population and per capita data. For instance, Kyrgyzstan's consumption is around 50,000 tons (Statista: CIS Rice Consumption by Country), reflecting lower reliance on … [Read more...]
Kyrgyzstan hosted 3rd Central Asia-India Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils/National Security Advisers
On 16 October, in Bishkek, the third Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils/National Security Advisers in the Central Asia and India format was held under the chairmanship of the Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic Baktybek Bekbolotov. This multilateral format is a continuation of broad regional cooperation in the interests of peace … [Read more...]
Report: State of E-Commerce in Central Asia
nCa Report Editor’s Note: There are certain shortcomings in this report, mainly because quite a bit of the related information and data is not available on the net. Some of the information is behind the firewalls. The difference in methodologies among the data sources is another factor. For the collation and augmentation of information and for the general heavy … [Read more...]
Central Asia and China Open New Logistics Routes: Trial Launch of Multimodal Corridor to Turkmenistan
On Wednesday, 15 October, the trial operation of the international multimodal transport corridor linking China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan officially launched, according to Xinhua. The corridor features two multimodal routes, with goods transported by rail from Xi’an (Shaanxi Province, Northwest China) and Chengdu (Sichuan Province, Southwest China) to Kashgar … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and Belgium: Toward a New Stage of Strategic Partnership with the European Union
Obid Khakimov, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (Uzbekistan) In October, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a visit to the Kingdom of Belgium, during which important decisions are expected to be made that will mark a qualitatively new stage in relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union. In particular, … [Read more...]
Fergana to host the First Fergana Peace Forum
The first session of the Fergana Peace Forum, titled “Fergana Valley: Uniting Efforts for Peace and Progress” is scheduled for October 15–16, 2025, in the city of Fergana. Next week, the city of Fergana will transform into a focal point for international dialogue and cooperation, hosting key stakeholders from across the region and beyond. This gathering underscores the … [Read more...]
The Taste of Diplomacy: How Tajikistan Charmed Leaders of Central Asian and Russia with a Spectacular Harvest Display
On 9 October 2025, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon hosted an informal gathering—a "friendship evening"—for the heads of state participating in the Central Asia–Russia Summit and the CIS Summit at the government residence in Dushanbe. A vibrant exhibition of Tajikistan’s agricultural products and national cuisine was organized in the picturesque setting of the … [Read more...]
A firm commitment to partnership and alliance: Putin on Strengthening Russia-Central Asia Ties
On October 9, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the second Central Asia–Russia summit in Dushanbe, reaffirming Russia's dedication to strengthening strategic partnerships and alliances with Central Asian states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The speech highlighted the immense potential for economic cooperation, outlining key … [Read more...]
Transport, Nuclear Energy, Industrial Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s President Names Partnership Priorities for Central Asia and Russia
At Dushanbe Summit on Thursday, 9 October 2025, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev called on the countries of Central Asia and Russia for closer coordination and cooperation in the six-sided format, urged by "growing geopolitical tension and crisis phenomena in the world economy." In this context, the leader of Uzbekistan outlined his vision for the prospects of … [Read more...]
Trade, Transport, Energy, and Security: Initiatives of the President of Kazakhstan at the Central Asia – Russia Summit
Trade with Russia accounts for one-third of the total trade turnover of the Central Asian countries, announced President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev while addressing the Central Asia – Russia Summit in Tajikistan. "It is gratifying that the situation in the Central Asian region itself has evolved in recent years towards political solidarity, economic cooperation, and … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Russia Summit: Kyrgyz President Highlights Positive Shift in Central Asian Security Situation
For Kyrgyzstan, the Central Asian countries and Russia invariably remain key partners. This format serves as a practical tool for deepening comprehensive partnership, stated President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic at the Second Central Asia – Russia Summit in Dushanbe. Speaking about the current international situation, Sadyr Japarov noted that the meeting was … [Read more...]
President of Tajikistan Chaired the Second “Central Asia–Russia” Summit in Dushanbe
On 9 October 2025, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, the Second “Central Asia–Russia” Summit was held at the Government Residence in Dushanbe. The summit brought together the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Russian … [Read more...]
Central Asia – Russia Summit: Turkmenistan’s President Calls for a Return Civilized Communication in International Relations
On 9 October 2025, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressed the Second Central Asia – Russia Summit in Dushanbe, which was held under the chairmanship of Tajikistan. President Berdimuhamedov underscored the importance of the Second Summit as a step towards transitioning cooperation in this format onto a systemic basis, reflecting an objective process … [Read more...]
Communiqué of the Dushanbe Summit: Central Asia and Russia Reaffirm Commitment to Multipolarity and Strategic Partnership
On 9 October 2025, the Central Asia–Russia Summit was held in Dushanbe under the chairmanship of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. The summit was attended by the heads of state of Central Asia and Russia: President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, … [Read more...]
Report: China and Central Asia Railway Connections
nCa-AI Collaborative Report Key Points Current Railway Connections The primary links are at Alashankou-Dostyk and Khorgos-Altynkol, both on the China-Kazakhstan border. These handle the vast majority of rail cargo between China and Central Asia. A third crossing, Bakhty-Chuguchak, is being developed to increase capacity. No direct rail connections exist yet to … [Read more...]
Transforming the Aral Sea region into a global hub for climate technologies: green energy, water-saving innovations, and opportunities for international partnership
B.S.Khabibullaev, Director of the Aral Sea International Innovation Centre under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan Introduction: The Significance of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly The participation of the President of the Republic of … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan – OTS: Cooperation on the Path of Sustainable Development and Progress
Due to its geographical position, historical ties, and natural resources, the Organization of Turkic States is becoming an increasingly significant platform for cooperation at this new stage of development. At the same time, OTS serves as a cultural bridge, fostering closer ties between the peoples of its member countries. The Organization is based on the principles of … [Read more...]
National Leader of Turkmenistan Calls for Coordinated Action by OTS on Global Stage
At the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Gabala on 7 October 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, delivered a speech emphasizing key aspects of cooperation among Turkic states and Turkmenistan’s role in promoting peace, stability, and cultural … [Read more...]
OTS Summit: Turkic States Adopt Gabala Declaration, Pledge Deeper Strategic Partnership, Establish OTS+ cooperation mechanism
Hosted by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held on 7 October 2025 in Gabala under the theme “Regional Peace and Security.” The Summit was attended by: The Chairman and Members of the Council of Elders of the OTS, as well as the Heads of the Turkic Cooperation Organizations, were also in … [Read more...]
Central Asia Wheat Situation Report: Season 2024-2025
nCa Report Executive Summary The wheat situation in Central Asia for the 2024-2025 agricultural season presents a generally positive outlook despite significant climate challenges. The region successfully completed autumn sowing under favorable conditions, achieved average to above-average harvests in most countries, and experienced robust export demand, particularly from … [Read more...]
Dushanbe to host CIS and “Central Asia–Russia” Summits
On 9–10 October 2025, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, will host a series of high-level meetings in the formats of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Central Asia: • Summit of Heads of State in the “Central Asia–Russia” format• Meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State• Meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers On 9 October, the Presidents of Tajikistan, … [Read more...]
Central Asian Leaders at UN General Assembly: Urgent Call to Protect Glaciers and Water Resources
At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Central Asian leaders issued a stark warning about the rapid melting of glaciers, which threatens water and food security for millions. The Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan proposed bold initiatives, including international forums and new institutions, to avert an impending … [Read more...]
International Exhibition Aquatherm Tashkent 2025 to showcase its exhibition from October 7 to 9, 2025 at the UzExpoCenter IEC in Uzbekistan’s capital
Participation in the exhibition has already been confirmed by 175 companies and brands representing Azerbaijan, Germany, Iran, Italy, Kazakhstan, China, the Republic of Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic The 13th International Exhibition Aquatherm® Tashkent 2025 – the leading industry event in Uzbekistan for Heating, … [Read more...]
ADB Cuts Developing Asia Growth Outlook Amid Trade Tensions, But Central Asia Stays Robust
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is trimming its growth outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific by 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points for this year and next, respectively, amid the emergence of a new global trade environment, shaped by tariffs and updated trade agreements. Economies in the region are projected to grow by 4.8% this year and 4.5% next year, according … [Read more...]
EBRD gives positive outlook for Central Asian economies
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) expects the Central Asian economies of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to grow by 6.1 per cent on average in 2025, according to its latest Regional Economic Prospects report. This solid growth is supported by strong industrial output, robust domestic … [Read more...]
3rd Central Asia Inter-Parliamentary Forum Held in Bishkek
On 23 September 2025, the 3rd Inter-Parliamentary Forum of Central Asian States was held in Bishkek under the theme “Parliaments of Central Asian Countries: Effective Solutions for Comprehensive Regional Development.” Opening the forum, Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament of Kyrgyzstan) Nurlanbek Shakiev emphasized that in a short period, the forum has become the … [Read more...]
Presidents of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Discuss Expansion of Strategic Partnership
On 22 September 2025, a telephone conversation took place between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. According to the press service of the President of Uzbekistan, at the beginning of the conversation, Shavkat Mirziyoyev warmly congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov on his birthday, wishing him good health, … [Read more...]
Central Asia: Where Privilege Meets Global Responsibility
Tariq Saeedi and Elvira Kadyrova In the vast expanse of the Eurasian landmass, Central Asia occupies a position that is both geographically central and strategically pivotal. This region, encompassing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, possesses a constellation of unique characteristics that distinguish it from any other part of the … [Read more...]
Afghanistan Inks 25-Year Gas Deal with Uzbek Company to Boost Energy Independence
The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan has announced the signing of a significant contract for the development of the Toti-Maidan gas fields with the KAM Group and Uzbekistan's Railcom company. The agreement, spanning 25 years, marks a major step toward enhancing the country's energy sector and fostering regional economic ties. Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime … [Read more...]
Second Ministerial Dialogue “Central Asia + Japan” on Economy and Energy Held in Tokyo
On 16 September 2025, the Second Ministerial Dialogue on Economy and Energy in the “Central Asia + Japan” format took place in Tokyo, chaired by Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yoji Muto. The meeting brought together high-level representatives from Central Asian countries and Japan: - Yoji Muto, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan; - … [Read more...]
The EU flagship initiative Border Management Programme in Central Asia holds the Closing Conference of the 10th Phase in Kyrgyzstan
On 5 September 2025, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) marked the completion of its 10th phase with a Closing Conference held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The conference served as the final milestone in the Programme’s journey, drawing conclusions, reviewing achievements and discussing the future direction of EU–Central Asia cooperation in the … [Read more...]
Tashkent hosts First Ever International Forum of Children’s Ombudsmen of Central Asian Countries
On 11–12 September 2025, Tashkent is hosting the first ever International Forum of Central Asian Commissioners for Children’s Rights under the title of “Current issues in strengthening mechanisms for the protection of children's rights in Central Asian countries: regional cooperation among Children's Rights Commissioners.” The event is organized by the Children’s Ombudsman of … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan strengthen cooperation among women business leaders
The International Trade Centre (ITC) organized a study visit to Samarkand for women entrepreneurs from Turkmenistan from the 3rd to the 6th of September under “Turkmenistan: Enhancing Trade Resilience and Integration” project, funded by the European Union (EU). The delegation participated in the “100+ Women’s Leadership” series of events, designed to promote experience sharing … [Read more...]