Karakalpakstan is an autonomous region of Uzbekistan, bordering with Turkmenistan. It was a thriving region in the 1970s, when irrigation from the Amu Darya was being expanded. However, the evaporation of the Aral Sea has made Karakalpakstan one of Uzbekistan’s poorest regions. Karakalpakstan has an area of 166,590 km2 (64,320 sq mi), and has a […]
Gazprom chairman comments on relations with China and Central Asia
The Chairman of the Management Committee of PJSC Gazprom, Alexey Miller, has commented on the relations of Gazprom with China and Central Asia. He was addressing a meeting on the eve of the ‘Oil and Gas Industry Workers Day’ on 29 August 2024. Here is the relevant portion from the press release by Gazprom: “Our […]
International Trade Center Opened at Uzbek-Afghan border – Expected annual trade turnover is USD 1.2 billion
The International Trade Centre was opened on 29 August 2024 at Termez, the border town between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. It is located on the Uzbek territory. The sprawling complex covers an area of 36 hectares. The project cost was USD 70 million. The centre will play an important role in the development of trade and […]
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 […]
National Leader of Turkmenistan, President of Uzbekistan in telephone conversation
The National Leader of Turkmenistan, Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, had a phone conversation on Tuesday, 27 August 2024. They expressed satisfaction at the growing pace of bilateral relations and discussed the prospect of further cooperation in the areas of mutual interest including trade, economy, and fuel and energy spheres. […]
Uzbekistan will privatize railway stations and trains
Uzbekistan is preparing to privatize the railway stations and trains in the public-private format. This will be helpful for the construction, modernization and management of the objects and the trains. The bill is under debate at the lower house of the Uzbek parliament. Podrobno.uz reports that the new bill defines the rights and obligations of […]
The visit of Uzbek PM to Afghanistan – The Event and the Phenomenon
Tariq Saeedi Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov of Uzbekistan visited Afghanistan, 17-18 August 2024. It is the highest-level visit of a foreign head of government to Afghanistan since the Taliban came to power in 2021. It is significant as both an event and a phenomenon. The Event The visit was successful by all means. The outcomes […]
Solar-powered drip irrigation system is a viable option for Central Asia
nCa Report Economization of water using the freely available solar energy – the idea is neat and very practicable. Just the thing Central Asia needs. The EU and the UNDP, working together with the government of Uzbekistan, have introduced a drip irrigation system in the Akkurgan district of the Tashkent region, a region known for […]
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan plan to DOUBLE their GDP by 2030
nCa Report In plans that may sound rather ambitious but are actually quite realistic, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are striving to double their GDP by 2030. Uzbekistan The GDP in Uzbekistan has recently crossed the USD 100 billion mark and its doubling by 2030 should see it rising to around USD 200 billion. For Uzbekistan, it […]
Uzbekistan has established Climate Council
Uzbekistan has established a Climate Council under the president of Uzbekistan. It is actually the transformation and upgrading of the National Center for Green Transformation and Adaptation to Climate Change. The council will perform the functions of the highest advisory body to the president, dealing with issues of mitigating the effects of climate change and […]
“Uzbekistan has objectively assumed a special responsibility for the future of Central Asia,” Abdulaziz Kamilov
Abdulaziz Kamilov, special representative of the president for foreign policy, emphasized Uzbekistan’s pivotal role in Central Asia’s future and outlined its new foreign policy doctrine under President Mirziyoyev in his article, “New Central Asia in Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy,” published in Yangi O’zbekiston (New Uzbekistan). Kamilov begins by highlighting the shift in Uzbekistan’s leadership with the […]
Success of Russian project ‘Ecology’ inspires Central Asia
nCa Report Russia launched its national project ‘Ecology’ in 2018. It had ambitious targets, to be achieved by 2024. The latest reviews suggest that the implementation is proceeding satisfactorily. This has inspired Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan, to streamline the efforts to repair and safeguard ecology and environment through the integrated and holistic approach. The project […]
Air Cargo Review – Central Asia and Caucasus – Part Two
Uzbekistan 1.1 Overview and Statistics Uzbekistan’s air cargo sector has seen substantial growth and development in recent years. In 2022, Uzbekistan’s airports processed 80,100 metric tons of cargo and mail, a 62% increase compared to pre-COVID 2019 levels. For 2023, a further 19% increase in freight volume was planned, targeting 95,300 metric tons. This growth […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 transport of Kazakhstan […]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan could make efforts to link the transport systems of Central Asia, China, Europe, the Middle East, says President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan could make efforts to create the necessary conditions for the linking the transport systems of Central Asia, China, Europe, the Middle East, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov said during a meeting with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Astana, Friday, 9 August. In this regard, the relevance of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan transport route […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 at the 6th […]
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 […]
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 Berdimuhamedov Uzbekistan […]
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held summit talks in Astana – A Program of strategic partnership and alliance for the next 10 years adopted
On 8 August 2024, high-level talks were held in Astana between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. As a result of the talks, a Program of strategic partnership and alliance for the next 10 years was adopted, the key objectives of which are to further strengthen friendly ties and encouraging […]
Uzbekistan is moving toward inclusive economic growth, creating space in E-commerce sector for persons with disabilities
Uzbekistan is enhancing its digital economy by integrating persons with disabilities through significant investments in digital skills training, supportive policies, and inclusive workplace initiatives. This effort, supported by international organizations, aims to bridge the digital divide and promote economic growth and social inclusion. Uzbekistan is intensifying its efforts to integrate persons with disabilities into its […]
Turkmenistan Learns from Uzbekistan’s Electronic Customs Model
On 30-31 July 2024, a delegation of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, consisting of the head of the technical support department and employees of the customs automation department, visited Tashkent to study the experience of the Uzbekistan customs authorities in creating a Customs Clearance Center. The visit also allowed to get insights on operation […]
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 […]
Record-Breaking Cargo Delivery on China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Route
A container train recently completed the 4,486-kilometer journey from China to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan in a record-breaking five days, Kazinform reports. Departing from the Kazakh-Chinese terminal in Xi’an, China, the train traversed the Kazakhstan Railways network to the Saryagash border station before reaching its final destination, Tashkent, a major Central Asian transportation hub. The expedited […]
Turkmenistan Sees Watermelon Export Boom
Turkmenistan is experiencing a surge in watermelon exports amid a bountiful melon harvest season. The country’s State Customs Service reports that watermelons and melons have become the primary agricultural exports in 2024. Export figures are staggering. In January-July period of 2024, watermelon exports have increased 10 times compared to the total volume of exports for […]
India-Uzbekistan Container Service Launched via Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan’s Transport and Logistics Center (TULM) has successfully launched the first container train service between India and Uzbekistan. The inaugural train, carrying 20 TEU containers of ceramic tiles, departed from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port and is currently en route to Chukursai railway station in Uzbekistan via Turkmenistan’s Sarakhs. At Sarakhs, cargo is being transferred from […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
H1 2024: the trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan exceeded $ 600 million
In the first half of 2024, the mutual trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan amounted to US $ 614.2 million. Compared to the same period last year, the growth rate amounted to almost US $ 170 million, according to the Statistics Agency under the President of Uzbekistan. As a result, Turkmenistan took the sixth place […]
Does Uzbekistan need transit integration?
For the Central Asian states, the issue of direct participation in international transit cargo transportation is becoming relevant. Integration into the global transport network allows not only to expand the market for export products abroad, but also to join the intermediate trade turnover between countries and receive bonuses for the transit of goods through their […]
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan Pledge Deeper Ties: Political Dialogue and Industrial Growth Top Agenda of the Summit talks in Tashkent
On 18 July 2024, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan held summit talks in Tashkent. The main political document of the visit was the Joint Statement on further deepening and expanding the relations of a comprehensive strategic partnership signed by the heads of state. A key outcome was the establishment […]
Kazakhstan Boosts Gas Transit and Production
In 2024, Kazakhstan will increase the transit of Turkmen and Uzbek gas to China to 37.1 billion cubic meters (+1.5 billion cu m). This was announced at a government meeting on Tuesday, July 16, by Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev, who reported on the current state and prospects for the development of the gas industry. […]
The 18th meeting of the Joint Uzbek-Turkmen Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation held in Tashkent
On 16 July 2024, the 18th meeting of the Joint Uzbek-Turkmen Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation was held in Tashkent. The event was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Atdaev. It was also attended by the heads […]
Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan Business Council Convenes and “Made in Turkmenistan” Exhibition opens in Tashkent
On 15 July 2024, Tashkent hosted the fourth meeting of the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan Business Council, coinciding with the “Made in Turkmenistan” exhibition, according to UzDaily.uz. The council was chaired by Dilshod Rasulov, Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mergen Gurdov, Chairman of Turkmenistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The meeting brought together […]
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Collaborate on New Eco-Friendly Air Corridor
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have joined forces to implement a new air navigation corridor designed to minimize the hydrocarbon footprint of air travel. Officially launched on 11 July 2024, this route reduces flight distances, leading to a significant decrease in harmful transportation emissions. The Ministry of Transport in Uzbekistan announced the official opening of new segments […]
Afghanistan Sees Exports to Central Asia Surge Through Torghundi Port
Afghan officials report a significant rise in exports to Central Asian nations, particularly Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, via Herat’s Torghundi dry port, according to the official Afghan news agency Alemarah. The export volume has doubled compared to the previous year, officials say. Last year, an average of 15 trucks carrying Afghan goods crossed the port […]
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 […]
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Project Reaches Implementation Stage – Part Two
nCa Report Jogorku Kenesh, the parliament of Kyrgyzstan, passed on 19 June 2024 the bill to approve the construction of the CKU (China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway line project). The adoption of the bill clears the way for the start of construction of the railway line. The Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, Yrysbek Bariev, said, “This route […]
China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Project Reaches Implementation Stage – Part One
nCa Report The Chin-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway project has reached the implementation stage. The construction work is expected to start any time between August and October this year. A ceremony was held in Beijing on 6 June 2024 to sign an agreement on the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. The agreement was signed by the heads […]
President of Uzbekistan congratulated the National Leader of the Turkmen people on his birthday
On Saturday, 29 June 2024, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. The Uzbekistan leader congratulated Arkadag Berdimuhamedov on his birthday and the anniversary of the opening of the “smart” city of Arkadag. Chairman […]
Kyrgyzstan hosted Turkic Business and Investment Forum
The Business and Investment Forum of the Turkic states was held on 27 June 2024 in Issyk-Kul. The event was organized in close partnership by the Secretariat of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) with the Union of Turkic Chambers and Commerce and Industry (TCCI) and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic. […]
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 the patronage of […]
Locust invasion imminent in Central Asia
nCa Report Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are under direct threat of the locust invasion and the rest of Central Asia should not consider itself safe. Here is a report published by Daryo.uz on 10 June 2024: Cost of ignorance: Uzbekistan risks massive losses amid locust invasion Facing a looming locust invasion, Uzbekistan is on high alert, […]
International Youth Environmental Camp Kicks Off in Uzbekistan
On 23 June, an international environmental camp was launched in Samarkand. This year’s edition brings together eco-activists from across Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan) alongside participants from Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Türkiye, according to the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and climate Change of Uzbekistan. The camp is a joint effort by the […]
Sharing Economy and Central Asia – Part Two
nCa Report CORDIS (Community Research and Development Information Service) is the European Commission’s primary public repository and portal to disseminate information on all European Union funded research projects and their results in the broadest sense. Cordis-EC Here is the take of CORDIS on sharing economy: Understanding the role of governance in the sharing economy A […]