A pilot project is underway to create a new multimodal export route stretching from Kazakhstan to Pakistan. The route will traverse Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, with a final leg by sea to Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. This was announced by Bauyrzhan Urynbasarov, Managing Director of Kazakhstan Railways JSC NC KTZ, during a […]
Customs representatives of Central Asia, Southern Caucasus, Pakistan and the WCO Europe region discuss cooperation mechanisms and information exchange
On 9 and 10 April 2024, representatives from countries participating in the Inter-Regional Network of Customs Authorities and Port Control Units (IREN) held their sixth meeting to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from data sharing in relation to high-risk cargo. Representatives from Bulgaria, Poland, Türkiye and Italy also participated in the meeting which took […]
UK Foreign Secretary travels to Central Asia and Mongolia – London announces £50 million of new funding to support region’s sovereignty
The UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron will visit Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia to as part of government ambition to increase engagement with this pivotal region of the world, Foreign Office reports. He will meet leaders across the region to deepen cooperation on shared challenges, from counter-terrorism to climate change. He will use […]
Inter-regional and Intra-regional partnership formats speed up economic integration in Central Asia
nCa Analysis The pith of the recent inter-regional and intra-regional formats of partnership in Central Asia is simply impressive. While it contributes solidly to the space for peace and progress, it also creates bulwarks against any negative influences of the prevailing geopolitical situations from spilling over into the region. In the past few days, the […]
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan Forge Alliance in Historic Agreement
In a landmark development for Central Asia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan signed a Treaty on Allied Relations on Thursday, 18 April 2024. The agreement was signed by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon following high-level talks in Dushanbe. The President of Uzbekistan is on a two-day state visit to Tajikistan. At […]
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan Hold Political Consultations in Tashkent
On 16 April 2024, political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took place in Tashkent. The delegations were led by Rashid Meredov, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister, and his Uzbek counterpart, Bakhtiyor Saidov, according to a press release issued by the Turkmen Foreign Ministry. The ministers stressed the momentum in Turkmen-Uzbek relations, […]
2nd Ministerial Meeting of the “GCC + Central Asia” Strategic Dialogue adopted a Joint Statement – Samarkand to host the Dialogue’s next Summit
On 15 April 2024, Tashkent, hosted the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue “Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf – Central Asia” (GCC + Central Asia), chaired by the foreign minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov. The forum was attended by: Bahrain – Foreign minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani Kazakhstan – Deputy […]
Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan met with the President of Uzbekistan
On 15 April, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Rashid Meredov, Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister. The meeting focused on strengthening the bonds of friendship, good neighborliness, and strategic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The sides expressed satisfaction with the growth in bilateral trade and highlighted the creation of the […]
Kazakhstan decides to establish railway connection with Pakistan through Trans-Afghan rail link
Pakistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to expand the Trans-Afghan rail link to enhance rail connectivity to boost transit, bilateral, and regional trade, report several media outlets including the Business Recorder. A meeting took place on 9 April 2024 in Islamabad between the Federal Secretary Railways and Chairman Pakistan Railways Board Syed Mazhar Ali Shah and […]
Automaker in Uzbekistan to invest $550mn in hybrids cars and EVs by 2026
nCa Report The automaker Jizzakh in Uzbekistan is going to invest USD 550 million during the period 2024-2026 to raise the capacity of building hybrid cars and electric vehicles. The automobile plant Jizzakh has now entered the third state of its development, embarking on the production of hybrid cars and electric vehicles from CKD (completely […]
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan join hands to bolster railway connectivity with China, establish Central Asia – South Asia rail links
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have agreed to create a joint venture between the railway authorities of the two countries. It will serve two major purposes: Bolster the railway cargo capacity along the China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan route Work together to build the Trans-Afghan railway line that will connect the Uzbek (and Kazakh) railway systems through a railway line traversing […]
Kazakhstan Hosts Digitalization Training for Central Asian Civil Servants
The Kazakhstan Agency for International Development (KazAID) is partnering with Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to offer the Dostyk Digitalization program. This initiative aims to enhance the digital skills of civil servants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, KazAID reports. From 1 to 5 April 2024, in Astana, 20 civil servants will participate in […]
Joint Training Held for Turkmen and Uzbek Port Control Groups
A subregional training program for Port Control Group (PCG) members from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan was held at the Lebap province Customs authority in Turkmenabad from 26 to 29 March 2024. This initiative was organized under the framework of the Global Container Control Program (CCP) by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and […]
Kazakhstan handed over the chairmanship of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development to Tajikistan
On 28 March 2024, Kazakhstan hosted a meeting of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD) in Astana, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Representatives from the environmental ministries of Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) attended the meeting. Additionally, representatives from the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (RECCA), […]
CIS Border Chiefs met in Uzbekistan to address Central Asian security challenges
On 28 March 2024, Khiva, Uzbekistan hosted the 8th regional meeting of heads of border agencies from CIS member states, according to the CIS Executive Committee. The event was attended by delegations of the border agencies of Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Coordination Service of the Council of Commanders of […]
China and Central Asia Formalize Partnership with launching Secretariat in Xian
High-ranking officials from China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan gathered in Xi’an on 30 March 2024 to inaugurate the Secretariat of the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism. This new body marks a significant step towards institutionalizing partnership between China and the Central Asian nations. Congratulatory messages on the occasion of the launch of the secretariat […]
Ambassador of Uzbekistan hosts Nowruz reception in Ashgabat
Ambassador Akmaljon Kuchkarov of Uzbekistan and spouse hosted a reception on 24 March 2024 in Ashgabat to mark the Nowruz festival. It was a small gathering at the residence of the ambassador. The guests included the embassy team, some well-known members of the Uzbek diaspora and a few of the closest friends of Uzbekistan. A […]
Первый в истории бизнес-диалог Центральная Азия – США «B5+1» завершился принятием рекомендаций по экономической интеграции в ЦА
Форум B5+1, государственно-частный бизнес диалог для Центральной Азии и Соединенных Штатов, состоявшийся на прошлой неделе в Алматы, Казахстан, завершился принятием конкретных рекомендаций по ускорению региональной интеграции и экономического развития Центральной Азии, говорится в заявлении Центра международного частного предпринимательства (CIPE), который провел форум. В дополнение к странам С5+1 (Казахстан, Кыргызстан, Таджикистан, Туркменистан и Узбекистан плюс Соединенные […]
Inaugural B5+1 Forum adopted recommendations for Economic Integration in Central Asia
The B5+1 Forum, a public-private business dialogue platform for Central Asia and the United States, held last week in Almaty, Kazakhstan, announced a series of concrete recommendations to accelerate Central Asia’s regional integration and economic development, according to the statement of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), who led the forum. In addition […]
Central Asian countries are building new transport corridors and changing logistics
Serikbol Koshmaganbetov Geopolitical turbulence in the world is radically changing the infrastructure of transport flows in Central Asia. Asian countries are eager to send their cargo to Europe via the historic Great Silk Road. What is the current development of cargo transportation logistics in Central Asian countries, read the material of the correspondent of Kazinform […]
A Dialogue on “Central Asian Connectivity Project Pipeline” between IsDB-AIIB-MCDF and Regional Countries
On 11-12 March 2024, the Regional Dialogue on Central Asian Connectivity (CAC) Project Pipeline has convened in Istanbul, Turkiye, to facilitate a stakeholder dialogue aimed at identifying and assessing cross-border connectivity projects in Central Asia. Organized jointly by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Multilateral Cooperation Center for […]
Amudarya is not a single river – It is an integrated river system spanning six countries
nCa Report Amudarya, the most famous river of Central Asia, is not a single river – It is an integrated river system spanning six, possibly seven countries. Amudarya is usually written as Amudarya River, which is superfluous because ‘darya’ in Amudarya means river. This river has always caught the imagination of the travellers and authors. […]
South Korea, Central Asia Launch Civil Service Cooperation Network
On 7 March 2024, South Korea’s Minister of Personnel Management, Kim Seung Ho, met with heads of Central Asian diplomatic missions in Seoul. The meeting marked the launch of the South Korea-Central Asia Civil Service Network, a framework for cooperation in improving civil service systems, according to the Korea ministry of personal management. The meeting […]
OSCE and Central Asia held a meeting in Ashgabat on regional cooperation in the field of ecology
On 4 March 2024, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Central Asian environment ministers convened in Ashgabat to discuss regional ecological cooperation, according to TDH. OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid emphasized the meeting’s significance, highlighting its role in refocusing attention on contemporary environmental challenges. Schmid stressed that primary aspects of climate […]
Uzbekistan has opened registration for the third Tashkent International Investment Forum
Online registration for TIIF-2024 is available on the website www.iift.uz and will last until April 25, 2024 On May 2-3, 2024, the third Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-III) will take place in Tashkent. TIIF is one of the significant events not only for the New Uzbekistan but also for the region. Its program traditionally includes […]
President of Uzbekistan signed a decree on the establishment of the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan free trade zone
The Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan free trade zone will be established in the Shavat district of the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan in accordance with the decree of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbek news outlets reported. An infrastructure for storage, sorting, marketing, transportation of goods and other modern services will be created in the free trade zone […]
Central Asia – Regional Gas Landscape – Current Narrative
Elvira Kadyrova The gas landscape in Central Asia is complex and constantly evolving. The current situation relies on exports-imports of natural gas at least from three of the five countries in the region. What does the current gas landscape look like in this part of Eurasia and what agreements will determine gas relations in the […]
Uzbekistan prepares to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi in a grand manner
In 2024, Turkmenistan celebrates the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Fragi, the great Turkmen poet and thinker, whose legacyhas become an invaluable part of not only Turkic, but also world culture. Uzbekistan, where the poems of Magtymguly Fragi are also widely popular, will host a number of large-scale events, in accordance with the Decree of the […]
Central Asia Launches €11Million worth One Health Initiative to Combat Zoonotic Diseases
A new six-year, €11 million initiative, “One Health in Central Asia,” was launched at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and funded by the German […]
UN Women Tashkent Consultations: Central Asia’s potential for achieving gender equality under the spotlight
The potential and opportunities for Central Asia to achieve gender equality were explored in-depth at consultations held in Tashkent on 12 February. The event, titled “Empowering women and girls, as well as ensuring gender equality by addressing poverty, strengthening mechanisms and gender-oriented financing,” was jointly organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of […]
Uzbekistan hosts the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
On 12 February 2024, the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) kicked off in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, under the slogan “Nature knows no borders”. The Forum brought together more than 1,800 participants from 130 countries to solve one of the […]
Uzbekistan, Belarus Summit talks paves way for enhanced industrial and trade partnerships
On 8 February 2024, summit talks were held in Tashkent between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus. The topic of trade, economic, industrial and technological cooperation has become a defining area of the talks. “We are pleased that our fraternal republic, Uzbekistan, is developing intensively. We are interested in the […]
Uzbekistan to suspend operation of polluting businesses with new law
Uzbekistan has strengthened its environmental protection efforts by introducing amendments to key laws. These changes empower authorities to suspend or restrict the operations of businesses that excessively pollute the environment, posing a threat to public health and safety. The President of Uzbekistan signed a law on amendments to the laws “On Nature Protection”, “On protection […]
Ambassador Akmaljon Kuchkarov hosted a press briefing – An overview of the current state of multidimensional Turkmen–Uzbek relations presented
On 5 February 2024, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, Akmaljon Kuchkarov, hosted a briefing for Turkmen journalists and representatives of foreign media accredited in Ashgabat. The event was dedicated to the 583rd anniversary of the great Uzbek writer and thinker Alisher Navoi, who made a huge contribution to the development of Turkic literature. In […]
Turkmenistan Delivers 2,000 Tons of Liquefied Gas to Kyrgyzstan as Humanitarian Aid
On February 5, 2024, a shipment of 2,000 tons of liquefied gas (57 tank wagons) arrived at the Shopokov railway station in Kyrgyzstan. This humanitarian aid, sent upon the initiative of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was provided free of charge by Turkmenistan in response to the recent accident at the Bishkek CHP plant. Representatives from the […]
Afghanistan Eyes Balanced Trade with Central Asia
In 2023, Afghanistan imported about $1.4 billion worth of goods from Central Asian countries, while the country exported goods worth $100 million, TOLOnews reports, citing the Afghan Ministry of Industry and Trade. According to the ministry’s spokesman Akhundzada Abdul Salam Javad, the country’s main exports to Central Asia are fresh fruits, dried fruits, while attempts […]
Turkmenabad Eyes Hosting Next Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan Business Forum
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are exploring the possibility of hosting the next interregional business forum in Turkmenabad, according to a recent meeting between Ambassador Akmaljon Kochkarov of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan and Lebap province governor Shohrat Amangeldiyev, UzReport reports. Discussions focused on strengthening trade and economic ties between the bordering regions of Bukhara (Uzbekistan) and Lebap (Turkmenistan), […]
Strengthening Cross-Border Collaboration: Passenger and Cargo Border Team enhances subregional practical data exchange between Port Control Units of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan through UNODC-WCO Global Container Control Programme
The pre-arrival information exchange on shipments is crucial to early profiling and identifying high-risk consignments prior to their arrival to the Customs posts and is amongst key priority areas of the CCP strategic approach. In the light of the above, the respective pilot component on establishing the mechanism of direct pre-arrival data exchange on high-risk […]
European and international financial institutions announce €10 billion commitment to support sustainable connectivity in Central Asia
The Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity started today (29 January 2024) in Brussels. The event brings together government officials, financing institutions, businesses and civil society from Europe, all five Central Asian countries, and beyond. European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis announced that European and international financial institutions present at the […]
Uzbekistan offers China to join corridor linking Central Asia and Türkiye
Uzbekistan has offered China access to a crucial transport corridor linking Central Asia with Türkiye. During last week meeting in Beijing, Uzbekistan Railways chairman Zufar Narzullayev proposed including Chinese State Railways in the protocol governing the corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Türkiye. He also suggested collaborating to boost the corridor’s capacity. The talks further explored rail freight options between China and […]
EBRD posts strong operational results in Central Asia in 2023
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested more than €1.2 billion (US$ 1.3 billion) in projects across Central Asia in 2023 to stimulate the region’s sustainable and inclusive growth, which is expected to continue at a pace of 5.9 per cent in 2024. Last year the Bank financed more than 100 […]
Turkmenistan Joins Regional Efforts to Expand Trans-Caspian Trade Route
Representatives from Turkmenistan, alongside officials from other Central Asian nations and international organizations, gathered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 25-26 January 2024, for the third meeting on expanding the Trans-Caspian Trade Route (TCTR). The Turkmen Logistics Association, Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM), and several transport and logistics companies actively participated in the discussions. The […]
Italy Proposes Aral Sea Restoration Project to Central Asia
An Italian engineering company has unveiled a project to revive the Aral Sea basin, offering hope for environmental recovery in Central Asia where the sea’s shrinkage stands as a major crisis. President Roberto Mantovanelli and CEO Errico Stravato of SOGESID presented the initiative to ambassadors of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan at the Ministry for […]
Uzbekistan and China Elevate Ties with All-Weather Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
On 24 January 2024, a landmark summit in Beijing saw President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Xi Jinping of China elevate their bilateral relations to an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.” This historic statement marks a new stage era of cooperation between the Central Asian nation and the global powerhouse. The two leaders emphasized their […]
Uzbekistan-China: age-old foundations of modern successful cooperation
On January 23-25, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will visit China on a state visit. The modern stage of Uzbek-Chinese cooperation began on January 2, 1992, when, after gaining independence, Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations with the PRC as a full member of the international community. The historical roots of relations between the two states go […]
Central Asia not circumventing Western sanctions
Raza Syed The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is forcing the whole world to adapt to a new political and economic reality. Sanctions, counter-sanctions, and the breakdown of existing production and logistics chains are becoming a serious challenge for some, and a matter of survival for other states. The countries of Central Asia are […]
Uzbekistan Leads the Way in Central Asia Joining the UN Protocol on Water and Health
Uzbekistan has taken a significant step towards safeguarding its water resources and protecting public health by becoming the first Central Asian nation to join the UN Protocol on Water and Health, UN News reports. This initiative demonstrates the country’s commitment to tackling critical water and sanitation challenges amidst a growing population and the harsh realities […]
The Director of the International Institute of Central Asia and the Ambassador of Turkmenistan discussed issues of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership
Strengthening the bonds between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan took center stage in a recent meeting between Shadurdy Meredov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, and Javlon Vakhabov, Director of the International Institute of Central Asia (IICA). The conversation focused on fostering the longstanding friendship, good neighborliness, and deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. Both parties reviewed progress […]
EU-Uzbekistan Trade Grows, and EU-Central Asia Summit in Sight
Uzbekistan and the European Union witnessed a 30% surge in trade volume during 2023, as announced by the Uzbek President’s press service following a meeting between President Mirziyoyev and EU Vice President Margaritis Schinas. Leading European companies are actively participating in major investment projects within Uzbekistan’s high-tech sectors, further solidifying the economic partnership. Additionally, the […]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan prepare an agreement to simplify visa rules for international cargo carriers
On 10 January 2024, a meeting of the Turkmen-Uzbek expert working group on fees and charges levied during international road transport by carriers of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan was held, the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan reports. At the videoconference meeting, the parties discussed the following issues: • Streamlining the fees levied on carriers from both […]