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...]
Uzbekistan hosts the first ever Asian Women’s Forum
The first-ever Asian Women's Forum 2024 is being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on 13-14 May 2024, on the theme "Regional approach in issues of women's economic, social and political empowerment". The Forum is a landmark event aimed at promoting the economic, social and political rights and opportunities of women on the Asian continent. It is organized by the Senate of the … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Four
nCa Report CADI – Central Asia Desert Initiative – was a project involving several countries and organizations. It lasted from July 2016 to July 2022, stretching beyond its planned period of implementation. CADI studied the deserts of Central Asia from different perspectives and gave valuable insight. Here is the text of the brochure of the project: Conservation and … [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...]
Tashkent hosted a climate change and adaptation conference
On 6-7 May 2024 Conference on Climate Change and Adaptation took place in Tashkent. The conference was organized by UNDP jointly with the Committee on the Development of the Aral Sea Region and Ecology of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Hydrometeorological Service Agency (Uzhydromet) of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part Two
nCa Report Lumping some of the deserts in Central Asia together, based on their characteristic, and objectives of the study, is a useful idea. In the experts’ circle, two desert groups are prominent: 1. Central Asian Southern Desert; 2. Central Asian Northern Desert. Central Asian Southern Desert Here is the write-up from One … [Read more...]
Deserts in Central Asia – Part One
nCa Report There are some 14 territories and areas in Central Asia that are categorized as deserts. Some of them are in this category mainly for technical reasons and one of them should not have existed at all. The total area of deserts in Central Asia comes to about 1.5 million square km. This should be taken as an approximation because some territories overlap at some … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Discuss Water Management at Joint Commission Meeting
On 30 April 2024, the fourth meeting of the Uzbek-Turkmen joint intergovernmental commission on water management issues was held in Turkmenabad. The meeting was co-chaired by Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan Sh. Ganiev and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan for agriculture T. Atakhalliyev, the National News Agency of Uzbekistan UzA … [Read more...]
Uzum of Uzbekistan is authentic unicorn in digital ecosystem of Central Asia
The media has hailed Uzum as Uzbekistan’s first tech ‘unicorn’ – a pre-IPO company with a valuation of over $1billion. Uzum is Uzbekistan’s largest digital platform, providing a wide range of services, including e-commerce, express delivery, banking, fintech, and business development. Its ecosystem serves nearly a third of the nation’s population every month. It has … [Read more...]
EBRD finances construction of news bridge via Amu Darya in Uzbekistan to improve connectivity in Central Asia
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is driving improvements to Uzbekistan's transportation network with a significant investment. The Bank will provide a loan of up to US$238 million (€224 million) to upgrade and expand a vital route in the western Khorezm region, according to EBRD’s press release. The loan will fund the rehabilitation of 81 … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to connect energy systems – MoU inked in Tashkent
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan are joining forces to create a unified energy grid, paving the way for a future of green energy exports to Europe. On May 1, Tashkent hosted the second meeting of the Ministers of Energy of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, during which the parties signed a memorandum of cooperation on the interconnection of the energy … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan and Pakistan Pilot New Multimodal Export Route
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 visit to Afghanistan. The statement … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 GCC and Central … [Read more...]
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 a press … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 Minister of … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 the Ambassador … [Read more...]
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 knocked down). It means that … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 the World Customs Organization … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 the … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 variety of the Uzbek food was on the table with … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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. In various languages and during … [Read more...]
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 was attended by … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 a plenary … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 future today? Uzbekistan plans to invest … [Read more...]
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 President of the Republic of … [Read more...]
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 Federal Ministry for the Environment, … [Read more...]
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) … [Read more...]
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 most pressing problems affecting the entire … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 addition, … [Read more...]
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 Kyrgyz Ministry of Energy, … [Read more...]
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 are … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
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 consignments … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]