President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a joint declaration on deepening a comprehensive strategic partnership in Ankara on 6 June. On 5-6 June, the head of Uzbekistan paid an official visit to Türkiye, on the sidelines of which several events were held with the participation of the presidents of the two … [Read more...]
Astana hosted the 2024 China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum
The Central Asia-China cooperation mechanism has brought valuable opportunities for human rights protection, livelihood and economic development in the region, said stated participants at the 2024 China-Central Asia Human Rights Development Forum which was held in Kazakhstan's Astana on 28-29 May 2024. The forum themed "building a China-Central Asia community of shared … [Read more...]
Law enforcement officers from special intervention units in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan enhanced their skills
20-24 May 2024, Bratislava, Slovakia - The European Union-funded project on Law Enforcement in Central Asia (LEICA) organised a second wave of training for nine law enforcement officers from special intervention units in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The first wave, held from 15-19 April, 2024, included participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. This training … [Read more...]
Hope for the Aral Sea: Italy and Central Asia Partner on Restoration Project
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (Aics) and the Water system management company (Sogesid) signed a document, which will pave the way for realization of project of Aral sea rehabilitation. The declaration of intent for the "definition of an operational and functional model for environmental remediation and regeneration interventions in contaminated areas" was … [Read more...]
Rome hosted 3rd Ministerial Conference “Italy-Central Asia”
On 29 May 2024, in Rome Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani met with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for the third Ministerial Conference Italy-Central Asia. "Italy looks with great interest to the political collaboration and opportunities that … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Upgrading Gas Pipeline System to Boost Russian Gas Flow to Uzbekistan
Russia aims to significantly increase gas exports to Uzbekistan, with plans to reach 11 billion cubic meters annually by next year. This is a substantial jump from the current level of 3.8 billion cubic meters. The statement came after talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan in Tashkent. The availability of relevant … [Read more...]
Putin’s visit to Tashkent – Uzbekistan and Russia to implement new cooperation projects worth $20 billion
On 27 May 2024 in Tashkent, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Russia Vladimir Putin chaired the first meeting of the Council of Regions of Uzbekistan and Russia. The forum became part of Putin's three-day state visit to Uzbekistan. "Currently, over 200 joint projects worth $4 billion are being implemented at the regional level. A new package of … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan See Continued Growth in Cargo Transport
Turkmenistan is one of the most important trade partners of Uzbekistan and plays an important role in transporting the country's foreign trade goods abroad via the southern route, the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan said in a comment. In particular, for commercial purposes, transit goods to a third country are transported by roads and railways of the two countries. By … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan received the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan
On 24 May 2024, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Jamshid Kuchkarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan. President Berdimuhamedov emphasized the positive nature of bilateral relations, noting their constructive collaboration within the United Nations and other international and regional organizations. Trade and … [Read more...]
Expert Conference on Security Issues in the Central Asia-EU Format Held in Tashkent
On May 24, the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA) hosted an expert conference on the topic "Central Asia – the European Union: a new agenda for security cooperation". The event was co-organised by the IICA and the European Union (EU). The forum was attended by more than 100 representatives of ministries and departments, diplomatic missions, leading research … [Read more...]
CIS Approves Action Plan for Enhanced International Transport Corridors
The action plan for optimizing infrastructure and developing international transport corridors passing through the territories of the CIS member states for the period up to 2030 was approved at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States held in Ashgabat on 24 May 2024. The action plan aims to strengthen cooperation between … [Read more...]
CIS Strengthens Cooperation in Energy, Chemical Industry, and Environmental Protection
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in energy, chemical industries, and environmental protection. This decision comes after a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in Ashgabat, where relevant concepts and action plans were approved. These documents were developed taking into account the need to reach … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Declared “City of New Sports Opportunities in the CIS”
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of Government has declared Ashgabat the "City of New Sports Opportunities," according to a press release from the CIS Executive Committee on 24 May 2024. The council also instructed the CIS Council for Physical Culture and Sports to develop a 2024-2025 Action Plan to realize this initiative. Turkmenistan has a … [Read more...]
Ashgabat hosted a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government
On 24 May 2024, a regular meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held in Ashgabat. The meeting was attended by: Azerbaijan - Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev Belarus - Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko Kazakhstan - Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov Kyrgyzstan - Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers – Head … [Read more...]
Situation of e-commerce in Central Asia
The Daryo.uz news service of Uzbekistan published on 13 March 2024 a report on the ecommerce situation in Central Asia. Here, we are reproducing the report in full: Central Asian countries consider establishing dedicated bank accounts for e-commerce transactions The e-commerce sector in Central Asia reached a value of $8bn in 2022, as per IMARC Group, a global research and … [Read more...]
Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus Meeting Concludes with Pivotal Commitments to Digital, Social, and Environmental Innovation
On 23 May 2024, the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus Meeting successfully concluded in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The event, centred on "The role of women in the economies of Central Asia: leadership for promoting digital, social, and environmental innovation,” brought together women leaders from across the region to strategize and commit to enhancing women’s roles in these … [Read more...]
Central Asian States reaffirm commitment to registering all children at birth
On 17 May 2024, Representatives from the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, gathered in Tashkent today, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring every child born on their territories are registered at birth. The ‘Central Asian Conference on Ensuring Birth Registration to … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan hosted the first Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries
The first Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the Central Asian countries was held in Astana on 16 May 2024. The event was attended by Secretary of the Security Council of Kazakhstan Gizat Nurdauletov, Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan Marat Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of Tajikistan Nasrullo Mahmudzoda, Secretary of the … [Read more...]
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received the secretaries of the security councils of Central Asian countries
Welcoming the heads of delegations, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the first meeting of the secretaries of the security councils of the countries of Central Asia is intended to become an effective platform for combining efforts to prevent external and internal challenges and threats, as well as developing the necessary response measures. – This is especially important … [Read more...]
Central Asian economies to record strong growth despite natural disasters in the region
Anton Usov According to the latest Regional Economic Prospects (REP) report published by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Central Asian economies in 2024 are expected to see growth slowing to 5.4 per cent. However, a rebound to 5.9 per cent is expected in 2025. The report notes that intermediated trade with Russia, which had been a significant … [Read more...]
Rome to host Italy+Central Asia meeting at the end of May
On 29 May 2024, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani will meet in Rome with colleagues from five Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, Nova News agency reports. According to the source, the meeting will bring together Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, … [Read more...]
First meeting of the Regional Expert Council in Central Asia on the rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees held in Tashkent
The first meeting of the Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees from Conflict Zones in Central Asia was held on May 14 in Tashkent. The Regional Expert Council was established at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev in March 2022 in Tashkent at the High-Level International Conference on … [Read more...]
Trade integration in Central Asia under the spotlight at the CATF in Almaty
The 13th Central Asia Trade Forum (CATF) themed “Trade Connections: Bridging Globally” started on 15 May 2024 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event is organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). More than 300 business executives and government officials from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the United States are meeting in … [Read more...]
Central Asia + Japan Dialogue Summit Preparations Underway in Astana
On 14 May 2024, Astana hosted a meeting of Senior Officials for the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue. Representatives from the foreign ministries of Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan attended, along with Tajikistan's Ambassador to Kazakhstan. The Turkmen delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Gurbanov. Discussions centered on … [Read more...]
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...]