The Times Of Central Asia | Eurasian Publication & News Online

According to experts, the recent collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria raises concerns about potential destabilization in Central Asia. This development may force regional governments to repatriate citizens who were lured by Islamist propaganda, while the future of the Astana format negotiations on Syria remains uncertain. The swift...

Corruption

Capital Over Confinement in Sentencing of Raimbek “Millions” Matraimov

Oil

National Bank of Kazakhstan Predicts Higher 2025 Oil Prices Than Bank of America

The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) has revised its forecast for 2025 oil prices, lowering the projected cost from $82.5 to $70 per barrel. Despite this adjustment, the NBK remains more optimistic than Bank of America, which recently reduced its 2025 oil price forecast to $65 per barrel. Bank of...

Oil and Gas

Turkmenistan to Boost Gas Exports to Neighbor Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has agreed to purchase more natural gas from Turkmenistan, though the amount of additional gas and the price remain unclear. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke by phone with the chairman of Turkmenistan’s Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) and leader of the country Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on December 5 to discuss the...

Sunkar Podcast

How Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Anchor a Strategic Middle-Power Hub in Central Asia

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Special Coverage Kazakhstan Referendum on Nuclear Energy

Opinions

Turkmenistan’s Geopolitical Shift Toward the West

Nikola Mikovic

Kazakhstan, with China’s Help, Plans to Export Green Energy to Europe

Nikola Mikovic

Kazakhstan and Taliban Afghanistan: An Overview of Relations

Aidar Borangaziyev

Kazakhstan and Serbia Strengthen Ties Despite Different Geopolitical Paths

Nikola Mikovic

Risk and Reward: Why Savvy Investors Should Dive into Central Asia-Caspian Region

Dr. Elkhan Nuriyev

How Can Central Asian Countries Advance Democratization Efforts Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty?

Eldaniz Gusseinov

How Central Asia Is Shifting From Russia Towards Turkey

Nikola Mikovic

The Geopolitical Battle for Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant

Nikola Mikovic

Navigating Challenges: The ICG Reports on Taliban Drug Ban and Its Global Implications

Aidar Borangaziyev

Azerbaijan Is Bringing Uzbekistan into the Middle Corridor

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Why Does Energy-Rich Kazakhstan Want Tajikistan’s Uranium?

Nikola Mikovic

Bridging Continents: The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway – A Tale of Opportunities, Challenges, and Controversies

Irakli Chikhladze

Business & Economy

Agriculture

Kazakhstan Boosts Subsidies for Farmers Using Water-Saving Technologies

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has announced an increase in state subsidies for farmers employing water-saving technologies, raising support to 85% for irrigation water costs. This move aims to encourage the widespread adoption of modern water-saving methods, which are expected to reduce water consumption and expand agricultural land. Berikbol Mandibayev, Director of the Ministry’s Department for the Development of Water-Saving Technologies, highlighted the initiative’s potential impact. “The increased subsidies will motivate farmers to adopt modern water-saving technologies, saving 20–30% of irrigation water and enabling the expansion of the country’s agricultural land by 1.3 million hectares by 2030,” Mandibayev...

Economy

EDB Thinks Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Will Show Strongest Growth in 2025

Industry

Kazakhstan Faces Doubling of Construction Industry Labor Shortage by 2030

Export

Uzbekistan Proposes 10-Year Extension of Duty Free Export Benefits to the EU

Trade

Kazakhstan Opens Pavilion in Uzbek-Afghan Border Trade Center

Trade

Uzbekistan Aims to Join WTO by 2026

Uzbekistan is intensifying efforts to finalize its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), aiming for completion by 2026. At the ninth meeting of the Working Group on Accession, held December 5-6, a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev reaffirmed the country’s commitment to this timeline. WTO members expressed support for Uzbekistan’s high-level political engagement, and encouraged continued alignment of its trade regime with international standards. Khodjayev emphasized that WTO accession is not merely a technical procedure but a critical driver of internal reforms. “This goal demonstrates the inevitability of Uzbekistan's integration into the global trading system. In...

Economy

Uzbekistan’s Debt to Russia Climbs Amid Rising Regional Loans

Russia’s foreign lending surged to over $30 billion in 2023, the highest level since 1999, with Egypt, Bangladesh, and India receiving the largest new loans. Uzbekistan also saw a notable rise in its debt to Russia during the year. Uzbekistan’s debt to Russia increased by $41.3 million in 2023, contributing to the overall growth in the country’s financial obligations to foreign lenders. Russia’s Top Debtors Belarus remains Russia’s largest debtor, with $7.75 billion in loans, accounting for 25% of Russia’s total foreign lending. Bangladesh follows with $6.6 billion (22%), and India ranks third with $4.1 billion (14%). Other significant borrowers...

GDP

World Bank Chief Economist Owes a Bottle of Wine to Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet Chief

During a conversation with Hugh Riddell, head of the World Bank’s office in Kyrgyzstan, Akylbek Japarov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, shared an anecdote about a wager made with the World Bank’s chief economist. “In 2022, at a World Bank session in Washington, your chief economist and I bet that Kyrgyzstan’s economic growth over the next 3-4 years would remain stable and exceed 7%. He doubted this was possible and was ready to wager a bottle of fine wine,” Japarov recounted at a recent event focused on Kyrgyzstan’s development. Japarov highlighted the latest economic figures to underscore his point:...

Airports

Kyrgyzstan Opens Airport in Karakol – More New Routes Coming Soon

On December 11, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov inaugurated the reconstructed international airport in Karakol, the main city of the Issyk-Kul region. Situated southeast of Lake Issyk-Kul, Karakol is Kyrgyzstan’s winter tourism hub and home to the nation’s largest and most popular mountain ski resort. President Japarov highlighted the reopening of the Karakol International Airport as a pivotal move toward strengthening regional connectivity, boosting tourism, and enhancing Kyrgyzstan’s international profile. “This is just the beginning,” Japarov remarked, announcing plans for a major new development: a “Kyrgyz Courchevel,” envisioned as Central Asia’s largest and most modern ski resort. Located 70 kilometers from...

Local Politics

Legislation

Uzbekistan Strengthens Criminal Penalties for Organising Mass Disturbances

On December 11, Uzbekistan's Parliament, the Oliy Majlis, adopted a draft law amending Article 244 of the Criminal Code, which addresses mass riots. The amendments, passed in the first reading, aim to strengthen legal measures against organizing or financing mass disturbances. Deputy Prosecutor General Svetlana Artikova explained the rationale behind the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals, society, and the state during turbulent times. “Is there criminal liability for training aimed at organizing mass disturbances or preparing weapons, explosives, or special devices for such purposes? In our opinion, there is,” Artikova stated. She highlighted that such actions threaten...

Mining

UK Supports €12.6M Deal to Boost Exports to Uzbekistan’s Copper Producer

Infrastructure Development

Kazakhstan Building Five Cross-Border Trade Hubs

Infrastructure Development

Strategic Bypass Route Opens in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Justice

Kyrgyz Businessman Tashov, Accused of Plot to Seize Power, Attempts Suicide in Court

Corruption

Capital Over Confinement in Sentencing of Raimbek “Millions” Matraimov

Raimbek Matraimov, infamously known as “Millions” for his tremendous wealth, once wielded immense power in Kyrgyzstan. Rising to prominence as deputy chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Customs Service from 2015 to 2017, Matraimov’s tenure became synonymous with corruption and organized crime. His activities, alleged to have funneled monumental sums of money through shadowy operations, fashioned him not only as a dominant figure within the Customs Service but also as a key player in Kyrgyzstan’s criminal underworld. The Rise of Raimbek Matraimov During his time in the Customs Service, Matraimov amassed an extraordinary fortune. His influence extended beyond bureaucratic corridors, infiltrating the...

Digitalization

Kyrgyzstan Eyes Digital Currency to Modernize Financial System

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) has announced plans to launch a digital national currency, the digital som. The financial regulator expects the initiative to bolster the country’s financial sector and enhance public administration. New Opportunities The NBKR envisions the digital som transforming Kyrgyzstan’s financial landscape and increasing cashless transactions. One major advantage is improved control over budget spending. Additionally, the digital currency will allow payments even in areas without Internet access - crucial for remote regions with limited connectivity. Using simple technologies such as QR codes and mobile applications, citizens will be able to make quick and...

Environment

Solid Waste Recycling Plant Under Construction in Bishkek

Bishkek municipality has announced progress on the construction of a solid waste recycling plant at the city’s sanitary landfill, supported by a Chinese investor. Concrete foundations are being poured, and equipment and components for the facility have begun arriving from China. Currently, over 180 Chinese workers and engineers are active at the site. On March 29, Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers and the Chinese investor signed an agreement for the plant’s construction. The facility will generate electricity by incinerating municipal solid waste. In its initial phase, the plant is expected to process 1,000 tons of waste daily, with plans to increase...

Food Security

High Food Costs and Growing Waistlines: Kazakhstan’s Struggle with Rising Obesity

More than half of Kazakhstan’s population is overweight or obese, even as food prices in the country continue to climb. Deputy Prime Minister Serik Jumangarin recently highlighted that nearly 50% of consumer spending is allocated to food and beverages. In response, members of the Senate and the upper house of parliament are advocating for stricter regulations on food quality. Aniko Nemeth, an expert on food safety and nutrition at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) regional office for Europe and Central Asia, pointed out the country’s obesity crisis during a Senate hearing on food security. Drawing from data from the...

International Affairs

US Embassy

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum Resigns

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum has announced his resignation, effective January 20, 2025. His departure coincides with similar resignations by U.S. Ambassadors Philip Goldberg in South Korea and Mark Libby in Azerbaijan, all stepping down from diplomatic service. The timing of these resignations has sparked speculation, as it aligns with the start of a new presidential term for Donald Trump. End of a Distinguished Career Rosenblum informed the Kazakh government of his decision on November 26, concluding a nearly 28-year career with the U.S. State Department. He has served as Chief of Mission in Kazakhstan since November 2022, representing...

Trade

Kazakhstan Opens Pavilion in Uzbek-Afghan Border Trade Center

Extremism

Central Asia Braces for Return of Radical Islamists Amid Syrian Turmoil

Infrastructure Development

Kazakhstan Building Five Cross-Border Trade Hubs

Middle Corridor

Kazakhstan and China Digitalize Customs Procedures on Middle Corridor

Migration

Uzbek Deputy Proposes Introducing Visa Regime With Russia

Russian politician Leonid Slutsky has proposed establishing a comprehensive set of mandatory rules for foreign workers in Russia, called the “Migrant Code.” Developed in coordination with diasporas and law enforcement agencies, the code outlines guidelines for migrants seeking legal employment in Russia. According to Slutsky, the Migrant Code will require foreign workers to learn Russian and ensure their families also acquire language skills if residing in Russia. Migrants, he says, must respect Russian culture and traditions, adhere to public behavior standards, obtain official employment, and pay taxes. Additional requirements include securing insurance against deportation or expulsion, undergoing fingerprinting, genomic registration,...

Geopolitics

Turkmenistan’s Geopolitical Shift Toward the West

Turkmenistan, whose foreign policy since 1995 has been based on the principle of permanent neutrality, is reportedly seeking to establish closer ties with the West, primarily with the United States. The energy-rich nation has long expressed an intention to export natural gas to Europe, but its leadership’s recent moves suggest that Ashgabat might also aim to develop closer political and economic relations with Western countries. Over the past few months, Turkmen and American officials have held several very important meetings. Most recently, on November 25, Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov hosted Steve Daines, U.S. Senator from Montana and member of the...

Mining

UK Supports €12.6M Deal to Boost Exports to Uzbekistan’s Copper Producer

UK Export Finance (UKEF) has guaranteed a €12.6 million ($13.25 million) loan to the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AMMC) in Uzbekistan. The loan will refinance the purchase of fully automated vehicles from the Scottish multinational company Weir and marks UKEF’s first agreement in Uzbekistan. The loan, provided by the International Bank, aims to support Weir’s exports to AMMC, one of Central Asia’s largest copper production facilities. “UK businesses are increasingly keen to bring their goods and services to this dynamic market - and UKEF is here to help buyers in Uzbekistan seize this opportunity,” said Tim Reid, CEO of...

Economic Cooperation

Kazakhstan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong Forge Trilateral Partnership to Boost Trade, Investment, and Connectivity

Kazakhstan, China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have agreed to establish a joint mechanism for trilateral cooperation. The agreement was reached on December 5 during a meeting in Urumqi, Xinjiang, attended by Kazakhstan's Vice Prime Minister Serik Jumangarin, XUAR Party Committee Secretary Ma Xingrui, and Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau. At the meeting, Ma Xingrui underscored Xinjiang’s strategic role as a bridge connecting Kazakhstan with Hong Kong and the broader Belt and Road Initiative. Highlighting Kazakhstan as a critical transport hub linking Europe and Asia, and Hong Kong...

Life & Culture

Tourism

Second Train Tour Launched Between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan’s national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), has announced the launch of its second train tour, Jibek Joly (Silk Road) 2.0, connecting major cities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The inaugural journey on this new route will depart from Almaty on January 2, 2025, and return on January 7. The itinerary includes stops at some of the most iconic and culturally rich destinations in the region: Turkestan, Kazakhstan: Passengers will spend a full day exploring this ancient city, including a visit to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique architecture. Tashkent, Uzbekistan:...

Airports

Kyrgyzstan Opens Airport in Karakol – More New Routes Coming Soon

Education

Tajik Migrants Embrace Free English Courses to Pursue Jobs in Europe

Culture

Kazakh Rituals Included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Society

Interview: A Profile of Women’s Rights in Central Asia from Equality Now

Human Rights

Turkmenistan Bans Students from Celebrating New Year’s Eve

Authorities in Turkmenistan have imposed strict measures preventing students and schoolchildren from celebrating New Year’s Eve, requiring them to sign written pledges to abstain from festivities. Students are prohibited from hosting or attending parties at home or in cafes and are barred from being outdoors during the celebration. “Students have been forced to write forms stating they will not celebrate New Year’s Eve and will return to their dormitories after attending official events,” a source revealed. Violations of the ban are met with threats of expulsion. According to reports, older students in previous years were expelled for secretly hosting parties,...

Society

Kazakhstan Tops Central Asia with Region’s Highest Pensions

Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in pension payments, with the highest average pension in the region, according to Kaktus.media. Kazakh citizens receive an average of approximately 89,275 KZT ($175.30) per month, as reported by the region's statistical agencies. Kyrgyzstan holds second place, with an average pension of 9,379 KGS ($108) at the end of 2023. Uzbekistan follows with an average of 1.2 million UZS ($93.40), while Turkmenistan ranks fourth, offering an average of 300 TMT ($85.60). Tajikistan reports the lowest pension payments in the region, where pensioners receive just an average of 370 TJS ($33.80) per month. Kazakhstan has also announced...

Food Security

High Food Costs and Growing Waistlines: Kazakhstan’s Struggle with Rising Obesity

Legislation

Kyrgyzstan to Enshrine Concept of “Women’s Entrepreneurship” in Law

Kyrgyzstan's Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) has approved, in its third reading, a bill to introduce the term “women’s entrepreneurship” into the country’s Law on the Protection of Entrepreneurs’ Rights. The amendments, proposed by deputies Kamila Talieva, Eldar Abakirov, Daniyar Tolonov, Taalaibek Masabirov, Elvira Surabaldieva, and Nilufar Alimzhanova, aim to recognize women entrepreneurs as a distinct category within small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). The initiative is expected to drive the growth of small and microbusinesses in Kyrgyzstan, following the example of international practices. Employment Disparities According to the explanatory note accompanying the bill, the employment rate for working-aged women in 2020 was...

Justice

Criminal Responsibility

Tinker, Tailor, Kazakh Ties: UK Spy Trial Reveals Moscow’s Long Shadow in Kazakh Politics

London's Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey, is currently hearing the trial of several Bulgarian nationals accused by the British authorities of spying for Russia’s intelligence services. The case is likely being scrutinized not only in Moscow but also in Astana, as at least two of the six alleged operations relate to Kazakhstan. A Favor for Nazarbayev The defendants, five Bulgarian citizens, are accused of planning six espionage operations, one of which centers around Bergey Ryskaliyev, a former senior Kazakh official during the presidency of Nursultan Nazarbayev.The accused filmed Ryskaliyev in his London home and plotted to alternately...

Corruption

Capital Over Confinement in Sentencing of Raimbek “Millions” Matraimov

Corruption Allegations

Following Corruption Arrests in Kyrgyzstan, MP Calls for PM Japarov to Resign

Human Rights

UN Expresses Concern Over Arrest of Kyrgyz Lawyer Samat Matsakov

Migration

From Hero to Exile: Kyrgyz Rescuer Sultan Abdumalikov Deported from Russia

Court Cases

Uzbek Government Files Criminal Case Against Citizen Over Jihadi Activities in Syria

The Uzbek Ministry of Internal Affairs has instigated a criminal case against Khudoyor Nuriddinov, also known as Abu Walid, who is accused of being a member of an international terrorist organization. The announcement was made via the ministry’s press service. Born in 1994 in the Rishtan district of Ferghana, Nuriddinov faces multiple charges under Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, including: Article 155-2: Training or travel for the purpose of terrorist activities, Article 159: Undermining the constitutional order of Uzbekistan, Article 223: Illegal travel abroad or entry into Uzbekistan, Article 244-2: Creation, management, or participation in extremist, separatist, or banned organizations. According to...

Justice

Kyrgyz Businessman Tashov, Accused of Plot to Seize Power, Attempts Suicide in Court

Imamidin Tashov, a Kyrgyz businessman and owner of the KG Group construction company, reportedly attempted suicide during court proceedings in his high-profile case involving allegations of plotting a violent seizure of power. According to media reports, Tashov attempted to slit his throat, prompting an immediate response from those present. Journalists and relatives were swiftly removed from the courtroom, and emergency medical personnel were called to the scene. Eyewitnesses reported that Tashov was carried out of the courthouse to receive medical attention. However, details about his condition and the specific circumstances of the incident remain unclear at this time. Tashov was...

Anti-Corruption

Kyrgyz Authorities Raid State Tax Service Offices

Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (SCNS) conducted searches across four district offices of the State Tax Service (STS), detaining several high-ranking employees on allegations of abuse of office. According to the SCNS, 30 tax officials were apprehended, including three of the four heads of the State Tax Service in Bishkek. These officials were placed in the SCNS pre-trial detention center on charges related to fraudulent shipping invoices. “During the inspection, it was revealed that major manufacturers and importers of excisable goods - such as alcohol and tobacco products - recorded revocations and withdrawals of shipping documents in the relevant...

Mediation

New Fighting in Syria Throws Astana Talks Off Track

It’s called the Astana process: a long-running series of talks hosted by Kazakhstan whose stated aim is to deliver peace to conflict-torn Syria. Some Syrian opposition figures and other critics, however, have said the “guarantor” countries of the process – Iran, Russia and Türkiye – use it to promote their own political and military interests in the region. The dialogue named after the Kazakh capital, which marked its 22nd round in Astana on Nov. 11-12, was undercut on Nov. 27 when Syrian rebels launched a surprise attack against government forces and seized most of Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, within...

Environment

Wildlife

Endangered Great Bustard Named Tajikistan’s Bird of the Year

The great bustard, also known as the red-breasted bustard, has been named the bird of the year for 2025 in Tajikistan. The decision, announced on December 11, followed a vote by the National Academy of Sciences. The rare bird, locally called dugdogi zebo, is listed in both the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and the Red Book of Tajikistan, signifying its endangered status. Since 2007, Tajikistan has annually designated a bird of the year to raise awareness about avian conservation. Previous honorees include an owl, corncrake, pheasant, paradise flycatcher, Tibetan eagle, peregrine falcon, white stork, and...

Caspian Sea

Mysterious Caspian Sea Shipwreck Discovered Near Aktau

Water Management

France to Help Kazakhstan Preserve Lake Balkhash

Funding Green Projects

One Billion Points for Planting Trees: Payme Users Helping Green Navoi

Air Pollution

Choking on Smog: Kazakhstan’s Ust-Kamenogorsk forced to suspend in-person schooling amid rising air pollution

Environment

Solid Waste Recycling Plant Under Construction in Bishkek

Geopolitics

Harnessing Diplomacy: Qosh Tepa Canal as a Bridge to U.S. Influence in Central Asia

The Center for the National Interest, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, has released a report titled Afghanistan’s Qosh Tepa Canal and Water Security in Central Asia. The report outlines how U.S. support for the Qosh Tepa Canal project could provide an opportunity for the incoming Trump administration to strengthen its influence in the region. Project Overview Currently under construction in northern Afghanistan, the Qosh Tepa Canal aims to divert water from the Amu Darya River to support agriculture and economic growth. The canal will stretch 287 kilometers, with a depth of 8.5 meters and an average width of 100 meters....

Water

Kazakhstan and World Bank Partner on Water Conservation at One Water Summit

A memorandum of understanding has been signed to enhance water resource management and environmental conditions, including in the North Aral Sea and its surrounding basin, between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the World Bank. As climate change continues to significantly impact water resources in Central Asia, exacerbating water scarcity and management challenges, this agreement underscores a shared commitment to ensuring sustainable and equitable water resource management for future generations. The memorandum was formalized following a meeting between Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga during the One Water Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,...

health security

Justice for Veterans: U.S. Acknowledges Cancer Cases Tied to Service at Uzbekistan’s K2 Base

Thousands of American veterans who served at Uzbekistan’s K2 airbase have reported rare cancers and diseases - but only now, more than two decades later, is the U.S. government taking steps to address their dire situation. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced plans to include bladder, urinary tract, and genitourinary cancers as conditions presumed to be linked to service at Uzbekistan’s Karshi-Khanabad airbase, known as K2. In 2001, the U.S. military moved into K2, a former Soviet airbase, to support a series of operations named “Enduring Freedom” which were purportedly aimed at tackling terrorism and Al-Qaeda in...

Tinker, Tailor, Kazakh Ties: UK Spy Trial Reveals Moscow’s Long Shadow in Kazakh Politics

Latest

Features

Features

Sunkar Podcast

Latest

Sunkar Podcast

Opinions

Opinions

Nikola Mikovic

Nikola Mikovic

Aidar Borangaziyev

Nikola Mikovic

Dr. Elkhan Nuriyev

Eldaniz Gusseinov

Nikola Mikovic

Nikola Mikovic

Aidar Borangaziyev

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Nikola Mikovic

Irakli Chikhladze

Business & Economy

Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Boosts Subsidies for Farmers Using Water-Saving Technologies

Uzbekistan Aims to Join WTO by 2026

Uzbekistan’s Debt to Russia Climbs Amid Rising Regional Loans

World Bank Chief Economist Owes a Bottle of Wine to Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet Chief

Kyrgyzstan Opens Airport in Karakol – More New Routes Coming Soon

Local Politics

Local Politics

Uzbekistan Strengthens Criminal Penalties for Organising Mass Disturbances

Capital Over Confinement in Sentencing of Raimbek “Millions” Matraimov

Kyrgyzstan Eyes Digital Currency to Modernize Financial System

Solid Waste Recycling Plant Under Construction in Bishkek

High Food Costs and Growing Waistlines: Kazakhstan’s Struggle with Rising Obesity

International Affairs

International Affairs

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum Resigns

Uzbek Deputy Proposes Introducing Visa Regime With Russia

Turkmenistan’s Geopolitical Shift Toward the West

UK Supports €12.6M Deal to Boost Exports to Uzbekistan’s Copper Producer

Kazakhstan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong Forge Trilateral Partnership to Boost Trade, Investment, and Connectivity

Life & Culture

Life & Culture

Second Train Tour Launched Between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Turkmenistan Bans Students from Celebrating New Year’s Eve

Kazakhstan Tops Central Asia with Region’s Highest Pensions

High Food Costs and Growing Waistlines: Kazakhstan’s Struggle with Rising Obesity

Kyrgyzstan to Enshrine Concept of “Women’s Entrepreneurship” in Law

Justice

Justice

Tinker, Tailor, Kazakh Ties: UK Spy Trial Reveals Moscow’s Long Shadow in Kazakh Politics