The Times Of Central Asia | Eurasian Publication & News Online

On June 12, in Astana, the 14th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) was held under the theme: TURKTIME: The Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy. TURKPA has existed since 2008, but it is only now that the multifaceted activities of Turkic states are drawing close attention from...

Tashkent International Investment Forum

Uzbekistan Hosts Fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum, Seals $26.6 Billion in New Investment

Israel-Iran Escalation

The Ripple Effects of the Israel-Iran Conflict on Central Asia

The Israel-Iran conflict has escalated dramatically, with Israel launching large-scale strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military targets, including the killing of top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. Characterizing these attacks as a “declaration of war,” Iran has retaliated by deploying approximately 100 drones toward Israeli territory, which have been...

International Cooperation

Opinion: China–Central Asia Partnership – Seeking Opportunity in a World of Uncertainty

Uzbekistan–U.S. Business Forum

Uzbek President Welcomes U.S. Officials and Business Leaders Ahead of Tashkent International Investment Forum

On June 9, ahead of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomed a senior delegation of U.S. business leaders and government officials, underscoring deepening economic ties between Uzbekistan and the United States. Among the participants were U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Eric Meyer, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation...

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence in Kazakhstan: What Has and Hasn’t Changed for Victims

Economy

Mirziyoyev Proposes Regional Investment Concept as Trade Hits $13 Billion

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev opened the Fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum on June 10 with a wide-ranging address emphasizing deeper global cooperation, peaceful conflict resolution, and renewed investment in green energy, digital transformation, and regional integration. His remarks underscored Uzbekistan’s economic ambitions and its aspiration to be a constructive global actor,...

Sunkar Podcast

Astana International Forum 2025: Rethinking Global Dialogue

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Opinions

Opinion: The Engine of Turkic Integration – Why TURKPA Is No Longer “Just Talk”

Andrei Matveev

Opinion: Strengthening the Silk Bonds — India’s Renewed Push Towards Central Asia

Mohammad Suhail & A.X. Ravshanov

Opinion: What Uzbekistan’s FIFA World Cup Breakthrough Tells Us About State-Building

Khusanboy Kotibjonov

Opinion – The Quiet Competition: How the U.S. Is Losing Ground to China in Central Asia

Arman Amini

Opinion: The Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks Need Multiple Platforms for Negotiations

Times of Central Asia

Slippery Slope: How Falling Oil Prices Threaten Kazakhstan’s Energy Giant

Andrei Matveev

Victory Day Diplomacy: Central Asia’s Balancing Act and Putin’s Diminished Spotlight

Stephen M. Bland

Opinion – Central Asia’s Looming Water Crisis: A Ticking Time Bomb

Mohammad Suhail & A.X. Ravshanov

Tokayev Moves to Reclaim Kazakhstan’s Energy Future

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Opinion – The Great Convergence: Central Asia and the EU in a New Geopolitical Landscape

Mohammad Suhail & A.X. Ravshanov

Opinion: In Central Asia, the EU Defies Its “Geopolitical Dwarf” Label

Nikola Mikovic

Opinion: What the Loss of RFE/RL Would Mean for Central Asia

Bruce Pannier

Business & Economy

Tashkent International Investment Forum

Uzbekistan Hosts Fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum, Seals $26.6 Billion in New Investment

From June 9-12, the Uzbek capital hosted the Fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF), attracting more than 2,500 participants from 93 countries. Among the attendees were ministers, global corporate leaders, financial institutions, and economic experts. The forum served as a strategic platform for promoting Uzbekistan’s investment climate, advancing its reform agenda, and strengthening global partnerships. Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, underscored the country’s progress as an emerging regional investment hub. “Over the last seven years, major reforms have been carried out to liberalize the economy, improve the business climate, and create favorable conditions for investors,” he...

E-Commerce

Kazakhstan’s E-Commerce Sector Expands Fivefold Since 2020

Trade

Kazakh-Chinese Container Terminal Launches in Almaty

Uzbekistan–U.S. Business Forum

Uzbek President Welcomes U.S. Officials and Business Leaders Ahead of Tashkent International Investment Forum

Economy

Mirziyoyev Proposes Regional Investment Concept as Trade Hits $13 Billion

Internet Access

Starlink Set to Launch Internet Services Nationwide in Kazakhstan

Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, will officially begin offering satellite internet services in Kazakhstan in the third quarter of 2025. The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan announced that an agreement has been signed with Starlink, ensuring compliance with national laws on information security and telecommunications. Expanding Internet Access to Remote Areas With this agreement, Kazakhstani users can now legally purchase and connect Starlink satellite terminals. Until now, the service had operated only in pilot mode, providing internet access exclusively to schools. “Starlink was not previously available to the public. Now,...

Water

EBRD Provides $250 Million Loan to Upgrade Uzbekistan’s Irrigation Pumps

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a sovereign loan of up to $250 million (€240 million) to support the modernization of 110 irrigation pumping stations across Uzbekistan. The funding, allocated to the Ministry of Water Resources, will enable the installation of modern, energy-efficient pumps in 10 regions. According to the EBRD, the project is expected to reduce electricity consumption by approximately 251,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually and cut CO₂-equivalent emissions by more than 117,000 tons per year. The financing will also cover refurbishment of related infrastructure and the installation of rooftop solar panels at select stations. This...

Energy

Tokayev: Kazakhstan Ready to Supply Oil, Gas, and Uranium to Slovakia

Kazakhstan is prepared to begin supplying hydrocarbons and nuclear raw materials to Slovakia, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced following talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Astana. Speaking at a joint press briefing, Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Slovakia across both bilateral and multilateral platforms, with particular emphasis on expanding economic cooperation. In 2024, trade between the two countries reached $140 million. According to Tokayev, new opportunities are emerging in sectors such as energy, industrial production, agriculture, logistics, digitalization, critical raw materials, education, and tourism. “Kazakhstan is ready to export oil, gas, uranium, food products, and other...

Aluminium

Chinese Corporation to Build $12 Billion Aluminum Cluster in Kazakhstan

China’s East Hope Group plans to invest over $12 billion in a large-scale project to establish a vertically integrated aluminum production complex in Kazakhstan, according to the country’s Ministry of Industry and Construction. The initiative was announced following a meeting between Industry Minister Yersayin Nagaspayev and East Hope Group Chairman Liu Yongxing. The Chinese conglomerate, ranked among the world’s top ten aluminum producers, is also active in polysilicon, green energy, agribusiness, and advanced technology sectors. The project envisions the development of 11 bauxite and coal deposits in the Kostanay and Aktobe regions. Key infrastructure includes a mining and processing plant...

Local Politics

E-Scooter Ban

E-Scooter Ban and Moped Crackdown on Bishkek’s Agenda

The Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, has called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Bishkek City Council to urgently address the rising threat posed by electric scooters and mopeds on city sidewalks. Lawmakers claim that the growing presence of these vehicles has made pedestrians fearful and contributed to an increase in traffic accidents, some of them fatal. Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, has formally appealed to the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Mayor of Bishkek to take swift and decisive action. “Most scooter and moped drivers are children. They do not have driver's licenses, and...

Central Asia-China Summit

Opinion: Xi Jinping Heads to Astana – What’s at Stake in the Central Asia-China Summit?

Soviet Legacy

Lenin Falls in Osh: Central Asia Redefines Its Soviet Legacy

Media

Turkmen Authorities Order Social Media Campaign to Showcase “Positive Image”

Nuclear Power

Opinion: In Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Race, Financial Muscle Will Decide the Winner

Electoral Reform

Back to the Old System for Kyrgyzstan’s Future Parliamentary Elections

On June 9, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed the law on amendments to the procedures on electing members of parliament. There are some positive and some controversial changes, one of the most significant of which is the diminished role for political parties. Structurally, the new legislation creates 30 electoral districts in Kyrgyzstan. Each district will elect three parliamentary deputies, with the three candidates receiving the most votes becoming the deputies from their district. Currently, there are 90 seats in Kyrgyzstan’s parliament. That number will remain. According to the new law, one of the three candidates from each territorial constituency must...

Tobacco

Kyrgyz Health Minister Proposes Raising Tobacco Taxes to Curb Smoking

Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Health, Erkin Checheybayev, has proposed raising excise taxes on tobacco products as part of a broader effort to improve public health, particularly among the country’s youth. The proposal was announced at a meeting held on June 10 in Bishkek, organized by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) country office and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Knowledge Hub on Tobacco Taxation. The discussion focused on strategies to reduce tobacco affordability and consumption through effective taxation measures. According to the Ministry of Health, tobacco use is a leading risk factor...

Migration

Kyrgyz Government Urges Foreign Citizens to Legalize Their Status Ahead of Deadline

Over 12,000 foreign citizens are currently employed in Kyrgyzstan, according to Jumabek Myrzabayev, head of the Migration Department at the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration, who shared this information with Birinchi Radio. Foreign nationals are primarily engaged in the construction, light industry, manufacturing, trade, and services sectors. The majority of work permits have been issued to citizens from China, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. For 2025, Kyrgyzstan has set a foreign labor force quota of 25,000 individuals. The Kyrgyz government has provided a short window for foreign citizens who have violated the country’s migration laws to legalize...

Reshuffle

President Tokayev Dismisses Ministers of Defense and Transport

Kazakhstan’s political landscape has undergone a significant shift as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the dismissal of two key cabinet members, Ruslan Zhaksylykov, Minister of Defense, and Marat Karabayev, Minister of Transport. The decision marks a reshuffling within the country’s leadership as the administration seeks to address critical challenges in defense and infrastructure. Defense Minister Zhaksylykov Removed, Kosanov Appointed Ruslan Zhaksylykov’s removal as Minister of Defense comes during a time of heightened scrutiny over Kazakhstan’s military readiness and regional security. While the government has not disclosed specific reasons for the dismissal, defense analysts suggest it is tied to concerns about military...

International Affairs

Nuclear Power

Rosatom Selected to Build Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant

Kazakhstan has announced that the Russian nuclear energy corporation Rosatom will take the lead in constructing the country’s first nuclear power plant. This landmark project, which was greenlit following a national referendum, signals Kazakhstan’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and marks a significant step in its energy strategy following years of massive energy deficits, which are projected to reach 3.3 billion kWh in 2025. The nuclear power plant will consist of two reactors and will be built near the village of Ulken, on the western shore of Lake Balkhash, approximately 400 kilometers northwest of Almaty. The plant is expected to...

TURKPA

Opinion: The Engine of Turkic Integration – Why TURKPA Is No Longer “Just Talk”

Israel-Iran Escalation

The Ripple Effects of the Israel-Iran Conflict on Central Asia

Joint Military Exercises

Joint Military Exercises to Strengthen Ties Between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan

Humanitarian Aid

Ukrainian Children Arrive in Uzbekistan for Rest and Recovery

United States

Kazakhstan Reshapes Its U.S. Partnership

On June 12, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister–Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu in Washington. According to the State Department readout, the American side reiterated its commitment to Kazakhstan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity while the two diplomats discussed the expansion of “opportunities for bilateral trade and investment” and the importance of “trusted infrastructure and a favorable regulatory landscape for U.S. companies in Kazakhstan.” Other policy issue-areas targeted for cooperation included the expansion of security cooperation, promotion of regional integration (through the C5+1 diplomatic platform), and exploration of commercial opportunities “particularly in the technology and...

International Campus

Colorado School of Mines to Open First International Campus in Kazakhstan

In 2026, the Colorado School of Mines will open its first international campus in Kazakhstan, marking a significant milestone in U.S.-Kazakhstan academic cooperation. An agreement to establish the branch was signed between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Colorado School of Mines, which currently ranks No. 1 globally in Mineral & Mining Engineering according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. The new campus will be located in Zhezkazgan, the center of Kazakhstan’s geological industry, on the grounds of the newly established Ulytau Technical University. Instruction will be in English and will focus on four core bachelor's...

International Cooperation

Opinion: China–Central Asia Partnership – Seeking Opportunity in a World of Uncertainty

Leaders from China and the five Central Asian countries will gather in Astana on Monday, two years after their inaugural summit in the Chinese city of Xi’an. However, as Chinese President Xi Jinping has often noted, “Our world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century." The geopolitical landscape is markedly different from that of their first meeting, with both China and the Central Asian nations now facing a world of increasing uncertainty. In April, foreign ministers from China and the Central Asian countries convened in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed concern over the rising tide...

Trans-Caspian International Transport Route

Bulgarian Ports Eye Middle Corridor Expansion

Kazakhstan and Bulgaria are exploring the integration of Bulgaria's Black Sea ports of Burgas and Varna into the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor (TITC), a move that could significantly expand the reach of this crucial East-West trade route. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the "Middle Corridor," has been operational since 2017, connecting China, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and ultimately, European countries. This multimodal corridor facilitates containerized cargo transport by rail and sea, primarily utilizing the Caspian Sea for maritime crossings. Spanning 11,000 kilometers, the route saw a substantial increase in cargo volume last year, reaching...

Life & Culture

International Visitors

Kazakhstan Launches QR Code System for Foreign Visitors at Airports

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in collaboration with local authorities, has implemented a new QR code system at all international airports across the country. The initiative, announced by Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov, is designed to enhance the travel experience for foreign visitors by providing easy access to essential services. According to the Ministry, the QR codes grant immediate access to: Electronic SIM card services; Licensed taxi operators; Online hotel booking platforms; Information regarding the registration of foreign citizens; Details on major tourist attractions. The primary goal of the system is to reduce the risk of fraud...

History

A British Scholar’s Glimpse into Kazakh Life a Century Ago

Kazakhstan-UK Cooperation

Construction Begins on New British School Campus in Astana

Film Festival

Film About Turkmen Poet Wins International Award in London

Humanitarian Aid

Uzbekistan Sends 183 Tons of Aid to Afghanistan for Eid al-Adha

Film Festival

Kyrgyzstan: Film Festival Showcases Central Asian Talent, New and Old

An international film festival in Kyrgyzstan this week is celebrating the past, present, and future of Central Asian cinema. The Bishkek International Film Festival features a retrospective of the work of Kyrgyz director Tolomush Okeev, whose films include The Ferocious One, The Red Apple, and The Descendant of the Snow Leopard; a presentation of ten film projects by emerging directors in Central Asia; and a competition among nine films whose directors are from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The June 11-15 festival also has master classes for those who really want to dig into the craft of making films. Hosts...

Religion

Majority of Kazakhstanis Are Religious, But Discrimination Persists, Studies Suggest

A recent study by analysts at Energyprom.kz sheds light on the religious landscape of Kazakhstan. According to data from the educational platform Jagran Josh, Kazakhstan's population includes approximately 15.4 million believers. The majority, 11.3 million, identify as Muslim, while about 4 million identify as Christian. A smaller segment, approximately 670,000 individuals, comprise atheists, agnostics, and those with no religious affiliation. Additionally, there are around 5,000 Hindus, 40,000 Buddhists, and about 50,000 practitioners of traditional local beliefs. It is important to note that these figures are compiled from various sources, some dating back to 2015 or earlier. Consequently, they are more...

Archaeology

Ruins of a Burned Medieval City Unearthed in Southern Kazakhstan

Archaeologists in Kazakhstan may have uncovered the ruins of a long-lost medieval city previously known only from historical texts. The discovery was announced by Olga Gumirova, executive director of the Petroglyph Hunters Foundation. Tower, Masonry, and a Burned Past The remains were found in the Zhetysu region, and experts believe the site could be as archaeologically significant as Talkhiz or Koylyk, both of which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. "It looks like we've found the medieval city that everyone has been looking for! First, we saw the remains of brickwork in a quarry, a miraculously preserved tower,...

Sports

Opinion: What Uzbekistan’s FIFA World Cup Breakthrough Tells Us About State-Building

When Uzbekistan's goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov made those crucial saves against the UAE last night, securing his country's first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification, he was putting the finishing touches to a decade-long story about how nations build capacity, and what happens when they finally get it right. Uzbekistan's journey to the 2026 World Cup is not just a sports story. Go deeper, and you'll find something more interesting: a case study in institutional development. The Numbers Don't Lie Consider what Uzbekistan has pulled off in recent years. At Rio 2016, the country won 13 Olympic medals, placing 21st globally. In Tokyo,...

Justice

Migrants

Russia Responds to Uzbekistan’s Concerns Over Police Treatment of Migrants

The Russian government has acknowledged Uzbekistan's concerns regarding recent police actions targeting Uzbek nationals and is currently reviewing the matter, according to a statement by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, as reported by state news agency TASS. Zakharova confirmed that the Russian Foreign Ministry had received a formal diplomatic note from the Uzbek Embassy in Moscow, requesting explanations over reports of mistreatment during recent police operations. She said the contents of the note are being examined thoroughly and have been forwarded to the appropriate Russian authorities. “We are studying the content of the note with full attention,” Zakharova said....

Foreign Affairs

Uzbekistan Raises Concerns Over Mistreatment of Citizens During Russian Raids

Arbitration case

Uzbektelecom Responds to Arbitration Case Filed by Humans Mobile

Justice

Humans Group Files Arbitration Against Uzbekistan Over Alleged Investment Violations

Historical Repressions

Tokayev Honors Victims While Putin Rewrites Stalin’s Past

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence in Kazakhstan: What Has and Hasn’t Changed for Victims

The issue of domestic violence in Kazakhstan has sparked intensified public debate in recent years, particularly following several high-profile cases involving public officials, businesspeople, and artists. Against this backdrop, analysts at the Ranking.kz portal examined how the situation has evolved and how effectively the state is addressing the issue. Stubborn Statistics According to the Committee on Legal Statistics, Kazakhstan has seen a significant decline in overall murder rates, from 1,400 cases in 2010 to 449 in 2024. Similar downward trends are observed for other serious crimes, including rape, sexual assault, and manslaughter. However, the share of murders classified as domestic...

Healthcare

Kazakhstan Faces Scandal Over Drug Procurement System

A political and financial scandal is emerging in Kazakhstan following revelations from the Supreme Audit Chamber (SAC) concerning widespread violations in the country’s public drug procurement system. Deputy Health Minister Ardak Amangeldiev has not ruled out legal action against the SAC after its findings were presented to parliament. SAC Chairman Alikhan Smailov, a former prime minister, said that some materials have already been referred to law enforcement, prompting several members of parliament to call for systemic reform. Audit Uncovers Extensive Irregularities Kazakhstan’s public drug procurement system was audited in both 2023 and 2024. According to Smailov, auditors identified the following...

Money Laundering

Kazakhstan Improves Standing in Global Anti-Money Laundering Ranking

Kazakhstan has made significant progress in the Basel AML Index, moving up to 111th place out of 164 countries in the 2025 global ranking for quantifying money laundering. The index, published by the Basel Institute on Governance, ranks countries from highest to lowest risk, meaning Kazakhstan's lower position reflects improved performance and reduced vulnerability. According to a recent analysis by Finprom.kz, Kazakhstan now ranks among the top three performers in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), surpassed only by Armenia (129th) and Moldova (112th). The country’s index score improved from 4.71 in 2024 to 4.65 in 2025, signaling enhanced resilience...

Deportation

Turkish Authorities Move to Deport Turkmen Dissident Umida Bekchanova

On May 30, Turkmen citizen and outspoken critic of the Ashgabat regime, Umida Bekchanova was detained in Istanbul and now faces deportation to Turkmenistan. Detained Without Warning According to Turkmen.news, Bekchanova was seized by unidentified individuals in plain clothes and transferred to a deportation center in Turkey. The incident was later reported by opposition blogger Kalmurad Soyunov, who lives in Sweden, via his YouTube channel. Citing Bekchanova’s legal team, Soyunov claimed that the arrest was conducted with the involvement of Turkmen special services in cooperation with local Turkish authorities. Bekchanova resides in Turkey legally and has long been a vocal...

Environment

Locust Outbreak

Kyrgyzstan Urges Regional Unity to Combat Major Locust Outbreak

Kyrgyzstan has called for stronger regional cooperation among Central Asian countries in response to a large-scale locust infestation threatening vast areas of farmland. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan, surveys across 114,000 hectares of agricultural land revealed locust presence on nearly two-thirds of the area. More than 74,000 hectares have already been treated with pesticides. “Locusts are herbivorous insects capable of forming large migratory swarms under favorable population and climate conditions. These swarms can devastate entire crop fields within days,” the ministry warned. The infestation is particularly severe in southern Kyrgyzstan, where early...

Climate Change

Experts Warn of Escalating Climate Risks for Central Asia

Climate Change

Central Asian Glaciers Shrinking Irreversibly, Expert Warns

Agriculture

Central Asian Nations Boost Joint Fight Against Locusts

Water

Kazakhstan Launches First-Ever Cleanup of Astana Reservoir

Agriculture

Tajikistan Pursues Cotton Reform with EU Backing

The European Union’s support for green transitions presents a real opportunity for Tajikistan to achieve sustainable agricultural development, particularly in the cotton industry, according to Mizrob Amirbekov, an agricultural development expert. Amirbekov highlighted this potential, underscoring the importance of international assistance in modernizing the sector, addressing environmental and social challenges, and establishing a fair and transparent production system. Rising Demand, Persistent Problems As global demand for environmentally friendly textiles grows, Tajikistan has a unique chance to establish a sustainable model for cotton production, Amirbekov explained. Increased interest in natural fabrics, driven by both demographic growth and technological advancements, is pushing...

Waste Recycling

Chinese Firm Begins Construction of Waste-to-Energy Plant in Osh

On June 10, construction officially began on a new solid waste incineration facility in Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city. The plant, part of a larger initiative to convert municipal waste into electricity and heat, marks a major step toward improving urban waste management and expanding sustainable energy generation. According to the Osh city administration, the plant’s initial phase will include a waste-processing facility capable of handling up to 850 tons of waste per day. It will generate 30 megawatts of electricity per hour, contributing significantly to the local energy grid. Future phases of the project include the production of thermal energy...

Climate Change

Dushanbe Proposed as Regional Glaciology Hub Amid Accelerating Glacier Melt

Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon, speaking in France on June 8 at the launch of the International Decade of Cryosphere Sciences (2025-2034), has proposed establishing a Regional Coordination Center for Glaciology in Dushanbe. The event was held as part of the Third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, which convened heads of state and government from 65 countries, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and leaders of international organizations. Glaciology Center in the Heart of the Pamir Mountains Addressing the international community, Rahmon underscored Tajikistan's commitment to creating a glaciology center. "Given the importance of glaciers and in order to study the impact of...

Renewable Energy

Investors Push Back Against New Renewable Energy Bill in Kyrgyzstan

A new draft law proposed by Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy has sparked concern among renewable energy investors. The legislation, currently under public review until June 20, 2025, imposes new financial and technical obligations on owners of small hydropower plants as well as solar and wind power installations. Following the review period, the bill will be submitted to the president for approval. Key Provisions and Investor Backlash Under the proposed law, operators of small hydroelectric and other renewable energy facilities would be required to pay 1% of their electricity sales revenue to local authorities. Additionally, they must maintain the ability to...

Rosatom Selected to Build Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant

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Features

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Sunkar Podcast

Sunkar Podcast

Opinions

Opinions

Andrei Matveev

Mohammad Suhail & A.X. Ravshanov

Khusanboy Kotibjonov

Arman Amini

Times of Central Asia

Andrei Matveev

Stephen M. Bland

Mohammad Suhail & A.X. Ravshanov

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Mohammad Suhail & A.X. Ravshanov

Nikola Mikovic

Bruce Pannier

Business & Economy

Business & Economy

Uzbekistan Hosts Fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum, Seals $26.6 Billion in New Investment

Starlink Set to Launch Internet Services Nationwide in Kazakhstan

EBRD Provides $250 Million Loan to Upgrade Uzbekistan’s Irrigation Pumps

Tokayev: Kazakhstan Ready to Supply Oil, Gas, and Uranium to Slovakia

Chinese Corporation to Build $12 Billion Aluminum Cluster in Kazakhstan

Local Politics

Local Politics

E-Scooter Ban and Moped Crackdown on Bishkek’s Agenda

Back to the Old System for Kyrgyzstan’s Future Parliamentary Elections

Kyrgyz Health Minister Proposes Raising Tobacco Taxes to Curb Smoking

Kyrgyz Government Urges Foreign Citizens to Legalize Their Status Ahead of Deadline

President Tokayev Dismisses Ministers of Defense and Transport

International Affairs

International Affairs

Rosatom Selected to Build Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant

Kazakhstan Reshapes Its U.S. Partnership

Colorado School of Mines to Open First International Campus in Kazakhstan

Opinion: China–Central Asia Partnership – Seeking Opportunity in a World of Uncertainty

Bulgarian Ports Eye Middle Corridor Expansion

Life & Culture

Life & Culture

Kazakhstan Launches QR Code System for Foreign Visitors at Airports

Kyrgyzstan: Film Festival Showcases Central Asian Talent, New and Old

Majority of Kazakhstanis Are Religious, But Discrimination Persists, Studies Suggest

Ruins of a Burned Medieval City Unearthed in Southern Kazakhstan

Opinion: What Uzbekistan’s FIFA World Cup Breakthrough Tells Us About State-Building

Justice

Justice

Russia Responds to Uzbekistan’s Concerns Over Police Treatment of Migrants