The Times Of Central Asia

09 Apr 2026

Home, Uzbekistan, Business & Economy, Uzbekistan Business & Economy

Uzbekistan Moves Forward with $6 Billion Biofuel Project in Khorezm

April 9, 2026
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan has announced a major step toward developing large-scale clean energy infrastructure with the signing of a binding implementation agreement for a $6.08 billion biofuel project in the Khorezm region.

The Project Implementation Agreement (PIA) was signed between Allied Biofuels FE LLC and the regional government of Khorezm, formalizing plans to build what the developers describe as Central Asia’s first integrated biofuel refinery. The agreement was concluded on April 2 in Perth, Australia, by Khorezm regional governor Jurabek Rakhimov and Alfred Benedict, chairman and general director of Allied Biofuels.

According to Allied Biofuels, the project has been granted special economic zone status under a presidential decree, providing tax exemptions and customs incentives aimed at ensuring long-term financial stability and investor confidence.

Once completed, the facility is expected to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), electro-synthetic SAF (e-SAF), and green diesel at an industrial scale. Annual output is projected to reach approximately 160,400 tonnes of SAF, 257,000 tonnes of e-SAF, and 5,040 tonnes of green diesel.

The refinery will be supported by a large renewable energy system, including battery storage and hydrogen production capacity. The project also incorporates a closed-loop model that converts biogenic carbon dioxide into fuel while using agricultural feedstock as a primary input.

Officials say the initiative is designed not only to produce fuel but also to strengthen industrial capacity and introduce advanced technologies. The construction phase alone is expected to generate around 2,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Speaking at the signing, Rakhimov said the project would help build a “high value-added industrial chain” in the region and expand export potential. He added that cooperation with Allied Biofuels would support the transfer of advanced green technologies and position Khorezm as “an emerging international hub for green industry.”

Benedict described the agreement as “a defining moment” for both the company and the broader clean energy sector. “This project sends an unambiguous message to the global investment community, Uzbekistan is not merely open for business; it is ready to lead,” he said.

The project is being developed in partnership with international technology providers, including hydrogen systems supplied by Plug Power. Advisory support for the transaction was provided by Affinity Capital Group.

09 Apr 2026

Business & Economy, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Business & Economy

Turkmenistan’s Air Connectivity Shows Little Change Despite Expansion Plans

April 9, 2026
By Times of Central Asia

Turkmenistan’s airport schedules remain largely unchanged, with no new destinations added and previously announced flights yet to begin operating. Plans to expand international air links from Turkmenistan have been discussed for years, but little has changed in practice.

At the end of last year, Russia’s S7 Airlines announced the launch of the Ashgabat-Novosibirsk route starting March 31. Tickets went on sale at the time, with flights planned once a week. However, as of early April, the flights are absent both from the airline’s schedule and from airport data. Only connecting options remain in booking systems. No official explanation has been provided, despite considerable interest in the route.

Flights from Turkmenistan to Russia remain in high demand, significantly exceeding supply. Tickets sell out almost immediately despite high prices, which passengers often associate with monopoly conditions and possible corruption schemes. At present, the choice is limited to two routes: S7 Airlines operates Ashgabat-Moscow flights, while national carrier Turkmenistan Airlines serves only the Ashgabat-Kazan route.

The limited number of direct routes forces passengers to seek alternatives. One of the most common is transit through Uzbekistan. The neighboring country can be reached by land, and from there dozens of flights to Russian cities are available.

At the same time, there is separate demand for travel to Uzbekistan itself, including for business, education, and tourism. Nevertheless, Turkmenistan has no direct air links with any neighboring country. The restoration of flights with Uzbekistan was discussed in 2025 by presidents Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, but no specific timelines or routes have been announced since.

Some travel takes place via Azerbaijan. In the first two months of this year, more than 4,000 citizens of Turkmenistan entered the country. A significant share of these trips is related not to tourism but to obtaining European visas, as doing so from within Turkmenistan is more difficult. Meanwhile, discussions on transport cooperation between Ashgabat and Baku have focused mainly on cargo transportation.

The only notable change has been an increase in the number of flights between Ashgabat and Istanbul, driven by the foreign carrier Turkish Airlines.

09 Apr 2026

Home, Kyrgyzstan Lead Story, Uzbekistan Lead Story, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan International Affairs, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan International Affairs, Tajikistan, International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees, Uzbekistan International Affairs, Tajikistan Lead Story

Moldova Moves to Leave CIS as Post-Soviet Bloc Loses Another Member

April 9, 2026
By Andrei Matveev

Moldova’s parliament approved, in final reading on April 2, the country’s withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), with 60 deputies voting in favor. President Maia Sandu then promulgated the denunciation decrees, which were published in the Official Journal on April 8 and entered into force, with the Foreign Ministry set to notify the CIS. If Moldova’s withdrawal takes full legal effect after notification and the relevant notice period, eight CIS member states would remain: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The CIS was created immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union as a framework to manage the breakup and maintain post-Soviet cooperation among former republics. Moldova’s denunciation concerns a structure originally formed by 11 former Soviet states, not all 15 Soviet republics. Moldova’s exit further weakens the CIS politically, though the bloc will continue to exist if the remaining member states stay in place.

Moldova has already approved the denunciation of the 1991 Agreement on the Establishment of the CIS, the related Protocol, and the 1993 CIS Statute. The Moldovan authorities say the CIS’s core values and principles are no longer being respected, especially the recognition of territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. They cite Russia’s war against Ukraine, acts of aggression against Georgia, and the illegal military presence of Russian troops on Moldovan territory. Chisinau says the move is consistent with Moldova’s European path, while the European Union remains its main economic partner.

Economic ties with the Commonwealth have significantly declined: in 2025, CIS countries accounted for 5.9% of Moldova’s exports, while the European Union accounted for 67.5%.

Moldova’s final withdrawal from the CIS may not, therefore, come as a surprise to its other members. On January 19, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi announced the start of the process to denounce the three core CIS agreements underpinning Moldova’s membership.

“We are already in the process of getting approvals for the denunciation of three agreements with the CIS. They are the agreements that form the basis of our affiliation to the CIS, namely: the CIS Statute, the CIS Founding Agreement, and the Annex to this agreement,” Popșoi said. He added that this would mean Moldova was no longer a CIS member legally, while participation had already been suspended de facto.

Moldova set a course toward breaking its remaining ties with its Soviet past after the 2020 presidential elections, when new president, Maia Sandu, announced a path toward EU integration and refused to participate in CIS summits. Moldova has spent the past several years unwinding CIS-linked agreements. As of January 2026, Moldovan officials said the country had signed 283 CIS agreements, of which 71 had already been rescinded, and about 60 more were in process.

On December 12, 2025, Moldova’s parliament approved the denunciation of the 1992 Bishkek agreement on visa-free travel for CIS citizens. For Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and several other states, visa-free travel with Moldova remains in place under bilateral agreements. Moldovan authorities said the denunciation of the Bishkek agreement would affect only Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, which do not have similar bilateral arrangements with Moldova.

Ukraine, notably, was among the founding members of the CIS alongside Russia and Belarus. On December 7-8, 1991, in Viskuli, in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha on the territory of Soviet Belarus, Boris Yeltsin, Leonid Kravchuk, and Stanislav Shushkevich signed the agreement that formalized the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the creation of the CIS.

On December 13, a meeting of the presidents of five Central Asian states, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, took place in Ashgabat. The group issued a joint statement expressing readiness to join the CIS based on equal participation and recognition of all members as founders.

On December 21, in Almaty, the leaders of 11 former Soviet republics signed the Alma-Ata Declaration, which set out the CIS’s goals and principles and broadened the framework created earlier that month.

Post-Soviet integration began almost as soon as the Soviet Union collapsed, but it moved along more than one track. Alongside the CIS, Kazakhstan’s Nursultan Nazarbayev promoted deeper Eurasian economic integration, an effort that developed from the Customs Union into the Single Economic Space and then the Eurasian Economic Union. Armenia and Kyrgyzstan later joined that bloc, expanding a framework first built by Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus.

That makes Moldova’s withdrawal from the CIS part of a wider reordering rather than an isolated step. Armenia, meanwhile, has moved in a different political direction, with its parliament approving a law on launching the process of accession to the European Union in March 2025, even though the country remains a member of the EAEU. That does not amount to an Armenian exit from the EAEU, and it is too early to present it as one. But it does suggest that former Soviet states are no longer aligning around a single post-Soviet center of gravity.

09 Apr 2026

Justice, Kazakhstan Justice, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Announces Crackdown on Counterfeit Cellular Base Station Scheme

April 9, 2026
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM) has reported the dismantling of a cyber fraud scheme involving counterfeit cellular base stations. According to the agency, this is the first such case identified in the post-Soviet region. Authorities say the criminal group used the equipment to intercept data on a large scale and send phishing messages.

According to the AFM, the attackers used a special device, a so-called SMS blaster that imitated the operation of mobile operator base stations.

The device generated a strong signal within a radius of up to 300 meters, causing mobile phones to connect to it automatically and switch to a less secure network. This allowed the attackers to bypass operators’ security mechanisms.

After connecting, subscribers received fake SMS messages purportedly sent on behalf of well-known companies, offering the chance to redeem accumulated bonuses. Clicking the link led to phishing websites, where users were prompted to select products and then enter personal information, including phone number, full name, bank details, CVV code, and SMS confirmation codes. This enabled the attackers to access confidential information and funds.

According to the agency, the equipment was placed in vehicles and used while in motion to expand coverage and avoid detection.

The messages were sent primarily in crowded areas, such as markets and near shopping and entertainment centers. The devices’ technical capabilities allowed them to send up to 100,000 messages per hour, significantly increasing the potential scale of the fraud.

The operation to disrupt the group’s activities was carried out by the AFM under the coordination of the Prosecutor General’s Office, with the participation of cybersecurity specialists from a mobile operator.

The uncovered scheme comes amid a broader rise in telephone and internet fraud in Kazakhstan. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, nearly 85 million fraudulent calls were blocked in the country in 2025. At the same time, authorities are introducing additional regulatory measures, including mandatory biometric identification for mobile subscribers, aimed at strengthening efforts to combat digital crime.

09 Apr 2026

Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Kyrgyzstan Seeks to Increase Automobile Imports from China

April 9, 2026
By Sergey Kwan

On April 8, the National Investment Agency of Kyrgyzstan and A-CAR (Chuan Yi LLC) signed a memorandum on investment cooperation in the automotive industry, including the supply and sale of new Chinese cars in Kyrgyzstan and the development of service infrastructure.

The Chinese company plans to establish a dealer network and open an official representative office for Central Asia.

A-CAR supplies vehicles from leading Chinese and international brands and provides a full range of services, including technical maintenance, vehicle registration, and insurance.

A significant portion of vehicles imported from China to Kyrgyzstan are re-exported to Russia rather than remaining in the local market.

The duty-free regime for electric vehicles in Kyrgyzstan has significantly boosted imports of Chinese electric cars. As a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Kyrgyzstan benefits from an annual quota allowing the duty-free import of up to 15,000 electric vehicles.

Sergey Tselikov, director of Russian automotive analytics agency Autostat, wrote on his Telegram channel that Kyrgyzstan remains the second-largest import channel for new passenger cars into Russia after China. He said 84% of the new passenger cars imported through Kyrgyzstan were manufactured in China, including Chinese, European, and Japanese brands.

According to Autostat, Kyrgyzstan is the largest supplier of new passenger cars to Russia among EAEU member countries. In 2025, 53,600 new passenger cars were imported to Russia from Kyrgyzstan, followed by 17,100 cars from Belarus, 11,000 from Kazakhstan, and 344 from Armenia.

Kyrgyzstan is also seeking to collaborate with Chinese companies to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

In late March, Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibrayev visited China, where he held a series of meetings with energy and technology companies involved in EV infrastructure development. Negotiations focused on cooperation in energy infrastructure, including the development of EV charging stations and energy storage systems in Kyrgyzstan.

These initiatives align with government efforts to promote environmentally friendly transport and reduce air pollution in Bishkek and other major cities.

The number of EVs in Kyrgyzstan has been rising steadily, with more than 200 electric vehicles imported into the country daily under a value-added tax (VAT) exemption scheme, according to official figures.

Despite this growth, EVs still account for a small share of the country’s total vehicle fleet, about 0.8%, or approximately 15,200 vehicles, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision.

09 Apr 2026

Home, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan’s Logistics: Mukhtar Tolegen on Infrastructure and Reform

April 9, 2026
By Times of Central Asia

Kazakhstan has invested tens of billions of dollars in transport infrastructure in recent years and has positioned itself as a key transit link between Europe and Asia. Yet the country still ranks in the middle of the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI). Why have these large investments not produced a sharper improvement, and what reforms are needed to change that?

The Times of Central Asia spoke with Mukhtar Tolegen, executive director for transport logistics at the Union of Transport Workers of Kazakhstan, “KAZLOGISTICS.”

TCA: What is Kazakhstan’s current position in the LPI, and how has it changed?

Mukhtar: In the World Bank’s 2023 LPI ranking, Kazakhstan ranks 79th out of 139 countries, with an overall score of 2.7 on a five-point scale. This represents a decline from the previous ranking, when the country ranked 71st.

It’s important to note that the index’s methodology was updated in 2023. In addition to expert assessments, the calculation now includes real-world cargo tracking data, including GPS-based data. This made the ranking more objective and simultaneously increased competition between countries.

Despite its decline, Kazakhstan is demonstrating steady progress in a number of areas. This is primarily due to the development of transport infrastructure, the construction of new highways, the modernization of checkpoints, and the creation of transport and logistics centers.

Strengthening the country’s transit potential within international transport corridors, including the Middle Corridor, the North-South Corridor, and the China-Kazakhstan-Europe route, is also playing a significant role.

At the same time, digitalization of logistics is rapidly advancing, including electronic customs solutions, cargo tracking systems, and other technological tools.

An additional driver is the growing interest of international investors, including in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.

TCA: How does a country’s position in the ranking affect its economy and investment attractiveness?

Mukhtar: The LPI index is not simply a reflection of the state of the logistics system, but an important indicator of a country’s economic competitiveness. The higher a country’s ranking, the lower its logistics costs for exports and imports, the faster cargo flows across borders, and the higher the level of trust among international partners and investors.

Low scores, on the other hand, indicate bottlenecks, for example, in customs procedures or infrastructure. Under such conditions, large international companies may choose alternative routes, which reduces the country’s transit potential.

Thus, the LPI serves as a tool that directly influences the development of international trade, investment attractiveness, and the country’s strategic position in the global market.

TCA: In which index components is Kazakhstan showing progress, and where are challenges remaining?

Mukhtar: The LPI index is based on six key components, and the dynamics of these components in Kazakhstan remain uneven.

Quality of Infrastructure

Steady progress is being observed here, driven by large-scale investments in the transport system. The modernization of the Dostyk-Moiynty railway section has significantly increased the capacity of the Kazakhstan-China route. Projects are underway to build new lines, including a bypass of Almaty, as well as the Moiynty-Kyzylzhar, Darbaza-Maktaaral, and Ayagoz-Bakhty routes.

At the same time, the Aktau and Kuryk seaports are being modernized, container terminals are being developed, and the road network is being upgraded. In 2025 alone, over 13,000 kilometers of roads were built and repaired.

Customs Efficiency

Despite the introduction of electronic systems, this component remains under development. Bureaucratic procedures and delays at the border continue to have a negative impact. In response, the government is expanding digital solutions, but further process simplification and integration with international standards are required.

Cargo Tracking

Notable progress has been observed here thanks to the implementation of digital technologies. The use of GPS monitoring and route management systems increases the transparency of supply chains and enables the prompt identification of problem areas.

On-Time Delivery

The dynamics remain mixed. Delivery times are decreasing on key transit routes, but bottlenecks at the junctions of transport systems and dependence on external operators continue to hinder overall progress.

Competence of Logistics Services

Gradual improvement is being observed due to the development of educational programs, the attraction of international players, and the implementation of modern supply chain management standards.

Organization of International Transportation

There is positive momentum, particularly on the Asia-Europe route via the Middle Corridor. The development of multimodal transportation and international cooperation increases the stability of supply chains but requires further coordination and infrastructure integration.

TCA: What initiatives does the KAZLOGISTICS Union propose to improve the situation?

Mukhtar: The Kazakhstan Transport Workers’ Union has been implementing a systematic approach to industry development. Since 2016, two-year action plans to improve LPI indicators have been approved in conjunction with government agencies.

One of the key tools is border and checkpoint timekeeping, which has been conducted since 2014. This allows us to identify real delays and formulate practical recommendations.

Additionally, the Domestic LPI study is conducted annually, assessing the country’s domestic logistics system.

Priority areas include developing container shipping between China and Europe, reducing railcar downtime, modernizing infrastructure, digitalizing processes, developing multimodal transportation, simplifying administrative procedures, and training personnel.

These measures are aimed at eliminating systemic barriers and strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as a transit hub for Eurasia.

TCA: How has the $35 billion investment impacted industry development?

Mukhtar: Investments in the transport industry over the past 15 years have created a modern infrastructure foundation. Key transport hubs, roads, ports, and logistics centers have been modernized.

This has led to increased speed and reliability of transportation, the development of multimodal routes, and increased containerization. As a result, Kazakhstan’s role as a transit hub between Europe and Asia has strengthened.

Today, these investments are laying the foundation for further growth of the LPI through digitalization, improved quality of logistics services, and the development of human capital.

TCA: What are the key constraints hindering growth in the ranking?

Mukhtar: Currently, our main efforts are focused on several areas: further digitalization of customs and border procedures, development of multimodal and container transportation, optimization of key transit routes, improving the competencies of logistics operators, and the use of analytical tools, including the LPI, for industry management.

These objectives reflect current growth areas and define the agenda for future reforms.

TCA: When is the next ranking expected, and what are the forecasts?

Mukhtar: The World Bank typically publishes the LPI every two to three years. Given the current dynamics, Kazakhstan has the potential to improve its position through infrastructure development, increased container shipping, and deeper digitalization. However, the final outcome will depend both on domestic reforms and the pace of development in other countries.