The Times Of Central Asia | Eurasian Publication & News Online

The head of the Presidium of the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan (ASMAR), Lazzat Ramazanova, who currently chairs the Council of Women Entrepreneurs of Turkic States, has reported on the development of a single digital ecosystem for business in the five countries which form the Organization of Turkic...

Transport cooperation

Kazakhstan, Hungary, and China Establish Cargo Terminal in Budapest

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ, Kazakhstan’s national railway company), L.A.C. Holding (Hungary), and Xi'an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd (China) have signed a memorandum to establish a joint inter-modal cargo terminal in Budapest. The document was signed on November 20 as part of the state visit of Kazakhstan's...

Music

A Synthesis of Sounds: How the Silk Road Became the Melting Pot of Music in the Soviet Empire

Russia's War

War in Ukraine: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Tell Citizens to Step Up Safety

Some Central Asian countries are urging their nationals to consider leaving Ukraine as the war with Russian forces escalates there. “Due to the increased frequency of artillery shelling and airstrikes in Ukraine, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Ukraine strongly advises its citizens to consider leaving areas close...

Sunkar Podcast

Kazakhstan’s Return to Nuclear Power

00:00 / 00:00

Special Coverage Kazakhstan Referendum on Nuclear Energy

Opinions

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

Central Asians Beaten and Deported from Russia

Bruce Pannier

Balancing Regional Integration Amid Global Rivalries

Nikola Mikovic

Olympic Success Nudges Central Asians Closer Together in Paris

Times of Central Asia

Business & Economy

COP29

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan Stand Out at COP29

The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku from November 11–22, 2024, has underscored the critical role of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in advancing Caspian Sea regional energy transitions. Both countries leveraged their positions along the Middle Corridor to present ambitious renewable and nuclear energy strategies. Azerbaijan: Renewables and the Middle Corridor Azerbaijan, the host and chair of COP29, has positioned itself as a renewable energy connector between Central Asia and Europe. Its energy strategy reflects a pragmatic approach to transitioning from hydrocarbons, which accounted for 88% of government revenues in 2023, to a diversified portfolio incorporating...

Finance

Tajikistan’s External Debt Reaches $3.25 Billion

Education

Redefining Work and Innovation: The Impact of AI and Its Rise in Kazakhstan

Digitalization

Kazakh AI Startup Enters U.S. and Japanese Transportation Markets

Organization of Turkic States

Empowering Trade and Women Entrepreneurs: Kazakhstan’s Digital Leap for the Turkic States

Diplomacy

Repeal of Jackson-Vanik Amendment for Kazakhstan Discussed in Washington

On November 19, the U.S. Congress hosted a discussion on repealing the Jackson-Vanik Amendment as it pertains to Kazakhstan. The event brought together members of Congress, officials from the U.S. State Department, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the United States, Yerzhan Ashikbaev, and representatives from business and expert communities. A Cold War-era provision, the Jackson-Vanik Amendment to the 1974 Trade Act denied the U.S. normal trade relations with non-market economies — primarily countries in the former Soviet bloc — that restricted emigration for Jewish and other minority populations or violated human rights. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ashikbaev underscored the importance of repealing...

Migration

More Than 70,000 Kyrgyz Citizens Violate Russian Migration Laws

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan has reported that 71,949 Kyrgyz citizens working in Russia are at risk due to potential violations of Russian migration laws. According to the ministry, the individuals at risk are those for whom the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs’ database lacks information regarding the conclusion of labor or civil law contracts, fingerprint registration, medical examinations, or migration registration. “For citizens with valid documents confirming legal residence in the Russian Federation, it is necessary to visit the territorial migration departments of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs and provide these documents to be included in...

Middle Corridor

Dredging Project in Kazakhstan’s Kuryk Port Completed

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the country’s national railway company, has announced the early completion of dredging works at the Caspian Sea port of Kuryk. The project was completed by its general contractor, Jan De Nul Kazakhstan LLP, in just four months. The dredging operation involved removing over 990,000 cubic meters of soil from the port’s seabed using the Vesalius, the most powerful dredger in the Caspian Sea. As a result, the water depth in the port’s operational area and approach channel has been increased to 7–8 meters. This enhancement allows for an increased draft of vessels entering the port, enabling them...

Oil & Gas

Central Asia-China Pipeline Delivers 500 Billion Cubic Meters of Gas

For over 14 years, the China-Central Asia Gas Pipeline has been a vital conduit for clean energy, delivering more than 500 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China, according to a report by Xinhua, citing the West Pipeline Company of the Chinese PipeChina Corporation. The Khorgos gas compressor station, a critical component of the pipeline, serves as the primary entry point for Central Asian gas into China. Known as the “head station” and the “heart” of China's second and third lines of the West-to-East Gas Pipeline, the station plays a pivotal role in the system's operation. Since its commissioning in...

Local Politics

Finance

Tajikistan’s External Debt Reaches $3.25 Billion

As of October 1, Tajikistan’s external debt stood at $3.25 billion, according to a report by Asia-Plus citing the Ministry of Finance. This represents a modest 0.2% increase, or $7.1 million, compared to January 1. Approximately 96% of the debt comprises direct government debt, incurred to meet state obligations, while $138.8 million is under state guarantees. Tajikistan’s external debt-to-GDP ratio is 27%, which is considered a favorable level. The largest creditors include the World Bank ($370 million), the Asian Development Bank ($260 million), the Islamic Development Bank ($212 million), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ($167 million). A significant...

Education

Uzbekistan to Create ‘Schools of Courage’ for Pre-Conscription Training

Oil & Gas

Central Asia-China Pipeline Delivers 500 Billion Cubic Meters of Gas

Sanctions

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador: Kazakh Companies Do Not Want To Be Under Sanctions

Rogun HPP

Kazakhstan to Begin Purchasing Electricity from Rogun HPP

Migration

More Than 70,000 Kyrgyz Citizens Violate Russian Migration Laws

Legislation

Kyrgyzstan Offers Digital Nomad Status to Foreign Specialists

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov has signed legislative amendments introducing the status of Digital Nomad for foreign citizens working in information and communication technologies (ICT), software development, creative industries, and related areas. Digital Nomads are exempt from mandatory registration at their place of domicile in Kyrgyzstan, can obtain a personal identification number (PIN), do not need to obtain permits for work, enjoy the right to engage in entrepreneurial activity as an individual entrepreneur or a legal entity, and are allowed to open bank accounts. According to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, which spearheaded the amendments, this initiative aims to create...

Digitization

AI Facial Recognition System Being Tested in Two Cities in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has launched a national video monitoring system powered by artificial intelligence technologies. The project, developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Security Committee, and the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, aims to enhance surveillance capabilities across key locations in the country. The system is designed to recognize faces, detect abandoned objects, capture offenses, and identify vehicles by make, model, and color. Critical sites such as railway stations, airports, hotels, streets, intersections, and shopping malls are priority areas for implementation. During the World Nomad Games in Astana, the technology was reportedly instrumental in locating lost...

Education

Turkmenistan Unveils New English Textbook for 11th Grade Students

A new English language textbook for 11th-grade students has been introduced in Turkmenistan’s general education schools. According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the textbook incorporates modern didactic principles and advanced teaching methods to enhance students' reading, writing, and speaking skills. It aligns with the national curriculum, providing students with improved opportunities to communicate effectively in English. The release of this textbook is part of Turkmenistan’s broader effort to modernize its education system. A key component of this effort is the Concept for Improving Foreign Language Education in Turkmenistan, a policy focused on integrating language learning at all educational...

International Affairs

Diplomacy

Repeal of Jackson-Vanik Amendment for Kazakhstan Discussed in Washington

Finance

Tajikistan’s External Debt Reaches $3.25 Billion

Middle Corridor

Dredging Project in Kazakhstan’s Kuryk Port Completed

Legislation

Kyrgyzstan Offers Digital Nomad Status to Foreign Specialists

Organization of Turkic States

Empowering Trade and Women Entrepreneurs: Kazakhstan’s Digital Leap for the Turkic States

Russia's War

Kazakhstan on Alert as War in Ukraine Escalates

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed his government to take urgent steps to safeguard key military and civilian facilities because of escalating hostilities in Ukraine, which has been fighting Russian forces since they launched a full-scale invasion in early 2022. Tokayev ordered the prime minister, the presidential chief of staff, security chiefs and regional governors “to ensure the security” of the facilities, presidential press secretary Berik Uali said on Facebook on Thursday. Uali’s message did not include any details about the security steps that were being taken. Parliamentary leaders were notified of the measures, according to Uali. “The President is...

Migration

More Than 70,000 Kyrgyz Citizens Violate Russian Migration Laws

Digitalization

Kazakh AI Startup Enters U.S. and Japanese Transportation Markets

Astana-based startup Call2action.ai, a resident of the Astana Hub International Technology Park, is making strides in the US market. Currently, over 40 transportation companies in the United States have expressed an interest in the startup’s product. Two companies have already become commercial clients, and three others are engaged in pilot projects. Call2action.ai has developed the world’s first SaaS solution based on Generative Artificial Intelligence for automating hiring in the transportation and logistics sectors. This innovative platform streamlines the hiring process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Following the successful validation of its project hypotheses, Call2action.ai has launched an investment round...

Oil & Gas

Central Asia-China Pipeline Delivers 500 Billion Cubic Meters of Gas

Life & Culture

Education

Redefining Work and Innovation: The Impact of AI and Its Rise in Kazakhstan

Will artificial intelligence be able to replace humans? What professions will disappear in the future, and will mankind face an “aggressive” neural network? Aigerim Abdenbayeva, head of educational programs at the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) at Nazarbayev University (NU), answers these questions and discusses how AI is developing in Kazakhstan. TCA: Most people have heard the term “artificial intelligence” in one way or another, but only a small proportion know about the practical possibilities of AI. In your view, what is artificial intelligence? Artificial intelligence can be characterized as the ability of machines to perform tasks...

Obituary

Former Uzbek Diplomat, Jailed In Case Criticized by UN, Dies at 73

Society

Unified Digital Health System to Transform Kyrgyzstan’s Healthcare

Art and Culture

Six Key Names in the Music of Kazakhstan

Culture

Asia Now Creating a Market for Central Asian Art in Paris

Silk Road Treasures

Ninety One: Revolutionizing Kazakh Music and Fighting Stereotypes

Ninety One revolutionized Kazakhstani pop music by pioneering the Q-pop genre. With their vivid images, deep lyrics and courage in expressing themselves openly. They broke gender stereotypes and inspired a new generation of artists. How it started Ninety One were founded in 2014, based on the "K-Top Idols" project, which sought to create Kazakhstan's first idol group. Initially, the jury selected two participants: A.Z. (Azamat Zenkaev) and Zaq (Dulat Mukhamedkaliev). Later, after additional auditions, they were joined by Bala (Daniyar Kulumshin) and Alem (Batyrkhan Malikov). The fifth member was Ace (Azamat Ashmakyn). The producer of the group, Yerbolat Bedelkhan, sought...

Music

A Synthesis of Sounds: How the Silk Road Became the Melting Pot of Music in the Soviet Empire

As a DJ, radio podcaster and music enthusiast, I love discovering hidden retro gems like Nuggets-style compilations. There is an unspoken agreement on an era’s sounds depending on the artist’s breaking into the mainstream at the time. Then there are the obscure cuts and one hit wonders that for some reason didn’t make it big upon release, but dated well or were ahead of their time and found an audience at a later date. On other occasions, it’s about geography; if it had been premiered in a different part of the world, it would have been successful or far more...

Education

Turkmenistan and UK Strengthen Cooperation in Education

The Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan hosted a meeting between Deputy Minister Azat Ataev and Sarah Chidgey, Regional Export Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, to discuss prospects for educational cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UK. Ms. Chidgey shared insights into the UK's experience in delivering quality education, citing successful examples in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where British universities, such as the University of Westminster, have actively sought to expand partnerships. During the meeting, the participants explored opportunities for British universities to offer educational services in Turkmenistan, including the accreditation of academic institutions to enhance secondary and higher education. Chidgey announced...

Legislation

Kazakhstan Sports Anticipates Influx of Russian and Belarusian Athletes

Kazakhstan's lower house of parliament, the Mazhilis, has approved in its first reading a bill on physical culture and sports that would ban the funding of foreign athletes (legionnaires) from the state budget and national companies with government stakes. However, even if this bill is enacted, Kazakh sports teams will retain a legal avenue to invite athletes from Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries using public funds. For the first time, Kazakhstan’s national legislature is proposing a provision prohibiting the use of state funds to finance athletes who are not citizens of Kazakhstan, with the goal of prioritizing Kazakh athletes in...

Justice

Obituary

Former Uzbek Diplomat, Jailed In Case Criticized by UN, Dies at 73

Kadyr Yusupov, a former Uzbek diplomat with a distinguished career who was convicted of treason and jailed in a case that the United Nations said had violated his rights, has died at the age of 73, an international human rights group said on Thursday. Yusupov, who died on Nov. 14, was released from jail on June 10 after being imprisoned for five and a half years and suffering alleged torture and “deplorable” conditions during some of that time, according to the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. While Uzbek officials denied the torture allegations, the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded in...

Digitization

AI Facial Recognition System Being Tested in Two Cities in Kazakhstan

Migrants

Russian Interior Minister Reports Drop in Crimes Linked to Tajik Citizens

Human Rights

Tajik MMA Fighter Chorshanbiev, Imprisoned For Criticizing Authorities, Faces New Charges

Rule of law

Out With the Old and in With the New: From Politicians to Felons – Part Two

Crocus City Hall Terrorist Attack

Charges Reclassified for Defendants in Crocus Terror Attack Case

The charges against the four defendants in the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack case have been reclassified, lawyer Alexander Yarin has told Russia's state-owned TASS news agency. “Aminchon and Dilovar Islomov, their father Isroil Islomov, and Alisher Kasimov are now charged under Part 3 of Article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code,” Yarin stated. Previously, the defendants were charged under paragraph “b” of Part 3 of Article 205 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to a terrorist act resulting in a fatality. The updated charges now reflect involvement in actions that facilitated the commission of a terrorist act. As previously...

Afghanistan

Chinese Foreign Ministry Condemns Attack on Tajik-Afghan Border That Killed a Chinese Citizen

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed the death of one Chinese citizen and the injury of four others following an attack near the Tajik-Afghan border. The incident, which occurred on November 18, targeted a camp operated by a private Chinese company on the Tajik side of the border. “China strongly condemns this brutal attack, expresses deep sorrow for the victims, and extends sincere condolences to the families of the victims,” stated the ministry. A working group from the Chinese Embassy in Dushanbe has arrived at the site to provide assistance and coordinate further actions. Rising Security Concerns Chinese companies, particularly...

Tajik-Afghan Border

One Person Killed, Five Wounded in Incident on the Tajik-Afghan Border

On the night of November 18, an attack occurred on the Tajik-Afghan border in Zarbuz Gorge, Shamsiddin Shokhin District, resulting in the death of a Chinese citizen and injuries to five others, including four Chinese nationals and a local resident. The incident was reported by Radio Ozodi, citing sources familiar with the situation. Tajik officials have not yet issued a statement on the matter. Details of the Attack According to sources, the attack originated from the Afghan side of the border, though it remains unclear whether the perpetrators were drug smugglers or militants. The injured were transported to the Shamsiddin...

Legislation

Uzbekistan Enacts Law on “Undesirable” Foreigners

On November 15 a new law regulating foreign citizens deemed "undesirable" came into effect in Uzbekistan. The government claims that the strict measures, previously reported on by The Times of Central Asia in June, are aimed at safeguarding the country’s "sovereignty, security, and unity". The legislative process began on June 25 when Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) approved amendments to the law on the legal status of foreign citizens and stateless persons. These amendments introduced the concept of “undesirable elements” among foreign nationals. The Senate subsequently approved the legislation on September 21, paving the way for its...

Environment

COP29

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan Stand Out at COP29

Climate Change

Caspian Sea Water Decline Requires Urgent Action, Says UNEP Chief

Climate Change

Climate Crisis in Central Asia: Kyrgyz Geologist Spells Out Threat of Disappearing Glaciers

Ecology

Scientists Investigate Deaths of 1,000 Caspian Sea Seals

Loans & Grants

Bishkek Secures Multi-Million Dollar Grants at COP29 Conference in Baku

Water Management

EBRD Supports Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Northern Kyrgyzstan

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a financial package of up to €17 million to upgrade water infrastructure in three cities in northern Kyrgyzstan. The funding includes a loan of up to €7.6 million and a matching grant. The funds will be used to modernize water supply networks, upgrade pumping stations, install water meters in Kemin and Shopokov, and restore wastewater treatment and sewerage systems in Talas. In addition to the financial package, the projects will receive a technical cooperation grant of up to €1.8 million. This grant will support the implementation process and the corporate...

Carbon Emission

Kazakhstan to Plant Forests to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions

On November 18, the British company SEFE Marketing & Trading Ltd. and Kazakhstan’s SAFC LLP signed an emission removal purchase agreement, marking the launch of the country’s first forest climate project. The project aims to plant 3.3 million trees across 1,500 hectares in the Almaty region. According to forecasts, the initiative will achieve an average annual reduction of 26 tons of CO₂ per hectare. Over the 30-year project period, this is expected to remove 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Additionally, the project is designed to promote agroforestry, ecotourism, and job creation in the region. During a...

Energy Infrastructure

Saudi Arabia to Build Electricity Storage Systems in Uzbekistan

Saudi company ACWA Power has signed an agreement with Uzbekistan to construct electricity storage systems with a total capacity of 2,000 MWh. The agreement was formalized during the COP-29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. Under the agreement, ACWA Power will collaborate with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy to develop energy storage systems across the country. The implementation will be based on a comprehensive analysis of the national grid’s condition. The project will begin with feasibility studies to determine the most suitable regions for phased deployment. The initiative is estimated to cost $1.1 billion and is expected to create over 1,000 jobs...

Sustainable Development

Fueling Growth: IFC Strategic Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Central Asia – An Interview With Hela Cheikhrouhou

With its headquarters in Washington, D.C. the International Finance Corporation (IFC) was established in 1956 as the private-sector arm of the World Bank. The institution offers advisory, and asset-management services to promote investment in developing countries. Recent ventures in Central Asia include solar power projects in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, and an entrepreneurship scheme for women and young people in Tajikistan. TCA spoke with Hela Cheikhrouhou, IFC Vice President for the Middle East, Central Asia, Türkiye, Afghanistan, and Pakistan about the IFC’s work in Central Asia. TCA: Can you please give us an overview of IFC's performance in Central Asia for fiscal year 2024 (July...

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan Stand Out at COP29

Latest

Features

Features

Sunkar Podcast

Latest

Sunkar Podcast

Opinions

Opinions

Nikola Mikovic

Dr. Elkhan Nuriyev

Eldaniz Gusseinov

Nikola Mikovic

Nikola Mikovic

Aidar Borangaziyev

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Nikola Mikovic

Irakli Chikhladze

Bruce Pannier

Nikola Mikovic

Times of Central Asia

Business & Economy

Business & Economy

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan Stand Out at COP29

Repeal of Jackson-Vanik Amendment for Kazakhstan Discussed in Washington

More Than 70,000 Kyrgyz Citizens Violate Russian Migration Laws

Dredging Project in Kazakhstan’s Kuryk Port Completed

Central Asia-China Pipeline Delivers 500 Billion Cubic Meters of Gas

Local Politics

Local Politics

Tajikistan’s External Debt Reaches $3.25 Billion

More Than 70,000 Kyrgyz Citizens Violate Russian Migration Laws

Kyrgyzstan Offers Digital Nomad Status to Foreign Specialists

AI Facial Recognition System Being Tested in Two Cities in Kazakhstan

Turkmenistan Unveils New English Textbook for 11th Grade Students

International Affairs

International Affairs

Repeal of Jackson-Vanik Amendment for Kazakhstan Discussed in Washington

Kazakhstan on Alert as War in Ukraine Escalates

More Than 70,000 Kyrgyz Citizens Violate Russian Migration Laws

Kazakh AI Startup Enters U.S. and Japanese Transportation Markets

Central Asia-China Pipeline Delivers 500 Billion Cubic Meters of Gas

Life & Culture

Life & Culture

Redefining Work and Innovation: The Impact of AI and Its Rise in Kazakhstan

Ninety One: Revolutionizing Kazakh Music and Fighting Stereotypes

A Synthesis of Sounds: How the Silk Road Became the Melting Pot of Music in the Soviet Empire

Turkmenistan and UK Strengthen Cooperation in Education

Kazakhstan Sports Anticipates Influx of Russian and Belarusian Athletes

Justice

Justice

Former Uzbek Diplomat, Jailed In Case Criticized by UN, Dies at 73