The Times Of Central Asia | Eurasian Publication & News Online

Uranium One Group, a subsidiary of State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom. has announced its withdrawal from uranium projects in Kazakhstan. This decision coincides with Kazakhstan’s ongoing selection of operators for a consortium tasked with constructing the country’s first nuclear power plant. According to Kazatomprom (KAP), Uranium One Group has sold...

Konibodom

Fear Returns to Tajikistan’s Konibodom Area

Energy

Central Asia’s Role in Europe’s Energy Future: Insights from Samuel Doveri Vesterbye

The Times of Central Asia sat down with Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, Director of European Neighbourhood Council, a research organization funded by the EU and by Member States, to discuss prospects for the further development of the EU's relations with Central Asia. TCA: How significant is Central Asia for Europe's energy...

Global Diplomacy

Kazakhstan Offers Neutral Ground for Peace Talks, Says Deputy Minister Vassilenko

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Roman Vassilenko, has expressed hope for ending global conflicts, reiterating Kazakhstan's readiness to provide a platform for dialogue. Vasilenko made the remarks at the World Policy Conference held in Abu Dhabi. “I am an optimist by nature and hope that wars will stop. This...

Middle Powers

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

Tourism

Uzbekistan Welcomes 6.5 Million Tourists in 10 Months of 2024, With China Leading Growth Outside CIS

Uzbekistan’s tourism industry is thriving, with 6.5 million foreign visitors from January to October 2024, fueled by a 17.2% year-on-year increase, or 951,300 more visitors compared to the same period last year. Among these tourists, 57,700 were from China, marking a 63.1% rise and making China the leading source of...

Politics

Central Asia, a Possible Winner in Regional Reshuffle Over Syria

There has been talk about who’s up and who’s down since the Syrian rebel offensive that ousted President Bashar Assad this month. Central Asia might end up as a winner on the geopolitical scorecard, according to one theory. For Syrians, the future depends on whether the country can stabilize under...

Energy

Uzbekistan Energizes Growth with $7 Billion in New Energy Projects

On December 13, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inaugurated operations for 18 new energy facilities and launched the construction of six additional projects. Together, the 24 initiatives represent an investment of over $7 billion. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for Uzbekistan’s energy sector, connecting the national power grid to five...

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

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

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

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

Business & Economy

Rogun HPP

Rivers Without Boundaries Coalition Criticizes Rogun HPP Plans

Rivers Without Boundaries, an international environmental organization, has released a detailed report analyzing alternative strategies for completing the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) in Tajikistan. This report has been submitted for review to the World Bank Board of Directors. The report highlights the importance of exploring alternative energy development options in Tajikistan before committing to the $6.4 billion Rogun HPP project. The coalition advocates for solutions that minimize environmental and social risks while maximizing long-term benefits for the region. Environmentalists caution that even if the World Bank approves the construction of the world's tallest dam, standing at 335 meters, many...

tourism industry

Former Son-in-Law of Azerbaijan’s President to Build Tourist Center in Uzbekistan

Economic Growth

Uzbekistan’s Economic Transformation and Future Goals Take Center Stage

Tax

Kazakhstan’s Mining Association Proposes Reforming Mineral Extraction Tax

TAPI

Turkmenistan and Afghanistan to Accelerate TAPI Gas Pipeline Project

international tourism

Uzbekistan Named Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024

Uzbekistan emerged as the Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024. For the 23rd year, Wanderlust Travel magazine has invited readers to select their favorite destinations for its annual Reader Travel Awards. This year, 168,000 readers cast more than three million votes across 22 categories recognizing top destinations, tour operators, and tourism brands. Renowned for its Silk Road heritage, Uzbekistan offers a unique blend of historical and natural attractions. The Wanderlust report highlighted the country’s ancient cities, including Samarkand and Bukhara, as “remarkable time capsules” with Islamic architecture and bustling bazaars. Samarkand’s Registan Square was described as "unmissable." The report also...

Agricultural Produce

Kazakhstan Plans to Launch Olive Oil Production by 2030

Kazakhstan is set to launch its first olive oil production plant by 2030, marking a significant step in introducing olive cultivation to the country. The Ministry of Agriculture announced that QVM Technology is spearheading the ambitious project in partnership with local and international collaborators. In 2023, QVM Technology joined forces with Ordabasy Group, Ervira (Kazakhstan), and Georgia's Olive Georgia to undertake experimental olive tree planting in the Zhetysu, Turkestan, and Mangistau regions of Kazakhstan. The initial planting involved 6,080 saplings, boasting a remarkable 99.7% survival rate. The first harvest from these trees is anticipated in five years. In the spring...

Economic Cooperation

Turkmenistan and U.S. Representatives Explore Prospects for Economic Partnership

A Turkmen-American business forum was held in Ashgabat to discuss opportunities for expanding economic cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States. The event brought together a delegation of American business leaders led by Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the Turkmen-American Business Council. In their remarks, representatives from both sides emphasized the friendly and cooperative nature of Turkmen-American relations, reaffirming their commitment to deepening ties based on mutual benefit. Turkmenistan, focused on economic diversification and the adoption of advanced technologies, expressed readiness to support U.S. companies in establishing and expanding operations in the Turkmen market. It was highlighted that Turkmenistan offers...

Poverty

World Bank Report Highlights Poverty and Inequality Challenges in Kazakhstan

The World Bank has released its Kazakhstan Poverty and Equity Assessment 2024, urging policymakers to adopt pro-poor fiscal policies, improve education quality, and enhance climate resilience to address poverty and inequality in the country. According to the report, Kazakhstan’s poverty reduction has slowed in recent years despite significant progress since the early 2000s. “Between 2006 and 2021, economic advancement significantly improved living standards and reduced poverty rates in Kazakhstan. However, economic growth has slowed since 2014, and the pace of poverty reduction has fallen. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the need for resilient and inclusive economic strategies presented...

Local Politics

Legislation

Kazakhstan Updates Rules for Installing Monuments and Memorials

New regulations governing the installation of monumental art structures have come into effect in Kazakhstan, following an order issued by the Ministry of Culture and Information. The updated rules delegate the responsibility for organizing monument installations to local executive bodies in oblasts, cities of republican significance, and the capital. Funding for these projects may come from local budgets or other sources permitted under Kazakh law. Monuments and busts can only be erected in honor of exceptional individuals or to commemorate significant historical events. Such proposals must be approved by a resolution from the Government of Kazakhstan. The regulations also specify...

Poverty

World Bank Report Highlights Poverty and Inequality Challenges in Kazakhstan

International Finance

AIIB Approves $250 Million to Support Uzbekistan’s Climate Transition

Energy Security

Afghanistan’s Electricity Restored Following Supply Issues from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Government

Akylbek Japarov Dismissed as Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet Chief

Tax

Kazakhstan’s Mining Association Proposes Reforming Mineral Extraction Tax

Aibar Dautov, head of Kazakhstan's Mining Industry Association, has called for reforms to the procedure for calculating the mineral extraction tax (MET) to boost budget revenues from oil and solid minerals. Speaking at the Astana Open Dialogue during discussions on the new tax code, Dautov noted that Kazakhstan currently employs ten different MET rates for crude oil taxation. These rates are determined based on two key factors: the price of oil at the time of sale and the annual production volume at a given field. The current tax structure is divided into the following production thresholds: 5% tax for annual...

TAPI

Turkmenistan and Afghanistan to Accelerate TAPI Gas Pipeline Project

During a working visit to Afghanistan on December 15, Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, met with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, to review the progress of major energy, transport, and infrastructure projects involving Turkmenistan in Afghanistan, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry reported. The ministers inspected the ongoing construction of the Afghan section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) natural gas pipeline and agreed to accelerate its implementation, according to TOLOnews. Turkmenistan has already completed its section of the TAPI pipeline, designed to transport 33 billion cubic meters of Turkmen natural gas annually to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The $10...

Energy Security

Kyrgyzstan Faces Electricity Deficit of 3.9 Billion Kilowatt-Hours

Kyrgyzstan is grappling with an electricity deficit of 3.9 billion kilowatt-hours as authorities struggle to resolve recurring winter energy shortages despite the construction of new hydroelectric power plants and electricity imports from neighboring countries. President Sadyr Japarov addressed the issue in a recent interview with the state news agency. Japarov acknowledged that the electricity shortfall remains unresolved, attributing it to the growing demand driven by an increasing number of social and infrastructure projects. “Our electricity is cheap. At a production cost of 2.7 Kyrgyz som (KGS) [approximately $0.031] per kilowatt-hour, consumers purchase it for 1.1 KGS. Additionally, under the Family...

Politics

Marked by Tragedy: Why Kazakhstan’s Independence Day Is a Day of Reflection

On December 16, Kazakhstan marks Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Law on Independence and State Sovereignty of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 1991. Until 2022, the country observed this holiday over two days - December 16 and 17 - but recent legislative changes have reduced the celebration to a single day. The amendments to the Law on Holidays in the Republic of Kazakhstan, adopted in September 2022, redefined the country’s official holidays. Republic Day on October 25 regained its national holiday status, while December 1 - Day of the First President - was removed as a public holiday....

International Affairs

Rogun HPP

Rivers Without Boundaries Coalition Criticizes Rogun HPP Plans

Migration

Afghan Migration Committee Urges Tajikistan to Halt Refugee Deportations

Nuclear Energy

Rosatom Exits Key Uranium Ventures in Kazakhstan Amid Strategic Shifts

Global Diplomacy

Kazakhstan Offers Neutral Ground for Peace Talks, Says Deputy Minister Vassilenko

Think Tanks

U.S., Uzbek Think Tanks Agree to Work Together

international tourism

Uzbekistan Named Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024

Migration

Killing of Russian General Kirillov: Arrest of Uzbek Suspect Raises Fears Among Central Asians

In the early hours of Tuesday, December 17, an explosion occurred at the entrance of an apartment building in a modest Moscow district, killing two people: Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant. Kirillov, the head of the Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defense (RCBD) troops of the Russian Armed Forces, was widely known for his claims about alleged Pentagon bio-laboratories in Ukraine and other Eurasian countries, including Kazakhstan. A briefing by Kirillov had reportedly been scheduled for later that day. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a suspect: a 1995-born citizen of Uzbekistan. According to the...

Economic Cooperation

Turkmenistan and U.S. Representatives Explore Prospects for Economic Partnership

Middle Powers

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

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are driving Central Asia’s global significance. Together, they are turning Central Asia into a strategic middle-power hub. The two countries increasingly act as central nodes in a region key to global supply chains and, inevitably, geopolitical competition. However, they are not merely reactive to changes around them, but are highly dynamic. What does it mean to say that the region is emerging as a strategic middle-power "hub"? The notion of a hub extends beyond the national profiles of the two principals, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, to include the aggregation of collective influence. Central Asia is recognized as a...

Life & Culture

Emergencies

Lions Kill Guard at Tashkent Area Zoo

Three lions escaped from their enclosure at a zoo in the Tashkent area and killed a guard, according to Uzbek media reports. Staff at the private Lion Park zoo in Parkent district were able to get two of the lions back into the cage area, but one of the lions was shot and killed. The incident happened early Tuesday, reported the Gazeta.uz media outlet. It attributed the information to Khayot Shamsutdinov, press secretary of the prosecutor general's office in Uzbekistan. The media organization said the lions were able to escape because a cage door had been left open. The man...

tourism industry

Former Son-in-Law of Azerbaijan’s President to Build Tourist Center in Uzbekistan

Tourism

New Train Connects Astana and Borovoye Resort in Kazakhstan

Tourism

Citizens of Turkmenistan Can Apply for Simplified Entry to Russia

Tourism

Second Train Tour Launched Between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

international tourism

Uzbekistan Named Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024

Emergencies

Gas Station Explosion in Uzbekistan Kills One Person; Safety Failure Blamed

An explosion and a fire at a gas station in Uzbekistan has killed one person and injured four others. The explosion on Tuesday occurred in the city of Fergana “during the discharge of liquefied gas due to a violation of technological processes and non-compliance with technical safety regulations,” the emergency department of the Fergana region said in a statement. Firefighters arrived at the scene at 1:47 p.m. and the fire was completely extinguished by 2:12 p.m., the department said. In addition to the casualties, another eight people were under medical supervision, it said. Images posted on social media show sheets...

Government

Government Approval Becomes Mandatory for New Mosques in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz government has introduced a new regulation requiring government approval for the construction of mosques. Azamat Yusupov, the director of the State Commission on Religious Affairs (SCRA), announced the policy during a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament. Yusupov revealed that over 1,000 religious institutions in the country are currently operating without proper authorization. Of these, around 800 have been officially registered, while approximately 120 mosques remain unregistered. “In the past, mosques were often built first and registered later. Going forward, construction must be pre-approved by state authorities to ensure legal compliance. We will evaluate the necessity of...

Art and Culture

UAE Embracing the Silk Road Narrative: Central Asia at Art Abu Dhabi 2024

More than at any other time in recent history, the entire art world is this year tackling geopolitical identity issues. And while we usually delegate Biennales and non-commercial art events to take the pulse of our contemporary reality, this time an art fair took up this task: Art Abu Dhabi. This year the fair was bigger than ever and had a hugely relevant Central Asian and Caucasus section, curated by Elvira Eevr Djaltchinova-Malec, which was aptly called “Drifting identities.” Founder of the Warsaw Institute for Modern and Contemporary Asian Art (WIMCAA) Foundation - based on the spreading of Asian and...

Justice

Organized Crime

Kyrgyz Security Chief Declares Crackdown on Organized Crime a Success

Kamchybek Tashiev, the head of Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (SCNS), declared that organized criminal groups (OCGs) have almost been eradicated nationally. Speaking at a press conference in Bishkek, Tashiev highlighted significant achievements in the fight against organized crime. According to Tashiev, property valued at 50 billion Kyrgyzstani som (KGS) has been recovered for the state budget as part of ongoing anti-crime efforts. Among the confiscated assets are those belonging to prominent figures in the criminal underworld, such as Kamchy Kolbaev, Kadyr Dosonov, Chyngyz Jumagulov, and Erkin Mambetaliyev. “A lot of property has been seized. Several boarding houses and...

Opposition

Activist in Exile: Tajikistan Pressures Family Over Political Dissent

Criminal Responsibility

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

Corruption

Capital Over Confinement in Sentencing of Raimbek “Millions” Matraimov

Justice

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

Konibodom

Fear Returns to Tajikistan’s Konibodom Area

A series of murders in spring had residents in the area around Tajikistan’s northern city of Konibodom on edge for weeks. Thirteen people were killed between late March and late May, apparently by someone who broke into their homes at night. The victims ages ranged from young children to elderly people; they were ethnic Tajiks and Kyrgyz (Konibodom is located near the border with Kyrgyzstan), and the crimes happened in different areas around the city. The murders stopped, and later the Tajik authorities said they had captured the suspects, but on December 9, the nightmare started again with six people...

Anti-Corruption

More Than Half of Uzbeks View Nepotism as a Corruption Problem

According to the United Nations, corruption costs developing countries approximately $1.26 trillion annually. Since 2016, Uzbekistan has undertaken significant reforms to combat corruption, including the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Agency, the simplification of public services, and the full digitalization of public procurement systems. A recent study conducted by Uzbekistan's Anti-Corruption Agency, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea sheds light on public attitudes toward corruption. The study used surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews, covering all 14 regions of Uzbekistan and gathering responses from 503 participants. Key Findings The study...

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...

Legislation

Kazakhstan’s Path to Judicial Reform and Transparency

Kazakhstan is implementing reforms to enhance judicial independence, modernize its institutions, and address contemporary challenges according to Aslambek Mergaliev, Chairman of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, who detailed these initiatives aimed at strengthening the rule of law and increasing transparency in the judicial system. Strengthening Judicial Independence Central to these reforms is ensuring judges’ independence by depoliticizing their roles and holding them accountable only to the law. Judges are prohibited from affiliating with political parties, and personnel matters have been fully transferred to the Supreme Judicial Council. Key advancements include transparent selection procedures for judges and the introduction of new...

Environment

Rogun HPP

Rivers Without Boundaries Coalition Criticizes Rogun HPP Plans

International Finance

AIIB Approves $250 Million to Support Uzbekistan’s Climate Transition

Energy Security

Afghanistan’s Electricity Restored Following Supply Issues from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

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

Agricultural Produce

Kazakhstan Plans to Launch Olive Oil Production by 2030

Energy Security

Kyrgyzstan Faces Electricity Deficit of 3.9 Billion Kilowatt-Hours

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

Fishermen on the Kazakhstani port of Aktau, on the Caspian Sea, have reported the discovery of a mysterious shipwreck approximately 1.5 kilometers from Cape Melovoy. The outline of the vessel, estimated to be about 70 meters long and 15 meters wide, became visible due to the shallowing of the water in the area. The location of the wreck has been identified at 43°0′0″ north latitude and 51°0′0″ east longitude. Satellite imagery available through Google Maps corroborates the fishermen’s accounts. A representative of a logistics company that monitors vessel traffic suggested that the wreck appears to be relatively recent. While the...

Killing of Russian General Kirillov: Arrest of Uzbek Suspect Raises Fears Among Central Asians

Latest

Features

Features

Sunkar Podcast

Latest

Sunkar Podcast

Opinions

Opinions

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

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

Business & Economy

Business & Economy

Rivers Without Boundaries Coalition Criticizes Rogun HPP Plans

Uzbekistan Named Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024

Kazakhstan Plans to Launch Olive Oil Production by 2030

Turkmenistan and U.S. Representatives Explore Prospects for Economic Partnership

World Bank Report Highlights Poverty and Inequality Challenges in Kazakhstan

Local Politics

Local Politics

Kazakhstan Updates Rules for Installing Monuments and Memorials

Kazakhstan’s Mining Association Proposes Reforming Mineral Extraction Tax

Turkmenistan and Afghanistan to Accelerate TAPI Gas Pipeline Project

Kyrgyzstan Faces Electricity Deficit of 3.9 Billion Kilowatt-Hours

Marked by Tragedy: Why Kazakhstan’s Independence Day Is a Day of Reflection

International Affairs

International Affairs

Rivers Without Boundaries Coalition Criticizes Rogun HPP Plans

Uzbekistan Named Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024

Killing of Russian General Kirillov: Arrest of Uzbek Suspect Raises Fears Among Central Asians

Turkmenistan and U.S. Representatives Explore Prospects for Economic Partnership

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

Life & Culture

Life & Culture

Lions Kill Guard at Tashkent Area Zoo

Uzbekistan Named Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024

Gas Station Explosion in Uzbekistan Kills One Person; Safety Failure Blamed

Government Approval Becomes Mandatory for New Mosques in Kyrgyzstan

UAE Embracing the Silk Road Narrative: Central Asia at Art Abu Dhabi 2024

Justice

Justice

Kyrgyz Security Chief Declares Crackdown on Organized Crime a Success