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Conservation

“Great News” for the Striped Hyena at Brazil Meeting, Conservation Group Says

Countries attending a U.N.-backed migratory species conference in Brazil have agreed to increased protections for the striped hyena, whose vast range includes parts of Central Asia, according to an international conservation group. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan had submitted the proposal to upgrade protections for the species during a meeting of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals in Campo Grande this week. “The Committee agreed by consensus to the proposal to include the striped hyena in Appendices I and II,” and the approval will become official at a plenary meeting on Sunday, said Susan Lieberman, vice president for international policy with the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society. Appendix I is a designation that would require countries to restore habitats, bar killing or capture except in limited cases and take other robust steps to protect the striped hyena. Appendix II requires governments to coordinate their efforts across the species’ range, which also includes parts of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. “It’s great news for the species, and will hopefully stimulate action for its conservation and protection across its vast range—it will give this endangered, misunderstood species a chance,” Lieberman told TCA on Friday. The striped hyena is listed as “near threatened” on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, though conservationists warn that its population is steadily dropping. Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and illegal hunting and trade are factors in its decline. Delegates to a United Nations meeting on global wildlife trade in Uzbekistan in November rejected a move by Tajikistan to tighten trade restrictions for the striped hyena. The decision came in Samarkand at a meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES.

16 hours ago

Aviation

Kazakhstan Expands Aviation Hub with Focus on U.S. and Long-Haul Flights

Kazakhstan is preparing for an audit by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that would allow the country to launch direct flights to the United States. To achieve this, the government must demonstrate the reliability of its aviation regulatory system, the presence of an independent and effective oversight body, and transparent airline certification procedures. The country is also planning to acquire modern long-haul aircraft and has begun construction of its first maintenance center to service them. The Times of Central Asia spoke with representatives of Kazakhstan’s aviation industry about the progress of these efforts, when direct flights to North America may begin, and what challenges remain. As part of efforts to expand international routes and strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as an aviation hub between Europe and Asia, Bauyrzhan Umiraliyev, head of the Aviation Safety Department at the Civil Aviation Committee, said the national carrier Air Astana plans to purchase 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2035. “This is a strategically important decision that can significantly boost civil aviation, the economy, and the country’s international standing,” an aviation authority representative told The Times of Central Asia. “Long-haul aircraft will allow airlines to launch direct flights to destinations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia that were previously inaccessible or required layovers.” The aircraft will also enhance Kazakhstan’s attractiveness as a transit hub and tourist destination, while enabling airlines to compete internationally through improved efficiency, pricing, and service quality. The purchase of these aircraft, previously delayed twice since 2025 due to production backlogs at Boeing, is expected to open new opportunities for Kazakhstan’s aviation sector, particularly following the anticipated attainment of Category 1 (CAT-1) safety status, confirming compliance with international aviation standards. CAT-1: The Path to the U.S. In 2024, Kazakhstan’s aviation authorities and the FAA signed an agreement to conduct a technical assessment under the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. According to Aslan Satzhanov, Acting Executive Director of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, the assessment identified areas requiring improvement in flight safety oversight. “We are currently working on amendments to regulatory acts to implement modern safety procedures and standardize processes, with technical support from FAA experts,” Satzhanov said. In parallel, experts from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration have conducted preliminary assessments of airport security under the Export Control and Border Security Program. The first visit, in October 2021, resulted in a generally positive evaluation of Kazakhstan’s aviation security framework. A follow-up visit in August 2022 focused on screening procedures for passengers, baggage, and cargo at Astana Airport. “The capital’s airport received a positive assessment, and the coordinated work of aviation security personnel was noted,” Satzhanov said. According to preliminary information, the full IASA audit may take place after long-haul aircraft enter service and relevant infrastructure is fully prepared; though, it should be noted that Kazakhstan does not control the timing of the IASA audit. Industry Awaits New Aircraft Preparations for launching new international routes, including previously announced flights to New York and Tokyo, are already underway....

22 hours ago

Perceptions

Opinion: Central Asia Through Western Eyes – Misconceptions Among Young People

Do you know where Kazakhstan is? Although the question is straightforward, it often causes hesitation on a university campus in Washington, D.C. Some students gesture uncertainly toward Eastern Europe. Others guess the Middle East. Some admit they have never heard of it, often with a nervous laugh. Central Asia remains one of the least understood parts of the world for many young people in the West. It is often defined more by pop culture, history, and imagination than by its diverse reality. “I honestly thought Kazakhstan was somewhere near Afghanistan,” said Michael, a student from Georgetown University. “I didn’t realize it was its own region.” Such knowledge gaps are not unusual. Central Asia is rarely mentioned in Western education systems or media coverage, despite its size, strategic significance, and rich cultural heritage. As a result, assumptions often take the place of understanding and tend to follow similar patterns, which over time may shape Western attitudes toward the region. A Region Reduced to Stereotypes When Western students are asked what comes to mind when they think about Central Asia, their responses often follow a familiar pattern: deserts, nomads, the Soviet Union, and sometimes confusion with other regions. Emily, a student from American University, remarked, “I picture a lot of sand and heat, and perhaps those who ride horses?” Although this image is partial, it is not entirely inaccurate, as the region’s customs and natural surroundings do contribute to its character. However, contemporary cities, academic institutions, businesses, and the region’s cultural diversity are largely absent from these perceptions. Perceptions have also been shaped by pop culture. For some, Kazakhstan is associated less with geography or history than with Borat, the fictional journalist from a Hollywood comedy. Despite being widely recognized as satire, the persona has nevertheless made a lasting impression on viewers unfamiliar with the region. As Sacha Baron Cohen explained, Kazakhstan was chosen precisely because it was largely unknown to Western audiences. According to his explanation, he selected the country because “no one had heard anything about it,” making it a blank canvas onto which Western attitudes about backwardness could be projected. None of the scenes depicting Borat’s “home village” were filmed in Kazakhstan; they were shot in rural Romania. The language Borat speaks is not Kazakh, and the customs he describes bear no relation to everyday life in Kazakhstan. Daniel, a student from George Mason University, asked, half-jokingly, “Is that where Borat is from?” These examples illustrate how humor and media can fill gaps in knowledge. When Kazakhstan first appeared in popular Western media, it was often portrayed through harsh stereotypes, introducing global audiences to a country still defining its image. Between Curiosity and Ignorance However, alongside these misconceptions, there is also genuine interest. “I had no idea it was so multicultural,” said Emma, a student from American University. “We never really learned about it.” This response points to a broader issue: Central Asia is often misunderstood not only because of misinformation, but because of its limited visibility in the...

23 hours ago

Football

Uzbekistan´s Footballers Prep for World Cup with Friendlies at Home

Uzbekistan's national football team will play friendly matches against Gabon and Venezuela in the coming days as part of its preparation for this year’s FIFA World Cup. First up for Uzbekistan is Gabon on Friday at Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent, followed by a matchup with Venezuela on Monday, March 30 at the same location. Trinidad and Tobago is also participating in the round of friendly matches, and will face Venezuela and Gabon at Pakhtakor Stadium, which is also in the Uzbek capital. Uzbekistan will compete in the World Cup for the first time and faces some tough contenders in the four-member group K. Its first match is against Colombia in Mexico City on June 17. The Uzbek national team then heads to the United States to play Portugal in Houston on June 23. The fourth member of group K is yet to be determined, pending the outcome of play-off matches. Uzbekistan will play that final group match in Atlanta on June 27. Uzbekistan’s team is led by coach Fabio Cannavaro, a former defender who was captain of Italy’s winning team in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

2 days ago

Automotive Industry

Kazakhstan’s Auto Market Enters an Era of Industrial Warfare

In 2026, Kazakhstan’s automotive market is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The era of unregulated gray-market imports is coming to an end, while large corporate players are replacing independent importers. The government is deliberately changing the rules of the game by introducing strict tax and administrative barriers to unofficial vehicle imports. Chinese automakers are the main beneficiaries of these changes, rapidly displacing traditional Western brands. For local industrial groups, deep localization is no longer optional but has become a prerequisite for survival, triggering competition for exclusive contracts with Chinese manufacturers and access to government incentives. Legislative Barriers For many years, private imports accounted for a significant share of the market. At their peak in 2023, more than 60% of cars were imported through gray-market schemes. However, new administrative measures are making this model economically unviable. First, a strict quantitative limit has been introduced: an individual may now import only one car per year. Second, importing cars older than three years has become financially prohibitive. The base rate for initial registration has risen to $4,250, while recycling fees have increased and a 15% customs duty applies. Third, technical requirements have been tightened. Vehicles must now comply with the Euro-5 standard, possess a Vehicle Design Safety Certificate (VDS), and be equipped with an emergency call system (EVAK). At the same time, importing vehicles less than three years old is permitted only for legal entities holding a Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) certificate. Additionally, the cancellation of VAT exemptions has stripped independent dealers of their price advantage. As a result, gray imports have declined steadily. They accounted for about 35% of the market in the first half of 2025 and approximately 30% by the end of the year. In 2026, China exerted additional pressure. From January 1, the so-called “180-day rule” took effect: vehicles registered for less than six months cannot be exported without the manufacturer’s permission. This has significantly complicated re-export schemes and slowed capital turnover. Consequently, the gray market has been largely paralysed, and retail sales have shifted under the control of official distributors. The Dominance of Chinese Brands The decline in gray imports has coincided with a broader global realignment of supply chains. Chinese automakers have been the primary beneficiaries. According to the Kazakhstan Automobile Union, by March 2026 Chinese brands had captured more than 40% of the domestic market. Six brands, Chery, Jetour, Changan, Haval, Geely and JAC, now rank among the top ten in sales. They are steadily displacing traditional leaders. A telling example is Toyota, which has fallen to tenth place after losing nearly 60% of its sales year on year. Meanwhile, the electric and hybrid segment is expanding rapidly: sales of China’s BYD have surged by almost 800%. This growth is driven not only by competitive pricing and technological innovation but also by large-scale investment in dealer infrastructure. Under current conditions, Western and Japanese brands appear unlikely to regain their former positions in the near term. Capitalisation in Service and Logistics The shift to a corporate model requires...

2 days ago

United Nations

Trump and Tokayev Secure a Historic $4.2 Billion Locomotive Deal

Washington, D.C. – The United States and Kazakhstan have finalized the largest locomotive agreement in history, a $4.2 billion deal that underscores American industrial strength and deepens ties between the two nations. The announcement came following a call between President Donald Trump and Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which officials say directly helped bring the deal across the finish line. The U.S. Department of Commerce confirmed that Pennsylvania-based Wabtec will supply about 300 Evolution Series locomotives, in kit form, to Kazakhstan’s state railway over the next decade. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized the scale of the export package, writing on X that the deal is “more than just a huge success story. It’s about American innovation leading the world, supporting thousands of jobs in TX & PA, and strengthening the U.S.–Kazakhstan partnership.” For Trump, the Pennsylvania tie is notable — the state is both home to Wabtec and a perennial battleground in presidential politics. What Trump and Tokayev said President Trump celebrated the breakthrough personally on Truth Social: “I just concluded a wonderful call with the Highly Respected President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev. They have signed the largest Railroad Equipment Purchase in History, $4 Billion Dollars Worth of United States Locomotives and Rail Equipment”. He continued: “Congratulations to President Tokayev on his great purchase. This Country, and the World, was built on reliable, beautiful Railroads. Now they will be coming back, FAST!” Earlier in September, Trump had told reporters he had a “great conversation” with Tokayev — a remark that signaled improving ties between Washington and Astana ahead of the deal. On Sept. 22, the Commerce Department formally confirmed the $4.2 billion agreement. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, in a separate statement on X, emphasized that the leaders’ engagement helped pave the way and argued the deal strengthens an enhanced strategic partnership while embedding American technology in Eurasian connectivity. President Tokayev, for his part, has emphasized transport and logistics as central to Kazakhstan’s role as a “link between Europe and Asia,” calling for expanded rail infrastructure and modern customs systems. In July, amid tariff tensions, he assured Trump in a letter that Kazakhstan was “ready for constructive dialogue” and was confident a compromise could be reached — a posture that laid groundwork for the closer economic cooperation reflected in this deal. Why It Matters: Unlocking Regional Corridors to the West The locomotives will reinforce capacity along the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor,” a trade route carrying goods from Central Asia through the South Caucasus and into Europe—an alternative to Russian and Iranian transit that governments have accelerated since 2022. A critical gap in that chain was addressed through U.S.-brokered diplomacy in August 2025, when President Trump hosted Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the White House. The two leaders signed a peace declaration after decades of conflict and committed to reopening transport links, most notably a 42-kilometer passage through Armenia’s Syunik province, commonly called the Zangezur corridor or the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). By...

6 months ago