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Vagit Ismailov

Journalist

Vagit Ismailov is a Kazakhstani journalist. He has worked in leading regional and national publications.

Articles

Lessons in Self-Defense for Kindergarten Kazakhs

From September 1, Kazakhstan will introduce “Personal Safety” lessons to the curricula of its kindergartens, schools, and colleges. Developed by Kazakhstan's Ministry of Education, the program of 130 training sessions aims to teach children the basics of self-defense and develop a responsible attitude towards their own and others' safety. According to Nasymzhan Ospanova, Chair of the Committee for the Protection of Children's Rights, the lessons are tempered according to the children's age and developmental level to help motivate and support participants. Conducted in batches of weekly ten-minute classes, repeated three times a year, the training courses will include practical tips, games, interactive teaching methods, demonstrations, and videos, making the material accessible and exciting for children of all ages. It is worth noting that over the past three years, the number of children who have committed criminal offenses has increased by 20.3%. In 2023 alone, 1,823 juveniles were convicted. In most cases, crimes are committed by teenagers 16 - 17 years old (80.4%), with about 93.6% of juvenile offenders being boys. Statistics confirm that crime is higher among those with little education and those living in difficult situations. Thus, the share of those who neither study and nor work is 51.9%, the share of those who study in colleges is 26.9%, and in schools, gymnasiums, and lyceums, 20.6%.

5 months ago

EBRD Green hydrogen Green Energy ADB Environment Economy Energy

EBRD to Support Pilot Project for Renewable Hydrogen in Uzbekistan

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will finance Central Asia's first renewable hydrogen production project in Uzbekistan. The project includes the installation of a 20 MW electrolyzer and constructing a new 52 MW wind farm. The EBRD is providing a $65 million (€58 million) financing package to ACWA Power UKS Green H2, which is developing, designing, constructing, and operating the facility. This company is jointly owned by ACWA Power and Uzkimyosanoat (UKS), a large state-owned chemical holding company. Financing includes a $55 million senior loan from the EBRD and $10 million in concessional financing from Canada through the High Impact Partnership on Climate Change Special Fund (HIPCA). The EBRD also plans to provide an equity bridge loan of up to $5.5 million (€4.9 million) and up to $5.5 million (€4.9 million) for the project. The project, supported by the Japan-EBRD Cooperation Fund, will help replace “grey” hydrogen, derived from natural gas and widely used in producing ammonia fertilizers in Uzbekistan, with renewable hydrogen. The latter is recognized as a critical alternative for decarbonizing the fertilizer sector. The facility is expected to make up to 3,000 tons of hydrogen annually, reducing annual CO2 emissions by 22,000 tons. The Bank also noted that Uzbekistan, the leading recipient of EBRD financing in Central Asia, has already received about €5 billion under 164 projects, most of which support private entrepreneurship. The Times of Central Asia has previously written that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the launch of a five-year partnership strategy with Uzbekistan from 2024 to 2028. The strategy will support Uzbekistan's reforms in promoting the country's transition to a green economy, supporting private sector development and competitiveness, and stimulating investment in economic capital.

5 months ago

International Relations Bilateral Relations Moldova Diplomacy

Moldova To Open Embassy in Kazakhstan

The government of Moldova has approved plans to open its first embassy in Kazakhstan's capital of Astana. The opening of the embassy is intended to expand Moldova's diplomatic presence in Central Asia, and strengthen economic and cultural ties with Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is an important regional economic player, with rich energy resources and a significant Moldovan diaspora. According to the Moldovan Foreign Ministry, about 20,000 Moldovan citizens living in Kazakhstan currently have to seek consular assistance from the Moldovan diplomatic mission in Russia. The ministry said that Kazakhstan is a promising market and an essential partner for attracting investments and developing bilateral trade. The opening of the embassy is expected to contribute to a more active political dialog, and create new opportunities for economic cooperation between the countries. The decision also aligns with Moldova's National Development Plan 2025-2027, which aims to expand its diplomatic and consular network worldwide. The country seeks to diversify its trade portfolio, particularly in the European Union or the EU's immediate neighborhood.

5 months ago

money Economic Reforms Budget Trade Currency Legislation Finance

Kyrgyzstan Proposes Banning Foreign Currencies in Domestic Transactions

Members of Kyrgyzstan's Parliament, the Jogorku Kenesh, have proposed that the national currency, the som, be established as the only means of payment in the country. The draft bill establishes that the som must be used in all domestic transactions, except for those related to export and import. It is seen as a step to reduce Kyrgyzstan's dependence on foreign currency, and stabilize the country's financial system. The draft law emphasizes that using foreign currencies -- especially in real estate, vehicle purchasing, and lending transactions -- creates additional risks for citizens. Sharp fluctuations in exchange rates make it more difficult for borrowers to repay debts. Similar measures have also been taken in Turkmenistan, where using foreign currency for everyday payments is almost entirely outlawed. Iraq has banned all domestic transactions to strengthen and stabilize the local currency, the Iraqi dinar.

5 months ago

Legislation Government Media Freedom Social Media Freedom of Speech media law

Kyrgyzstan’s Culture Ministry Wants to Fine People for Spreading “Disinformation” Online

Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy has proposed issuing fines to people who promote 'disinformation' online. According to the proposed amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, citizens who are found to have spread false information through media, websites, or social networks could be fined up to 100,000 KGS (about $1,200). For legal entities, the amount will be 200,000 KGS (about $2,400). The ministry emphasized that in recent years there has been an increase in cases where false information on the internet has led to conflicts and a deterioration in public sentiment. However, this has sparked debate in society and among human rights activists, who fear that such measures could limit freedom of expression and lead to the control of journalists and internet users. The ministry had previously proposed other amendments, which would allow fines to be imposed for libel and slander in the media and online.

5 months ago