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Regional Ecological Summit

Central Asian Countries to Jointly Address Cryosphere Threats

As part of the Regional Ecological Summit (RES 2026) in Astana, the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty organised a session titled “The Cryosphere of Central Asia: From Scientific Assessment to Joint Climate Adaptation Action,” in cooperation with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The event was held under the GEF-UNDP-UNESCO Cryosphere project and in collaboration with Central Asian countries. The session focused on discussing the Joint Subregional Action Programme (JSAP) on the cryosphere, a framework document developed by Central Asian countries with UNESCO’s support. The programme is aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in monitoring and research on glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost, as well as aligning approaches to climate change adaptation, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Central Asia is experiencing accelerated glacier melt. Under a high-emissions scenario, the region could lose up to 85% of its glacier volume by 2100 compared to 2020 levels. This would increase pressure on water resources, infrastructure, and communities, while also heightening the risk of natural hazards, including glacial lake outburst floods. As these processes are regional in nature, they require coordinated responses across Central Asian countries. “UNESCO has been actively supporting Central Asian countries in strengthening the scientific basis and advancing regional cooperation on the cryosphere. Today, the key priority is to move from scientific assessment to concrete action. The Joint Subregional Action Programme provides a practical framework for this transition and enhances coordination of adaptation efforts across the region,” said Amir Piric, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty. As a key outcome of the session, heads of relevant government authorities from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan responsible for environmental protection issued a joint statement supporting JSAP implementation, reaffirming their commitment to strengthened regional cooperation. “Today it is clear that no country can effectively address climate change challenges alone. Regional cooperation is therefore essential. The Joint Statement reflects the readiness of Central Asian countries to join efforts and develop coordinated approaches to climate change adaptation,” said Nurlan Kurmalayev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan. The JSAP provides a foundation for coordinated action among countries and partners, defines cooperation priorities, and supports the advancement of climate adaptation measures in the region. The joint statement also opens opportunities to mobilise funding from various sources, including donors, international financial institutions, and the private sector.

Energy Cooperation

Kazakhstan Plans More Oil, Gas Cooperation with Uzbekistan, Minister Says

Kazakhstan is looking to deepen energy cooperation with Uzbekistan, with several joint projects already moving into the implementation stage, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said on the sidelines of the RES 2026 regional environmental summit in Astana, according to BAQ.KZ. “Exchange of experience and mutual assistance help us solve practical tasks,” Akkenzhenov said. “We are actively cooperating with our partners not only in the energy sector, but across all areas of the economy.” The minister noted that discussions with Uzbekistan cover a number of large-scale initiatives, particularly in petrochemicals and oil refining. “We have many joint projects with Uzbekistan. A recent presidential visit included discussions on numerous initiatives, including the development of the petrochemical industry and the expansion of oil processing,” he said. Cooperation is also expanding in energy transit and supply. Akkenzhenov said the two countries are working closely on the transit of Russian gas to Uzbekistan, as well as supplies of Russian oil. “We are also considering the possibility of exporting Kazakh products, including crude oil and petroleum products, to Uzbekistan,” he added. According to him, several of these initiatives have already reached the implementation stage. “Many projects are already in practical phases. Overall, we have built very close cooperation with our Uzbek partners,” he said. Last year, Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry confirmed that a six-month ban on fuel exports remained in force, halting gasoline shipments to neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan. At the same time, international developments may affect regional supply routes. According to Reuters, Russia plans to halt the transit of Kazakh oil to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline starting May 1. The decision is expected to impact deliveries to the PCK refinery in Schwedt, a key supplier for Berlin and Brandenburg. Despite these changes, German officials have said alternative supply routes will be used and that fuel availability will not be affected.

Energy Transition

Kazakhstan Launches QaJET Investment Platform for Just Energy Transition

Kazakhstan has announced the launch of the QaJET (Just Energy Transition) investment platform, supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), to attract international financing and accelerate the decarbonization of its economy. A corresponding memorandum was signed on April 23 during the Regional Environmental Summit in Astana. Signatories included Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nysanbayev, and EBRD Managing Director for Central Asia and Mongolia Hüseyin Özhan. The QaJET platform reflects Kazakhstan’s ambition to accelerate the transition to clean energy through a large-scale expansion of renewable energy capacity. According to current plans, the country aims to commission 10 GW of new green capacity by 2035. According to EBRD estimates, achieving these targets will require approximately $20 billion in investment from both public and private sources. This is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20 million tonnes annually, equivalent to roughly 7% of the country’s energy-related emissions. The creation of the platform is of strategic importance for Kazakhstan, whose economy remains highly carbon-intensive and heavily dependent on coal-fired power generation. At the request of the Kazakh government, the EBRD participated in developing the QaJET concept and will continue to coordinate its implementation with national and international partners. The platform is also intended to support Kazakhstan’s international climate commitments, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. QaJET is expected not only to reduce emissions but also to strengthen energy security, enhance economic competitiveness, and promote the development of local high-tech manufacturing in the renewable energy sector. Key areas of cooperation within the platform include expanding renewable energy capacity, modernizing power grids and energy storage systems, electrifying businesses and households, and supporting a just transition, technology transfer, and the development of research and innovation capacity. Authorities expect QaJET to become the central mechanism for coordinating climate finance, bringing together international financial institutions, donors, private investors, and the government to accelerate Kazakhstan’s energy transition.

EU Sanctions

EU Removes Three Tajik Banks from Sanctions List

The European Union has removed three financial institutions in Tajikistan from its sanctions list. The decision was adopted on April 23, as part of the EU’s 20th sanctions package, according to the National Bank of Tajikistan. The move concerns Spitamen Bank, Dushanbe City Bank, and Commercebank of Tajikistan, which had previously been subject to restrictions introduced on November 12, 2025. “As a result of productive dialogue and cooperation between the relevant authorities of the Republic of Tajikistan and European partners, a favorable basis has been created for reviewing previously imposed restrictions,” the National Bank said. The National Bank also noted that the decision reflects strengthened cooperation between the regulator, government ministries, and the European Commission, as well as the consistent implementation of international compliance standards and improvements in anti-money laundering systems. “The adoption of this decision is viewed as a direct result of expanded cooperation with the European Commission, the consistent implementation of international compliance standards, and the strengthening of mechanisms to combat money laundering,” the statement said. The regulator believes the move will provide a strong boost to the development of the banking sector, increase investor confidence, and expand financial services in the country. The sanctions against the three Tajik banks had originally been introduced under the EU’s 19th package of restrictions against Russia. According to the Council of the EU, the measures included a ban on transactions with certain banks and companies from third countries suspected of facilitating sanctions circumvention. At the time, Brussels considered these institutions potential channels for bypassing restrictions imposed on Russia. The list also included financial entities from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, China, and India. However, specific cases or transaction volumes that led to the sanctions were not disclosed. The wording remained general, referring to “assistance in sanctions circumvention” and “support for the Russian economy.” In response, Tajik authorities worked to secure the removal of the restrictions, providing additional guarantees and information to the EU demonstrating that the banks’ financial operations comply with international standards. For its part, the EU showed readiness to reconsider the measures, taking into account changes in the banks’ financial practices and Tajikistan’s efforts to strengthen domestic financial regulation.

Afghanistan

Uzbekistan Expands Afghan Rail Capacity to Support Growing Trade

A new 1,000-meter siding track has been completed at Naibabad railway station in Afghanistan, aimed at increasing freight handling capacity and improving the efficiency of rail operations, according to Uzbekistan Railways. The project was implemented by Uzbekistan Railways in cooperation with Sogdiana Trans. The additional track is expected to significantly expand the station’s throughput and accelerate loading and unloading processes, reducing delays and congestion along the route. Afghanistan plays a key role in regional connectivity, linking Central Asia with South Asia through transport corridors that pass through its territory. Naibabad is expected to serve as an important hub for the movement of goods from countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, and China to markets in Pakistan and India. The development comes amid a steady increase in cargo volumes between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. The Hayraton-Naibabad-Mazar-i-Sharif corridor has become an important route for regional trade, and infrastructure upgrades are seen as essential to maintaining stable freight flows. According to project details, the new siding will enable more efficient processing of freight wagons and help prevent bottlenecks along the line. It is also expected to improve service quality for customers and support the long-term development of Naibabad station. Uzbekistan Railways noted that the project reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize railway infrastructure in Afghanistan and strengthen cross-border logistics links. Cooperation with Sogdiana Trans has further reinforced their position as long-term partners in the development of Afghanistan’s rail sector. The expansion builds on earlier work at the station. In 2024, Uzbekistan Railways reported that the restored Naibabad station officially reopened on August 7, following reconstruction carried out in cooperation with the Termez regional railway hub and Sogdiana Trans. The arrival of the first freight cars marked the resumption of operations. As freight traffic along the corridor continues to grow, Uzbekistan Railways and its partners, in coordination with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works, are continuing efforts to modernize infrastructure along the route.

Credit Ratings

Kyrgyz Authorities Seek Review of Sovereign Credit Rating

Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, Bakyt Sydykov, held talks with analysts in Washington on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, where the country’s macroeconomic stability was discussed. According to Sydykov, Bishkek is seeking an upgrade to its sovereign credit rating as part of the implementation of the National Development Program through 2030. He noted that engagement with Moody’s is aimed at strengthening international investor confidence and forms part of an ongoing institutional dialogue. Sydykov said the country is meeting its obligations within the framework of cooperation with the agency and expects further constructive information exchange. He also recalled that last year Moody’s revised Kyrgyzstan’s outlook to “positive” while maintaining the rating at B3, which authorities interpreted as confirmation of ongoing reforms. The minister added that the country’s economy has grown at an annual rate of 9.5-11% over the past four years, driven by investment, domestic demand, and activity in construction, services, and industry. Following the meeting with Moody’s, Sydykov also held talks with representatives of U.S. businesses, presenting investment opportunities in logistics, transport infrastructure, and energy, including hydropower. According to the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, investment in fixed capital increased by 25% year-on-year in the first quarter, reaching 77.3 billion KGS ($883.4 million). Domestic investment rose by 20%, while foreign investment increased by 50%. For comparative sovereign risk ratings on Central Asia see TCA's Central Asia Balance Sheet.