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Water Management

ADB to Help Uzbekistan Introduce Smart Water Management

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $125 million loan to support Uzbekistan’s government in modernizing water management, improving water security, and expanding access to safe and reliable water. Advancing Smart Water Management ADB’s Climate-Smart Water Management Improvement Project will assist Joint Stock Company Uzsuvtaminot, the country’s national water utility, and its regional branches in enhancing water infrastructure and efficiency. Key initiatives include: Completing the nationwide installation of bulk flow metering and telemetry systems at major water sources. Conducting a comprehensive asset inventory and geographic mapping of all water supply and wastewater infrastructure, covering approximately 4 million customer connections. Implementing climate-smart, IT-based utility management systems, including training programs for national water utility staff. Upgrading customer service centers with new financial management software, ensuring transparent financial statements aligned with international standards. Addressing Water Security Challenges ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan Kanokpan Lao-Araya emphasized the urgency of improving water management in the face of climate change and inefficient usage. “Uzbekistan’s water resources are under acute threat from climate change and inefficient usage. ADB’s project introduces smart water management systems to improve water usage, reduce energy consumption, and increase operational efficiency to lower Uzbekistan’s carbon footprint,” she stated. ADB’s Ongoing Support for Uzbekistan Since Uzbekistan joined ADB in 1995, the bank has committed $14.3 billion in public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance to support the country’s development.

Memorandum

Kazakhstan to Help Jordan Assess Uranium Reserves

During Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to Jordan, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom National Atomic Company JSC and the Jordan Uranium Mining Company (JUMCO). The agreement outlines plans for cooperation in uranium exploration and mining in Jordan. Kazatomprom CEO Meirzhan Yusupov emphasized that the partnership with JUMCO presents new opportunities to strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in the global uranium industry. “This memorandum aligns with our strategic goals of efficiently utilizing our resource base. Additionally, studying foreign projects will provide valuable international experience and contribute to the sustainable development of both countries,” he said. Assessing Uranium Potential in Jordan The primary goal of the agreement is to evaluate the potential for uranium exploration and development in Jordan. This includes assessing reserves and analyzing the feasibility of using heap leaching technologies for extraction. Special attention will be given to environmental safety and economic viability. Based on the study results, both parties will decide on the next steps for project development. JUMCO CEO Mohammad Al-Shannagh stated that partnering with the world’s largest uranium producer could accelerate Jordan’s commercial uranium production. “Cooperation with Kazatomprom will open new horizons for us in uranium mining, allowing us to share knowledge, use advanced technologies, and jointly develop marketing strategies,” he said. Joint projects are expected to give new impetus to Jordan’s nuclear industry, creating jobs, attracting local contractors, and improving infrastructure. Kazakhstan’s Expanding Uranium Industry Kazakhstan’s collaboration with JUMCO provides an opportunity to expand its international reach, strengthen economic ties with Jordan, and enhance its influence in the global uranium sector. Kazatomprom is the world’s largest producer of natural uranium, with priority access to one of the world’s most significant resource bases. Since November 2018, Kazatomprom’s shares have been traded on the Astana International Financial Center Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.

Transport

Kazakhstan Fears Electric Cars Will Strain Energy Infrastructure

Kazakhstani lawmaker Nauryz Saylaubai has raised concerns over the country’s ability to support the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs), citing infrastructure challenges and regulatory gaps. In a request to First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, the Mazhilis (lower house of parliament) member called for urgent measures to address these issues. Growing Number of Electric Vehicles According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the share of electric-powered vehicles in Kazakhstan remains relatively small. As of February 1, 2025, the country had 12,655 registered electric cars, 350 electric trucks, and 189 electric buses. In contrast, there were 4.45 million gasoline-powered cars, 91,100 diesel-powered vehicles, 10,100 gas-powered cars, and 400,300 hybrid vehicles running on a mix of gasoline, gas, and electricity. Despite the low overall share, EV adoption has been accelerating. A year ago, on February 1, 2024, Kazakhstan had only 8,366 electric cars, 277 electric trucks, and 38 electric buses. This represents a 25% increase in electric cars and a fivefold rise in electric buses over the past year. Energy Infrastructure Concerns The rapid growth of EVs has raised concerns among lawmakers about the ability of Kazakhstan’s aging power grid to handle the additional demand. "It is well known that an increase in the number of electric vehicles puts additional pressure on power grids. Given that our grid infrastructure is already outdated, won't this lead to future accidents? What measures are being taken to address this issue?" Saylaubai asked. Kazakhstan’s EV market is expected to keep expanding, as electric vehicles are exempt from the country's scrappage tax and import registration fees, making them approximately 15% cheaper than conventional cars. Charging Infrastructure and Service Gaps Saylaubai also highlighted the country’s insufficient charging infrastructure. "According to international standards, the optimal ratio of electric vehicles to public charging stations should be 10 to 1. In Kazakhstan today, there is just one charging station for every 43 electric cars," the lawmaker noted. State-owned road infrastructure operator KazAutoZhol had planned to install 40 new charging stations along intercity highways in 2024, but by the end of last year, only 23 had been completed. Another major issue is the lack of service centers for EV repairs and maintenance, particularly in rural regions. Owners outside major cities struggle to find specialists and spare parts, while logistical challenges further complicate EV accessibility in remote areas. Saylaubai urged the government to develop a nationwide network of service stations and ensure the availability of spare parts. Legal Uncertainty Over Autopilot Systems The lawmaker also pointed to regulatory gaps regarding the use of autopilot features in electric vehicles. "The vast majority of electric cars are equipped with autopilot functions, but it remains unclear whether drivers are legally allowed to activate them within city limits or who would be held responsible in the event of an accident," he said. Additionally, he warned that electric cars can reach high speeds within seconds, potentially posing risks to road safety. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, Kazakhstan’s car market set a new record for...

Organization of Turkic States

Turkey’s Turkic Gambit: Balancing Influence in Post-Soviet States

Despite its superpower ambitions, which have diminished somewhat since February 24, 2022, Moscow views Turkey’s growing geopolitical influence with increasing concern. The Organization of Turkic States (OTS), which includes several Central Asian republics, is perceived by the Kremlin as a rival to its regional blocs, such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). However, for Central Asian nations, the OTS is not a political or military alliance but rather a framework for economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation. The extent of Turkey’s influence remains limited within these parameters. A Historical Perspective Russia continues to interpret geopolitical dynamics through the lens of century-old concepts, particularly Pan-Slavism and Pan-Turkism, both of which emerged as nationalist movements against the Russian and Ottoman empires. Pan-Turkism gained traction in the Ottoman Empire but lost momentum following its adoption and subsequent rejection by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The ideology was later revived during the Cold War, when Turkey’s NATO membership positioned it as a force for destabilizing Soviet Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and Turkic regions within Russia, such as Tatarstan and Bashkortostan. Despite Turkish efforts, Pan-Turkic sentiment found limited success, influencing only Azerbaijan, which aligned closely with Turkey after losing the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. Azerbaijan formalized this relationship in the early 1990s with the doctrine of “Two Countries, One Nation.” Baku only began to see concrete benefits from its alliance with Ankara after winning the Second Karabakh War in 2020. The Organization of Turkic States: Reality vs. Rhetoric Although the first summit of Turkic states was held in 1992, the OTS’s precursor, the Turkic Council, was only founded in 2009. The agreement, signed in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, initially included Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Uzbekistan expressed interest in joining in 2018, and officially became a member in 2019, whilst Hungary (2018), Turkmenistan (2021), the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (2022), and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) (2023) hold observer state status. Turkmenistan has frequently been rumored to be considering full membership. Turkey’s geopolitical aspirations in Central Asia have often clashed with the ambitions of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan delayed its membership in the Turkic Council until 2019 due to strained relations with Ankara which dated back to the mid-1990s. Turkey, the first country to recognize the independence of the Central Asian republics, expected to leverage its Cold War victory over the Soviet Union to expand its influence in the region. While Kazakhstan initially welcomed Turkish economic expansion and Pan-Turkic rhetoric, it became increasingly skeptical in the 2000s. Uzbekistan, however, was cautious from the outset and largely resisted Turkish influence. Kazakhstan’s shift in perspective coincided with Ankara’s increased push for deeper Turkic integration. Turkish-backed initiatives in Kazakhstan revealed clear expectations that Ankara would lead such a union, prompting Astana to resist. Kazakhstan, which balances ties with the West, China, and Russia, rejected the notion of falling under Turkish leadership. The Kazakh government neutralized Pan-Turkic voices by integrating key advocates into political positions, redirecting their efforts toward promoting Kazakh nationalism instead. Turkey’s Role in the...

Business

Kazakhstan Introduces New Visa Categories to Attract Foreign Professionals

On February 18, 2025, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a briefing for representatives of the diplomatic community to highlight the country’s newly introduced visa categories: the Neo Nomad Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Residence Visa. Kazakhstan updated its visa regulations in November 2024 to attract business immigrants, skilled professionals, and tourists. Among the key offerings is the Digital Nomad Visa, which provides long-term residence options for freelancers, self-employed entrepreneurs, IT specialists, and startup founders. Meanwhile, the Neo Nomad Visa is designed for foreign citizens who work remotely while traveling. Applicants for this visa must demonstrate a verified monthly income of at least $3,000 and provide health insurance and a clean criminal record. The Residence Visa is aimed at attracting foreign professionals with expertise in medicine, science, innovation, education, and the creative industries. It allows recipients to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 90 days. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko emphasized that these new visa categories significantly expand opportunities for foreign nationals wishing to live and work in the country. "Our country provides the necessary conditions to attract international professionals by offering visa-free entry to citizens from more than 80 countries and a simplified electronic visa for 109 countries. By expanding air connectivity, Kazakhstan now operates over 700 international flights per week to more than 30 countries. Additionally, we are actively developing digital infrastructure, creating smart cities, and ensuring access to high-speed internet," he said. Vassilenko added that implementing a flexible visa policy benefits not only Kazakhstan but also its partners through tax revenues and remittances from remote professionals, as well as the skills and experience they acquire in the country. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerzhan Yerkinbayev, highlighted the timeliness and relevance of these visa initiatives, adding: "Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its position as an open and accessible destination for international visitors. This commitment to openness has been a key factor in the growth of tourism. In 2024, 15.3 million people visited Kazakhstan, marking a 66% increase from the previous year."

Hydropower

Kyrgyzstan Advances Hydropower Modernization Efforts

Kyrgyzstan is moving forward with the modernization of two major hydroelectric power plants as part of its efforts to increase electricity generation and meet the country’s growing energy demands. According to the Ministry of Energy, on February 20, French company GE Hydro will begin reconstruction of hydroelectric generating unit No. 4 at the Toktogul Hydropower Plant (HPP) - the country’s largest power facility, located on the Naryn River. The plant currently generates approximately 40% of Kyrgyzstan’s electricity. Once completed, the upgrade will add 60 megawatts (MW) to the plant’s capacity. In November 2024, Toktogul HPP successfully launched a modernized unit No. 1, increasing its output by 60 MW. That unit’s reconstruction, which began in March 2024, followed earlier upgrades to units No. 2 and No. 3, which collectively added 120 MW to the facility’s capacity. Before modernization, Toktogul HPP had a total capacity of 1,200 MW, with each of its four units generating 300 MW. Upon completion of upgrades to all four units, Toktogul HPP’s total capacity will rise to 1,440 MW, and its operational lifespan will be extended by 25 to 30 years. Meanwhile, on March 1, 2025, China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC) will begin the modernization of unit No. 2 at the Uch-Kurgan HPP, increasing its capacity by 9 MW. Situated on the Naryn River, the Uch-Kurgan HPP plays a key role in Kyrgyzstan’s energy supply. Before its modernization, the plant had a total capacity of 180 MW, with four units generating 45 MW each. Since its commissioning in 1962, the plant had never undergone major upgrades until 2024, when unit No. 4 was reconstructed, boosting its output by 16 MW. The modernization of Toktogul unit No. 4 and Uch-Kurgan unit No. 2 is expected to be completed by December 2025. To ensure an uninterrupted power supply during the temporary shutdown of these units, the Ministry of Energy has held negotiations with neighboring countries regarding electricity imports. The government has also urged the population to use electricity sparingly while modernization work is underway. In addition to these upgrades, Kyrgyzstan is constructing the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant, which will have a projected capacity of 1,860 MW and an average annual generation of 5.6 billion kilowatt-hours. Once completed, Kambarata-1 will be the country’s largest hydropower facility and is expected to help eliminate Kyrgyzstan’s electricity shortages.