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Kazakhstan Strengthens Locust Control to Protect Agricultural Crops

Kazakhstan plans to double its machinery and equipment for combating locust infestations during the 2025 growing season. The expansion of locust control measures and preparations for spring fieldwork were key topics discussed at a government meeting on January 9. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ermek Kenzhekhanuly reported that 247 pieces of equipment were deployed for chemical field treatments in 2024. This number will rise to 443 in 2025, including 46 agro drones and 7 monitoring drones newly acquired by the Ministry of Agriculture. Enhanced Strategies and Subsidies Building on a successful pilot project in the Turkestan region last spring, the Ministry has adopted centralized services for the purchase, transport, and storage of pesticides and field treatment. The program tested agro drones for spraying fields and operated under a unified "one supplier - all work" principle. To further support farmers and service providers, the government will reimburse 25% of the cost of wheeled spraying machinery and agro drones, making these technologies more accessible. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin emphasized the need to restructure sown areas, reducing wheat cultivation in favor of oilseed and other high-margin crops. Results and Regional Cooperation Kazakhstan’s locust control measures proved effective in 2024, with over 3.1 million hectares treated - 23% more than the planned 2.5 million hectares. This protected agricultural crops from significant damage by grasshopper swarms. Locust infestations in Kazakhstan have escalated in recent years, affecting 514,000 hectares in 2020 and rising to 1.6 million hectares by 2023. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, locust outbreaks threaten agriculture across Central Asia and the South Caucasus, endangering over 25 million hectares of farmland and impacting approximately 20 million people. To address the issue, Kazakhstan continues close cooperation with neighboring countries, including Russia, to monitor and mitigate the potential spread of locusts.

Uzbekistan Environment Environment Kazakhstan Environment Kyrgyzstan Environment International Affairs Business & Economy Features Tajikistan Environment

Central Asia Tackles Plastic Pollution with Bag Ban Initiatives

Globally, an estimated 5 trillion plastic bags are used every year. These bags take approximately 1,000 years to decompose in landfills and do not fully break down. Instead, they photodegrade into microplastics, which absorb toxins and continue to pollute the environment. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Central Asian countries are committing to phasing out plastic bags, each pursuing distinct approaches. Uzbekistan Uzbekistan plans to introduce a draft national program to reduce plastic pollution for 2025–2027. This initiative is part of the draft State Program for the Implementation of the Strategy "Uzbekistan-2030" in the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy, currently under public discussion. The proposal includes: A ban on the production, import, and use of plastic bags starting in 2027. Promoting environmentally friendly, biodegradable packaging. Regulating harmful chemicals in plastic products. Encouraging recycled plastic use in packaging through established coefficients. The draft program is expected to be developed by September 2025 and submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers by November 2025. A related draft presidential decree outlines additional measures, such as: Developing legislation requiring manufacturers and importers of plastic packaging to collect and dispose of plastic waste. Establishing collection and disposal facilities. Imposing a disposal fee for plastic waste by November 1, 2025. Kazakhstan Kazakhstan had initially planned to ban plastic bags by 2025. However, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources determined that the country is not yet prepared for this transition. Research reveals a significant gap: while the consumption of plastic tableware and packaging exceeds 430 million pieces annually, the production of alternative materials is limited to only 10 million pieces. This disparity highlights the urgent need to develop sustainable packaging solutions before implementing a comprehensive ban. Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan is set to ban the use of polyethylene bags and plastic nationwide starting January 1, 2027. The Law on Limiting the Circulation of Polymer Film and Plastic Bags in the Territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, signed by President Sadyr Japarov in 2023, outlines penalties for violations: For citizens: Fines of 10,000 KGS (approximately $114.90). For legal entities: Fines of 28,000 KGS (approximately $321.80). Warnings will be issued for first-time violations involving the free distribution of plastic bags. Subsequent violations will incur fines: For legal entities: 5,000 KGS (approximately $57.40). For individuals: 1,000 KGS (approximately $11.40). Tajikistan Tajikistan will implement a ban on the import and use of plastic bags starting January 1, 2025. To support this transition, authorities have focused on developing environmentally friendly packaging alternatives made from materials such as cardboard, paper, fabric, ceramics, and biodegradable polymers. These varied approaches reflect the commitment of Central Asian countries to tackling the global challenge of plastic pollution. By balancing environmental priorities with practical considerations, these nations aim to create a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Central Asia Tajikistan Business Economy Tajikistan Business & Economy

EDB Forecasts 8.4% GDP Growth for Tajikistan in 2025

Tajikistan’s real GDP is projected to grow by 8.4% in 2025, driven by favorable trade and investment dynamics, rising gold export prices, and decreasing energy import costs, according to the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB). This optimistic forecast surpasses the Tajik government’s minimum expectation of 8.0% growth. The EDB predicts that inflation will rise to 5.9% in 2025, returning to the National Bank of Tajikistan’s (NBT) target range of 6.0% (+/- 2 percentage points) by the end of the year. Analysts attribute this inflationary uptick to strong domestic demand. In 2024, Tajikistan recorded a historic low inflation rate of 3.6% - the lowest since the country’s independence. However, a slight increase in the refinancing rate, by 1 percentage point, is expected as inflation adjusts back to the target range. The refinancing rate has remained at 9.0% since August 5, 2024. The EDB also forecasts a slight devaluation of the somoni, Tajikistan’s national currency, with the exchange rate expected to reach 11 somoni per US dollar by the end of 2025. This adjustment is attributed to higher imports and a decline in remittance volumes. Currently, the somoni trades at 10.9450 per dollar, reflecting a 0.2% appreciation against the dollar in 2024, according to data from the National Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The Times of Central Asia previously highlighted the main short-term risks for Tajikistan’s economy from 2024 to 2026, but the EDB’s projections signal a positive outlook for 2025. Key growth drivers, such as trade, investment, and favorable market conditions, are expected to bolster economic performance despite currency pressures. Despite the fact that the Government of Tajikistan claims the poverty level in the country has decreased (the poverty threshold is not specified), in reality a huge swathe of the male population is working abroad in an attempt to feed their families. Up to 40% of households in Tajikistan have at least one member working abroad. According to the World Bank-KNOMAD, migrants’ remittances to Tajikistan in 2022 amounted to 5.346 billion dollars (39.6% of the country’s GDP). This makes Tajikistan one of the most remittance-based economies in the world. This story was last updated on 10 January 2025 at 10:23GMT

Central Asia Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

‘Made in Kyrgyzstan’ Program Aims to Boost Exports and Strengthen Global Presence

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched the National Export Program "Made in Kyrgyzstan" for 2025-2028. Coordinated by the Kyrgyz Export Center, the initiative aims to help domestic producers access international markets, enhance the country’s export potential, and establish the “Made in Kyrgyzstan” brand as a recognizable symbol abroad. Program Goals and Priorities The program focuses on increasing Kyrgyzstan’s export volumes and foreign trade revenues by strengthening the position of Kyrgyz-made goods in global markets. It prioritizes key industries, including textiles, food, jewelry, and halal products, with the goal of making Kyrgyz exports more competitive internationally. To achieve these objectives, the program will: Support local entrepreneurs by promoting participation in international exhibitions and trade fairs. Facilitate access to financing and preferential loans for exporters. Streamline bureaucratic processes to expedite export procedures. Ensure domestic products meet international quality standards and certification requirements. Additionally, the program emphasizes increasing the export of high value-added goods and diversifying Kyrgyzstan’s export portfolio to reduce its negative foreign trade balance. Foreign Trade Trends According to the National Statistical Committee, Kyrgyzstan’s foreign trade turnover for January - October 2024 totaled $13.4 billion, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. However, the trade balance remained negative, with exports accounting for 23.3% and imports for 76.7% of the total turnover. Key highlights include: Exports: Grew by 25.2% to $3.1 billion, largely driven by gold exports, which made up 34.1% of the total. Excluding gold, exports reached $2.1 billion, an increase of 21.9%. Imports: Rose by 1.8%, amounting to $10.3 billion. Trade with member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) - Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia - amounted to $4.2 billion, a 13.7% increase. Russia (71.8%) and Kazakhstan (26.4%) remained Kyrgyzstan’s largest trading partners within the EAEU. Meanwhile, trade with countries outside the EAEU reached $9.2 billion during the same period. Strengthening Export Potential The "Made in Kyrgyzstan" program aspires to boost exports of diversified, high-quality products while addressing the country’s trade deficit. By empowering local businesses, improving export infrastructure, and fostering global competitiveness, the initiative represents a significant step forward for Kyrgyzstan’s economic growth and international trade ambitions.

Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Environment Kazakhstan International Affairs Business & Economy Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Revises 2025 Oil Production Target Amid OPEC+ Commitments

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy has lowered its 2025 oil production target by one million tons as part of the country’s commitment to meeting its obligations under the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) agreements. In 2024, Kazakhstan had already reduced oil production by 2.5 million tons compared to its original plan. The revised target for 2025 now stands at 96.2 million tons, down from the 97.2 million tons announced in December 2024. Despite the reduction, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has instructed the Energy Ministry to implement stronger measures to increase natural gas and oil production to meet planned output levels. Frequent revisions to production forecasts in 2024 highlighted the ongoing challenges in achieving production stability. The lowered forecast is attributed to several factors, including extended maintenance shutdowns at major oilfields. The Tengiz oilfield experienced shutdowns in May and August, totaling 50 days, while the Kashagan oilfield underwent maintenance for 21 days. Additionally, an unscheduled shutdown occurred at the Karachaganak field. Production was further impacted by limitations on gas intake at the Orenburg gas processing plant, which affected operations at Karachaganak. Planned maintenance at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC)—the primary route for Kazakh oil exports—also constrained transportation capacity. Compliance with OPEC+ agreements added to the reductions in production. In mid-2024, Kazakhstan, alongside Russia and Iraq, submitted compensation schedules to OPEC to fulfill their obligations to cut oil production after exceeding quotas under the OPEC+ agreement. Under this plan, Kazakhstan began reducing production by 18,000 barrels per day in July and further cut output by 265,000 barrels per day in October 2024. These reductions will continue until September 2025. Oil export revenues in 2024 amounted to approximately 2 trillion KZT ($3.8 billion), while total budget revenues from the oil sector exceeded 2.3 trillion KZT ($4.4 billion). As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the National Bank of Kazakhstan recently lowered its forecast for oil prices in 2025, reducing the projected cost from $82.5 to $70 per barrel. This, combined with the revised production volumes, is expected to further impact revenues from the oil sector.

Central Asia Environment Tajikistan International Affairs Tajikistan International Affairs Tajikistan Business Economy Business & Economy Tajikistan Environment

AIIB Commits $500 Million to Tajikistan’s Rogun Hydropower Project

The Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a multiphase program totaling $500 million, including an initial Phase 1 loan of $270 million, to support Tajikistan’s flagship Rogun Hydropower Plant (HPP) project. The announcement was made on January 6, following the financing approval on December 19, 2024. The Rogun HPP, located on the Vakhsh River — a tributary of the Amu Darya River — lies 110 kilometers from Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital. With a designed generation capacity of 3,780 MW, a 335-meter-high dam, and a reservoir spanning 170 square kilometers, the Rogun HPP is expected to deliver improved electricity access to around 10 million people. It aims to address Tajikistan’s chronic winter power shortages and position the country as a key regional energy supplier. The project is co-financed with the World Bank, with potential contributions from a global consortium of donors. It seeks to enhance the supply of clean, affordable, and climate-resilient hydropower, with the potential to export electricity to neighboring Central Asian countries. As Central Asia’s energy demand is projected to grow by 40% by 2030 and triple by 2050, the Rogun HPP will play a pivotal role in increasing reliability and reducing the cost of electricity supply across the region. Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB Chief Investment Officer, commented on the significance of the project, stating: "This project will significantly contribute to the green energy transition and energy security of Central Asia. Investing in sustainable energy infrastructure is not merely about meeting today’s demands, but about empowering future generations with clean, reliable power that drives transformative growth, strengthens resilience, and unlocks the full potential of the region." Tajikistan ranks eighth globally in hydropower potential, yet only about 4% of this capacity is currently utilized. The Rogun HPP is set to play a critical role in decarbonizing electricity grids across Central Asia, supporting the region’s ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.