Business & Economy - The Times Of Central Asia

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Migrant Rights

Solidarity Center: Central Asian Migrant Workers Face Low Pay and Unsafe Workplaces

Central Asian migrant workers face new challenges as they look for well-paying jobs, with economic shifts and political instability adding to the uncertainty. More women and young people also choose to migrate, often facing unique risks. Panelists at a recent Solidarity Center webinar highlighted that protecting these workers’ rights is more effective when countries in the region work together on safe migration plans. A Solidarity Center study involving over 1,000 migrant workers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan found that Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are the primary countries of origin, while Kazakhstan is becoming a growing destination. Most participants (58%) left due to low wages in their home countries, and 31% cited a lack of jobs as their main reason for migrating. Russia, once a top destination for Central Asian workers, has seen a drop in migrant numbers since its economy took a hit following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A migrant worker from Uzbekistan shared that overtime hours weren’t paid, and medical expenses had to come out of his pocket if he got sick. According to Lola Abdukadyrova, Solidarity Center's regional director in Kyrgyzstan, this story reflects the harsh conditions many migrant workers face—no overtime pay, no sick leave, and frequent discrimination or harassment. Abdukadyrova noted that for nearly 30% of Kyrgyz migrant households, money for food is often a struggle. In Uzbekistan, this rate rises to 45%, as shared by Nodira Karimova, director of the Republican Social Information Center Istiqbolli Avlod. Abdukadyrova added that many migrants earn only enough for basic food, and they face delayed payments, heavier workloads without extra pay, and unsafe working conditions. “Kazakhstan has endorsed the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and participates in various regional migration dialogues,” said Aleksandr Mukha, director of the Mangistau Regional Branch of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law. In another significant win for migrant worker rights organizations, Kyrgyzstan issued the GCM in August to improve conditions for Kyrgyz citizens who travel abroad to earn their livelihoods. The Times of Central Asia has previously written about how that Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine has increased pressure on Central Asian migrants.

Agriculture

Turkey Ready to Buy Kazakh Meat at Twice the Price Offered by China

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture is actively working to open the Turkish market to Kazakh meat exports. Deputy Minister Amangaly Berdalin reported that Turkish partners are willing to pay twice as much for Kazakh beef as China. The Ministry of Agriculture has previously pursued access to the Chinese market for Kazakh livestock products. In February, Beijing lifted restrictions on Kazakh livestock imports, potentially enabling Kazakhstan’s southeastern regions to resume exports of frozen beef and pork to China. However, significant export volumes to China have yet to materialize. Maksut Baktibayev, head of the Meat Union of Kazakhstan, explained that the agreement between the countries only allows exports from four meat processing plants in Kazakhstan, with a combined capacity of 8,000 tons of frozen beef. According to Berdalin, Kazakh producers are not utilizing even this limited capacity due to uncompetitive pricing. Chinese buyers offer $5.5 per kilogram of Kazakh beef, which is comparable to prices in Kazakhstan’s domestic market, ranging from 2,700 to 3,000 tenge ($5.4 to $6.1) per kilogram. Given these figures, transporting Kazakh meat to China is economically unviable for producers. In contrast, Turkey is prepared to pay nearly double, or $11 per kilogram, for Kazakh beef. "Our ministry’s objective is to open as many markets as possible for our producers, particularly those offering attractive prices,” Berdalin stated at the Vet Astana 2024 International Exhibition on Feed and Veterinary in Astana. “That is why our inspectors are actively collaborating with Turkish officials to understand their export requirements.” Berdalin noted that while specific export volumes of Kazakh beef to Turkey are not yet determined, there is optimism following a recent diplomatic visit. In August, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov visited Ankara, where business representatives from both countries signed contracts to supply Kazakh meat to Turkey, valued at $80 million over the coming years, contingent on Kazakhstan’s successful completion of required veterinary and epidemiological procedures. The Turkish market has historically been closed to most Kazakh livestock products due to restrictions related to animal diseases, with some bans in place for approximately 20 years. Turkish authorities lifted these restrictions in June 2024. Kazakh producers are now navigating an extensive certification process to gain market access. Some required tests must be conducted in third countries, prompting Kazakhstan to rebuild its own laboratory capabilities. Berdalin shared that the Kazakh government has allocated 3.8 billion tenge ($7.7 million) this year to support veterinary laboratories. "To export to a country, we must meet all its import requirements. For instance, to export our honey, we need to conduct 43 specific tests. Currently, we handle 20 in-house, but the remaining 23 are outsourced to laboratories in Latvia and Georgia,” Berdalin explained. In addition to Turkey, the Ministry of Agriculture is working to open European markets for Kazakh meat. Last year, Kazakhstan exported over 53,000 tons of meat and meat products valued at $153 million. Poultry was the largest export category, at nearly 32,000 tons, followed by beef at 15,800 tons. Primary export destinations included Uzbekistan, the UAE, Kyrgyzstan, Iran,...

Energy Infrastructure

Central Asia to Develop a Unified Platform for Electricity Trade

Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister for Energy Umid Mamadaminov announced at the European Economic Days in Tashkent on November 6 that a unified platform for electricity trade is being developed in Central Asia. Mamadaminov said that Uzbekistan is developing this platform with the support of the World Bank and other partners. “Infrastructure is very important for integrating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, and many countries face this problem. We need at least 5,000 km of power lines, including 500 kV and 200 kV high-voltage lines and substations,” Mamadaminov said. At least 2,000 km of power lines should be built in the next two years. “We have already signed contracts to install more than 2,000 MW of energy storage systems with a total capacity of more than 400 MW, as each is a two-cycle network. We will have at least 4,000 MW of basic capacity in the next two years. This helps to respond to fluctuations in solar energy production quickly,” the deputy minister said. According to Mamadaminov, automation is the main problem in integrating renewable energy sources into the electric grid because the system cannot be controlled without it. In addition, this year, reforms to modernize and regulate energy consumption, including a new plan developed by the Cabinet of Ministers, were implemented in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan’s energy system, especially electricity generation, relies heavily on fossil fuels. However, the country aims to produce 25% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Uzbekistan plans to focus on solar energy while using wind, biomass, and hydro sources to achieve this goal. The government is working to attract investors to build 8 GW of solar and wind power and increase hydroelectric capacity to 1.935 GW by 2030. Biogas production from biomass and organic waste will also be developed.

Green Economy

World Bank Report Outlines Path to Drive Tajikistan’s Green Transition and Economic Growth

On November 7, the World Bank Group published the Tajikistan Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), highlighting the transformative potential of climate action for Tajikistan's economy. The report suggests that addressing climate risks can drive economic renewal, create jobs, and enhance resilience against the rising frequency of extreme weather events caused by climate change. Ozan Sevimli, World Bank Group Country Manager for Tajikistan, emphasized the urgency of a strategic shift: “Tajikistan urgently needs an economic reset to tackle its numerous development challenges and the growing impacts of climate change that threaten future progress. The CCDR provides a roadmap for accelerating the transition to a green economy, supporting long-term growth.” A key finding of the report is the importance of mobilizing private-sector financing to supplement Tajikistan's limited public resources. This financing will be crucial in securing the nation’s green transition and ensuring water, food, and energy security. Despite ranking 130th globally in greenhouse gas emissions, Tajikistan is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, notes Bahodur Sheralizoda, Chair of the Environmental Protection Committee under the Tajik government: “Although our contribution to global emissions is minimal, we are one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. The CCDR advises the government to improve production efficiency, foster innovative technologies, and create green jobs to reduce our susceptibility to climate-related challenges.” The report warns that Tajikistan already faces high risks of floods, earthquakes, and landslides, with potential infrastructure and agricultural losses that could lower GDP by 5-6% by 2050. The strategic Vakhsh River Basin, which produces 90% of the country’s electricity, underscores the dual challenges of climate and development. Annual costs of land degradation are estimated at $325 million, with further increases anticipated. Additionally, air pollution remains a major health risk, accounting for 84 deaths per 100,000 people—Central Asia’s second-highest rate. A green transition could deliver substantial benefits. By 2050, reduced healthcare costs from lower air pollution, fewer road accidents, and improved road conditions could save over $3.5 billion. Investments in renewable energy, including hydro, solar, and geothermal, as well as in energy efficiency, promise new employment opportunities across sectors. The report advises the Tajik government to fast-track low-carbon development to strengthen economic growth, energy security, export potential, and job creation, all while enhancing air quality. Achieving these goals will require significant investments: Tajikistan needs around $17 billion, in addition to the $79 billion required for the government’s reform agenda from 2025 to 2050. Private sector investments, particularly in energy, industry, and agriculture, will be essential. Recognizing that the financial needs for this transformation exceed domestic resources, the report underscores the importance of external support. Tajikistan will need substantial technical and financial assistance from international bodies, climate funds, and development partners to fulfill its climate and development goals.

Agriculture

Farmers’ Support Centers Open in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has opened city support centers for farmers to get up-to-date information from agricultural specialists, from how to plant seeds to how to get subsidies. Experts say that Kyrgyz farmers are often unable to use modern technology, which increases production costs. Five centers have been opened across the country. The project's primary goal is to create an information platform for farmers. The most common questions are what products are best to produce in specific areas, what seeds are needed, and how best to market finished products. Farmers are also interested in leasing agricultural equipment and obtaining loans from state banks. Mirkasym Alakhveranov, a long-time farmer and owner of a beet farm in Chui region, told The Times of Central Asia about the problems of Kyrgyz farmers. “We need farmer schools or advisory centers. Not everyone is ready to grow food according to all the rules. Besides, something new is emerging daily: science is moving forward, mechanization is improving, and chemistry is improving. And the country needs specialists who would follow all this and could explain it to the peasant,” Alakhveranov said. He said many non-professionals in Kyrgyz agriculture today need more knowledge. However, they desire to improve farming. In addition, farmers need more technical knowledge: most need to understand modern equipment. “There is a lack of modern agricultural machinery; farmers suffer losses. They cannot pay the loan for leasing, so they go bankrupt. Most companies selling special equipment do not train buyers to work with the equipment. We need to teach young people how to use modern machines, so they learn to use them confidently,” Alakhveranov said. Another problem plaguing Kyrgyzstan's agricultural sector is small-scale farming. Importers from Russia and Kazakhstan, where most agricultural products go, need large volumes of goods. The new support centers could raise awareness of Alakhveranov's beliefs on this issue and persuade farmers to join cooperatives.

Organization of Turkic States

Organization of Turkic States Changes Its Flag

At the 11th summit of the heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Bishkek, a new flag to represent the organization was adopted. The leaders of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan—Ilham Aliyev, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Sadyr Japarov, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev—unanimously approved it as a symbol reflecting the Turkic world's shared values and cultural identity. The flag is designed on a turquoise background, symbolizing a clear sky, peace, and prosperity. In the center are a crescent moon, a star, and a sun with forty equal rays. These elements represent Turkic statehood, vitality, and aspiration for the future. The octagon, symbolizing centuries-old Turkic statehood and stability, expresses the participating countries' common cultural roots and interconnectedness. The sun's rays symbolize light and openness, and the crescent moon and star, well-known symbols of the Turkic world, emphasize the desire for development and progress based on a rich historical heritage. The Organization of Turkic States covers several countries in Eurasia and plays a vital role in their political and economic interaction. Its member countries are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, and its observer countries are Turkmenistan and Hungary. The OTS's headquarters are in Istanbul. Adopting the new flag was also a landmark step in strengthening the organization's international status. The first flag of the Organization of Turkic States was adopted in 2012. Earlier, Tokayev summarized the results of Kazakhstan's chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States. The countries' leaders adopted the Charter of the Turkic World, while central banks of the OTS will create a new Council to strengthen financial cooperation.