International Affairs - The Times Of Central Asia

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Jackson-Vanik Amendment

Kazakhstan Takes Center Stage in U.S. House Critical Minerals Hearing

Kazakhstan’s growing role in global critical-mineral supply chains came into sharp focus on Capitol Hill on September 2. During a nearly four-hour hearing of the full U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, lawmakers and expert witnesses repeatedly presented the country as a major resource producer, an established U.S. supplier and a strategically important partner in Central Asia. The hearing, titled "Strategic Partnerships to Secure Critical Resources and Supply Chains," covered a broad range of issues, including domestic mining, processing capacity, Africa and trade policy. Kazakhstan nevertheless emerged as one of the hearing’s most frequently cited country examples. Three of the five witnesses explicitly supported removing Jackson-Vanik Amendment restrictions from Kazakhstan and other qualifying Central Asian states, while another encouraged Congress to consider doing so. Their position was reinforced by members of both parties. The discussion followed a congressional delegation to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia led one week earlier by Committee Chairman Jason Smith. Opening the hearing, Smith said all three countries possess significant critical resources, operate amid a strong Chinese and Russian economic presence and are looking to the United States as a stronger trade and investment partner. Kazakhstan entered the debate as an existing and reliable contributor to U.S. supply chains. Smith noted that the country already provides more than a quarter of U.S. uranium imports. Uzbekistan was discussed largely in terms of its plans to nearly double uranium production by 2030, while Kazakhstan’s importance rested on current production, established commercial ties and its capacity to support immediate diversification of American supplies. Former U.S. Ambassador John Herbst, senior director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, described Kazakhstan as the world’s largest uranium producer, the holder of the second-largest manganese reserves and one of the leading producers of titanium. He also pointed to its substantial copper, lithium and tungsten resources. According to Herbst, the United States currently receives only about 2.1 percent of Central Asia’s mineral exports. That limited share, he argued, leaves considerable space for American companies to expand their presence in a region that is actively seeking investment, technology and alternatives to dependence on Russia and China. Kazakhstan’s significance was also linked to its position at the heart of the Trans-Caspian, or Middle Corridor. Participants described the route as an increasingly important connection between Central Asia and Western markets. Combined with new transport links through the South Caucasus, the corridor could give Kazakhstan greater access to global markets while strengthening the resilience of supply chains serving the United States and its allies. For Kazakhstan, the Jackson-Vanik Amendment became the hearing’s defining political issue. Smith said his recent meetings in Central Asia showed that regional partners regard the Soviet-era measure as an obstacle to deeper economic ties. Witnesses added that the continued application of Jackson-Vanik and the absence of permanent normal trade relations make the trade relationship less predictable and raise questions about the durability of Washington’s commitment. Herbst called for Congress to remove the remaining Jackson-Vanik restrictions on Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. He acknowledged that reforms...

South East Asia

Kazakhstan Laos Seek to Link Transport Corridors Through China

Kazakhstan wants to connect its rail and logistics network with the China-Laos Railway, opening a possible route for Lao goods to Central Asia and Europe and for Kazakh exports into Southeast Asia. Much of the infrastructure already exists: both countries’ networks connect through China. What is missing are the agreements needed to make regular freight traffic between them practical. The idea was one of the main topics during Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith’s first official visit to Kazakhstan on September 3. During talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, trade, transport and logistics were high on the agenda. Tokayev specifically offered Lao freight carriers access to Kazakhstan’s logistics hub in Xi’an. From there, cargo can move through Kazakhstan to the Caspian Sea and then onward toward Europe. Astana sees the China-Laos Railway as a potential gateway to Southeast Asian markets. Opened in December 2021, the 414-kilometer section inside Laos connects the capital Vientiane with Boten on the Chinese border, linking the Lao network onward to Kunming through China’s rail system. It has become a central element of Laos’ strategy to transform itself from a landlocked country into a regional land-linked transport hub. Before the railway opened, the World Bank estimated that, with better logistics and simpler border procedures, it could substantially reduce transport costs and integrate Laos more closely into regional production and supply chains. The route is already being used for freight between China and Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore. Kazakhstan is looking at this infrastructure as a possible southern extension of its own overland trade routes. Between the two countries lies China’s vast railway system, meaning much of the physical infrastructure needed for such a connection already exists. There is, however, no regular Kazakhstan-Laos freight corridor yet. Regular freight services would require agreements covering transit, tariffs, and customs procedures. The route’s commercial viability would depend on transport costs and delivery times, as well as the ability to generate sufficient cargo volumes. The first potential goods have already been identified. Laos is interested in Kazakh grain, oilseeds, animal feed, and meat products. Coffee and rubber are among the possible Lao exports to Kazakhstan. The search for new trade routes is linked to Astana’s broader plans to expand the geography of its exports. Kazakhstan aims to increase non-commodity exports to $52 billion by 2030. Kazakhstan’s interest in Laos is largely explained by the country’s changing position on Asia’s transport map. The railway connection to China has given Laos direct access to the Chinese network and brought it closer to major regional markets. Kazakhstan’s infrastructure could extend that chain westward through Central Asia and across the Caspian toward Europe.

Central Asia-U.S. Relations

In Bishkek, Gor and Daines Put Business First

U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and U.S. Senator Steve Daines used their visit to Bishkek this week to put business squarely at the center of Washington's engagement with Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, with discussions focused on investment, trade, infrastructure and practical steps for turning ideas into deals. Gor and Daines arrived for the opening of the World Nomad Games to cheer on the U.S. team, a visit that coincided with the SCO Summit on its 25th anniversary. The Games were only part of the visit. Much of the agenda focused on economic engagement. They were accompanied by Bethany Morrison, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia at the U.S. Department of State. “Called on President Zhaparov today in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic,” Gor tweeted. “Many great opportunities for our two nations to work together. We look forward to welcoming President Zhaparov to the United States next month to further advance our growing partnership.” U.S. officials met President Sadyr Japarov on Aug. 31 and held separate talks in Bishkek with Economy and Commerce Minister Sydykov and other officials. Edil Baisalov, Kyrgyz Ambassador to the U.S., accompanied the delegation to their meetings with Kyrgyz officials. Their Bishkek schedule also included meetings with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. Discussions with Kyrgyz officials covered steps needed to advance different types of projects, opportunities for business-to-business cooperation and ways to connect U.S. companies with projects and partners in Kyrgyzstan and the wider region. Mining was among the sectors in focus, as expected, alongside infrastructure, energy, technology and trade. The discussions focused on identifying viable projects, connecting companies and resolving financing and implementation issues. [caption id="attachment_55339" align="aligncenter" width="690"] Daines and Gor. Image: https://x.com/USAmbIndia/status/2094364843390476459[/caption] More than Business The agenda was overwhelmingly commercial, though not exclusively, as Gor himself tweeted: “A very productive meeting with President Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. We discussed ongoing cooperation in energy, commerce, and building more robust security ties between our nations. Looking forward to big announcements soon between the U.S. and Uzbekistan.” Or consider this tweet: “Pleased to meet with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon. Together, the U.S. and Tajikistan are growing our commercial engagement, expanding our health cooperation, and strengthening security and counterterrorism cooperation.” Gor mentioned “security cooperation” with Kazakhstan as well. The latest visit builds on an economic agenda already being developed through the B5+1 business forum, which Gor attended in Bishkek earlier this year. The forum brought together businesses and government officials from the United States and the five Central Asian states, with an emphasis on investment, market access and reducing obstacles to private-sector activity. The discussions in Bishkek also touched on the next C5+1 summit, the U.S.-Central Asian leaders' format involving Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Kyrgyzstan offered to host the next summit in Bishkek. [caption id="attachment_55340" align="aligncenter" width="622"] L/R – Bethany Morrison, Daines, Gor, US Amb Lesslie Viguerie. Image: https://x.com/USAmbIndia/status/2094303173481844848[/caption] For Daines, the visit extended work he has been pursuing on Capitol Hill as chairman...

Uzbekistan-India Relations

Uzbekistan India Trade Target Rises to $5 Billion as Uranium Cooperation Expands

Uzbekistan and India want to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030 – nearly four times the 2025 level. During talks between Uzbekistan's president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, in Tashkent, uranium, critical minerals, and industrial cooperation were among the key economic issues. However, trade growth continues to run up against a longstanding problem: there is no direct overland route between India and Central Asia, prompting Tashkent and New Delhi to again look toward transport corridors through Iran. Modi visited Uzbekistan on August 29-30, his fourth trip to the country. Following the talks, bilateral relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The sides signed a package of documents covering areas including geology and mineral resources, finance, education, tourism, and environmental protection. A separate outcome was the new bilateral trade target of $5 billion by 2030. In 2025, trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.3 billion for the first time, an increase of 33.3%. Uzbekistan exported $164.6 million worth of goods to India and imported $1.15 billion. To meet the new target, bilateral trade would have to grow almost fourfold. The imbalance has continued in 2026. In the first half of the year, bilateral trade totaled $598.1 million. Uzbekistan imported $514 million worth of goods from India while exporting $84.2 million. As of the beginning of August, 439 companies involving Indian investors were operating in Uzbekistan. Mutual Interest in Expanding Ties Tashkent and New Delhi have already completed a joint study on a possible preferential trade agreement. The two governments now say they have instructed their ministries to consider the next steps toward an agreement. A significant part of the new agreements concerns natural resources. The memorandum on geology and mineral resources provides for cooperation in the exploration and development of deposits, while critical minerals were specifically included in the leaders’ talks. India is particularly interested in uranium. Under a contract signed in 2019, Uzbekistan agreed to supply India with 1,100 tons of uranium concentrate. Following the latest talks, Modi said progress had been made toward a long-term arrangement for uranium supplies from Uzbekistan. No new contract or quantities have yet been announced. For India, the issue is becoming increasingly important as it expands nuclear power generation. New Delhi has set a target of increasing the country’s nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, from 8.78 GW today, substantially increasing its demand for nuclear fuel. Uzbekistan is also interested in Indian investment in critical minerals. Tashkent wants foreign partners to help process raw materials domestically, while India is seeking to diversify supplies of resources needed for electronics, energy, and industry. Transport Remains the Obstacle Reaching $5 billion in trade, however, will also require addressing the transport problem. India has no direct overland access to Central Asia, while Uzbekistan is double landlocked. The shortest overland route would run through Pakistan and Afghanistan, but India-Pakistan tensions have long prevented it from becoming a dependable trade corridor. That has pushed the two countries toward alternatives through Iran. One option runs through...

С5+Korea

What to Expect from the First Central Asia South Korea Summit

The first summit of Central Asian and Republic of Korea leaders will take place in Seoul on September 16-17. Behind the diplomatic novelty of the meeting is a highly practical agenda: South Korea is seeking more resilient sources of critical minerals and new manufacturing partnerships, while Central Asian countries are looking for technologies and investment to process raw materials within the region. The summit continues a trend that has taken shape in recent years. Central Asia is building relations with major external partners through regional formats while preserving national sovereignty and avoiding the creation of supranational institutions. This approach is already being used in relations with the European Union, China, the Gulf states, Japan, and India. Relations with Seoul have long developed along a similar model. The Central Asia – Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum has existed since 2007, but meetings have so far taken place below the level of heads of state. The September summit will elevate this mechanism to the presidential level for the first time. Preparations have been underway for several months. Meetings between representatives of the five Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea have focused on industrial cooperation, supply chains, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and digital manufacturing. South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources has also proposed establishing a regular C5+Korea Industry Ministers’ Meeting. A business summit is expected to take place in Seoul alongside the leaders’ summit. For South Korea, interest in the region is closely tied to the structure of its own economy. The country is a major producer of semiconductors, batteries, automobiles, and electronics, but depends on imports for many types of mineral resources. Central Asia has globally significant reserves and production of uranium, chromite, and antimony, as well as substantial copper resources. The Korean government already describes Central Asia as an important partner in strengthening strategic mineral supply chains. In December 2025, Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources identified critical minerals, energy, and industrial projects among the main areas for cooperation with the region. Preparations for the summit show that Seoul is looking for specific projects in individual countries. With Tajikistan, discussions focus on the country’s gold, silver, and antimony resources. The first Korea-Tajikistan Minerals Forum was held in Seoul in August. With Kyrgyzstan, Seoul is discussing cooperation on antimony and tungsten. With Uzbekistan, talks cover critical minerals, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, and industrial complexes. At a roundtable in June, Korean companies operating in Uzbekistan raised concerns with South Korean officials over investment conditions, permits and approvals, and infrastructure. For Kazakhstan, one of the central issues is also the shift from supplying raw materials toward processing them domestically. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Isagaliyev told The Times of Central Asia that digitalization and artificial intelligence, industrial cooperation, critical minerals, and green energy could become new drivers of cooperation. “We see significant potential in introducing advanced Korean technologies and digital solutions in industry, energy, transport, and urban management,” Isagaliyev said. According to him, cooperation on critical minerals should extend into deeper stages...

Fertilizer Plant

Kyrgyzstan Fertilizer Plant Opens With $260 Million Chinese Investment

Kyrgyzstan has opened a major mineral fertilizer plant after years of dependence on imports. The $260 million project is being developed with a Chinese investor in the country’s south. Its first production line has an annual capacity of 100,000 tons, while the capacity announced for the completed project would significantly exceed current domestic demand. The plant opened on August 28 in the village of Torobai Kulatov in the Osh region. The first production line is currently operating in test mode. According to the Kyrgyz government, its capacity is 100,000 tons of fertilizer per year. At the next stage, capacity is expected to increase to 300,000 tons, and after completion of the project in 2028, to 1 million tons. For Kyrgyzstan, this represents substantial capacity. In March 2025, a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture estimated the country’s annual demand for mineral fertilizers at about 287,000 tons: 163,500 tons of nitrogen fertilizers, 105,800 tons of phosphate fertilizers, and 17,200 tons of potash fertilizers. The ministry described Kyrgyzstan at the time as entirely dependent on imports. The plant’s intermediate capacity of 300,000 tons would therefore roughly match the country’s current annual demand, although demand is split between different types of fertilizer. If it reaches the government’s stated capacity of 1 million tons, production would far exceed current domestic demand, meaning a substantial share could be exported. According to the Kyrgyz government, the plant will produce ammophos – a fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus – as well as compound fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the main nutrients used by agricultural crops. The project began with the signing of a $260 million investment agreement in May 2023 between Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Agriculture and China’s Hebei Bai Dou Jia. Construction began in 2024. Equipment worth around $15 million was supplied from China. The Chinese investor also plans to participate in distributing the output. A network of local dealers is expected to be established to supply products directly to farmers. Zhao Xuejun, chairman of Baidoujia Fertilizer, told China Daily that the company intends to combine Chinese fertilizer technology and production experience with local raw materials, labor, and agricultural demand. However, figures for the plant’s eventual capacity differ. The Kyrgyz government says it will reach 1 million tons per year by 2028, while Baidoujia told China Daily that the facility will produce 500,000 tons annually once fully operational. Earlier reports from Kyrgyzstan had also put the eventual capacity at 500,000 tons. Neither side has publicly explained the discrepancy. The scale of Kyrgyzstan’s dependence on imports is evident in trade statistics. World Bank trade data show that in 2025, the country imported approximately $44 million worth of fertilizers. Russia accounted for $20.9 million and Uzbekistan for $19 million. Together, the two countries supplied about 91% of Kyrgyzstan’s fertilizer imports by value. The dependence continued in 2026. Between January and April, Kyrgyzstan imported 12,700 tons of mineral fertilizers worth $7.8 million. Import volumes increased by 13.5% year-on-year. Russia supplied 9,100 tons, or more than 71% of the total...