Kazakhstan - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 1949

Environmentalists Urge Relocation of Hyrasia One Green Hydrogen Project

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources is facing growing pressure from environmental experts to alter the course of the country's flagship green hydrogen initiative. The Public Council under the Ministry has recommended relocating key infrastructure of the €50 billion ($55 billion) Hyrasia One project, citing threats to biodiversity in the Mangistau region. Developed by the Swedish-German company Svevind Energy Group, Hyrasia One is poised to become Kazakhstan’s largest green hydrogen production facility, with plans to generate up to two million tonnes annually by 2030 using solar and wind power. But environmental groups argue that parts of the planned development risk causing irreversible ecological damage. In an official statement, the Public Council advised that the proposed “Rahim” and “Kanagat” renewable energy clusters be relocated to previously industrialized zones, such as former oil and gas fields, rather than pristine ecosystems home to endangered species. “It would be more practical for the company as well, as such territories already have existing infrastructure, including roads, power lines, and cellular coverage,” the council noted in its published protocol. Ecologists warn that the current project layout intersects with the habitat and migratory routes of the goitered gazelle, a species listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book of endangered fauna. The installation of wind turbines, solar panels, roads, and transmission lines in these areas could fragment ecosystems and disrupt transboundary conservation initiatives involving Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The development risks affecting several protected areas, including the Ustyurt Nature Reserve (and its proposed “Southern Ustyurt” extension), Kyzylsai Nature Park in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan’s “South Ustyurt” National Park, and Turkmenistan’s Gaplangyr Reserve, home to the Sarykamysh and Shasenem wildlife sanctuaries. Council members also raised legal and procedural issues, alleging that land allocations for the project were made without proper legal oversight and that public consultations during the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process were inadequate. They further claim that Hyrasia One representatives have declined to attend two separate council sessions dedicated to the project. The council has formally submitted its findings and relocation proposal to the Presidential Administration, the Government of Kazakhstan, and regional authorities in Mangystau. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Hyrasia One is central to Kazakhstan’s ambitions to become a key exporter of green energy to the European Union. The project may also benefit from emerging energy cooperation with China, further raising the stakes for its execution and environmental impact.

Central Asia Justice Kazakhstan Justice Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Engaged in Legal Disputes with 20 Foreign Companies

Kazakhstan is currently involved in 20 legal disputes with foreign companies, a decrease from 26 cases in 2023, according to Yerlan Musabayev, Acting Director of the Department for the Protection of State Property Rights under the Ministry of Justice. “As of now, the Ministry is handling 20 cases involving claims totaling more than $7.5 billion,” Musabayev stated during a briefing in Astana. Of these, 13 are under review in international arbitration, five are in foreign courts, and two are in the pre-litigation stage. The reduction in the number of disputes reflects progress made over the past year, he noted. Among the Ministry's recent successes, Musabayev highlighted a key ruling by the High Court of Justice in London in favor of Kazakhstan in a case filed by Canadian uranium company World Wide Minerals (WWM). The dispute originated from Kazakhstan’s 1997 decision to deny WWM an export license for uranium and terminate a trust management contract for the Tselinograd Mining and Chemical Plant (now the Stepnogorsk Mining and Chemical Plant). The High Court ruling, issued on February 28, 2025, overturned a 2024 decision that had awarded WWM approximately $65 million. “Under the 2025 decision, the Republic of Kazakhstan has no obligations toward World Wide Minerals. It’s worth noting that the bar for appeals in UK courts is exceptionally high, fewer than 2% succeed,” Musabayev said. Another legal victory came in a case involving the Kazakh-Italian construction joint venture Todini Impregilo Kazakhdorstroy. The company had sought $20 million in claims, but the International Chamber of Commerce Arbitration Court in Paris dismissed all demands and ordered the joint venture to reimburse $277,000 in legal costs. Enforcement of the ruling required compulsory measures. “The Ministry of Justice is actively working to further reduce the number of disputes with foreign entities. Through coordinated efforts with other state bodies and the Government’s legal advisors, we’ve saved considerable budgetary resources, preserved Kazakhstan’s investment attractiveness, and strengthened the country’s international reputation,” Musabayev concluded. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan resolved a long-standing legal battle with Anatolie and Gabriel Stati’s Tristan Oil in 2024, following protracted litigation over the nationalization of oil assets. Meanwhile, early reviews of certain production-sharing agreements in the oil sector could lead to new legal proceedings in the near future.

Central Asia Kazakhstan Local Politics Local Politics Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Home

Legal Media Center to Sue Kazakh Foreign Ministry Over Journalist Accreditation Refusal

The Legal Media Center, a media-focused human rights organization, has announced plans to file a lawsuit against Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) over its refusal to accredit seven journalists from Radio Azattyq, the Kazakh service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). According to Gulmira Birzhanova, head of the center’s legal department, the new regulations on foreign media introduced in 2024 have created a restrictive legal framework that infringes on journalists’ constitutional rights. “By delaying their response and failing to provide concrete grounds for the MFA’s refusal to extend accreditation, the Ministry created conditions that violate journalists’ constitutional rights and legal protections. We remind the authorities that our journalists work for a media outlet already accredited in Kazakhstan,” Birzhanova said in a statement posted to Facebook. The updated rules prohibit foreign media outlets from operating in Kazakhstan without official MFA accreditation. The Legal Media Center argues that these provisions constitute a de facto professional ban and conflict with both Kazakhstan’s Constitution and international press freedom standards. The organization also claims that the restrictions appear to be selectively enforced, with Radio Azattyq being specifically targeted. In January 2024, the MFA denied accreditation to several RFE/RL journalists, some of whom had not had their credentials renewed since late 2022. Radio Azattyq subsequently filed a lawsuit, which resulted in a mediation agreement in April. At the time, RFE/RL President Stephen Capus welcomed the outcome. “All we have ever asked for is that our journalists be allowed to do their jobs safely and without pressure. We remain committed to providing the Kazakh audience with independent and reliable information,” he said. The Times of Central Asia previously interviewed Kazakh journalist Asem Tokayeva, a long-time contributor to RFE/RL. In that interview, she described internal challenges and disagreements within the media organization, raising broader concerns about the future of independent journalism in Central Asia.

Home Life & Culture Kazakhstan Life & Culture Kazakhstan Features Kazakhstan Featurees

Comic Con Astana 2025: Kazakhstan’s Premier Geek Culture Festival Set to Break Records

Geek culture has become a vibrant facet of Astana’s tourist appeal, and on July 9, the city kicked off the fourth edition of Comic Con Astana, Kazakhstan’s flagship festival for anime, comics, and cosplay. Over the years, festival-goers have become a familiar sight in the capital's summer streets, embodying characters from across the worlds of comics, gaming, and fantasy. While other Central Asian capitals, including Tashkent, have made similar attempts, it is Astana that has succeeded in establishing a sustainable and growing comic convention. The inaugural Comic Con Astana was held in 2019, but subsequent years were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the political turbulence of 2022. In 2023, however, the festival returned with renewed energy, drawing not only domestic fans but also international guests eager to meet Hollywood actors Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn, known for their roles as Yondu and Kraglin in Guardians of the Galaxy. The guest list also included top Eurasian video bloggers and prominent cosplayers, names that may be unfamiliar to the broader public, but are iconic within the global geek community. That year, organizers reported at least 60,000 attendees. [caption id="attachment_33875" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: TCA[/caption] In 2024, the festival built on that momentum. A major highlight was the appearance of Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, famed for his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in the eponymous TV series, whose popularity kept him signing autographs late into the night, well past the scheduled program. He was joined by Canadian actor Percy Hynes White, who had recently risen to prominence through his role in Netflix’s Wednesday. Now, in 2025, Comic Con Astana is aiming to surpass its own benchmarks. [caption id="attachment_33876" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: TCA[/caption] "This year, we decided to scale up and break our own record: two venues, Astana Arena and Barys Arena, and an extended five-day program," said Natalina Abrashkin, general producer of Comic Con Astana. "Every year, Comic Con grows in terms of guests, international stars, and economic impact. In 2025, we expect more than 75,000 attendees, including at least 10,000 foreign tourists." Organizers estimate that each foreign visitor spends around 118,000 KZT ($228) per day. With an average stay of three days, the festival is projected to generate over 3.5 billion KZT (nearly $7 million) in economic activity through accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment, and shopping. This year’s expanded program reflects that ambition. Even the two arenas may struggle to accommodate the crowds expected to attend appearances by three Hollywood stars: Andy Serkis, renowned for his motion-capture roles as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Caesar in Planet of the Apes, will headline. He will be joined by Esai Morales (Ozark, Titans, Mission: Impossible, La Bamba) and Scott Adkins (John Wick 4, Doctor Strange, Ip Man 4). Their public sessions are scheduled for the festival’s final weekend. [caption id="attachment_33877" align="aligncenter" width="1832"] Image: TCA[/caption] A central feature of Comic Con Astana remains the cosplay competition. This year, organizers have raised the prize fund to 15 million KZT ($29,000). Cosplay has been a cornerstone...

Home Business & Economy Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Business & Economy Features Kazakhstan Featurees

Kazakh Foreign Minister Visits Kabul, Signs $500M Railway Deal as Mining Push Gathers Momentum

In a major step toward deepening regional engagement, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu arrived in Kabul this week, signaling a continuing shift towards pragmatic engagement in Astana’s policy towards Afghanistan. The visit resulted in significant diplomatic and economic developments, including the signing of a $500 million agreement on the Herat-Torghundi railway. During his visit, Nurtleu met with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and other senior officials in the Taliban-led government. In a joint statement, the two sides emphasized their commitment to expanding bilateral ties in transit, trade, education, and regional security. Nurtleu pledged Kazakhstan’s support for Afghanistan’s stabilization, food security, and comprehensive development, stating that Astana is seeking to expand its partnership with Kabul based on shared regional interests. A highlight of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the construction of the Torghundi–Herat railway. The 115-kilometer line will link western Afghanistan to Turkmenistan, and is expected to extend connectivity into Iran and further south to the Arabian Sea. Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar welcomed the agreement, stating that the deal will lay the foundation for establishing a logistics hub in Herat. As reported by Baradar’s office, discussions also covered the possibility of relaxing visa regulations for Afghan traders, resuming direct flights between Kabul and Astana, and increasing bilateral trade volumes. The two sides emphasized expanding economic collaboration through joint initiatives in key industries, including mining, transportation, communications, energy, and infrastructure. They also considered formalizing accords on agricultural product safety, cross-border logistics, and reduced transit costs — steps aimed at potentially raising trade between the countries to $3 billion. In parallel to these diplomatic overtures, Kazakhstan’s mining giant Kazakhmys Barlau is exploring Afghanistan’s untapped mineral resources. CEO Galym Nurzhanov confirmed that his team has already begun reconnaissance operations in the mineral-rich Nuristan Province. Nurzhanov described the terrain as a geological time capsule, stating that “For our geologists and miners, it’s like stepping into the 19th century. We looked at lead-zinc deposits, grades of nearly 39%, with concentrates reaching 41%. That’s ready ore, you can crush it and send it straight to the plant.” As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, despite lingering tensions over issues such as Afghanistan’s controversial Qosh Tepa Canal project, Kazakhstan has emphasized an approach to relations with Kabul based on “practicality, not ideology,” highlighting the shared need for regional security, trade corridors, and energy development.

Central Asia Kazakhstan Business & Economy Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan’s Oil Exports to Germany Drop Sharply in June

Kazakhstan’s oil exports to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline fell by 1.4 times in June 2025 compared to May, according to new data from KazTransOil. Supply Targets vs. Delivery Volumes In June, KazTransOil transported 160,000 tonnes of crude oil to Germany through the Russian Transneft pipeline network, down from 230,000 tonnes in May. The shipments were delivered to the Adamova Zastava entry point on the German border. KazTransOil has not yet disclosed its supply plans for July. Despite the recent dip, Kazakhstan plans to export 1.5 million tonnes of oil to Germany in 2025, mirroring the 2024 target. In 2023, the volume reached 993,000 tonnes. Kazakhstan's Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov stated in May that Astana is in talks with partners to potentially increase the annual supply to 2.2 million tonnes. His predecessor, Almasadam Satkaliyev, had earlier voiced similar intentions, indicating the figure could be raised to 2 million tonnes if demand from Germany rises. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has also expressed readiness to boost exports. Deepening Energy Ties Kazakhstan launched regular oil deliveries to Germany through Druzhba in 2023 as part of its broader strategy to diversify export routes. The first shipment was dispatched in February of that year. KazTransOil received a 2023 quota from Transneft for 1.2 million tonnes of oil, and in August, Karachaganak Petroleum Operating (KPO), operator of the Karachaganak field, announced plans to maintain that volume in 2024. In June 2023, KazMunayGas signed a supply agreement with Rosneft Deutschland GmbH for monthly deliveries of 100,000 tonnes to the PCK Raffinerie in Schwedt, Germany. The contract involved KazMunayGas Trading AG as the seller and Rosneft Deutschland, one of the refinery’s co-owners, as the buyer. Why Use the Druzhba Pipeline? The Druzhba pipeline originates in Samara, Russia, and branches into two routes after Bryansk and Mozyr: the northern branch runs through Belarus to Poland and Germany, while the southern route passes through Ukraine to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Following Germany’s decision to halt imports of Russian oil in early 2023, capacity became available within the Druzhba system. Kazakhstan capitalized on this opening, with oil shipments technically routed through Russia’s Transneft network under intergovernmental agreements. Germany, in its search for alternatives to Russian crude, has turned to Kazakhstan as a reliable supplier. Technical compatibility with the Druzhba pipeline and Kazakhstan’s neutral foreign policy have made it a strategic energy partner.