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China to Support Hydrogen Innovation Center in Kazakhstan

On March 20 in Beijing, Kazakhstan’s National Nuclear Center, part of the Ministry of Energy, signed a memorandum with China Energy Overseas Investment Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Jiao Tong University to establish a Scientific and Technical Innovation Center for Hydrogen Energy in Central Asia. The facility will be located in the city of Kurchatov, in Kazakhstan’s Abai Region, according to a statement from the Ministry of Energy. The future center is intended to serve as a key scientific and technological platform for research, testing, and the implementation of advanced hydrogen energy solutions. It aims to boost Kazakhstan’s competitiveness in the hydrogen sector, foster international cooperation in green energy, support innovative energy projects, and help train a new generation of highly qualified specialists. “Hydrogen energy is one of the key areas of the global energy transition,” said Deputy Minister of Energy, Bakytzhan Ilyas. “Kazakhstan has significant potential in this area, and the creation of the center in Kurchatov will open up new opportunities for the development of science, technology, and industry.” The initiative is also closely tied to Kazakhstan’s long-term climate goals. The center is expected to support the country’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies in the energy sector. In September 2024, Kazakhstan approved its Concept for the Development of Hydrogen Energy until 2030. The policy outlines key objectives including: Fulfilling international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Advancing the national goal of carbon neutrality Expanding access to modern, sustainable energy sources While the strategy prioritizes hydrogen technologies as a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s low-carbon transition, the global hydrogen sector remains in its early stages, and significant technical and economic hurdles must still be overcome.

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Kazakhstan to Build $1.35 Billion Fertilizer Plant in Mangistau

Kazakhstan will begin construction of a major fertilizer plant valued at $1.35 billion, under an investment agreement recently approved by the government. The project aims to boost domestic fertilizer production and reduce the country’s reliance on imports. Strategic Industrial Partnership The facility will be built in the Mangistau region under a joint venture between Kazakhstan’s national gas company QazaqGaz and Turkish construction firm ESTA Construction. The new company, Qazesta Fertilizers Ltd., will oversee the project, which is expected to benefit from Mangistau’s favorable logistics for export across the Caspian Sea. The plant is designed to produce up to 700,000 tonnes of urea and 42,000 tonnes of ammonia annually. Construction is scheduled to take three and a half years, creating an estimated 3,000 jobs during the building phase and 400 permanent positions upon completion. Officials say the project will support the development of Kazakhstan’s gas chemical industry and contribute to import substitution. Currently, the country produces three types of fertilizers, ammonium nitrate, ammophos, and ammonium sulfate, but domestic output meets only half of the 3.2 million tonnes required to satisfy national demand. Challenges in Fertilizer Use and Production Kazakhstan’s limited fertilizer use has drawn concern from analysts. According to Energyprom.kz, citing UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data, nitrogen fertilizer application has not exceeded 4.0 kg per hectare since 2000, and dropped to just 2.4 kg in 2022. In contrast, Uzbekistan applied 187.2 kg per hectare that year, while Russia applied 17.6 kg. Phosphate fertilizer usage in Kazakhstan was similarly low at 1.33 kg per hectare, compared to 5.91 kg in Russia. Domestic fertilizer production also declined in 2024. Total output fell by 9.3% to 367,500 tonnes. Production of nitrogen fertilizers dropped by 11.4% to 345,500 tonnes, while phosphate fertilizer output rose by 47.1% to 22,000 tonnes. Despite the gains, national supply still lags behind farmers’ needs. Import Dependency and Export Growth Kazakhstan remains dependent on foreign supplies of nitrogen fertilizers, with imports accounting for 57.8% of the market. In 2024, imports rose by 7.3% to 472,300 tonnes. Meanwhile, exports of nitrogen fertilizers nearly doubled to 214,400 tonnes. Phosphate fertilizers, however, are largely produced domestically, with imports making up just 1.2% of supply. Kazakhstan’s largest fertilizer export destinations in 2024 included Brazil (187,600 tonnes), Poland (92,500 tonnes), Ukraine (87,600 tonnes), and Russia (67,400 tonnes). However, declining global prices led to a 13.5% drop in export revenue, despite only a 1.1% decrease in volume. Global Market Dynamics Geopolitical factors continue to shape global fertilizer markets. Sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus in 2022 initially triggered shortages and price spikes, although some restrictions were later eased to mitigate food security risks. In 2024, U.S. imports of Russian fertilizers rose by 20% to $85.5 million. At the same time, the European Union is weighing new duties on fertilizer imports from Russia and Belarus, a move that has drawn criticism from European agricultural associations concerned about rising input costs. In this shifting global context, Kazakhstan’s expanded fertilizer capacity could enhance its role as a regional...

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EBRD Finances Coffee-Processing Plant at Kazakh-Chinese Border

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a loan of up to $10 million to Empire Manufacturing Kazakhstan (EMK) to support the construction of a coffee-processing facility in the Khorgos Free Economic Zone, located on Kazakhstan’s border with China. EMK is a subsidiary of Food Empire Holdings, a global food and beverage group listed on the Singapore Exchange. The new plant will enhance the company’s regional production capacity and is expected to set a new standard for food-processing technology and hygiene in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Once operational, the facility will export up to 50 percent of its coffee products to markets across Central Asia and the South Caucasus, where demand for Food Empire’s instant beverages is on the rise. The investment aligns with the EBRD’s broader strategy to support private sector growth in Kazakhstan. To date, the Bank has invested more than €11 billion in 335 projects across the country, with a strong emphasis on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

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Urban Legends of Central Asia: The Global Allure of Supernatural Tales

Supernatural TV series coming out of the U.S. have captivated audiences with their blend of mystery, horror, and fantasy. Shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Stranger Things explore themes of good versus evil, the unknown, and human resilience in the face of extraordinary threats. Their storytelling and relatable characters have created devoted fan bases and influenced pop culture. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Supernatural, the television series that evolved into a global cult phenomenon over its 15-season run and was a hit in Kazakhstan. The show followed the Winchester brothers as they hunted ghosts, demons, and other preternatural beings, drawing on local legends and folklore. But tales of the uncanny are not exclusive to the American Midwest. Central Asia - and Almaty in particular - offers a rich tapestry of urban myths that could easily serve as material for a local paranormal series. Recent years have seen an explosion in the horror/paranormal genre across Central Asia, with domestic productions now outperforming foreign blockbusters at the box office in Kazakhstan, something which was unthinkable just a decade ago. The Hitchhiking Ghosts of Almaty One of the earliest episodes of Supernatural features a ghostly hitchhiker, an image that Almaty residents might find eerily familiar. “I often drive the Kapchagay highway past midnight,” said Vadim, a resident of a village north of Almaty. “A couple of times I’ve seen a figure in white, just like the one my grandfather used to talk about, the ghost of a girl thumbing for a ride. If you stop, she asks you to call her parents and gives you a city phone number. But it’s an old Soviet six-digit number. When people called, someone on the other end would say their daughter had died long ago.” In another variation, the phantom begins to flirt with the driver, until he looks down and sees that instead of feet, she has hooves. There are multiple versions of this legend. Another ghostly hitchhiker is said to haunt Zhandosov Street near a former fruit and vegetable factory, reportedly foretelling fatal accidents. A third ghost is rumored to dwell in a bank building at the intersection of Seyfullin and Shevchenko streets, which is allegedly constructed upon the grave of a woman who was murdered. This last tale, however, doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. The building once housed a design institute and later a high-end nightclub, hardly the kind of place a malevolent spirit would haunt. Local students and clubgoers have reported no paranormal activity. The Martyr of Baum Grove Baum Grove in Almaty has long been the subject of ghost stories, many centered on a buried treasure and the murder of an Orthodox bishop during the Russian Civil War. While the Soviet authorities never investigated the legend, literature offers a clue. In his 1925 novel Mutiny, Bolshevik writer Dmitry Furmanov recounted the extrajudicial killing of a bishop outside the city by drunken Red Army soldiers. Historical records confirm that on September 16, 1918, troops from Ivan Mamontov’s punitive detachment abducted Bishop...

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Kazakhstan to Ban Chicken Egg Imports from April

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture has drafted an order to ban the import of fresh chicken eggs for six months, beginning in April. The proposal, backed by the government’s interdepartmental commission, is expected to remain in effect through the end of September. The ban will apply to all imports of fresh eggs, regardless of transport mode, from both countries outside of and member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). However, it will not affect the transit of eggs through Kazakhstan, including shipments moving from one EAEU country to another, such as from Russia to Kyrgyzstan. The initiative was not proposed by the authorities but by the Association of Egg Producers. “The Association appealed to the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture to consider a ban on egg imports from April to September,” said Kairat Maishev, head of the association. “A similar restriction was in place in 2024, from May to October. The goal is to curb illegal imports, prevent the entry of low-quality eggs, and support the development of the domestic industry.” Maishev stressed that the ban does not target legitimate importers but aims to ensure that imported eggs are properly documented and taxed. He also noted concerns about substandard products entering the market during the summer months. “In summer, the market often receives imports that do not meet shelf life and quality standards,” he stated. “It’s also difficult for authorities to regulate pricing for these products.” Kazakhstan currently has 34 poultry farms producing approximately five billion eggs annually, enough to meet domestic demand, according to the association. “We are confident that local producers can fully supply the population with quality products,” Maishev added. Official data shows that in 2024, Kazakhstan imported 87.4 million eggs and exported 43.2 million. Domestic production covered 99% of the national demand, with most imports originating from other EAEU countries. Government officials argue that the temporary ban will help strengthen the domestic egg industry and promote transparent pricing in the local market. In a related development, Kazakhstan suspended poultry imports in January from the U.S. states of Delaware and South Carolina, as well as Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region, due to outbreaks of avian influenza.

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Celebrating Nauryz: A Timeless Tradition of Unity, Renewal, and Heritage in Central Asia

Nauryz is more than just a holiday - it is a symbol of spring renewal, harmony, and unity that has been celebrated by the peoples of Central Asia for centuries. Marking the arrival of the spring equinox, Turkic communities welcome the New Year with purification rituals, festive gatherings, and traditional games. While the holiday shares common roots across the region, each country celebrates it uniquely, reflecting its distinct cultural heritage. Nauryz has survived through the centuries, and despite the evolution of the celebration in the modern era, it continues to unite people through traditions. Kazakhstan In Kazakhstan, Nauryz is celebrated on a large scale, transforming cities and villages into festival grounds filled with folk rituals, sporting events, and cultural performances. The holiday begins with blessings from elders and family visits. At the heart of the festive table is Nauryz-kozhe, a traditional soup made from seven ingredients, each symbolizing key values in life. “Nauryz without Nauryz-kozhe is not Nauryz," Daniyar, 29, from Almaty, told The Times of Central Asia. "When I was a child, my grandmother told me that eating it would bring luck for the year. That’s why the whole family gathers around the table.” Beyond feasting, Nauryz is a time for competitions. Among the most popular are kokpar, an equestrian contest where riders traditionally competed for a goat carcass - now often replaced with a dummy version (serke), asyk atu, a traditional game of precision using sheep bones, and kazaksha kures, a national wrestling competition. “As a child, I always looked forward to this day because it was when I could see adults displaying strength and skill," Sanzhar, 25, from Taraz, told TCA. "These traditions are passed down through generations and strengthen our culture.” Ancient customs also come to life during the festival. People wear traditional Kazakh attire, exchange gifts, and partake in purification rituals. “When I put on a [traditional] Kazakh costume, I feel a deep connection with my ancestors. There’s something magical about this holiday - the aroma of freshly cooked kozhe, the sound of the dombra, the folk dances, and the spirit of unity. It’s a day to remember who we are and take pride in our culture,” said Aizhan, 40, from Astana. [caption id="attachment_29953" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Nauryz celebration in Almaty; image: TCA[/caption] Kyrgyzstan In Kyrgyzstan, Nauryz represents renewal and rebirth. The celebrations begin with a cleansing ritual, where people clean their homes, courtyards, and even their minds, symbolizing a fresh start. Hospitality plays a central role, as it is customary to host and visit seven guests, symbolizing openness and strong social bonds. Like in Kazakhstan, Nauryz-kozhe is a staple of the festive table. However, Kyrgyz cuisine also features kuurdak, fried meat with potatoes and onions, and osh - also known as plov or palov - emphasizing the tradition of generous feasting. The holiday is further enriched by national sporting competitions, including horse races, wrestling (kuresh), ordo, a traditional strategy game, and arkan tartysh, a tug-of-war contest. “For us, Nauryz is more than just a holiday....