Kazakhstan Featurees - The Times Of Central Asia

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Bilateral Cooperation

Kazakhstan and Italy to Strengthen Military Cooperation

Kazakhstan and Italy are set to take their bilateral relations to a new level by enhancing military cooperation through targeted collaborations and strategic agreements. This partnership represents a significant step in bolstering the defense capabilities of Kazakhstan while strengthening ties between the Central Asian power and a key European Union member state. Key Areas of Collaboration The partnership will focus on several critical areas, including joint training initiatives, personnel exchanges, and advancements in military technology. Known for its ambitious modernization efforts across various sectors, Kazakhstan sees collaboration with Italy as an opportunity to upgrade its defense infrastructure and expertise. With its advanced military technology and extensive experience in both conventional and peacekeeping operations, Italy could provide Kazakhstan with valuable insights into modern warfare techniques and operational strategies. Potential areas of cooperation include cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and border security, reflecting mutual interests in maintaining regional and global stability. Additionally, military equipment production and joint defense projects are on the table, positioning Italy as a potential key player in Kazakhstan’s defense procurement strategy. By sharing technology and expertise, both nations aim to enhance their military preparedness and foster mutual growth. The news comes after a Kazakh delegation, headed by the Defense Minister of Kazakhstan, Ruslan Zhakssylykov, visited Italy’s Ministry of Defense and various military facilities, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Defense. The Strategic Importance Kazakhstan occupies a vital geopolitical position in Central Asia, serving as a crossroads for trade and security routes connecting Europe and Asia. A stronger defense partnership with Italy, a NATO member, underscores Kazakhstan’s intention to diversify its international relations and expand its defense partnerships beyond neighboring powers, China and Russia. For Italy, this cooperation aligns with its broader goal of deepening ties in Central Asia, a region that is becoming increasingly significant for global peace and security, especially given its proximity to Afghanistan and the interplay of great-power politics in the area. Enhanced ties with Kazakhstan offer Italy a foothold in Central Asia and a strategic partner with shared commitments to regional security and stability. This partnership also complements Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy approach, which seeks to balance relations with major global players while focusing on national interests. Deepening ties with Italy helps Kazakhstan diversify its defense alliances and reduce over-reliance on any single foreign power for military support. Recent Developments Recent discussions between Kazakh and Italian defense officials have demonstrated a commitment to cooperation. Agreements on military education programs and joint exercises are already underway. A key highlight of this partnership is Kazakhstan’s potential involvement in Italy’s defense technology initiatives. Reports suggest that ongoing negotiations could lead to joint production deals involving advanced military equipment, including drones and surveillance systems. Such developments would allow Kazakhstan to benefit from Italy’s state-of-the-art defense capabilities while contributing to its domestic military-industrial base. Outlook for the Future This emerging partnership between Kazakhstan and Italy signals a new chapter in Kazakhstan’s defense strategy. The collaborative efforts will not only help Kazakhstan grow its military competency but also fortify Italy’s presence in an...

Security

Videos Show Man Tackling Hostage-Taker at Almaty Airport

A Kazakh man who disarmed a hostage-taker by grabbing the knife from his hand at Almaty International Airport is being celebrated internationally for his courage. Several videos and accounts of the dramatic scene in the airport on Friday are circulating widely on the internet. The videos show the assailant holding a woman by her hair and making threats as security officials converge. He then lets go of the woman after a man offers himself as a hostage - and disarms the hostage-taker shortly afterward. A scuffle ensues as the man and officials subdue the attacker. Multiple reports identified the man who disarmed the attacker as former boxer Musa Abdraim, who is in his early 50s. The World Boxing Council identified him as Mussa Abraimov. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said on Instagram that he had a “great” video call with the former boxer and that he would receive the council’s “bravest man on earth” award. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was informed about the hostage situation at the airport, according to presidential press secretary Ruslan Zheldibay. “The President highlighted the bravery and skill of the man who disarmed the criminal and ordered that he be nominated for a state award,” Zheldibay said on social media platforms. The woman who was taken hostage and released was in uniform, suggesting that she was an airport employee. The attack occurred in the security check area of the airport. A criminal case has been opened against the hostage-taker. Authorities have not commented on his motivations. Abdraim spoke to journalists after the incident. "I watched him carefully, and as soon as his grip weakened slightly, I had to seize the knife from his hands,” Tengri News, a media outlet based in Kazakhstan, quoted him as saying. “As a man, as a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan, I simply could not have acted differently."

Criminal Responsibility

Mercenary Spies Unmasked: Guilty Verdict Exposes Global Disinformation and Sabotage Network

A spy cell in the UK, including five Bulgarian nationals, targeted multiple individuals and locations over nearly three years, according to court documents at The Old Bailey, officially known as the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales. The court case, which has played out over fourteen weeks, tells the story of a rogue group of six individuals aiming to leverage statecraft, intelligence, and a willingness to be ruthless for monetary gain. The trial has revealed that the defendants worked under the direction of Jan Marsalek, an Austrian national described by prosecutors as a Russian agent involved in espionage activities. Two men have already pleaded guilty to their role in the spy ring, Orlin Roussev, 46, and Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, whilst the whereabouts of Marsalek remain unknown. According to the prosecution, the defendants stood accused of "monetizing a gap in the market," engaging in what was described as "high-level espionage with very high stakes." A money flowchart presented as evidence revealed that approximately €380,000 had been transferred between three of the suspects, further supporting the allegations. The case has offered a window into the dark world of commercialized clandestine services where criminal organizations offer espionage, psyops, misinformation, assassinations, and other illegal activities for a fee. As for the outcome of the trial against the remaining three defendants, Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanchev 39, following 32 hours of deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict on all three of being involved in a conspiracy, contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977, to commit an offence under section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911. Only Ivanchev was present in court, whilst Ivanova and Gaberova joined by video-link from HMP Bronzefield. Their crimes carry a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment. Court testimony, evidence documents as well as volumes of Telegram and WeChat messages, reviewed by The Times of Central Asia reveal a chilling account of the sinister services these dark mercenaries plotted, offered, and in some cases, partially executed. The Times of Central Asia is finalizing its review of court documents and conducting follow-ups with sources to provide a comprehensive analysis and perspective on this case. Please check back for further insights.

International Women's Day

How Women in Central Asia Celebrate International Women’s Day

March 8, International Women’s Day, holds a special place in Central Asia. Over the years, the holiday has evolved from its Soviet-era roots into a modern celebration that blends tradition with contemporary interpretations. The Soviet Past: March 8 as a Day for Working Women During the Soviet Union, March 8 was more than a celebration of spring and femininity, it symbolized the struggle for women’s rights and equality. The day honored working women, with official ceremonies highlighting their achievements. State-run enterprises and organizations staged formal events and presented flowers and gifts to female employees, and media outlets published articles about the country’s outstanding women. The Transition Period: The 1990s Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Central Asian countries began redefining their identities, which was reflected in how they marked March 8. The holiday took on a more personal and familial character, with less ideological emphasis. While state celebrations continued, they became more subdued. Men still gifted flowers and presents to women, but the political significance of the day gradually faded into the background. Modern Celebrations: Balancing Tradition and New Trends Today, March 8 in Central Asia is primarily a day to recognize women’s contributions and express gratitude. The holiday remains widely celebrated across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, though each country has developed its distinct traditions. Kazakhstan: Major cities host flash mobs, charity events, and cultural programs. In recent years, feminist activism has gained momentum, with some using the holiday to highlight gender inequality. “For me, March 8 is not just about receiving flowers, it’s a reminder that equality is not a privilege but a necessity,” Ainur, 24, from Almaty told TCA. Uzbekistan: The holiday remains warm and family-oriented. Women receive flowers, sweets, and gifts from colleagues and relatives, while government agencies organize concerts and celebrations. “My friends and I always celebrate March 8. It’s wonderful to receive gifts from my brothers, friends, and husband, but I wish there was more year-round appreciation for women,” Madina, 27, from Tashkent told TCA. Kyrgyzstan: Alongside traditional celebrations, women's organizations and activists hold marches and discussions on gender rights, reflecting a shift toward reinterpreting the holiday. “I participate in the women’s rights march every year because this day is not just about flowers; it’s about our opportunities and freedoms,” Gulzat, 23, from Bishkek told TCA. Tajikistan and Turkmenistan: March 8 remains an official holiday, but without any strong political agenda. “For me, this day is a time to gather with family, but I see that younger women are giving it a new meaning,” Zarina, 40, from Dushanbe told TCA. Changing Values and Perspectives Each year, debates over the significance of March 8 grow stronger. Some argue that it should remain a celebration of spring and femininity, while others emphasize its role in promoting gender equality. Regardless of interpretation, International Women’s Day remains an important occasion that unites different generations of women and reinforces the need for respect and support. Over time, the holiday in Central Asia has evolved from a Soviet...

Rare Earth Metals

Kazakhstan: Calls for Investigation into Rare Earth Metals Exports

Azat Peruashev, head of the Ak Zhol parliamentary faction, has urged authorities to investigate subsoil users over alleged uncontrolled exports of rare earth metals. Parliamentary Inquiry Peruashev outlined his concerns in a parliamentary request addressed to Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Service chief Askhat Zhumagali and Minister of Industry Ersaiyn Nagaspayev. "Social media posts by former Kazakhmys laboratory assistant Bakyt Adilova allege that the corporation exports ore and copper concentrate without conducting chemical analysis, concealing the presence of valuable and rare earth metals. She claims the company artificially devalues exported resources, harming the national economy to benefit oligarchs," Peruashev stated. He also cited an interview with geologist Bakyt Muratov on Elmedia, in which the expert criticized the absence of laboratory analysis in ore and concentrate exports. Muratov noted that for decades, major mining companies have shipped raw materials abroad for processing, leaving Kazakhstan unaware of the true value of its exports. "We still do not know exactly what we are selling. Complex ores are being exported without proper analysis. No one knows the vast sums of money that have left the country and returned as finished products," Muratov said. The Ak Zhol parliamentary faction is demanding official confirmation or denial of these claims. Lawmakers insist that authorities either prosecute those spreading false information or launch an anti-corruption investigation. Additionally, the party is calling for tighter government oversight of mineral exports. "Kazakhstan holds significant reserves of rare earth metals, including lanthanum, cerium, and yttrium, strategic elements crucial for high-tech industries. Rare earth metals are emerging as the 'new oil' in the global economy, with their availability increasingly influencing global power dynamics. Experts estimate that demand for some of these metals could grow up to 40-fold in the coming years," Peruashev concluded. Response from Kazakhmys In response, Kazakhmys Corporation stated that it does not engage in targeted mining of rare earth metals. However, the company acknowledged that small amounts of rare metals are recovered during acid washing processes. The corporation explained that production waste is processed at Zhezkazganredmet, a state-owned enterprise specializing in the separation and refining of rare metals. Waste from precious metal production is handled by Kazakhmys Progress LLP, which is responsible for refining. “All company operations are strictly regulated by the relevant authorities. We fully support stronger state oversight of mineral exports and are open to dialogue with government agencies. Allegations of concealing rare earth metals or artificially lowering the value of exported raw materials are baseless and do not reflect reality,” Kazakhmys said in a statement. Kazakhmys and the Broader Rare Earth Metals Landscape Kazakhmys was established as a joint stock company in August 1997 and re-registered as a limited liability partnership in January 2005. The company specializes in mining and processing copper ore into cathodes and rods, refining and selling precious metals, and managing by-products from copper production. Kazakhmys ranks as the world’s 20th largest producer of copper in concentrate (271 ktpa) and 12th largest producer of blister and cathode copper (377 ktpa and 365 ktpa, respectively). Its operations include...

E-Commerce

Foreign E-Commerce Platforms in Central Asia Face New Tax Burdens

Local business owners argue that foreign marketplaces enjoy unfair competitive advantages. To address this, Central Asian authorities plan to impose new tax requirements. For consumers, this move could mean higher inflation. Unequal Conditions In February, members of Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis highlighted that foreign marketplaces pay four times less in taxes than their local counterparts. Deputies from the Ak Zhol party, which advocates for business interests, have proposed requiring foreign e-commerce platforms to register with Kazakhstan’s tax authorities and pay value-added tax (VAT) on revenue from local buyers. This proposal targets major marketplaces such as Temu, Amazon, and AliExpress. In 2023, foreign marketplaces contributed just 4.8% of their turnover to Kazakhstan’s treasury, leading to an estimated budget shortfall of tens of millions of dollars. By contrast, Kazakhstani marketplaces face a significantly higher fiscal burden, paying an average of 16.3% in taxes. Local entrepreneurs using domestic platforms may pay up to 62% in various fees and levies, lawmakers claim. They argue that this imbalance undermines the competitiveness of local businesses, leading to factory closures and job losses. A study by the Alliance of Technological Companies Qaztech found that 20% of Kazakhstani consumers currently shop exclusively on foreign platforms. Without government intervention, this share could exceed 50% by 2029, resulting in substantial budgetary losses. “Pay Up or Leave” In January, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov proposed increasing VAT while reducing social tax and pension contributions for employers. The plan includes raising the basic VAT rate to 16%, though certain businesses may receive exemptions. In March, National Economy Minister Serik Zhumangarin confirmed that the VAT increase would also apply to online marketplaces. “We set rules and laws, and marketplaces must either comply or exit our market. As far as I know, Temu and Pinduoduo have already conditionally registered here and are VAT payers,” Zhumangarin stated. He emphasized that the government is not imposing a special tax on specific platforms but rather enforcing equal treatment across all e-commerce players. Zhumangarin acknowledged that the VAT hike might cause a short-term inflationary spike, estimating an additional 3% increase. Overall inflation, he noted, could return to double digits, reaching 12–14%. Uzbekistan Follows Suit Uzbekistan is also moving to curb foreign e-commerce dominance. Beginning March 20, the country will restrict access to Temu unless the platform registers for tax purposes. Authorities argue that some foreign marketplaces evade national tax regulations, creating unfair competition for local businesses. Uzbek analyst Timurmalik Elmuradov suggests that Temu has two options: establish a subsidiary in Uzbekistan or register as a VAT payer. The Chinese platform’s estimated monthly sales in Uzbekistan amount to $8-9 million. Online marketplaces are a relatively new phenomenon in Uzbekistan, with Temu operating in the country for only about six months. Should foreign e-commerce platforms withdraw, the cost of imported goods could rise by 10-12%. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has around 50 domestic online marketplaces, though they struggle to compete with larger foreign rivals. While Chinese, Russian, and Western platforms offer a vast selection and lower prices, local businesses emphasize faster and more reliable delivery.