Kazakhstan - The Times Of Central Asia

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Lake Balkhash

Kazakhstan and France Develop Master Plan to Preserve Lake Balkhash

Kazakhstan and France are developing a long-term strategy to preserve Lake Balkhash, one of Eurasia’s largest inland water bodies, as concerns grow over the impact of climate change and shifting water resources in the region. An open meeting of the working group tasked with preparing a master plan for the conservation of the lake’s ecosystem was held in Astana. The project is being implemented through cooperation between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the French Development Agency, and France’s Bureau of Geological and Mining Research. Lake Balkhash, located in southeastern Kazakhstan, is the world’s second-largest non-drying saline lake after the Caspian Sea and ranks among the largest lakes globally. The lake is unique in that its western section contains almost fresh water, while the eastern part is brackish. The Ili River provides up to 80% of Balkhash’s inflow, while the Karatal, Aksu, Ayagoz, and Lepsy rivers, along with groundwater resources, also contribute to the lake’s water balance. Although Kazakhstan’s Ecology Ministry has previously said Lake Balkhash is not at risk of catastrophic shallowing, the government has moved forward with plans to develop a comprehensive strategy for protecting the ecosystem of one of the country’s most important water resources. At the meeting, French experts presented preliminary findings from research covering key components of the project. Participants reviewed studies on agriculture, hydrology, glacier runoff contributions, hydrogeology, water use, and water-resource modeling. Particular attention was paid to the sustainable management of water resources in the Lake Balkhash basin under changing climate conditions. Experts outlined approaches to forecasting river flows, assessing future changes in glacier-fed water supplies, studying interactions between surface and groundwater resources, and applying advanced modeling tools to support water-management decisions. The meeting also examined the potential use of digital technologies to analyze different water-allocation scenarios and assist in the preparation of basin management plans. Researchers have already integrated findings from various studies into a unified assessment system covering the entire Lake Balkhash watershed. Participants identified several priority issues requiring additional analysis as work on the master plan continues. “Following the visit by the French experts, the next stages in developing the master plan will be clarified, including the preparation of forecast scenarios for the water-management situation through 2040, the selection of climate models, and additional research in specific areas,” said Kairatgali Khairulla, Chairman of the Information and Analytical Center for Water Resources under Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. “Joint work by Kazakh and French experts will continue through the end of 2026 to integrate research findings, improve modeling calculations, and prepare the final document. The master plan will provide a scientific foundation for long-term decisions on preserving the Lake Balkhash ecosystem and ensuring sustainable management of water resources throughout the basin,” he added. The final version of the master plan is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The future of Lake Balkhash has gained additional significance amid major infrastructure projects planned for the region. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan has...

Football

Central Asian Football Stays Active as Uzbekistan Prepares for World Cup

Uzbekistan’s football team takes to the global stage on June 17 in Mexico City, when it faces Colombia in its first round-robin match of the World Cup. Other countries in Central Asia that didn’t qualify for the event aren’t just cheering from afar; they’re training and competing in hopes of one day achieving the same goal. On Tuesday, Tajikistan held India to a 1-1 draw after a late penalty score by Sheriddin Boboev in a friendly match at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan. The draw followed a 3-1 win for Tajikistan over India in Tursunzoda four days earlier. “While India bravely defended wave after wave of Tajik attacks, they conceded the equalizer in a rather unwanted manner — via a penalty resulting from a handball,” the All India Football Federation said. The stadium filled up with more than 9,000 spectators, some waving Tajikistan’s national flag. The Football Federation of Tajikistan thanked fans for their support and congratulated team captain Akhtam Nazarov on his 100th match for the national team. Tajikistan’s coach, Igor Angelovski of Macedonia, said the two games against India showed “there were many positive aspects to these matches, but they also revealed certain weaknesses that we need to work on.” The team aims to be “fully prepared” for the Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia in early 2027, said Angelovski, who recently replaced Serbian coach Goran Stevanovic. Also on Tuesday, Kazakhstan’s national team lost 1-3 to Hungary after taking the early lead when Sergey Malyy scored off Maksim Samorodov's corner kick. Hungary equalized and then surged ahead in the second half, benefiting from a red card for Samorodov. The Kazakhstan forward was sent off, leaving his team a player down in the friendly, which was held in the Hungarian city of Debrecen. In an alarming episode, play was briefly delayed during the match when a television camera suspended on wires crashed onto the field and workers cleared away the debris. The equipment fell close to a cameraman on the ground, but there were no injuries. Uzbekistan’s performance in the World Cup will be cheered on by many people in Central Asia. They feel a sense of solidarity with the White Wolves, who also face Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo in group K. Those regional fans include Ruslan Mingazov, a midfielder for the Turkmenistan national team. “Uzbekistan are our brothers, neighbors, and we are happy for them,” Mingazov said in an interview with the Turkmenportal outlet. He said he also hopes Czechia does well because he played there for a long time and knows many of the players on the national team. Brazil, Portugal, and France are the favorites, while Morocco, Egypt, Norway, and Japan are among teams that could deliver surprises at the tournament, according to Mingazov. The World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with an expanded 48-team roster. It opens on Thursday when host Mexico takes on South Africa in Mexico City.

AMM 2026

Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia Sign Mining Cooperation MOU at AMM Congress

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in rare earth metals, critical minerals, and the broader mining space at the opening of the Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress 2026 (AMM) on June 11, marking a significant new step in the two countries’ efforts to expand industrial and critical minerals ties. The MOU was signed by Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, who arrived in Astana to attend the AMM. The document aims to develop and strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of mineral resources through the exchange of expertise in the mining industry, modern technologies used in mineral resource exploration, and raw materials evaluation. The agreement also covers cooperation across the mining value chain, but with a focus on rare earths and other mineral resources. Both sides are seeking to strengthen collaboration in extraction, processing, and higher value-added production. The signing comes as Kazakhstan is working to attract more investment into critical minerals and downstream processing, while Saudi Arabia is expanding its role in global mining and mineral supply chains as part of its wider economic diversification strategy. Bektenov and Al-Khorayef also held talks in Astana ahead of the congress. According to the Kazakh government, the discussions focused on further cooperation in the mining and metallurgical sectors and in concretizing prospects for joint projects in high-demand and scarce minerals. The sides also discussed investment and trade opportunities as well as geologic mapping and processing, leading to higher value-added production. The signing of the MOU at AMM, considered one of Central Asia’s main mining and metallurgy forums, had a diplomatic dimension at a time when rare earths and critical minerals are moving higher on the agendas of governments and investors. The congress brings together government officials, mining companies, investors, equipment suppliers, and industry experts. For Kazakhstan, the MOU fits into a broader effort to position the country not only as a source of mineral resources, but also as a platform for processing and higher-value production. Astana has been promoting geological exploration, investment in processing capacity, and strategic partnerships with foreign governments and companies. As Kazakhstan seeks to bring more of the value chain onshore, it is building on examples such as titanium production at Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium and zinc processing at Kazzinc’s integrated facilities. For Saudi Arabia, the agreement reflects Riyadh’s growing interest in international mining partnerships. The Kingdom has been seeking to develop its domestic mineral sector while securing access to strategic raw materials needed for industrial development, clean energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing. At its AMM booth in Astana, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources highlighted its upcoming Future Minerals Forum, set for January 2027 in Riyadh; it is one of the world's leading mining events. Kazakhstan and the other Central Asian countries will be...

UNAMA

Opinion: Why the Next Head of UNAMA Should Come from Central Asia

A recent briefing on Afghanistan before the United Nations Security Council again showed that the country’s challenges can no longer be viewed only through humanitarian assistance or debates over recognition of the Taliban government. Afghanistan remains a deeply complex domestic issue, but it is increasingly becoming a regional one as well. The discussion now extends beyond human rights and political dialogue with the de facto authorities. It now includes the return of millions of people from neighboring countries, pressure on cities and rural communities, shortages of jobs and water, cross-border trade, security, and the future of regional transport corridors. Against this backdrop, the question of who should lead the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is no longer only a personnel decision. It has become part of a wider debate about what international policy toward Afghanistan should look like in its next phase. The catalyst for this discussion was the recent briefing delivered by Georgette Gagnon, the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, before the Security Council. According to Gagnon, the de facto authorities maintain control over both Afghanistan’s territory and administrative structures. At present, they face no significant armed or political challenge. The Taliban themselves view the restoration of security across Afghanistan as one of their principal achievements. Yet this does not mean the situation is stable. Gagnon pointed to a fundamental contradiction within the current system of governance. There are rigid ideological policies that place considerable pressure on society. There are also more pragmatic approaches that have so far allowed the system to function and survive. In other words, Afghanistan appears to have achieved a form of managed stability, but without a clear vision of where that system is ultimately headed. Stability Conceals Deep Structural Problems The economic picture is equally mixed. Afghanistan has recorded positive growth in absolute terms. Fiscal stability has improved, revenue collection has increased, and several infrastructure projects are moving forward. The country has also largely maintained the gains achieved through the reduction of opium poppy cultivation. Yet beneath these signs of stabilization lie significant challenges. According to Gagnon, nearly 5.9 million people have returned to Afghanistan since 2023. This represents a population increase of more than 10%. Another 2.8 million Afghans could return during 2026 alone. Many returnees arrive with no savings, no employment, and limited prospects for rebuilding their lives. For a country with a fragile economy, this creates enormous pressure. Cities and rural communities are struggling to absorb new arrivals. Jobs, housing, water resources, and social services remain in short supply. The humanitarian situation remains severe. In 2026, approximately 21.9 million people, around 45% of Afghanistan’s population, are expected to require humanitarian assistance. Another major concern is demographics. More than half of Afghanistan’s population is under the age of 25. This generation is growing up amid limited opportunities. While the challenges facing girls have received international attention, boys increasingly face difficulties as well. Employment opportunities are scarce, household incomes are declining, and competition for livelihoods is intensifying. Environmental pressures...

Investment Prosecutors

Kazakhstan to Increase Legal Protections for Investors

Kazakhstan plans to increase legal protections for investors by appointing dedicated investment prosecutors in the regions and major cities and creating a platform under the Prosecutor General’s Office to resolve disputes between investors and state agencies before they reach court. The measures were announced by Vice Minister of National Economy Arman Kassenov during a briefing in Astana as part of efforts to improve the country’s investment climate and attract more foreign capital. “To achieve this, a special platform for pre-trial settlement of disputes will be created under the Prosecutor General’s Office,” Kassenov said. “This mechanism is intended to help resolve disagreements quickly without lengthy court proceedings.” Investment prosecutors will be appointed at the regional level. Their responsibilities will include assisting investment projects, protecting investors’ rights, and providing legal assistance during major projects. Kazakhstan consists of 20 administrative territorial units: 17 regions and the cities of republican significance Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent. The initiative follows the adoption of amendments by Kazakhstan’s parliament that expand the role of the Prosecutor General in protecting investors’ rights. Under the new legislation, the Prosecutor General will also act as the country’s Investment Ombudsman, responsible for safeguarding the legal interests of domestic and foreign investors. Regional investment prosecutors are expected to be drawn from existing regional prosecutors and equivalent prosecutors in the three cities of republican significance. The government is also seeking to expand its international investment promotion work. Kazakhstan plans to open overseas representative offices in major financial and investment centers to attract investors and assist potential projects at an early stage. Kassenov said an investment service has already been established within Baiterek National Managing Holding JSC. It comprises four sector-specific investment directorates responsible for preparing projects and transferring them to the national investment promotion agency, Kazakh Invest. A new investor support center, Kazakhstan Investment House, will also be established within Kazakh Invest. According to Kassenov, the center will operate as a one-stop shop for investors throughout project implementation, helping reduce administrative barriers and speed up decision-making. The government is also working with the private sector to identify investment opportunities with strong import-substitution and export potential. Kazakhstan also plans to expand the use of its National Digital Investment Platform, which allows authorities to monitor investment projects in real time, track deadlines, and address emerging issues more efficiently. The reforms are part of Kazakhstan’s strategy to attract much higher levels of investment in the coming years. Earlier, authorities announced plans to nearly triple investment in the economy by 2029 as part of efforts to accelerate economic growth and diversification.

Caspian Sea

Kazakhstan and Russia to Launch Ferry Service for Trucks Across Caspian Sea

Kazakhstan’s port of Kuryk and Russia’s port of Makhachkala have signed an agreement to organize a vehicle ferry service across the Caspian Sea, according to Kazakhstan’s national railway operator, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy. The collaboration aims to attract cargo flows currently moving from China through Central Asia and the port of Turkmenbashi in Turkmenistan to the Kuryk-Makhachkala route. The port of Kuryk is located on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea, south of the port of Aktau. Its ferry complex is focused on the transshipment of grain, petroleum products, fertilizers, chemicals, and other cargo. The port of Makhachkala is Russia’s only ice-free deepwater port on the Caspian Sea, serving as a link in the transport system between southern Russia and the countries of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Iran. The Kuryk-Makhachkala route creates additional logistical options for cargo transportation across the Caspian region. The route also adds another Caspian Sea connection to regional transport networks. Unlike the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or Middle Corridor, which links China and Europe through Central Asia and the South Caucasus while bypassing Russia, the Kuryk-Makhachkala route adds a Russian component to Caspian transit logistics. To ensure year-round navigation and strengthen competitiveness, Kazakhstan is investing in infrastructure on the Caspian Sea coast. Dredging has been carried out at Kuryk Port, while similar work is planned at Aktau Port to increase depth and improve vessel access. Construction is also underway at Kuryk on the Sarzha multifunctional terminal, a project being implemented in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Ports Group from the United Arab Emirates. The terminal is expected to have an annual capacity of five million tons. Under Kazakhstan’s comprehensive maritime infrastructure development plan for 2024-2028, the country intends to establish a major transport and logistics cluster based on the ports of Aktau and Kuryk. The plan includes expanding container handling capacity, developing cargo terminals and international shipping logistics, and reducing administrative barriers. By 2028, total cargo throughput at the ports is expected to increase by 50%, while container handling volumes are projected to triple.