Kyrgyzstan - The Times Of Central Asia

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Did Kyrgyzstan’s Security Chief Order an Assassination?

The head of Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (GKNB), Kamchybek Tashiyev, has been waging a campaign against organized criminal groups in his country for the last few years and it seems he believes in fighting fire with fire. Speaking to representatives of Kyrgyzstan’s education sector on January 16, Tashiyev referred to the fight against organized crime, specifically mentioning the slain reputed crime boss Kamchybek Kolbayev. “I had to take the decision to liquidate the thief in law,” Tashiyev said, “for the sake of the state. And I made this decision, and we eliminated him.” He quickly regretted such candor after his comments received wide coverage and has revised his version of events leading up to Kolbayev’s killing. The Gangster Kamchybek Kolbayev, aka Kolya Kyrgyz, was allegedly the kingpin of Kyrgyzstan’s criminal world. The term “thief in law” originated in Soviet prisons among inmates who were high-ranking figures in organized criminal groups. This tradition continued after the fall of the USSR and the “Brothers’ Circle” of top thieves in law connects criminal organizations in former Soviet republics. Kolbayev seemed indeed to be a thief in law and according to the U.S. State Department, he was part of the Brothers’ Circle, and back in 2007 it was said that Kolbayev was the “leader of the most influential criminal group” in Kyrgyzstan. Kolbayev had been imprisoned more than once, though his prison conditions were not harsh. While in prison in late 2020, a video was posted of Kolbayev and other prisoners enjoying a small feast and singing. He seemed untouchable. The Raid On October 4, 2023, the GKNB’s special Alfa unit raided the Blonder Pub in Bishkek, looking for Kolbayev. Reports from that day said the GKNB intended to detain Kolbayev as a suspect in murder of another criminal figure in July 2022. According to the GKNB, Kolbayev offered armed resistance and was shot dead when the GKNB commandos returned fire. Given the lenient treatment Kolbayev had so often received from Kyrgyz authorities, it seemed strange he chose to open fire on law enforcement officers rather than submit to being gently detained, as he had been before, and possibly incarcerated in luxury prison conditions. However, Kolbayev was an odious figure in Kyrgyzstan, greatly feared by many and the circumstances of his death did not seem to matter to most people, so long as he was gone. A ‘Hit’? On January 16, Tashiyev explained to deputy education and science ministers, university rectors, and other directors of institutions of higher learning that the organized crime structure in Kyrgyzstan had grown strong and had extended across the country. Tashiyev said the criminal network was preying upon businesses and individuals. “We were forced to take necessary measures,” Tashiyev declared, and then stated he had given the order for Kolbayev to be eliminated. He added that the GKNB’s campaign against organized crime was a success. Kyrgyzstan had become “the only country in Central Asia… and probably in the post-Soviet countries, that does not have...

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EBRD Invests Record €2.26 Billion in Central Asia in 2024

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) reached a record level of investment in Central Asia in 2024, contributing €2.26 billion to 121 projects across six countries in the region. This was nearly double the amount invested in 2023. Additionally, the EBRD attracted €784 million from co-financiers, bringing the total investment in the region’s economy to over €3 billion. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Lead in Funding Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan were the largest recipients of EBRD funding, securing €938 million and €913 million, respectively. These two nations ranked as the fifth and sixth largest destinations for EBRD investments globally in 2024. Other countries in the immediate region also benefited from significant funding, with Mongolia receiving €264 million, Tajikistan €88 million, and the Kyrgyz Republic €52 million. Focus on Sustainable Infrastructure and Green Economy The majority of EBRD investments in Central Asia supported sustainable infrastructure projects, accounting for 61% of the total. Another 24% was channeled to local banks to assist small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and youth-focused initiatives, as well as projects promoting climate resilience and resource efficiency. The remaining 15% was allocated to private-sector companies. In alignment with the Paris Agreement, 58% of EBRD investments in the region went to projects promoting a green economy. Milestones in 2024 The EBRD achieved several notable milestones in 2024: Total investments in Kazakhstan surpassed €10 billion. Uzbekistan reached €5 billion in cumulative EBRD funding. Both Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic exceeded €1 billion in total investments since the EBRD began operations in the region 30 years ago. Landmark Projects The EBRD financed several groundbreaking projects in Central Asia during 2024, including: Uzbekistan: €59 million for a renewable hydrogen facility aimed at decarbonizing the fertilizer sector. Kazakhstan: €96.4 million for a new wastewater treatment plant in Aktobe, the largest municipal project supported by the EBRD in the region. Mongolia: €11.3 million to support the first green bond issued by a local bank. Investments in Energy Infrastructure Significant funding was also allocated to improving electricity grids across the region: In Kazakhstan, €252 million was used to construct 600 km of transmission lines. In Uzbekistan, €60.3 million supported the development of a 230 km transmission line in the Navoi region. In the Kyrgyz Republic, €14 million upgraded power infrastructure in Osh and Issyk-Kul. In Tajikistan, €31 million was allocated to improve a transformer in the Sugd region. Investments in Health and Transportation The EBRD also provided substantial funding for healthcare and infrastructure projects: Kazakhstan: €365 million for a hospital project. Uzbekistan: €216 million for a road and bridge project in the Khorezm region. Mongolia: €39.2 million for a hospital in Darkhan. Support for Small Businesses The EBRD continued its efforts to empower small businesses in Central Asia, providing advisory services to more than 450 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Over 8,000 SMEs benefited from training and mentoring programs. In Tajikistan, the EBRD launched its Star Venture initiative, allocating €28 million to 25 high-growth companies through agreements with local banks. The EBRD’s Legacy in Central Asia As the...

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Kyrgyzstan Explores Hungarian Agricultural Technologies

The 3rd Kyrgyz-Hungarian Agricultural Forum was held on January 17 in Budapest, Hungary, with the goal of strengthening ties between agricultural companies from Kyrgyzstan and Hungary. According to the Kyrgyz government’s official website, the forum showcased Hungary’s innovative agricultural technologies and solutions to address challenges in the sector. Focus on Innovation and Sustainability At the forum, leading Hungarian agricultural companies presented modern technologies aimed at increasing crop yields, improving irrigation systems, processing agricultural products, and promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices. These innovations align with Kyrgyzstan’s growing need to modernize its agricultural sector and improve productivity. Kyrgyzstan Seeks Hungarian Expertise Speaking at the forum, Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobayev, emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s interest in Hungary’s expertise. "Hungary is a reliable partner with extensive experience in agricultural technologies, including processing agricultural products, improving plant varieties, and supporting the development of small and medium-sized farms," Torobayev said. He invited Hungarian entrepreneurs to expand their operations in Kyrgyzstan, noting that the country’s new economic policy focuses on three key sectors: agriculture, energy, and transport and transit. Torobayev highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s strategic location at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, which offers unique advantages for international trade. He pointed to the ongoing construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway as a critical infrastructure project to connect Central Asia with China, South Asia, Europe, and beyond. Meeting Between Kyrgyz and Hungarian Officials On the same day, Torobayev held discussions with Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó. The meeting centered on implementing the Declaration of Enhanced Strategic Partnership, signed in November 2023 during Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to Bishkek. One key topic of discussion was the preparation of a comprehensive long-term development plan for Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s largest lake and a vital tourist destination. The plan aims to address environmentalconcerns such as climate change, ecosystem degradation, and overuse of natural resources. Hungarian specialists, drawing on their experience with Lake Balaton, will collaborate with Kyrgyz counterparts to develop and regulate the Issyk-Kul region. Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation Another significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to increase the authorized capital of the Kyrgyz-Hungarian Development Fund by an additional $34 million. This fund plays a crucial role in fostering economic collaboration between the two countries. The ministers also discussed: Increasing exports of Kyrgyz agricultural products to Europe, focusing on environmentally friendly produce. Establishing logistics centers that adhere to European quality and safety standards. Hungary’s Growing Interest in Central Asia Hungary has consistently sought to deepen its engagement with Turkic-speaking countries in Central Asia. As an observer state of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), which includes Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, Hungary has prioritized economic and cultural ties with the region. Turkmenistan also holds observer status within the OTS.

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Massive Reserve for Red-Listed Animals to Be Created in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision has proposed the creation of a new state natural park, Chon-Alai, in the southern region of Osh oblast. The planned park, covering an area of 66,830.79 hectares, aims to protect unique natural ecosystems and conserve endangered species of flora and fauna. A draft resolution has been published for public discussion. Land Reallocation for the Park To establish the Chon-Alai Nature Park, the government plans to reallocate 23,473.79 hectares of land from the “Reserve Land” category in the Chon-Alai district, as well as 43,357 hectares from the “State Forest Fund” under the Alai Forestry Administration. The combined area will be designated as a specially protected natural area. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the proposed territory meets all the criteria for protected areas, as it contains rare ecosystems and populations of endemic species. The park will span three sites on the southern macro-slope of the Alai Ridge and two sites on the northern slope of the western Zaalai Ridge, including part of the Kyzyl-Suu-Zapadnaya River valley. This region has been recognized for its environmental significance for years. As far back as 2004, there have been plans to establish a transboundary Pamir-Alai Nature Park in this area. Protecting Red-Listed Species The primary purpose of the Chon-Alai Nature Park is to ensure the protection of species listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The park will help preserve habitats for rare and endangered species, including: Mammals: Snow leopard, brown bear, Central Asian otter, Turkestan lynx, and warthog; Birds: Golden eagle, black vulture, and Alayan shieldbill; Fish: Turkestan catfish; Flora: Christoph's jaundice, Romanov's parnassus, evasive alaya, and Kostychev's prostrel. The creation of the park will provide a safe haven for these species, many of which are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. A Milestone for Conservation The establishment of the Chon-Alai Nature Park represents a significant step forward in Kyrgyzstan's efforts to preserve its natural heritage. By protecting critical habitats and endangered species, the park will contribute to both national and global conservation goals.

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Kyrgyzstan Boosts Exports of National Dairy Products

Exports of Kyrgyzstan's dairy products have seen significant growth, with member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) increasing their imports from the republic. Just six months ago, Kyrgyzstan lagged behind its EAEU counterparts in dairy production and exports. Impressive Growth in Exports According to the Ministry of Agriculture, milk sales by Kyrgyz farms rose by 124% in 2024, while dairy exports increased by as much as 167%. By the end of 2024, Kyrgyzstan had exported more than 33,000 tons of milk and dairy products, compared to just under 30,000 tons in 2023. The growth was driven not only by traditional products - such as cheese, butter, ice cream, cream, milk powder, and pasteurized milk - but also by national dairy specialties made from cow's milk. Notably, Kyrgyzstan exported over 120 tons of fermented milk products, such as the national beverages chalap and bozo, to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan in 2024. Additionally, exports of kurut, a traditional Kyrgyz snack made from dried curd balls, exceeded 3.3 tons last year, reflecting the growing demand for unique national products abroad. Context Within the EAEU This progress comes in the wake of criticism from the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) last summer, which ranked Kyrgyzstan among the lowest milk producers in the Union. According to EEC data, Armenia was at the bottom with an annual production of 123,000 tons of milk, while Kyrgyzstan was second-to-last with 620,000 tons. For comparison, neighboring Kazakhstan produces over 2 million tons annually, while Russia leads the EAEU with 13.5 million tons of milk produced per year. International Support Spurs Growth The Kyrgyz Ministry of Agriculture attributed the surge in dairy production and exports in part to foreign assistance programs, particularly a USAID initiative. This project has funded the construction of new dairy processing facilities for dozens of farmers in southern Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, more than 100 farmers continue to receive training and counseling on modern cow husbandry practices, which have improved productivity and product quality.

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Railway Relocation Project Aims to Decongest Traffic and Improve Air Quality in Bishkek

On January 16, the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) presented Bishkek Mayor Aibek Junushaliev with several proposals for a project to relocate the city’s railway tracks outside the capital’s limits, the Bishkek municipality’s press service reported. The railway, originally built during the Soviet era, runs through Bishkek from east to west, dividing the city nearly in half between its northern and southern parts. These tracks, used for cargo and passenger transport, pass through the central parts of the city and intersect with numerous strategic streets and roads. This setup has long been a major contributor to traffic congestion, especially during morning and evening peak hours. At the end of 2024, Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers approved a memorandum of cooperation with CRBC, focusing on a large-scale upgrade of Bishkek’s railway and road infrastructure. The ambitious project includes relocating the existing railway tracks to bypass the city, constructing a new railway line outside Bishkek, and transforming the current railway corridor into a high-speed roadway. Junushaliev explained that the new railway line will bypass the city to the north. The vacated area from the old railway tracks will be redeveloped with a new highway with high-rise residential buildings and shopping malls along its route. The total cost of the railway relocation project is estimated at $585 million. It is expected to address two major urban challenges: traffic congestion and air pollution. Traffic congestion in Bishkek has been a persistent issue, with vehicles frequently backing up at intersections where the railway intersects major city roads. This not only delays commuters but also significantly worsens air quality. Exhaust emissions from idling vehicles in traffic jams are considered one of the leading contributors to the city's air pollution. By relocating the railway tracks and introducing a high-speed roadway, the project is anticipated to streamline traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve Bishkek’s air quality.