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Opinion: How Central Asia Has Strengthened Ties with the West Since 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has changed the relationship between Russia and Central Asia. Russia’s decision to invade a neighboring country, and the devastation and destruction that followed, has forced Central Asia to reconsider its relationship with the Russian Federation. Russia is no longer seen as an “invincible superpower,” meaning it cannot be relied on to protect other members of the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization). In addition, the U.S. and European countries have levied heavy sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Russia has attempted to evade these sanctions by conducting business with third parties, but the international community has warned several organizations and countries not to partake in these relations. Otherwise, should these businesses and countries opt to help Russia, then the international community has said that it will impose stiff penalties on these Russian intermediaries as well. Given these events, the Central Asian states have now been actively pursuing new relationships beyond Russia to bolster national, economic, and energy security within the region. During this process, China has attempted to assert itself as Central Asia’s new ally. Like Russia, China already has a significant trade relationship with Central Asia. In addition, China is Central Asia’s largest gas consumer, meaning the Chinese have attempted to force Central Asia into an economic and energy partnership. Despite this relationship, the countries of Central Asia have opted not to increase their reliance on China. Instead, recent developments have led them to improve their relations with the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. But how has the West strengthened its relationship with Central Asia since 2022? Take, for example, the United States. When Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, the then U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with foreign ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to discuss the war. During their meeting, Secretary Blinken stated that the United States supports Central Asia’s “sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.” He also said that the United States will continue to strengthen its relationship with the region. Since this meeting, Blinken has met with foreign ministers from Central Asia on several occasions in 2023 and 2024, where they further discussed how Central Asia can “develop the strongest possible capacities for their own security, their growing economic prosperity, and the strength and resilience of their societies.” Furthermore, U.S. President Joe Biden met with senior officials from Central Asia. During his meeting with his Central Asian counterparts in September 2023, Biden said that the United States would help “invest in and develop Central Asia’s energy infrastructure.” The United States also established a new business initiative with Central Asia, where the United States has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance to the region. Then, during the United States-Central Asia Trade Investment Framework Council in June 2024, the United States and the Central Asian states discussed new investment opportunities and how they could diversify trade. These discussions were well received, and the United States called for future engagements between it and Central...

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March for Women’s Rights in Bishkek: Kyrgyz Voices Demand Change

The annual March for Women's Rights in Bishkek on March 8 drew around 500 participants, reaffirming Kyrgyzstan’s status as the only country in Central Asia where such demonstrations take place every year, despite persistent pressure and resistance. The march began at noon in front of the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs building near Staraya Square. Participants, chanting slogans, walked to Gorky Park, holding placards demanding equality and greater protection of women's rights. "We Need Security, Not Flowers" Many posters reflected the urgent issues faced by Kyrgyz women: "Don't be silent." "Abortion is a personal decision, not a legal debate." "We need security, not flowers." "No to violence against women." "A WOMAN is NOT a free housekeeper. Not a reproductive item. Not cheap labor. Not an object of comfort." [caption id="attachment_29596" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: ТСА, Tamila Olzhbaekova[/caption] These slogans underscore the real challenges confronting women in Kyrgyzstan, including domestic violence, gender inequality, and the restriction of reproductive rights. "I Am Proud That Women Can Speak Openly About Their Rights" For many participants, the march was not just a protest but also a significant step in the ongoing fight for their rights. Mairam, 24, Osh: "I am proud to live in a country where women can speak openly about their rights. Despite all the difficulties, we continue to take to the streets, and this is very important. This march reminds us that we are not alone." Amina, 20, Bishkek: "This is my second year participating in the march. For me, it is more than just an event—it is an opportunity to voice the concerns of all women in our country. Here, you feel unity and support." Asel, 27, Bishkek: "Every year, I come here because I believe that the louder we speak about our rights, the more change we can achieve. Women in Kyrgyzstan deserve security and equal opportunities." [caption id="attachment_29595" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image: ТСА, Tamila Olzhbaekova[/caption] A Symbol of the Struggle for Equal Rights The Women’s March in Bishkek has become a symbol of resistance and determination, continuing despite repeated attempts to ban or restrict it. Year after year, more people take to the streets to affirm a simple yet powerful message that women's rights are human rights, and without equality, there can be no just society.

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Kyrgyzstan’s Economic Boom or Bust? Calls for Inclusive Growth Persist

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov declared late last year that the country’s economic growth had reached historic milestones, with GDP maintaining positive momentum. However, local economists remain skeptical about the broader impact of this growth. In 2020, Kyrgyzstan’s GDP stood at 639 billion KGS ($7.3 billion), according to official data. By the end of 2025, this figure is projected to reach 1.8 trillion KGS ($22 billion). Growth Without Inclusion In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, economist Nurgul Akimova acknowledged that the reported 9% GDP growth and the so-called “leopard’s leap” frequently mentioned by the government are positive developments. However, she stressed that for economic expansion to be meaningful for ordinary citizens, it must be inclusive. "Nine percent growth is not inclusive because it does not create additional jobs. The main drivers of our economic growth are construction, downstream industries, and the financial sector. These sectors do not contribute to improving human capital. In construction, for instance, a significant portion of costs goes toward imported building materials," Akimova explained. According to Akimova, Kyrgyzstan’s economy has followed an inertia-driven trajectory for the past 30 years, avoiding major shocks but also failing to achieve significant breakthroughs. She pointed out that if the garment sector were growing, it would have a greater impact, as it did 15 years ago when Kyrgyz-made clothing was exported to neighboring countries. "For example, a seamstress spends her income on education, healthcare, and consumption. By doing so, she contributes to the development of other inclusive sectors, benefiting society as a whole," Akimova said, adding that while the economy is expanding, it is not improving the welfare of citizens. A People-Centered Economy Akimova emphasized that economic policy should prioritize people’s wellbeing, as failure to do so could erode public trust in the government. She also criticized official comparisons of Kyrgyzstan’s economic growth with other countries, arguing that such assessments lack context. "Officials claim Kyrgyzstan is growing faster than others, but an economy that produces microchips and one that manufactures T-shirts are fundamentally different. These industries require distinct investment levels, equipment, and human capital." Kyrgyzstan’s economy is currently valued at approximately $14 billion. If the country were to sustain an annual 10% growth rate, as authorities suggest, GDP would increase by $1.4 billion per year. Akimova highlighted that this figure represents only 0.5% of Kazakhstan’s economic growth, 0.06% of Russia’s, and a mere 0.0006% of the United States’ GDP expansion. "When we hear claims that we are growing faster than others, we must consider the scale and complexity of economic processes," the economist concluded.

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Kyrgyz Orthodox Bishop Urges Osh Authorities to Preserve Historic Cemetery

The head of the Orthodox Church in Kyrgyzstan has appealed to the mayor of Osh, the country's second city, to halt the planned demolition of an old cemetery as part of a large-scale urban reconstruction project. According to the bishop, the site is not only a burial ground but also an important historical monument tied to the lives of many generations of citizens. The Osh City Hall is currently undertaking an extensive redevelopment of roads, squares, and public spaces, as outlined in a municipal report. However, among the affected areas is an ancient cemetery dating back to 1870, which local clergy and historians consider an architectural and spiritual heritage site. For years, residents have voiced concerns to local media about the deteriorating condition of the cemetery. They claim that the site, located in the city center, has been neglected, misused for cattle grazing, and subjected to unauthorized construction. “Many graves here are not only examples of architectural art but also serve as a historical record of the diverse peoples of Kyrgyzstan,” local residents stated. The cemetery has been closed to new burials since the 1980s, but it contains mass graves of World War II veterans and other individuals who played a significant role in the development of Kyrgyzstan and Osh. Orthodox Bishop Savvatiy of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan formally requested that the Osh City Hall preserve the cemetery, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance. He stressed that economic considerations should not take precedence over heritage preservation. “In many countries, old cemeteries are transformed into memorial complexes and historical landmarks,” Savvatiy noted. “For example, Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, Highgate in London, and Recoleta in Buenos Aires attract visitors from around the world and serve as places of remembrance and respect. The Russian cemetery in Osh is also part of the city's cultural heritage and should not be lost.” As of now, city officials have not issued an official response to the bishop’s appeal.

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How Trump’s Trade War on China Affects Central Asia

When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on China and the European Union could have severe consequences not only for Brussels and Beijing, but also for economies around the world. Central Asia is no exception, as it could easily be caught in the crossfire. Although no country in Central Asia sees the United States as its major economic partner, Trump’s trade war with the EU and China is expected to impact all Central Asian nations in one way or another. Their strong economic ties with China and the growing EU presence in the region were once seen as a strategic advantage. Now, it seems to represent a double-edged sword. As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, all Central Asian states have sought to strengthen economic relations with Beijing and Brussels. Their partnerships with China and the EU have grown through trade and investments, but Washington’s tariffs on Chinese and European goods could result in a reduction in demand for various items in Central Asia. Trump’s tariff policy could also give Beijing certain leverage over Washington in the strategically important region. According to Mark Temnycky, Nonresident Fellow at the Atlantic Council Eurasia Center, as a way to counter the impact of U.S. tariffs, the Chinese could increase their trade and energy relations with the countries of Central Asia. “This would further accelerate China’s relationship with Central Asia, and it could result in the regional states becoming more dependent on the Chinese for trade. Given the proximity of China to Central Asia, this may also result in the regional nations reducing their trade relations with the European Union as well as with the United States, as they favor Chinese prices,” Temnycky told The Times of Central Asia in an interview. U.S. bilateral trade in the region has never been particularly strong. The exception is Kazakhstan – the region’s largest economy – which is the only country in Central Asia whose trade with the U.S. exceeds one billion dollars. According to official statistics, in 2024 America’s total goods trade with Kazakhstan was estimated at $3.4 billion. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan combined have a lower trade volume with the United States than Kazakhstan. But all that is just a drop in the ocean compared to the $89.4 billion trade China reached with Central Asian in 2023. “Trump’s tariff policy could lead to an even greater Central Asian states’ dependency on China, potentially creating a Chinese monopoly on Central Asian trade and energy. In other words, regional countries would no longer have a diversified economy and market, thus tightening China's control over the area,” Temnycky stressed. That, however, does not necessarily mean that Beijing will, in the long term, benefit from Washington’s tariff policy. According to Tyler Schipper, an economist and Associate Professor at the University of St. Thomas, China is “arguably at one of its economically weakest points in the last several decades,” which means that any trade war with the...

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Naryn Becomes Latest Kyrgyz City to Dismantle Trolleybus System

A year after trolleybus lines in Naryn were damaged, local authorities have decided to permanently abandon this mode of transportation, replacing it with buses. Efforts to restore the lines proved unsuccessful, even after six trolleybuses were transferred from Bishkek to Naryn. Naryn’s city council has now voted to completely dismantle the trolleybus system, following the precedent set by Bishkek, which also removed its trolleybus lines. Lawmakers cited the deteriorating condition of Naryn’s trolleybus infrastructure and high maintenance costs as the primary reasons for their decision. Financial and Logistical Challenges After Bishkek replaced its trolleybuses with buses, most of its fleet was transferred to Osh, while six trolleybuses were sent to Naryn. Some of these vehicles remain in storage on a military base. Located at an altitude of 2,000 meters in southeastern Kyrgyzstan, Naryn’s trolleybus system was once considered a point of pride and a tourist attraction. However, the city now lacks the financial resources to repair the trolleybus infrastructure. According to city officials, the trolleybuses received from Bishkek were already in poor condition, requiring spare parts from Russia, which would entail significant financial costs. The Naryn city administration estimates that at least KGS 1 billion ($12 million) would be needed just to restore the damaged trolleybus lines. Shift to Alternative Transportation Currently, private taxis are the primary means of public transportation in Naryn. These taxis operate informally, picking up passengers at bus stops and following fixed routes for a small fare. Last summer, the Naryn mayor’s office attempted to modernize the city’s transport system by purchasing five electric buses. Following Naryn’s decision, Osh will now be the only city in Kyrgyzstan that still operates a trolleybus system.