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Uzbekistan Allows Name Changes Following Official Gender Correction

Uzbekistan has updated its civil status regulations to allow individuals who have officially changed their gender to also change their first name, last name, and patronymic. The change follows a June 12 Cabinet of Ministers decision that amends the country’s procedures for registering personal status documents. According to the Ministry of Justice, the update is part of broader efforts to streamline legal documentation related to marriage, family, and civil status. Under the new rules, citizens aged 18 and older, who do not have minor children, may apply to change their names via the Unified Interactive Services Portal. The ministry clarified that the changes have been misinterpreted online as introducing broad legal provisions for gender transition. In fact, officials stressed, the amendment only affects the process of updating civil records after a gender change has already been made and recognized through medical documentation. Previously, individuals who had changed their gender could correct key documents such as birth, death, and marriage certificates. However, name changes were restricted and typically permitted only under cultural or national naming exceptions. Under the new rules, a recognized gender transition now constitutes sufficient legal grounds for a name change, provided that a medical statement confirming the change is submitted. The Justice Ministry also noted that each year, approximately five to six children in Uzbekistan are born with indeterminate gender characteristics. In many such cases, gender is assigned based on early medical assessments, though the child's actual gender identity may only become clear years later, sometimes not until adolescence. Officials cited one example involving a child born in 2008 who was initially registered as male. At age 16, medical evaluation confirmed the child was female. While her gender record was corrected in civil documents, existing laws at the time did not allow her to change her name and patronymic accordingly. To address such legal gaps, the government passed Decision No. 362. It ensures that once a medical institution verifies a gender correction, the individual may also update their full name to reflect their gender identity. The regulation is intended to improve consistency across civil documents and prevent identity mismatches for individuals who have undergone gender transition.

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Is Central Asia China’s Backdoor to Global Power?

As Russia remains preoccupied with the war in Ukraine and the United States is focused on the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, China is seeking to increase its presence in Central Asia. In the current circumstances, the European Union and Beijing appear to be the most active players in the strategically important region; but who is in a better position? Central Asia has become a region where various foreign powers are competing for influence. On June 5, New Delhi hosted the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue, during which the foreign ministers of the regional nations, along with their Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, discussed anti-terrorism cooperation amid rising regional extremism. Earlier, on April 3–4, the European Union sought to expand its ties with the region through the EU–Central Asia Summit format. Given China’s extensive economic cooperation with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, it is unsurprising that Beijing is seeking to strengthen its strategic influence in the region. The 2nd China-Central Asia Summit, taking in Astana on June 16-17, is yet another opportunity for Beijing to demonstrate that it has the capacity to position itself as an alternative to the growing European presence in the region. According to Dr. Habib Al-Badawi, Professor of International Relations at the Lebanese University, China is also aiming to limit the influence of other powers in the region – especially the United States, and to a lesser extent, Russia. “Moscow appears to accept China's growing economic dominance while trying to maintain its traditional security role. However, Beijing's expanding presence represents a long-term challenge to Russia's historical sphere of influence in the region,” Dr. Al-Badawi told The Times of Central Asia, emphasizing that Moscow and Beijing are more inclined to cooperate rather than compete in the region. Mark N. V. Temnycky, a Nonresident Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, believes that Moscow is showing a high degree of tolerance toward Beijing’s increased economic, energy, and security presence in Central Asia. Both countries, in his view, share similar objectives in the region, where they act as major trading partners and energy suppliers. The European Union seems to be their major rival in the Central Asia. In Dr. Al-Badawi’s view, unlike the EU that is “solely pursuing the region’s critical minerals,” China appears focused on broader economic integration through infrastructure development and trade partnerships. Dr. Tugrul Keskin, Professor at Cappadocia University and Moderator of Global China Academic Network, seems to share this view. “Beijing’s objectives in Central Asia are driven by a blend of strategic, economic, and security imperatives. While access to critical minerals – including rare earth elements vital for green technologies – is an emerging interest, it is not the primary driver. Unlike the European Union, whose recent engagement has focused heavily on securing raw materials, China’s approach is more comprehensive. It aims to shape the region’s long-term political alignments and economic structures in ways that favor Chinese leadership and diminish Western influence,” Dr. Keskin told The Times of Central Asia. At the same time, Beijing is actively increasing...

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Central Asia Unites: Evacuations Amid Middle East Turmoil

As hostilities between Israel and Iran escalate in the Middle East, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have initiated a comprehensive evacuation of their citizens from high-risk areas, drawing on regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance to ensure their safe return. Regional Support in Evacuation Efforts Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan have stepped in to aid the Central Asian nations' evacuation operations, providing transit routes and logistical support. At the Astara border checkpoint, six Kazakh citizens crossed from Iran into Azerbaijan, where they were offered medical assistance and meals before continuing their journeys. Turkmenistan has also facilitated the safe passage of approximately 120 evacuees, including citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Romania, through its border checkpoints with Iran. Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that foreign diplomats and their families were recently evacuated from Iran through Turkmenistan. The country provided comprehensive humanitarian assistance to the evacuees, offering transportation, food, accommodation, and essential supplies. Turkmenistan’s authorities highlighted that the operation was carried out in close cooperation with foreign embassies and international organizations, reflecting its commitment to humanitarian values, international cooperation, and good neighborly relations, particularly during the “Year of Peace and Trust,” as declared by the United Nations General Assembly at Turkmenistan’s initiative. Uzbekistan has evacuated over 30 citizens of its citizens from Iran via Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “All necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of our citizens. The embassies of Uzbekistan in Iran and Israel are operating around the clock,” the ministry stated. Kyrgyzstan has also successfully evacuated 28 of its citizens from Iran via Azerbaijan. "Currently, the necessary assistance is being provided to facilitate the swift return of the evacuees from Azerbaijan to Kyrgyzstan," a Foreign Ministry official stated. Flight Bans and Alternative Routes Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Committee has meanwhile implemented a full ban on flights over or near the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria following intensified airstrikes in the region. This decision disrupted flights for hundreds of Kazakh travelers, particularly those in the United Arab Emirates and other Middle Eastern nations. To address the situation, alternative evacuation routes were established. On June 15, two FlyDubai flights arrived in Almaty, carrying a total of 332 Kazakh citizens. These flights included passengers initially stranded after the airspace ban and others who had been scheduled to depart after the interruption. Following rerouting operations, airlines such as Air Astana and FlyArystan have warned of disruptions to flights to and from the Gulf and North Africa. Passengers have been advised to check schedules in advance and to expect delays. Mirziyoyev Addresses the Conflict’s Impact The conflict between Israel and Iran has raised serious concerns across Central Asia. Speaking during a government meeting held via videoconference, Uzbekistan’s President Mirziyoyev warned that the hostilities could negatively impact newly developing trade and transport routes in the region. The growing conflict will “have an impact not only on the Middle East, but also on our region. If the escalation continues, trade relations and logistics routes that are...

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Opinion: From Xi’an to Astana – Elevating China–Central Asia Cooperation to a New Height

As summer awakens the vibrant landscapes of Kazakhstan, with lilac blossoms aglow and the Ishim River meandering through the capital, Astana is once again at the center of regional diplomacy. From June 16 to 18, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Kazakhstan to attend the Second China–Central Asia Summit — an event of both symbolic weight and strategic substance. This year’s summit marks more than a diplomatic gathering — it signifies the maturing of a young but increasingly impactful multilateral framework born from centuries-old ties. From the ancient Silk Road to today’s modern infrastructure corridors, the five Central Asian nations and China are deepening a relationship rooted in trust, driven by mutual benefit, and destined to shape the region’s collective future. Ancient Friendship, Strategic Renewal More than 2,100 years ago, Chinese envoy Zhang Qian opened the first pathway to Central Asia, laying the groundwork for millennia of exchange. In 2013, standing in Kazakhstan, President Xi unveiled the Silk Road Economic Belt, the founding vision of what would become the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), reviving the spirit of the ancient Silk Road for a new era. Since then, cooperation between China and Central Asia has grown from historical affinity into a full-spectrum partnership. Over the past decade, this partnership has reached “three completions”: the full establishment of comprehensive strategic partnerships between China and all five Central Asian countries, full coverage of BRI cooperation documents, and full alignment with the concept of a shared future for humanity. These milestones demonstrate not just diplomatic intent but a shared strategic outlook that has withstood global uncertainties. As Xi noted, the decision to deepen China–Central Asia cooperation is not a product of convenience, but a generational choice made by leaders with long-term vision, responding to the will of their peoples and the imperatives of regional stability. Tangible Results: A Shared Path to Modernization Since the launch of the China–Central Asia mechanism in 2020, progress has accelerated. The elevation of this platform to the leaders’ level in 2023 during the Xi’an Summit underscored its growing relevance. From the Xi’an Declaration to the establishment of a permanent secretariat, institutional foundations are now firmly in place. More importantly, the mechanism is delivering real results. Trade between China and the five Central Asian states reached a record $94.8 billion in 2024, a $5.4 billion increase from the previous year. New cooperation structures in transport, agriculture, customs, and emergency management are enabling efficient multilateral coordination. A flagship example is the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, now under active construction, marking a milestone in physical connectivity. This long-anticipated project, personally championed by the three heads of state, will reshape regional logistics and unlock new trade routes across Eurasia. Beyond rail, a web of cooperation is forming: the high-functioning Khorgos Gateway and the newly launched Kazakhstan Xi’an Terminal, increased Caspian Sea corridor traffic, and regularized freight trains between China and Central Asia. These are not mere infrastructure projects — they are lifelines of mutual development. Kazakhstan, in particular, is actively reinforcing its role as...

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Rosatom Selected to Build Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant

Kazakhstan has announced that the Russian nuclear energy corporation Rosatom will take the lead in constructing the country’s first nuclear power plant. This landmark project, which was greenlit following a national referendum, signals Kazakhstan’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and marks a significant step in its energy strategy following years of massive energy deficits, which are projected to reach 3.3 billion kWh in 2025. The nuclear power plant will consist of two reactors and will be built near the village of Ulken, on the western shore of Lake Balkhash, approximately 400 kilometers northwest of Almaty. The plant is expected to have an electricity generation capacity of 2.4 gigawatts by 2035, meeting a significant portion of Kazakhstan's future energy needs. This project will restore Kazakhstan's nuclear power generation, which has been absent since the closure of the BN-350 reactor in 1999. Rosatom's selection follows a competitive bidding process that also included major international players, China National Nuclear Corporation (China), Électricité de France (France), and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (South Korea). The proposals were assessed based on criteria such as safety, cost, workforce training, nuclear fuel cycle cooperation, and social responsibility initiatives, with Rosatom’s proposal being deemed the most advantageous. Both President Tokayev and the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency had previously highlighted the importance of forming an international consortium for the project given Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy. Given current geopolitical events, it remains unclear whether other parties would join a consortium headed by Russia. Efforts are currently underway to secure state export financing from the Russian Federation as part of Rosatom’s proposal. Kazakhstan is the world's largest uranium producer but has relied heavily on coal-powered plants for electricity generation, supplemented by hydropower and an increasing shift toward renewables. The coal industry currently provides fuel for approximately 70% of the nation’s electricity generation. The nuclear power pivot in the country’s energy strategy is aimed at reducing Kazakhstan’s dependency on fossil fuels, enhancing energy security, and addressing environmental concerns. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, over the past two decades, air pollution levels in Kazakhstan have remained persistently high despite numerous reform pledges and reductions in specific emissions. Economically, the plant is expected to improve Kazakhstan’s electricity supply reliability, support industrial growth, and create jobs in technology development, construction, and power plant operations. Speaking in January, former Minister of Energy Almasadam Satkaliyev stated that “By 2030, the NPP construction project will create around 5,000 jobs, peaking at approximately 10,000 jobs in 2032. Once operational, the first plant will provide at least 2,000 permanent positions.” The project also includes plans for the localization of equipment and workforce training, ensuring long-term capacity building. Kazakhstan's selection of Rosatom as the lead in its first nuclear power project reflects a strategic blend of technological ambition, international collaboration, and energy diversification. “Rosatom has been actively involved in Kazakhstan’s nuclear sector for years, including uranium mining and nuclear fuel cycle activities,” James Walker, CEO and Head of Reactor Development at NANO Nuclear Energy told The Times...

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Uzbekistan Hosts Fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum, Seals $26.6 Billion in New Investment

From June 9-12, the Uzbek capital hosted the Fourth Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF), attracting more than 2,500 participants from 93 countries. Among the attendees were ministers, global corporate leaders, financial institutions, and economic experts. The forum served as a strategic platform for promoting Uzbekistan’s investment climate, advancing its reform agenda, and strengthening global partnerships. Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, underscored the country’s progress as an emerging regional investment hub. “Over the last seven years, major reforms have been carried out to liberalize the economy, improve the business climate, and create favorable conditions for investors,” he stated. Uzbekistan has drawn more than $90 billion in foreign direct investment in recent years, contributing to a 6.5% GDP growth in 2024. A Vision for 2030 The government’s “Uzbekistan 2030” development strategy aims to raise national GDP to $200 billion by the end of the decade. Foreign investment is central to achieving this target, and forums like TIIF are integral in showcasing Uzbekistan as a stable and attractive investment destination. This year’s forum concluded with the signing of investment agreements worth $26.6 billion. Since TIIF’s inception in 2022, it has facilitated 357 investment deals valued at $44 billion. Of these, 57 projects have been completed, with 263 others in development. Saudi Arabia led new investment commitments with $10.7 billion, followed by China ($7 billion), Russia ($5.5 billion), the UAE ($4.6 billion), Turkey ($3.6 billion), Germany ($3.4 billion), and France ($2 billion). Rising Global Interest Coinciding with the forum was the release of a new Investor Perception Report by Montfort Eurasia. The report highlights a threefold increase in interest from U.S. and UK investors in Central Asia and the Caucasus since 2023. Improved investor awareness and sectoral potential were cited as key drivers of this surge. John Mann, Director at Montfort Eurasia, emphasized Uzbekistan’s potential: “One opportunity that stood out to me was mining. A new mining law passed earlier this year has created a solid framework for foreign companies, particularly those interested in critical minerals.” Mann also identified pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and urban development as promising sectors, and stated that Uzbekistan’s geographic position is ideal for regional manufacturing hubs. According to Montfort’s data, U.S. and UK investors now rate their understanding of the region at 7.36 out of 10, up from 4.92 in 2023. “There’s definitely been progress,” Mann noted. “More executives are showing interest in emerging markets, and there’s a better understanding of this region. However, concerns remain around investment security and political stability.” Despite such concerns, 47% of surveyed investors expressed strong interest in Central Asia, up sharply from 15.5% last year. Leading sectors included industrial and manufacturing (63.5%), oil and gas (57.9%), and mining and natural resources (49.2%). Regional Integration and Vision In his address to the forum, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted that trade with neighboring countries has increased 3.5 times over the past eight years, reaching nearly $13 billion. To accelerate regional economic integration, he proposed developing a “Concept of an Integrated Region for Investment and...