The Times Of Central Asia | Eurasian Publication & News Online

Uzbekistan Ranked Fifth for Number of Students Studying Abroad

Marginalized But Indispensable – What the Crocus City Hall Attack Means for Central Asian Migrants

Features

Drones

Another Unidentified Drone Crashes in West Kazakhstan

Travel

Turkmenistan Government Monitoring Former Law Enforcers and Imposing Travel Restrictions

Investigation

Kazakhstan Investigates Recipients of USAID Funding

Following the cancellation of USAID funding, the Kazakhstani government and parliament are scrutinizing the recipients of U.S. financial assistance. The issue has sparked significant public debate and online discussions. Deputies Demand Explanations On March 10, the U.S. administration announced the cancellation of 83% of USAID programs. Secretary of State Marco...

Sovereignty

Opinion: Are Kazakhstan and the U.S. Reaching Common Ground on Sovereignty and Mutual Engagement?

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has made his position clear: his country must remain sovereign, and activities to exert foreign influence should be closely monitored. The message from Astana is that cultural impositions from abroad are not welcome. Tokayev’s longstanding view that Kazakhstan’s democracy should evolve on its own terms has...

RFE/RL

Opinion: What the Loss of RFE/RL Would Mean for Central Asia

RFE/RL

From Enemy Waves to Fading Signals: Radio Liberty’s Journey in Central Asia

Climate Change

Biodiversity Experts Tell Banks to Halt Projects That Endanger Central Asia’s Rivers

English Common Law

English Law in Kyrgyzstan? Bold Move Faces Hurdles in Investment Disputes

Sunkar Podcast

Repatriating Islamic State Fighters and Families: Balancing Security and Humanity

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Opinions

Business & Economy

Agriculture

New Border Warehouse to Boost Kyrgyz Agricultural Exports to China

Kyrgyzstan and China have inaugurated a major new warehouse in the city of Ulugqat, located in China’s northwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), near the Kyrgyz border. The facility is designed to facilitate the export of Kyrgyz agricultural products to China, serving as a key logistics hub for cargo passing through the nearby Torugart and Irkeshtam border checkpoints. At the opening ceremony on March 18, Bakyt Torobayev, Deputy Chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, stated that the warehouse will improve logistics and ensure a reliable and uninterrupted supply of agricultural goods....

Critical Minerals

Kazakhstan Strengthens Position in Global Critical Minerals Market

Investments

EBRD and ADB Finance Upgrade of Key Road in Tajikistan

Economic Cooperation

Kazakhstan Looks to Reduce Dependence on Feed Imports

UN Tourism

Uzbekistan Joins International Code for the Protection of Tourists

Privatization

Kazakhstan Proposes Privatization of Two Major Oil Refineries

Kazakhstan’s Agency for Protection and Development of Competition (AZRC) has proposed the partial privatization of the Atyrau and Pavlodar oil refineries. According to Rustam Akhmetov, the agency’s first deputy chairman, the proposal involves selling 50% of the state’s stake in these assets. Current Refinery Ownership Structure Kazakhstan operates three major oil refineries, located in: Pavlodar (northeast) Atyrau (west) Shymkent (southern region) The Pavlodar refinery is fully owned by KazMunayGas Refining and Marketing JSC, a subsidiary of the state-owned KazMunayGas (KMG). Similarly, the Atyrau refinery is 100% state-owned through KMG. In contrast, the Shymkent refinery operates under a 50-50 joint venture...

Banking

National Bank of Kazakhstan to Launch Digital Investment and Gold Coins

The National Bank of Kazakhstan has announced the launch of the Gold Coin project, a digital investment coin, starting March 17. The coin’s value is pegged to 1/20 of a troy ounce of gold, fluctuating based on global gold prices. According to the National Bank, the Gold Coin project aims to offer Kazakhstani citizens an alternative investment tool, integrating digital assets with modern financial technology. One unit of the Gold Coin corresponds to 1/20 of a troy ounce of gold (with one troy ounce equaling 31.1035 grams). The coin’s value will be determined by the price of gold, as set...

Automobile Industry

Chevrolet vs China: The Battle for the Future of Uzbekistan’s Auto Industry

ANDIJAN -- Spend long enough in Uzbekistan and you become adept at reading numberplates. While in Paris or Los Angeles, you will generally identify your taxi by its color and its manufacturer; try doing that in Uzbekistan, and you run into a problem: for the past two decades or so, the color and manufacturer have invariably been White and Chevrolet. “Yep, it’s true,” laughed Alisher, as I remarked on this when he collected me from Andijan train station. “90% of the cars are Chevrolets, and 80% of them are white.” But this era of monochrome monopoly may be coming to...

Investments

Kyrgyzstan Explores English Common Law to Boost Investment Appeal

On March 11, Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers, met with British Ambassador Nicholas Bowler and a group of international consultants to discuss adopting English common law principles for resolving investment disputes in Kyrgyzstan. English common law is a legal system based on judicial precedents rather than codified statutes. According to the Kyrgyz government’s press service, the meeting focused on establishing an independent arbitration mechanism to handle investment and commercial disputes under English common law. This initiative aims to enhance Kyrgyzstan’s investment appeal and strengthen investor protections, key factors in attracting foreign capital for sustainable economic growth. Discussions...

Local Politics

Nuclear Energy

Former Energy Minister to Lead Kazakhstan’s New Nuclear Energy Agency

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree establishing the Atomic Energy Agency, a new government body that will report directly to the head of state. The decision, announced on March 18, is part of broader efforts to improve the country’s public administration system. The new agency will oversee uranium mining, the use of atomic energy, radiation safety, and the management of the Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone. Previously, these responsibilities fell under the Ministry of Energy. Along with its functions, the agency will also inherit its first leader from the ministry: Almasadam Satkaliyev, who has been appointed as its head...

Sovereignty

Opinion: Are Kazakhstan and the U.S. Reaching Common Ground on Sovereignty and Mutual Engagement?

Children

Kazakh MP Calls for Restrictions on Children’s Access to TikTok

Reforms

Kyrgyzstan Launches Large-Scale Public Administration Reform

Corruption

Uzbekistan Ratchets Up Drive Against “Evil” of Corruption

China

Uzbekistan Denies Claims of Land Sales to China

Recent social media claims alleging that “China is taking over Uzbekistan” and that “most of the country’s land has been sold to the Chinese” have sparked widespread debate. In response, Ilzat Qosimov, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, issued a statement via the ministry’s official Facebook page, firmly rejecting these allegations. Economic Cooperation, Not Land Sales “Attracting foreign investment is a crucial factor for Uzbekistan’s sustainable economic growth. Global competition for capital is intensifying, and our country remains committed to maintaining an open and equal investment environment,” Qosimov stated. He emphasized that while China is one of Uzbekistan’s largest...

Nuclear Energy

Kazakhstan to Establish Nuclear Energy Agency

Kazakhstan will create a Nuclear Energy Agency, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during a session of the National Kurultai (annual assembly). "Given the special significance of this issue, I have decided to establish the Agency for Nuclear Energy under the President. We must maximize the potential of gas and coal-fired generation, as well as renewable energy sources," Tokayev said. Tokayev emphasized the need for a comprehensive, long-term approach to energy sector development. "By approving the construction of the first nuclear power plant in a referendum, citizens have given the green light to this initiative. However, it is crucial not only to...

Time Zone

Time Zone Turmoil: Kazakhstan’s Shift Sparks Backlash and Political Action

Kazakhstan is preparing to put an end to a year-long debate over its transition to a single time zone (UTC+5). However, opposition to the change has evolved beyond public discontent. Critics, including well-known public figures, are now considering the creation of a political party with the goal of overturning what they argue is one of the most unpopular government decisions in the country’s history. Even a year later, many citizens remain unconvinced of the benefits of the time zone shift, while the government continues to defend it with unwavering determination. Origins of the Controversy Discussions about adopting a single time...

Energy

Japarov Urges Kyrgyz Citizens Not to Obstruct Small Hydropower Plant Construction

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov has urged citizens to support the construction of small hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) across the country, emphasizing their importance for energy independence. According to Japarov, 40 small HPPs are currently operational in Kyrgyzstan, generating 312.5 million kWh of electricity annually. Construction has begun on 37 additional small HPPs, with 18 set to be commissioned in 2025, adding a total capacity of 385.2 million kWh. Additionally, Kyrgyzstan has launched solar and wind power projects with a combined capacity of 5,624 MW to diversify its energy sources. Untapped Energy Potential and Local Resistance Despite having the capacity to...

International Affairs

Economic Cooperation

EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Focuses on Digital Connectivity and Critical Raw Materials

On March 18, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela visited Uzbekistan on the final leg of his Central Asia tour. In Tashkent, he met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to strengthen the growing partnership between Uzbekistan and the European Union. According to the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, discussions centered on expanding digital connectivity, promoting sustainability, and fostering job creation through critical raw materials. Another key focus was the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor to enhance trade. The visit also highlighted how the EU’s Global Gateway strategy supports infrastructure and clean energy initiatives. Both sides acknowledged the increasing momentum in...

Investigation

Kazakhstan Investigates Recipients of USAID Funding

RFE/RL

Czech Republic Seeks EU Lifeline for RFE/RL

Trade Relations

EU Monitors Uzbekistan’s Compliance with Trade Preferences Scheme

Air Travel

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Restore Flights Following Landmark Border Agreement

Infrastructure Development

EU and EBRD to Fund Irrigation Improvements in Kyrgyzstan

On March 17, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela arrived in Kyrgyzstan, where he met with President Sadyr Japarov to discuss bilateral cooperation and sustainable development initiatives. During the meeting, Japarov emphasized the importance of strengthening trade, economic, and investment ties between Kyrgyzstan and the European Union (EU). “We highly appreciate the ongoing support of the European Union in carrying out democratic reforms and developing a stable and sustainable state in Kyrgyzstan,” Japarov stated. He also proposed expanding cooperation in areas such as green initiatives, early warning systems for natural disasters, low-carbon development, and the transition to renewable energy...

RFE/RL

Opinion: What the Loss of RFE/RL Would Mean for Central Asia

The decision to terminate the federal grant agreement funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is a crushing blow for hundreds of millions of people. These people know their governments are not telling them the full truth about what is happening in their countries or in the world outside. The objective information provided by RFE/RL has been important to people such as these. Perhaps as important, since the end of the Cold War, was the platform RFE/RL provides, whenever possible, for people in these countries to explain their views to the outside world. I know, because I worked at RFE/RL...

RFE/RL

From Enemy Waves to Fading Signals: Radio Liberty’s Journey in Central Asia

I went to school in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in the 1970s. This period in the Soviet Union is now commonly referred to as the "Era of Stagnation." We felt its effects firsthand. We did not know what freedom of speech was. All media belonged to the state, and all were "party-affiliated." Since there was only one party in the USSR, the Communist Party, all information was exclusively communist. Naturally, the media spoke only of the incredible successes of the working class and the over-fulfillment of party and government plans. We found this completely uninteresting, so we searched for alternative sources of...

European Union

Tajikistan to Modernize Energy, Cotton, and Education Sectors with EU Grants

On March 14, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela arrived in Tajikistan. He met with President Emomali Rahmon to reaffirm the European Union’s commitment to the country through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. During their meeting, Síkela and Rahmon discussed the state and future of EU-Tajikistan relations, as well as pressing regional issues. Their talks focused on expanding economic and trade ties, attracting investments in industry and agriculture, and securing funding for hydropower projects. Rahmon emphasized Tajikistan’s commitment to green technologies and its goal of generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources under the Strategy for the Development...

Life & Culture

Drones

Another Unidentified Drone Crashes in West Kazakhstan

Another unidentified drone has crashed in Kazakhstan’s West Kazakhstan region. Local residents discovered the object near the village of Atameken, approximately 60 km north of the district center of Taskala. On March 18, the police department in Taskala District received a report about an unidentified object, believed to be a drone, found in a remote area. The device measured approximately three meters in length. Police officers, representatives of the district akimat (council), and emergency services were dispatched to the scene. The West Kazakhstan Region Police Department confirmed the discovery of an object resembling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). “The object...

Demographics

Kyrgyzstan on the Threshold of an Aging Population: Government Develops Active Longevity Program

Art and Culture

Kazakh Theatrical Performance Breaks Annual Record

Agriculture

Kyrgyzstan Prepares for Spring Field Work

TCA Interviews

Kazakh Researchers Uncover Important Step Towards Treating Parkinson’s Disease

TCA Interviews

From Uzbekistan to St. Petersburg: An International Student’s Journey Through Challenges and Change

Five years ago, Dilshot moved from Uzbekistan to St. Petersburg to pursue higher education. Like many international students, he faced challenges adapting, cultural differences, and other unexpected difficulties. The Times of Central Asia spoke with Dilshot to learn how his life in Russia has unfolded, what obstacles he encountered, and why his future in the city has taken an unexpected turn. TCA: Why did you choose to study in St. Petersburg? What factors influenced your decision? Dilshot: After finishing school in Uzbekistan, I decided to continue my education in Russia, specifically in St. Petersburg. First of all, I believed that...

Migration

Russia Remains Top Destination for 600,000 Kyrgyz Migrant Workers

A total of 600,000 Kyrgyz citizens are currently living abroad, with Russia remaining the primary destination for Kyrgyz labor migrants, Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security, and Migration, Bakyt Darmankul uulu, said at a press conference last week, citing data from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. As of the end of 2024, 379,949 Kyrgyz nationals were registered with Russian migration authorities. According to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Labor, the distribution of Kyrgyz migrants in other countries is as follows: Kazakhstan - approximately 70,000 Turkey - around 32,000 United States - about 40,000 South Korea - more than 17,000...

Health

Uzbekistan and Hungary Use Nobel-Winning Discovery to Develop Health Supplements

Scientists from Uzbekistan and Hungary are collaborating to develop new health supplements derived from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), a plant known for its medicinal properties. The research is being conducted by the Pharmaceutical Institute of Tashkent and Hungary’s Meditop Pharmaceutical Ltd. The project is based on the groundbreaking work of Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, who won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering artemisinin, a compound extracted from sweet wormwood that effectively treats malaria. The joint initiative aims to produce antiseptic and anti-inflammatory supplements in various forms, including capsules, ointments, hydrogels, mouthwashes, and ear drops. These products...

Digitalization

Kazakhstan to Require Parents to Purchase Special SIM Cards for Children

Kazakhstan plans to introduce special SIM cards for children, limiting their access to the internet. Deputy Minister of Education Yedil Ospan announced the initiative on March 12, stating that discussions are ongoing with authorized government agencies as part of a comprehensive plan. “We assume that operators should issue special SIM cards intended for use by children. That is, a parent will be obliged to buy these very SIM cards for their children,” Ospan said. According to him, these SIM cards will include built-in security filters restricting access to inappropriate content, including certain websites and social networks. Parents will also be...

Justice

Travel

Turkmenistan Government Monitoring Former Law Enforcers and Imposing Travel Restrictions

Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Justice has launched an initiative to collect data on former Interior Ministry officials to track those who have left the country. This move is the latest in a series of efforts by the government to monitor and restrict its citizens’ ability to travel abroad. Tracking Former Law Enforcement Officers Since February 2025, the Ministry of Justice has been compiling information on former law enforcement officers who held ranks of major or higher and served between 1991 and 2024. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of National Security (MNS), the Migration Service, and the Prosecutor’s Office have...

Human Trafficking

Ukrainian Fugitive Arrested in Poland for Organ Trafficking in Central Asia

Real estate

Uzbek Citizen Purchases Luxury Apartment in Seoul for Over $5 Million in Cash

Criminal Responsibility

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

Human Rights

International Human Rights Activists Demand Release of Tajik Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova

English Common Law

English Law in Kyrgyzstan? Bold Move Faces Hurdles in Investment Disputes

Kyrgyzstan’s government is considering adopting elements of English common law to handle investment disputes, but legal experts remain skeptical about its feasibility. On March 13, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev met with the British Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan and a group of international consultants to discuss the potential integration of English legal principles into Kyrgyzstan’s legal framework. The initiative has also received support from President Sadyr Japarov, who, in late 2024, stated at the People’s Kurultai in Bishkek that the adoption of English law principles is essential for attracting foreign investment. “Citizens and external investors have the opportunity...

Espionage

Bulgarian Spy Ring Attempted to Threaten Kazakh President’s Western Ties

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 Bulgarian nationals had stood accused of spying for Russia at the behest of the fugitive Jan Marsalek, the former COO of Wirecard, described by prosecutors as “believed to be linked to the Russian state”. The trial centered around thousands of sinister messages between Marsalek and Bulgarian national Orlin Roussev, who compared himself to the fictional character of ‘Q’ from the James...

Women's Rights

Opinion: Balancing Rights and Realities – Engaging Afghanistan for Change

The attention of the international community has once again turned to human rights in Afghanistan following the latest report by Richard Bennett, the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan. In his report, Bennett recommended that member states consider the concept of gender apartheid and support its codification, noting that Afghan women regard this term as the most accurate description of their situation. This initiative emerged in response to the tightening restrictions on women and girls imposed by the Taliban. The renewed focus on gender issues is not exactly what Central Asian countries expect in the context of...

Rukhshona Khakimova

Tajik Women Unite to Urge Rahmon to Grant Leniency for Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova

A group of 130 women in Tajikistan have appealed to President Emomali Rahmon, requesting leniency for journalist Rukhshona Khakimova, who was sentenced to eight years in prison. A Plea for Mercy In their appeal, the women expressed deep concern over the fate of Khakimova’s two young daughters, one of whom is an infant still in need of breastfeeding. “This verdict has shaken us to the core, but most of all, it has shattered the lives of her two tiny daughters, Shakhnura and Shukrona, who overnight lost the most precious thing a child has, a mother's love, warmth, and care. Ten-month-old...

Environment

Water

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Reach Agreement on Amu Darya Water Usage

A delegation from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Water Resources visited Turkmenistan on March 13-14 to discuss bilateral cooperation on water management, Dunyo reports. Officials from both countries met in Turkmenabat to address key issues, including the maintenance and modernization of water infrastructure, flood prevention, riverbank reinforcement, and efficient water use. As part of the discussions, the sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing agreements reached during the fourth Uzbek-Turkmen intergovernmental meeting on water management. They agreed to collaborate on hydrotechnical projects aimed at minimizing water losses in the Amu Darya River and optimizing resource use. The two countries also plan to conduct...

Kazakh Floods

Eight Regions in Kazakhstan Face High Flood Risk

Transport

Bishkek Collaborates with KOICA and Seoul Institute on Sustainable Urban Transport Project

Ecology

Dams Threaten Central Asia’s Rare Fish and River Ecosystems

Water

Four New Reservoirs to Be Built in Kazakhstan

Climate Change

Biodiversity Experts Tell Banks to Halt Projects That Endanger Central Asia’s Rivers

On March 14, World Rivers Day of Action, international environmental organizations issued a stark warning about the future of Central Asia’s key rivers and lakes. A coalition, including Rivers without Boundaries, International Rivers, Friends of the Earth US, Urgewald, and CEE Bankwatch Network, called on major international development banks to reconsider their funding policies for hydropower projects. According to environmentalists, Central Asia already has more than 300 large dams, with over 200 additional projects either planned or under construction, many with financial backing from international banks. In a joint statement addressed to the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction...

Air Pollution

Kazakhstan’s Karaganda Among World’s Most Polluted Cities as Central Asia Struggles with Air Quality

Kazakhstan’s Karaganda - the heartland of the nation's coal and metallurgical industries - was ranked as the world’s third most polluted city in 2024, according to the 2024 World Air Quality Report released by IQAir. The report evaluates global air quality for 2024, presenting PM2.5 air pollution data collected from 8,954 cities across 138 countries, regions, and territories. PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) and is a key indicator of air pollution. Karaganda recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 104.8 µg/m³ in 2024. In comparison, Byrnihat, India, the world's most polluted city,...

Environment

Kyrgyzstan Bans Plastic Bags at Lake Issyk-Kul

As of March 1, Kyrgyzstan has banned the use and sale of plastic bags and other plastic products in the resort and recreational areas of the Issyk-Kul region, including the beaches of Lake Issyk-Kul, the country’s main tourist destination. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision announced that fines will be imposed for violations, as part of efforts to protect the lake’s unique ecosystem and maintain cleanliness in the region. Penalties for Violations First offense: Warning Repeated violation within one year: Individuals - 3,000 KGS ($34) Legal entities - 10,000 KGS ($114) The ban and fines apply to...

Air Pollution

U.S. Ends Air Quality Data Sharing from Embassies

The United States has announced it will no longer share air quality data gathered from its diplomatic missions worldwide. This decision has sparked concerns among environmental groups, public health advocates, and nations that rely on this data to track pollution and safeguard public health. For over a decade, U.S. embassies and consulates have provided invaluable air quality data using state-of-the-art equipment to monitor pollutants such as PM2.5, a fine particulate matter with serious health implications at high levels. Updated hourly, this information was readily accessible online, empowering individuals and governments to make informed decisions on managing air pollution risks. The...

From Uzbekistan to St. Petersburg: An International Student’s Journey Through Challenges and Change

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Features

Features

Sunkar Podcast

Latest

Sunkar Podcast

Opinions

Opinions

Nikola Mikovic

Bruce Pannier

Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Business & Economy

Business & Economy

New Border Warehouse to Boost Kyrgyz Agricultural Exports to China

Kazakhstan Proposes Privatization of Two Major Oil Refineries

National Bank of Kazakhstan to Launch Digital Investment and Gold Coins

Chevrolet vs China: The Battle for the Future of Uzbekistan’s Auto Industry

Kyrgyzstan Explores English Common Law to Boost Investment Appeal

Local Politics

Local Politics

Former Energy Minister to Lead Kazakhstan’s New Nuclear Energy Agency

Uzbekistan Denies Claims of Land Sales to China

Kazakhstan to Establish Nuclear Energy Agency

Time Zone Turmoil: Kazakhstan’s Shift Sparks Backlash and Political Action

Japarov Urges Kyrgyz Citizens Not to Obstruct Small Hydropower Plant Construction

International Affairs

International Affairs

EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Focuses on Digital Connectivity and Critical Raw Materials

EU and EBRD to Fund Irrigation Improvements in Kyrgyzstan

Opinion: What the Loss of RFE/RL Would Mean for Central Asia

From Enemy Waves to Fading Signals: Radio Liberty’s Journey in Central Asia

Tajikistan to Modernize Energy, Cotton, and Education Sectors with EU Grants