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Vagit Ismailov

Journalist

Vagit Ismailov is a Kazakhstani journalist. He has worked in leading regional and national publications.

Articles

Aviation

Pilots for Turkmenistan Airlines to Be Trained in Turkey

Turkmenistan Airlines has announced a recruitment campaign for candidates to study aviation at the Turkish Aeronautical Association University. The four-year program will be funded by the airline. Selection will be conducted on a competitive basis. Applicants must be male, under the age of 25, hold Turkmen citizenship, and have completed secondary education. Additional requirements include passing a medical examination at the Ashgabat Airport Medical Center and holding a valid military ID. The admission process consists of several stages. Candidates first undergo an initial interview with airline representatives, followed by entrance exams and an interview with representatives of the Turkish university. In the final stage, applicants must pass a medical examination in Ankara. The airline will cover tuition fees, dormitory accommodation, and travel costs, including flights to Ankara at the start of the academic year and return travel to Ashgabat upon completion of the program. However, students will be responsible for certain expenses, including visa fees, health insurance, meals, communication, and local transportation. Upon graduation, participants are required to work for the airline for ten years. Limited Progress in Air Connectivity Despite this initiative, Turkmenistan’s broader aviation sector continues to face challenges. No new international routes have been launched, and several previously announced flights have yet to begin operations. Plans to expand the country’s international air connectivity have been discussed for years, but tangible progress remains limited.

2 months ago

Foreign Affairs

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Visits Caucasus to Expand Trade and Transit Ties

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister, Yermek Kosherbayev, conducted a diplomatic tour of the South Caucasus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, as part of Astana’s efforts to strengthen trade and economic ties, expand investment cooperation, and develop key transit routes between Central Asia and Europe. Armenia: Trade, Investment, and Digitalization In Yerevan, Kosherbayev held meetings with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Vahagn Khachaturyan, and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. He conveyed greetings from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and highlighted the high level of bilateral cooperation. “Thanks to the efforts of the leaders, bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Armenia have reached a qualitatively new level,” Kosherbayev said. He noted that the evolving geopolitical situation creates new opportunities for both economies. Kazakhstan reaffirmed its interest in long-term supplies of agricultural products, including grain and meat, as well as in expanding transport links and launching direct flights. The two sides discussed the implementation of the Roadmap for Trade and Economic Cooperation for 2026-2030. More than 100 enterprises with Kazakh capital are registered in Armenia, while over 400 Armenian companies operate in Kazakhstan, indicating growing business activity. Artificial intelligence, digitalization, nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals, higher education, and healthcare were identified as priority areas for cooperation. Particular attention was given to the establishment of a branch of the TUMO educational center in Astana. Azerbaijan: Energy and Transport Corridors In Azerbaijan, Kosherbayev met with President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. Discussions focused on strengthening allied relations and expanding cooperation in energy, industry, and logistics. “Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations are characterized by steady and progressive development and possess significant potential. We express our firm commitment to further strengthening our alliance with brotherly Azerbaijan,” the minister said. Bilateral trade has increased sharply over the past five years, reaching $470.7 million in 2025. The two sides agreed to work toward raising this figure to $1 billion. Particular attention was paid to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, a key element in diversifying Kazakhstan’s export routes. For Astana, Azerbaijan is the pivotal Caspian link in the westward corridor connecting Kazakhstan to the South Caucasus and on to European markets. The parties also discussed projects to lay a fiber-optic communication line and a subsea power cable across the Caspian Sea to strengthen regional energy and digital connectivity. These projects fit a broader strategy to connect Central Asian energy and data infrastructure more closely with Azerbaijan and, through it, with Europe. In addition, both sides highlighted opportunities to expand the transit of Kazakh energy resources through Azerbaijani territory, alongside growing cultural, humanitarian, and educational exchanges. Georgia: Investment and a Logistics Hub The final stop was Georgia, where the minister met with President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili. “Kazakhstan views Georgia as a reliable political and economic partner in the South Caucasus,” Kosherbayev said. The officials noted positive momentum in economic cooperation. Kazakh investment in Georgia has exceeded $600 million, with companies active in logistics, energy, and finance. Georgia’s importance to Kazakhstan lies not only in bilateral trade and investment, but in its role as...

2 months ago

Middle East Crisis

Central Asia Welcomes Ceasefire, Urges Talks as Energy Risks Persist

Central Asian governments have cautiously welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing it as a necessary pause in a conflict that has already begun to affect regional stability, trade, and energy flows. Across the region, official statements struck a consistent balance: support for the truce, alongside calls to translate it quickly into negotiations rather than allow it to become a temporary pause in hostilities. Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the agreement as a “ceasefire and truce” reached through international mediation, including efforts involving Pakistan’s leadership. According to the presidential press service, Tokayev said that “this agreement became possible due to the goodwill and wisdom of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the senior leadership of Iran, as well as all countries involved in the military conflict.” Tokayev went on to express his hope that the agreement would prove sustainable and contribute to global trade and economic stability. Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry described the ceasefire as an “important step toward de-escalating tensions” and stressed that it should serve as a pathway to a broader political settlement. Tashkent called for “all parties to exercise restraint, [and] refrain from actions that could further escalate the situation, warning that further escalation risks widening the conflict and undermining regional stability. The statement reaffirmed Uzbekistan's “unwavering position on the need to resolve conflicts exclusively by peaceful means in strict accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.” Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry also welcomed the agreement, expressing hope that the ceasefire would open the way to a comprehensive and long-term peace. Dushanbe emphasized that the conflict has “no military solution and its continuation will only worsen the already difficult situation in the Middle East and cause colossal damage to all countries in the region.” The statement urged all parties to “abandon the use of force” and use political and diplomatic mechanisms in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Ministry said it “welcomes the achievement of a ceasefire agreement in the Middle East,” highlighting the role of Pakistan’s mediation efforts in reducing tensions. Bishkek reaffirmed that disputes must be resolved exclusively through political and diplomatic means on the basis of the UN Charter and international law, and expressed its “hope for achieving sustainable and long-term peace in the region.” Turkmenistan had not issued an official public statement on the ceasefire at the time of publication, in line with its longstanding policy of neutrality and cautious approach to external conflicts. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry also welcomed the “announced ceasefire” and praised the efforts of mediators who helped broker the agreement. Baku called on all parties to “engage in productive dialogue aimed at resolving existing problems and strengthening mutual trust” and signaled its readiness to “support initiatives aimed at strengthening lasting peace, security, and cooperation in the region.” The convergence in tone reflects more than diplomatic routine. The conflict has already spilled into Central Asia’s political and humanitarian agenda, prompting coordination on evacuations, aid deliveries, and contingency planning....

2 months ago

Film Industry

Construction Begins in Kazakhstan on a World-Class Film Studio for a Movie Starring Jackie Chan

A project has been launched in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region that could significantly transform the local film industry. Construction has begun in the city of Kaskelen on the “Dala Stage” film studio project, which is positioned as a world-class facility and is being developed with the participation of international partners. According to local authorities, one of the most notable moments at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony was the delivery of a time capsule from Jackie Chan, which was transported by helicopter. The capsule was received by director Robert Koon, who is set to work on the first production at the new site, Armor of God 4: Ultimatum. “The film industry is developing rapidly, requiring increasingly large-scale solutions and advanced technologies. This new project will allow local professionals to compete at a global level,” said Almaty Region Akim Marat Sultangaziev. Producer Li Chiu Wa conveyed greetings from Jackie Chan and said the project is progressing quickly. He said that just six months ago it was still at the discussion stage, but construction has already begun. The key parameters of the future facility have already been outlined. The total site will cover 15 hectares, with built-up space of 3,000 square meters. The project extends beyond the construction of a film studio and is intended to support the development of the national film industry, including training specialists and attracting investment.

2 months ago

Oil Supply

Middle East Crisis: Kazakhstan Could Become an Alternative Supplier of Petroleum Products to Asia

The two-week ceasefire announced after Pakistani mediation between Iran and the U.S. has reduced the risk of immediate escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, but disruptions to one of the key routes of global oil trade have already triggered structural changes in energy markets. Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan and other countries in the region are increasingly being viewed as alternative suppliers of hydrocarbons, at least from the perspective of South Korea and Japan. Despite the agreement on a two-week pause, Iran has made it clear that it retains control over shipping in the strait, including the potential to impose restrictions and coordinate tanker movements with its military. This has heightened concerns among importers, many of whom depend heavily on this route. The most notable shift is taking place in Asia. South Korea, which receives about 61% of its crude imports and 54% of its naphtha imports through the Strait of Hormuz, is sending a high-level delegation to Kazakhstan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to seek alternative sources of supply. Talks in Astana are expected to focus on oil and naphtha for industrial use. South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy, has proven to be among the most vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Seoul is taking urgent diplomatic and economic measures, with Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik traveling to Kazakhstan as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation. The delegation includes representatives from relevant ministries and major energy companies, underscoring the urgency of the effort. The purpose of the visit is not only to address a potential short-term shortfall but also to establish sustainable alternative supply channels. South Korea has already secured a 24 million-barrel supply deal with the UAE, and shipments are already arriving at its ports, though officials say that volume is still insufficient given the ongoing instability. The government is coordinating efforts with private fuel importers and logistics operators to ensure uninterrupted supplies until tankers arrive at the country’s ports. Kazakhstan, which possesses large oil fields including Kashagan, is emerging as a key candidate to partially replace Middle Eastern volumes. However, geography imposes clear limitations: oil from the region requires more complex logistics, including transit across the Caspian Sea and onward through the Caucasus or the Black Sea. This is compounded by a projected decline in the country’s oil production. In March, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov stated that output could fall by 2-4 million tons by the end of 2026 due to disruptions linked to attacks on infrastructure belonging to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), as well as fires at the Tengiz field. Initial projections placed Kazakhstan’s 2026 oil production at 100.5 million tons, potentially a record level. However, the minister indicated that actual output will most likely fall short of this target. Japan is also reassessing its supply strategy. With more than 90% of its oil traditionally sourced from the Middle East, Tokyo is considering increasing imports from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan through projects involving the national company INPEX. Japanese experts note that oil from...

2 months ago

internet freedom

Turkmenistan Ranked Last Among Central Asian Countries in Internet Freedom Index

According to a report by Cloudwards, a portal focused on technology and internet security, Turkmenistan scored just 16 out of 100 points for internet freedom in 2026, placing it among the countries with the lowest levels of online freedom. The authors note that significant internet censorship persists in the country. Compared with its regional neighbors, Turkmenistan’s score is among the lowest. Uzbekistan received 24 points, Kazakhstan 35, and Kyrgyzstan 52, while Tajikistan ranked highest in Central Asia with 56 points. The gap reflects varying levels of access to information and differing degrees of online restrictions across the region. In a global context, the disparity is even more pronounced. North Korea received the lowest possible score of 0. The report describes it as a country where most residents have no access to the global internet, with only a limited group permitted to use a heavily restricted internal network. Countries ranking only slightly higher include Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and China, each scoring 4 points. None is classified as fully free under the report’s criteria. According to the study, platforms such as X, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok are blocked or have at times been restricted in these countries. The report also highlights that in some cases, restrictions are more flexible in nature. For example, in China, access to VPNs and social media is not entirely prohibited but is tightly controlled, with users largely limited to approved platforms. Expressing politically sensitive views can lead to serious consequences. Turkmenistan is grouped alongside India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, all of which scored between 12 and 20 points. In these countries, the report notes significant censorship and restricted access to information. At the other end of the ranking are Belgium, East Timor, Denmark, Iceland, Costa Rica, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Slovakia, Suriname, and Finland, each with a score of 92. No country achieved a perfect score of 100. The study assessed internet freedom across several criteria, including access to torrents, adult content, political and social media platforms, and the ability to use VPN services. “Although certain types of internet regulation, when implemented carefully, can help combat hate speech, protect vulnerable groups, and limit the spread of harmful misinformation, in many countries, censorship has been taken to extremes,” the report’s authors state. They add that residents of countries with strict internet controls are effectively deprived of full access to information. This has implications not only for freedom of expression but also for education, technological development, and innovation. In some cases, the consequences can be more severe, including imprisonment for online speech.

2 months ago

Venture capital

Central Asian Startups See Investment Surge

The fifth Central Eurasian Venture Forum (CEVF 2026) opened in Uzbekistan for the first time, drawing around 800 investors, startups, and technology companies from Central Asia, Europe, the U.S., Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa. Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov attended the opening ceremony. The event was organized by MOST Holding and IT Park Uzbekistan with government support. Partners included Astana Hub, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation, Visa, and others. During the forum, the report Startups and Venture Capital in Central Asia 2026, prepared by RISE Research, was presented. According to the study, total venture capital investment in the region reached $320 million in 2025. The two largest deals, $130 million for Higgsfield and $65.5 million for Uzum, accounted for 61% of the total. Excluding these deals, the market reached $124.5 million, marking a 31% increase compared to 2024 and indicating steady organic growth. At the forum, the analytical agency RISE Research presented a study of the Central Asian venture capital market for 2025. According to the study, the volume of venture capital investments in Kazakhstan nearly tripled, reaching $209 million, with artificial intelligence being the main driver, accounting for approximately half of the total investment. In Uzbekistan, funding reached $33.8 million, an increase of more than eleven times compared to 2022. Including major deals, the Uzbek market is estimated at $99.3 million, with 85% of investment coming from domestic investors. The forum also hosted the CEVF Awards ceremony, recognizing key players in the regional venture ecosystem. In addition, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development announced 13 finalists for its Star Venture program for Central Asia, aimed at supporting high-tech startups. During the forum, cooperation agreements were signed with international partners, including companies from South Korea and the Middle East, to support the development of the startup ecosystem and attract investment. The second cohort of the Investment Readiness Accelerator (IRA) Tashkent program, focused on early-stage startups, was also launched.

2 months ago

Household spending

Food Spending Remains High in Kazakhstan Households

A high share of household spending on food remains a key indicator of living standards in Kazakhstan, according to analysts at Finprom.kz. By the end of 2025, average annual spending on food and non-alcoholic beverages reached $1,292 per person, up 13.9% year-on-year and nearly six times higher than in 2010. At the same time, the structure of spending has remained largely unchanged. In 2025, food accounted for 47.8% of total expenditures, only slightly below the pre-pandemic level of 50.4%. As a share of income, food expenditures rose to 42.5%, compared to 40.7% a year earlier, suggesting that income growth is being largely offset by inflation. Consumption patterns also remain relatively rigid. Meat and meat products account for 34.4% of food spending, approximately $444 per person, with prices in this category rising by 18.1% over the year. Bread and cereal products (14.7%) and dairy products (10.6%) also make up a significant share. Combined, these categories account for about 60% of total food expenditures. Spending on fruit and vegetables is increasing in absolute terms by 15.3% and 22.8%, respectively, but their shares remain relatively low at 9.1% and 7.7%, pointing to limited diversification in consumption. Fish and seafood account for 4.4% of spending, and eggs for 2.1%, further reflecting a concentration on staple foods. According to analysts, inflation remains the main driver of rising expenditures. In February 2026, prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 12.6% year-on-year, compared to 6.3% a year earlier. This level is close to the highest rates recorded over the past decade, with the exception of February 2023, when growth reached 26.4%. Analysts warn that if current inflation trends persist, the share of spending on food in 2026 could again exceed 50%, limiting households’ ability to spend on non-food goods and services and placing additional pressure on living standards.

2 months ago

Trade

Afghanistan Aims to Increase Trade with Central Asia to $10 Billion

Afghanistan aims to increase trade with Central Asian countries to $10 billion over the next three to four years, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said at a meeting in Kabul. According to Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s trade turnover with countries in the region reached approximately $2.7 billion in 2025, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. The statement was made during a consultative dialogue involving representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, focused on regional cooperation, trade, and the development of transit routes. Muttaqi said Afghanistan intends to leverage its geoeconomic position to connect Central Asia with markets in South and West Asia. Among key projects, he highlighted the TAPI gas pipeline, which is currently under construction. Afghan authorities are seeking to expand economic ties despite ongoing international sanctions affecting the banking sector, which continue to constrain investment inflows. At the same time, Russia remains the only country to have officially recognized the Taliban government that came to power in 2021. Several countries, including China, India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, maintain a diplomatic presence in Kabul. Landlocked Central Asian countries view southern routes through Afghanistan as an alternative to northern corridors via Russia, which have been complicated by sanctions. Afghanistan shares a border of more than 2,300 km with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, and continues to face security challenges, including threats from extremist groups, drug trafficking, and irregular migration. However, Muttaqi said the situation along the borders remains generally stable. Earlier reports indicated that Kazakhstan is exploring the possibility of investing in rare earth metal mining in Afghanistan. The national company Tau-Ken Samruk is conducting laboratory analysis of samples collected in Afghanistan and Rwanda.

2 months ago

Organization of Turkic States

Meeting of the Organization of Turkic States Held in Baku

On April 2, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with participants of a meeting of the heads of government of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Baku, outlining key areas of cooperation. Among those attending were Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev, Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Unal Ustel, and OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev. Opening the meeting, Aliyev stressed the importance of dialogue. “This meeting of the heads of government of the Organization of Turkic States is being held in Baku. I warmly welcome you all,” he said. According to Aliyev, such meetings allow not only for the discussion of economic issues but also for reaffirming unity among member states. He noted that cooperation within the organization remains a priority of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. He also reiterated a key message that ran throughout his speech: “We have repeatedly stated from various platforms that the Turkic world is our family; we have no other family,” Aliyev said. Special attention was devoted to economic cooperation. According to the president, trade between member states is growing, and investment volumes are increasing. He noted that Azerbaijan has invested more than $20 billion in the economies of OTS member states. Most of this has been directed to Turkey, though investment activity is expanding elsewhere. In particular, joint funds have been established with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to support project implementation. Aliyev also thanked partners for their participation in the reconstruction of Karabakh. Facilities built with the support of OTS countries are already operational in the region, including the Mirza Ulugbek School, the Kurmangazy Children’s Creative Center, and the Manas School. In addition, a garment factory has been opened in Khankendi with the participation of Uzbekistan. He also highlighted mutual support among member states. Following the earthquake in Turkey, Azerbaijan financed the construction of the “Azerbaijani Quarter” in Kahramanmaraş, valued at $100 million. Transport and logistics projects were another key topic. According to the president, infrastructure development remains a top priority. These include the Middle Corridor, the Trans-Caspian route, and the Zangezur Corridor, all of which are gaining importance in the current geopolitical environment. Aliyev said that infrastructure within Azerbaijan is largely complete. Railways, the Baku port, highways, and airports are operational. Construction of the Zangezur Corridor is also progressing, with the highway nearly 90% complete and the railway approximately 70% complete. He also noted the construction of the Kars-Nakhchivan railway line in Turkey, which is expected to enable a new international route with an initial capacity of about 15 million tons of cargo. In conclusion, Aliyev said these projects are aimed not only at serving regional interests but also at expanding international transport connectivity. He expressed confidence that the meeting would contribute to the further development of the OTS and strengthen cooperation among member states.

2 months ago

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