Page 10 – The Times Of Central Asia

25 Mar 2026

Business & Economy, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Business & Economy

Uzbekistan Launches First Concrete Works at Planned Nuclear Power Plant

March 25, 2026
By Sadokat Jalolova

Construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant has entered a new phase, with initial concrete works officially launched at the project site in the Farish district of the Jizzakh Region, according to the country’s Atomic Energy Agency, Uzatom.

The milestone was marked on March 24 during simultaneous ceremonies held in Tashkent and at the construction site. During the events, Uzatom and Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom signed a number of strategic documents, formally advancing the project to the stage of practical implementation.

Among the agreements were a cooperation roadmap covering nuclear and related sectors, as well as an addendum to the contract for the construction of an integrated nuclear power facility in Uzbekistan. The documents were signed by Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev.

According to Uzatom, the roadmap outlines cooperation in areas such as project implementation phases, workforce training, public engagement on nuclear energy, and the development of infrastructure for a future town for plant personnel. Uzbek officials said the agreement establishes a comprehensive partnership expected to contribute to both economic and social development.

At the construction site, work has begun on laying the concrete foundation beneath the reactor building for a small modular unit using the RITM-200N design. Approximately 900 cubic meters of concrete are scheduled to be poured, with this stage expected to be completed by April 2026. The foundation will incorporate the waterproofing and grounding systems required for the reactor structure.

The updated configuration of the plant involves two large power units equipped with Generation III+ VVER-1000 reactors, as well as two smaller units using RITM-200N reactors, each with a capacity of 55 MW. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to generate around 15.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, more than 15% of Uzbekistan’s current power consumption.

Uzatom stated that regulatory approval for use of the site has already been granted following safety assessments that identified no significant risks related to seismic activity, tectonic faults, or karst formations. The agency said the location meets nuclear, environmental, and technical safety requirements.

“The start of concrete works marks an important step in implementing Uzbekistan’s national nuclear energy program,” Akhmedkhadjaev said, adding that the project is proceeding in line with established timelines and safety standards.

Separately, Uzatom confirmed that a mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to visit Uzbekistan in the second half of 2026 to assess progress on the project.

25 Mar 2026

Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan

Why More Students in Kazakhstan Choose to Study Abroad

March 25, 2026
By Tamila Olzhbaekova

An increasing number of students in Kazakhstan are considering education abroad. For some, it offers access to high-quality academic programs; for others, it provides opportunities to gain international experience, learn new languages, and improve career prospects. Interest in foreign universities is growing among school graduates and their parents, who increasingly view overseas education as an investment in their children’s future.

According to the Bureau of National Statistics, 678,100 students were enrolled in higher education institutions in Kazakhstan at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. At the same time, data from the International Trade Administration indicate that more than 90,000 Kazakhstani citizens are currently studying abroad.

Sanzhar Uvashev, an employee of InterPress Abroad, a company that assists applicants seeking admission to foreign universities, spoke about the factors influencing students’ choices and the opportunities offered by international education.

TCA: Tell us about your work. What does your organization do?

Uvashev: Our company helps students apply to universities abroad. We support applicants in selecting academic programs, preparing documents, and navigating the entire admissions process. One of our distinguishing features is that we are not limited to a specific list of partner institutions or countries. We can assist students in applying to a wide range of universities, depending on their individual preferences.

TCA: Which countries are currently the most popular destinations?

Uvashev: We work with a broad range of destinations, particularly the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, as well as countries across Europe and Asia. Recently, students have shown greater interest in exploring multiple options rather than focusing on a single country. Some prioritize studying in an English-speaking environment, others seek more affordable tuition, while some focus on scholarship opportunities and employment prospects after graduation.

TCA: What opportunities exist today for students from Central Asia to study abroad?

Uvashev: Opportunities are expanding. Many universities are paying closer attention to applicants from Central Asia, as international students contribute to a more diverse academic environment. As a result, institutions are offering scholarships, tuition discounts, and preparatory programs. Awareness of the region is growing, and with it the range of options available to students.

TCA: Why do students continue to choose the U.S. and other destinations?

Uvashev: The U.S. remains one of the most popular destinations because of its strong universities and perceived career opportunities. At the same time, countries such as Italy, Austria, and China are also attracting interest. Italy and Austria appeal to students because public universities there can offer relatively affordable, and in some cases almost free, education. China has gained popularity due to the quality of its universities, their rising positions in global rankings, and the availability of scholarships for international students.

TCA: Are there programs that allow students to study free of charge?

Uvashev: Yes. Students often inquire about scholarship schemes that significantly reduce tuition fees or cover them entirely. Examples include the Bolashak international scholarship program, Stipendium Hungaricum, and Erasmus Mundus. These initiatives provide talented applicants with real opportunities to obtain an education abroad, provided they are well prepared and meet the eligibility requirements.

TCA: Why do many young people want to study abroad?

Uvashev: The main reasons are educational quality, broader life experience, and career prospects. Many students want to gain international exposure and study in a competitive academic environment. Foreign universities often offer more practical training, modern teaching methods, and internship opportunities, which can significantly improve graduates’ chances of securing employment.

There is also a longstanding trend among young people to seek opportunities beyond their home country. For many, studying abroad is not only about education but also about gaining independence and new life experiences.

TCA: What challenges exist in Kazakhstan’s higher education system?

Uvashev: One issue is the limited level of international integration at some universities. Not all institutions have strong links with global academic networks, foreign faculty members, or extensive exchange and internship programs.

As a result, some students feel that local education may restrict their prospects, particularly if they aim to work in international companies or pursue careers abroad. The challenge therefore concerns not only academic quality but also how effectively the system prepares graduates to compete in the global labor market.

TCA: Do students usually return home after completing their studies?

Uvashev: Outcomes vary. Some graduates return and apply their knowledge in Kazakhstan, while others remain abroad if they find employment and are able to secure residence or work permits. Decisions about returning often depend less on personal preference and more on practical circumstances, such as visa regulations and career opportunities.

TCA: What changes would you like to see in Kazakhstan’s education system?

Uvashev: Greater involvement of foreign lecturers, more international internships, and expanded academic mobility would be positive developments. It is important that students can gain international experience not only by studying abroad for extended periods but also through exchange programs, joint research projects, and short-term study opportunities.

If such initiatives become more widespread, domestic higher education will also strengthen. Students will feel they can acquire modern, competitive skills without necessarily leaving the country for long periods.

25 Mar 2026

Central Asia, Home, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Features, Kyrgyzstan Features, Kyrgyzstan Home

Kyrgyzstan Prioritizes Export Support as External Trade Declines

March 25, 2026
By Sergey Kwan

Kyrgyzstan is intensifying efforts to support domestic exporters as the country faces a sustained decline in foreign trade. Authorities now regard export development as a central pillar of economic policy.

First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Daniyar Amangeldiyev reiterated this position during a meeting of the Export Development Council on March 24.

The government is considering a range of practical measures aimed at strengthening export capacity. Among them is a pilot programme to partially reimburse transportation and logistics costs. The initiative is intended to reduce the price of Kyrgyz goods in foreign markets and enhance their competitiveness.

At the same time, officials plan to expand access to financing through a new preferential credit facility titled “Export Contract Financing.” The mechanism is designed to address exporters’ cash-flow constraints and support working capital, backed by insurance instruments and state guarantees.

These steps come amid a significant deterioration in trade performance. According to the National Statistical Committee, Kyrgyzstan’s exports fell by 20.3% in January 2026, while imports increased by 6.1%.

The decline reflects a broader trend. In 2025, exports dropped by 44.5%, while imports rose by 3.9%. Total foreign trade turnover reached $15.8 billion, representing a decrease of 10.2% compared to 2024.

Kyrgyzstan’s export geography remains relatively concentrated. In 2025, the country’s main export destinations were Russia (22.9%), Kazakhstan (15.9%), Switzerland (15.4%), Uzbekistan (14.2%), and the United Kingdom (8.2%). Imports, meanwhile, were dominated by China (37.2%), followed by Russia (24.6%) and Kazakhstan (10.9%).

Such concentration increases the economy’s vulnerability to fluctuations in demand among a limited number of trading partners.

The sharp fall in exports was driven largely by declining gold shipments, Kyrgyzstan’s principal export commodity. According to the Ministry of Economy, gold exports fell by a factor of 3.7 in 2025.

Gold accounted for 23.9% of total exports, underscoring the country’s dependence on a single commodity.

Both external and domestic factors contributed to the downturn. Weaker demand in key partner markets, including Russia and Kazakhstan, reduced export volumes. At the same time, temporary government restrictions on the export of certain goods, such as scrap metal and livestock, also constrained trade flows.

25 Mar 2026

Central Asia, Turkmenistan Home, Home, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy

Turkmenistan and CNPC Sign Deal on New Phase of Galkynysh Gas Field Development

March 31, 2026
By Sadokat Jalolova

Turkmenistan has signed a new agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to advance the fourth phase of development at the Galkynysh gas field, one of the largest gas deposits in the world.

According to the state news agency TDH, CNPC will design and construct production facilities on a turnkey basis, including gas wells and infrastructure capable of processing up to 10 billion cubic meters of marketable gas annually.

The agreement follows a presidential decree authorizing the state concern Turkmengaz to conclude a contract with CNPC’s subsidiary, CNPC Amudarya Petroleum Company Ltd. The document provides for the construction of gas treatment facilities and the drilling of a sufficient number of production wells to maintain the planned output level.

According to reports by industry publication Nebit-Gaz, work on the fourth phase was expected to begin in early 2026. The overall development plan for the Galkynysh field is divided into seven phases. Information published on the Turkmengaz website, citing the international conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan, 2025,” indicates that the first phase has already been completed and is operational. It includes three gas processing plants with a combined annual capacity of 30 billion cubic meters.

Turkmenistan possesses the world’s fourth-largest proven reserves of natural gas, yet its export routes remain limited. The majority of gas exports, estimated at between 80% and 90%, are directed eastward through the Central Asia-China pipeline network, often referred to as the Turkmenistan-China corridor. This has resulted in a high degree of dependence on a single export destination.

Efforts to diversify export routes have encountered persistent challenges. Proposed projects involving increased deliveries through Iran, trans-Caspian connections via Azerbaijan, or pipeline routes toward South Asia have been constrained by infrastructure limitations, financing issues, and geopolitical factors.

Analysts also note that delays in engaging with initiatives such as the European Union’s Southern Gas Corridor in the early 2000s reduced opportunities to expand Turkmenistan’s export geography.

25 Mar 2026

Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Seeks to Expand Oil Exports Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

March 25, 2026
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan is seeking to reinforce its status as a stable oil supplier while accelerating the diversification of export routes and revising the terms of cooperation with foreign investors amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.

These priorities were outlined by Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov during a speech at the CERAWeek conference in Houston and in a series of meetings with major international oil and gas companies.

Discussions focused on structural changes in the global oil industry, ranging from geopolitical instability to the reconfiguration of logistics chains. According to the minister, Kazakhstan remains resilient while adapting to evolving conditions.

Energy security continues to be a central concern for the sector, particularly the reliable operation of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), through which the majority of Kazakhstan’s oil exports are transported. This route remains the most cost-effective and strategically important option. Authorities have openly acknowledged its critical role in the national economy, stressing the need to ensure uninterrupted transit.

At the same time, efforts to develop alternative routes, including the Trans-Caspian corridor and increased shipments to China, are part of a strategy to reduce logistical and political risks.

On the sidelines of the forum, government officials held talks with leading energy companies including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell, all key investors in Kazakhstan’s oil and gas industry.

Discussions with Chevron focused on expanding production at the Tengiz and Karachaganak fields, as well as developing export infrastructure. ExxonMobil reaffirmed its interest in increasing output at Tengiz and Kashagan, where localization levels are high, with Kazakhstani specialists accounting for more than 90% of the workforce.

Talks with Shell focused on boosting production and expanding refining capacity, including refinery modernization and the production of winter-grade diesel fuel. In addition to operational issues, the discussions addressed the question of redistributing roles within joint projects. Kazakhstan is considering independently implementing certain gas-processing initiatives after partners failed to reach a final investment decision on the Karachaganak project.

The development of the petrochemical industry and the expansion of refining capacity have been identified as separate priorities. Kazakhstan plans to double its oil-refining capacity to meet domestic demand and increase exports of petroleum products.

To attract investment, the government has introduced a revised model contract offering tax incentives and encouraging geological exploration.

Experts say Central Asia’s role in the global energy sector is increasing, with Kazakhstan playing a key part in regional stability.

The minister said the country’s strategic objective is to maintain the sector’s investment appeal while ensuring maximum economic returns for the national economy.

“Kazakhstan remains a predictable and reliable supplier of energy resources and is ready to translate the trust of its partners into the development of technological projects within the country,” Akkenzhenov said.

The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Italian energy company Eni is accelerating the expansion of its projects in Kazakhstan. The company plans to complete construction of a hybrid power plant in Zhanaozen, one of the country’s main oil and gas hubs, by the end of the year.

25 Mar 2026

Central Asia, Home, Tajikistan Business Economy, Tajikistan, Business & Economy, Tajikistan Features, Tajikistan Home, Features

Asian Development Bank: Poverty in Tajikistan Declining, But Inequality Rising

March 25, 2026
By Vagit Ismailov

Tajikistan is experiencing mixed socioeconomic trends. While the country’s poverty rate has declined markedly in recent years, inequality and structural economic constraints remain significant challenges. This assessment is outlined in the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) country partnership strategy for 2026-2030.

According to the ADB, the share of the population living below the national poverty line fell from 30.9% in 2020 to 19.9% in 2024.

However, the improvement has been driven largely by rising incomes linked to wage growth and remittances from labor migrants rather than by sustained job creation within the domestic economy. Analysts note that this development may contribute to widening inequality, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to economic opportunities remains limited.

Most of Tajikistan’s population lives in southern and central regions, where economic activity is heavily dependent on agriculture. These areas face heightened social risks. Women remain among the most vulnerable groups due to restricted access to employment opportunities and higher levels of food insecurity.

Despite overall progress in poverty reduction, food security challenges persist. Approximately 1.5 million people are considered vulnerable, while around 50,000 are experiencing acute food shortages.

In the 2025 Global Hunger Index, Tajikistan ranked 63rd out of 123 countries, the lowest position among Central Asian states.

The ADB identifies weak economic diversification as a key structural issue. Heavy reliance on agriculture leaves the country exposed to external shocks and climate-related risks. Private sector development has been slow, constrained by shortages of skilled labor, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a complex regulatory environment. Limited integration into regional and global markets further hampers growth.

Infrastructure quality remains among the weakest in the region. Restricted access to transport networks and logistics services continues to hinder industrial development and trade expansion.

The energy sector also faces structural challenges. Dependence on hydropower increases vulnerability to climate change, particularly through declining water availability and glacier melt.

At the same time, gaps in education and vocational training contribute to persistent shortages of qualified workers.

These pressures are intensified by high levels of labor migration, especially among young people. As a result, the domestic economy experiences workforce shortages in sectors that could otherwise drive long-term growth.

Although agriculture remains central to livelihoods, it is increasingly exposed to climate risks and constrained by limited access to markets, financing, and modern technologies.