Page 10 – The Times Of Central Asia

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, Tajikistan Features, Business & Economy, 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.

24 Mar 2026

Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Featurees

Games, Ambitions, and a New Industry: How Esports are Developing in Kazakhstan

March 24, 2026
By Tamila Olzhbaekova

Just ten years ago, esports in Kazakhstan were widely seen as little more than a hobby for teenagers and university students. Today, the situation has changed dramatically. The industry is expanding, international tournaments are being hosted in the country, and Kazakhstani players are competing on the global stage. The development of infrastructure, growing government support, and the success of individual esports athletes are gradually making Kazakhstan a visible player on the global esports map.

From Computer Clubs to International Arenas

The first esports competitions in Kazakhstan were held in small computer clubs, which became centres for the formation of local gaming communities. Over time, the standard of tournaments rose, and audiences grew.

Today, Kazakhstan hosts major international competitions. One such event was the PGL Astana 2025 Counter-Strike 2 tournament, held in the capital. Featuring some of the world’s strongest teams, the event had a prize pool of $1,250,000. Team Spirit defeated Astralis in the final. The tournament attracted thousands of spectators to the arena and a large online audience worldwide.

Mobile esports are developing in parallel. In spring 2025, Almaty hosted the PUBG Mobile Super League Central & South Asia Spring 2025. Teams from across the region took part, competing for a total prize pool of $200,000. Alpha Gaming won the tournament after demonstrating consistent performance throughout the championship.

Hosting events at this scale highlights Kazakhstan’s growing attractiveness as a venue for international esports tournaments.

Government Support and Future Plans

The rising popularity of esports has prompted the government to view the sector as a promising area for development. In 2025, the Concept for the Development of Esports in Kazakhstan for 2025-2029 was approved.

The document outlines plans to create a comprehensive system for player development. These include expanding school and university leagues, organising regional tournaments, and developing infrastructure for training professional teams. According to projections, the country’s esports audience could reach around 5 million people by 2026.

Kazakhstan is also preparing to host the international “Games of the Future” in 2026, a large-scale “phygital” event combining traditional sports and esports. Organisers have indicated a multi-million dollar prize fund, with figures varying depending on the competition structure.

Hosting such a tournament could become one of the biggest esports milestones in the region’s history.

A New Generation of Stars

Kazakhstan’s esports scene has long been regarded as one of the strongest in the CIS region, particularly in Counter-Strike 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. In recent years, several players from the country have gained international recognition.

Among them is Abay “HObbit” Khasenov, champion of one of the biggest CS:GO tournaments, PGL Major Kraków 2017. Also well-known are Alexey “Qikert” Golubev, who played for Virtus.pro, and Dauren “AdreN” Kystaubayev, one of the most experienced players on the Kazakhstani scene and a winner of major international championships. Their achievements have helped shape Kazakhstan’s reputation as a country with a strong Counter-Strike tradition.

A new generation is continuing this legacy. One of its most notable representatives is Counter-Strike 2 player Danil “molodoy” Golubenko, who is widely considered one of the most promising players in his role. In 2025, he received the HLTV Rookie of the Year award, given annually to the best newcomer on the global Counter-Strike scene. His confident performances and professionalism made him one of the most talked-about players of the season.

Kazakhstani players also compete in international multi-sport esports events. In 2023, the national team took part in the qualification tournament Road to Asian Games 2022, held from June 15 to July 2. More than 400 esports athletes from 28 Asian countries participated in the qualifiers, representing the entire region, from Western to Southeast Asia.

Kazakhstan competed in three disciplines, with a total of 14 esports athletes representing the country and achieving solid results against strong international opposition.

Women’s esports is also developing. In Almaty, the first season of the Female Pro League by Olimpbet, an international Counter-Strike 2 league created and organised in Kazakhstan, has concluded. The tournament brought together some of the strongest women’s teams in the world.

The emergence of such initiatives marks an important step in developing the women’s scene. Kazakhstan is making an increasingly strong statement on the global esports map. While PGL Astana 2025 demonstrated the country’s ability to host tier-1 tournaments, the launch of the Female Pro League showed that Kazakhstan can also create its own international competitions.

Computer Clubs – The Heart of Local Esports

Despite the growth of large arenas and professional leagues, computer clubs remain the foundation of esports culture. Local tournaments are held there, and new generations of players take their first steps.

Entrepreneur Tair Olzhabekov, owner of the “52” computer club in Astana, says interest in esports among young people has grown significantly.

“When we first opened, people came just to play with friends. Now, many come to train and participate in tournaments. Young players now have a goal: to become professional gamers. We regularly hold small championships, and the level of play is growing literally before our eyes,” he says.

According to Olzhabekov, such clubs often serve as the first platform for aspiring players to test themselves in competition and begin a professional career.

An Industry Still Taking Shape

Today, esports in Kazakhstan is undergoing a period of active formation. New tournaments, teams, and training infrastructure are emerging across the country.

Esports have already moved beyond simple entertainment. For many young people, it is becoming a viable career path, whether as a player, coach, analyst, or tournament organiser.

If current growth continues, Kazakhstan could strengthen its position in the coming years and become one of Central Asia’s key esports hubs.

24 Mar 2026

Home, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Kyrgyzstan Establishes State-Owned Company to Implement Satellite Technologies in Agriculture

March 24, 2026
By Sergey Kwan

The Kyrgyz authorities are taking a step towards the digitalization of agriculture and natural resource management. The country’s Cabinet of Ministers has decided to establish a state-owned company, Kyrgyz Sputnik, which will focus on the use of satellite data in key economic sectors. The new entity will be created as an open joint-stock company with 100% state ownership. Its founder will be the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry.

Kyrgyz Sputnik is expected to serve as a tool for expanding the use of aerospace data in natural resource management. The company’s infrastructure will be located in the city of Karakol in the Issyk-Kul region.

The creation of Kyrgyz Sputnik is intended to lay the groundwork for developing national expertise in space technologies and strengthening the country’s technological independence. The authorities view the project as a long-term investment in sustainable development, security, and the growth of an innovation-driven economy.

At the same time, Kyrgyzstan has already begun implementing satellite solutions in agriculture. According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture Asel Kenenbaeva, the ministry is cooperating with international operators that provide high-resolution satellite imagery. Kenenbaeva said such data can be used to monitor crop conditions and cultivated areas, as well as oversee pasture use. It can also help analyse water resources and detect plant diseases.

The information obtained will be made available to farmers, enabling them to assess the condition of their fields in near real time and receive recommendations on cultivation and fertilisation.

24 Mar 2026

Home, International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

Kazakhstan Navigates a Fragmented Global Space Race

March 24, 2026
By Times of Central Asia

The United States, China, Russia, and Europe are pursuing different models of space strategy, ranging from institutional leadership to technological autonomy. At the same time, the number of middle powers that view space as a tool for economic development and the strengthening of sovereignty is growing. In this context, a multi-level system is emerging in which the architecture of near-Earth space is becoming an element of the global balance of power.

For Kazakhstan, these changes are of direct importance. The country possesses a unique infrastructure asset, the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and is gradually developing its own satellite and manufacturing capabilities. However, amid the fragmentation of the global space order, the question of strategic choice is becoming increasingly pressing. Will Kazakhstan remain primarily an infrastructure hub, or will it build a sustainable national model for participation in the evolving space architecture?

Models of Space Strategies

The United States remains the world’s leading space power in terms of funding and launch frequency. Total government space spending, including allocations for NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and intelligence programmes, reached a record $79.7 billion in 2024 out of approximately $135 billion in global government space spending.

A defining feature of the U.S. model is the close integration between government institutions and the private sector. Companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin have become integral to national strategy, helping to reduce launch costs and accelerate innovation.

A central component of the current phase is the Artemis lunar programme. The Artemis II mission is planned to conduct a crewed flyby of the Moon, while Artemis III is intended to return humans to the lunar surface using a landing system being developed by SpaceX.

China’s space strategy is built on the concept of long-term technological sovereignty and the phased expansion of its presence in space. Deployment began in 2021, and the three-module Tiangong space station was completed in 2022. Chinese astronauts now conduct scientific experiments and test technologies for long-duration missions in low Earth orbit.

In lunar exploration, China is implementing a step-by-step research programme that includes returning soil samples and advancing plans for an international lunar research station. The Tianwen-1 Mars mission, which included the landing of the Zhurong rover, demonstrated the country’s capacity to carry out complex interplanetary operations independently.

Amid sanctions pressure and reduced international cooperation, Russia’s space strategy is focused on ensuring independent access to space, maintaining orbital infrastructure, and preserving key capabilities in human spaceflight.

Despite ongoing uncertainty over its long-term involvement, Russia continues to participate in the International Space Station programme, conducting regular crewed launches and sending Progress cargo spacecraft. At the same time, work is underway on the planned Russian Orbital Station (ROS), with initial deployment planned for the late 2020s. The project is viewed as an important step in preparing for future missions, including potential lunar initiatives.

Europe’s space strategy emphasises strategic autonomy alongside broad international cooperation. In addition to traditional Ariane and Vega launch vehicles, European countries are investing in commercial startups such as Isar Aerospace and Orbex, which are developing small- and medium-class rockets designed to provide more flexible access to orbit.

In the field of orbital infrastructure, Europe is strengthening its autonomy through its own satellite systems. The Galileo navigation network is intended to ensure independence from GPS and other global positioning systems, while the Copernicus programme is building one of the world’s largest Earth observation frameworks.

Space activity is no longer limited to traditional superpowers. During the 2020s, a wide group of middle powers has emerged that sees space as a tool for technological advancement, security, and international prestige. India is preparing its Gaganyaan crewed programme, aiming to become the fourth country capable of independently sending humans into space. The United Arab Emirates is shifting from single flagship missions to a long-term strategy, from the Hope Mars mission to the “Mars 2117” vision.

Japan is also strengthening both the scientific and defence dimensions of its space policy through participation in Artemis and institutional reforms within its Self-Defense Forces. South Korea is developing its Nuri launch vehicle and planning lunar missions; Israel is focusing on miniaturisation and reconnaissance technologies; Turkey is advancing a national space programme with lunar ambitions; and Canada continues to specialise in robotics for international space stations.

Kazakhstan’s Infrastructure Base

The modern space race reflects the emergence of a multi-tiered system in which major powers shape overall architecture, while middle powers seek stable niches in areas such as launch services, robotics, satellite data, and defence-related technologies. Attempting to define its role within this group, Astana is shaping its space strategy by combining its historical infrastructure legacy with the gradual development of national capabilities.

Kazakhstan operates the KazSat-2 and KazSat-3 communications satellites, as well as Earth observation spacecraft, helping to ensure telecommunications resilience and enabling monitoring of natural resources, agriculture, and infrastructure. At the same time, new satellites are being developed, including radar observation systems that could strengthen analytical capacity and expand export opportunities in space-based data services.

Since 2024, a spacecraft assembly and testing complex has been operating in Astana in cooperation with Airbus Defence and Space. This facility allows satellites to be designed, assembled, and tested domestically.

The Baikonur Cosmodrome remains a central element of the national space ecosystem. Kazakhstan receives lease payments from Russia while also seeking to expand its own role in launch operations through the Baiterek project, under which the first launch of the joint Kazakh-Russian Soyuz-5 (also known as Sunkar) launch vehicle is being prepared. The project is reportedly approaching a critical phase but continues to face technical challenges.

Recent reports indicate that the transport of the launch vehicle to the launch complex, initially scheduled for March 24, has been postponed to March 26. According to sources at the cosmodrome, this delay has also affected the timeline for the first test launch.

Developing this sector is viewed as a means of increasing Kazakhstan’s share in the commercial launch market and diversifying revenue from space infrastructure.

Kazakhstan also aims to transform Baikonur into a hub for international cooperation, scientific exchange, tourism, and educational initiatives. Expanding into new markets for space services and creating opportunities for young engineers and researchers could provide significant long-term benefits.

Pragmatism Over Ambition

Unlike the leading space powers, Kazakhstan is not currently pursuing large-scale interplanetary missions or the creation of an independent crewed space programme. Instead, its approach is pragmatic, focusing on strengthening the technological base, developing satellite services, and gradually increasing participation in commercial launches.

In a fragmented global space environment, where American, Chinese, European, and Russian technological ecosystems coexist, middle powers face both heightened risks of dependency and opportunities to act as bridges between different systems. Kazakhstan’s geographical position, experience in multi-vector diplomacy, and involvement in international security frameworks provide a foundation for developing a focused and realistic national strategy in the space sector.

This underscores the need for a comprehensive policy centred on data services, technological partnerships, and regulatory engagement. Under such conditions, space could become not only an extension of Kazakhstan’s infrastructure legacy but also a pillar of long-term technological resilience in a rapidly evolving global order.

24 Mar 2026

Home, International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs

Cargo Spacecraft Docks at Space Station After Baikonur Lift-Off

March 24, 2026
By Times of Central Asia

A Russian cosmonaut on the International Space Station conducted a manual docking of an arriving cargo spacecraft on Tuesday, two days after the craft lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The docking would normally be an automatic process, but the Russian space agency Roscosmos had said that an antenna used in that process remained unfolded after the uncrewed Progress MS-33 cargo ship launched on a Soyuz-2.1a rocket on Sunday. Troubleshooting efforts during the journey to the space station, or ISS, failed to fix the problem.

On board the space station, cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov used a joystick during the manual docking. A live video feed on the NASA website showed that the procedure went smoothly as the cargo ship slowed down and approached its docking port on the Russian segment of the ISS.

“Well done, congratulations on your successful work!” Roscosmos said on Telegram.

A NASA commentator said the docking process occurred as the space station and cargo spacecraft flew about 400 kilometers over the border between Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

The Progress MS-33 had launched from a key Baikonur launch pad that was repaired and used for the first time since it was damaged in a lift-off in November. It carried about 2.7 tons of food, fuel and other supplies to the International Space Station.