Page 1049 – The Times Of Central Asia

11 Jan 2024

Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy

Uzbek-Japanese Forum Held in Tashkent

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On January 10^th, an Uzbek-Japanese business forum was held in Tashkent within the framework of the visit of Japan’s State Minister of the Economy, Trade and Industry, Ryosuke Kozuki. The forum gathered together the heads of key ministries, industry associations, as well as representatives from around 200 major companies from the two countries, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan has reported.

Minister Kozuki and the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov delivered the opening remarks at the forum. Kudratov outlined Uzbekistan’s key achievements in economic development and the improvement of the investment climate, highlighting the introduction of effective legislative norms aimed at protecting the rights of investors, the availability of energy resources, and the possibility of duty-free exports to EU markets within the framework of the EU’s GSP+ program for Uzbekistan.

Both sides emphasized the importance of intensifying direct contact between representatives of the business circles of the two countries. Alternative energy, IT, education, medicine, tourism, and digitization were named the most promising areas for joint investment projects.

The forum also included panel discussions on the topics of “Prospects for Energy Transformation,” and “Digital Transformation in Industrial Development: Japanese startups as a tool for the development of Uzbekistan’s economy.” Fourteen cooperation documents in the fields of education, IT-technologies, alternative energy, medicine, and the use of space technologies in geodesy and cartography were signed.

11 Jan 2024

Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan and Japan to Cooperate in Low-Carbon Development

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On January 9^th the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, Almasadam Satkaliev, and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Ken Saito, signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of low-carbon development and interaction in energy transition, the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan has stated. The document is aimed at strengthening cooperation in the use of energy resources and technologies, including energy conservation and renewable energy sources consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan said that Kazakhstan and Japan are already successfully cooperating in the fields of uranium, oil and gas production, and are also introducing Japanese technologies at energy facilities.

The parties reached an agreement to prepare a list of potential projects for joint implementation in the energy sector, including in the field of electric power and renewable energy sources. One such project is for wind power using a 500 MW battery energy storage system in Kazakhstan.

The parties also agreed to strengthen their interaction in priority areas in the energy sector, including the implementation of sustainable development goals.

11 Jan 2024

Uzbekistan Environment, Uzbekistan, Business & Economy, Uzbekistan Business & Economy

Uzbekistan and China: Cooperation in Ecology

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

A meeting was held at the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change to discuss the prospects of cooperation and strategic partnership between China and Uzbekistan in the field of ecology and environmental protection. Important issues, including a number of promising projects based on the idea of constructing buildings that meet the principles of energy efficiency and environmental cleanliness were deliberated upon. In addition, the active introduction of green technologies and the development of strategies to recycle household and solid waste, including the recycling of batteries and the prevention of air pollution were proposed. Such projects are oriented towards the creation of a sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure, and reducing the negative impact on the climate.

The meeting also focused on the establishment of global environmental standards, the widespread use of digital technologies, and studying China’s experience in the field of ecology and creating mechanisms for environmental protection.

At the meeting, China’s best practices in the greening of barren desert areas was discussed. China is successfully implementing innovative methods, including the creation of specialized farms for planting seedlings. Measures to attract investors to implement the latest technologies in the systematic treatment of urban wastewater was also on the agenda. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources provided valuable information on the activities the government is actively pursuing to ensure the sustainable development of various sectors, including important work on environmental protection.

In addition, the parties discussed the establishment of a national taxonomy of green projects and the establishment of a Green Fund.

As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to hold additional negotiations on these issues, emphasizing their intent and commitment to find the best solutions available.

11 Jan 2024

Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Participates in Summit in India

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, Kairat Torebayev spoke at the country session of the 10th Global Summit, “Vibrant Gujarat”, which is taking place from January 10^th to the 12^th. The Gujarat Summit has been held in Gandhinagar since 2003 on the initiative of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. Within the platform, participating countries discuss issues of socioeconomic development and promising projects for foreign investment.

In February, Kazakhstan and India will celebrate their 32nd anniversary of cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Trade relations between Kazakhstan and India continue to develop: in 2022 mutual trade turnover reached $2.5 billion, though from January-October 2023, this figure decreased to $811.2 million.

“Kazakhstan is the main trading partner of India among the Central Asian nations and is ready to further increase trade turnover in the amount of $148.1 million,” Torebayev stated. “Having significant natural resources in the energy sector, our country is a reliable partner for India in ensuring the supply of oil, gas, and other energy resources. In turn, the capacious Indian market is interesting to Kazakhstan’s exporters of goods and services.”

Torebayev went on to say that enterprises can increase the supply of products from the metallurgical, chemical, food, construction, and machine-building industries. The Deputy Minister also spoke about deepening cooperation between the two countries, as well as increasing mutual investments and implementing joint projects in areas with great potential, such as digitization, innovation, healthcare, education, and tourism.

Today, approximately 400 legal entities backed by Indian capital are registered in Kazakhstan. The inflow of foreign direct investment from India to Kazakhstan over the past 25 years totals $414 million.

10 Jan 2024

Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Featurees

Almaty Ranked 25th in New York Times Cities to Visit 2024

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Almaty, the southern capital of Kazakhstan, has been included in a list of 52 places around the world that should be visited in 2024 by The New York Times, ranking 25^th. The former capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty is known for its diverse culture, rich historical heritage and impressive nature; the city is located at the foot of the majestic Tien Shan Mountains, which creates an impressive panorama and offers many opportunities for outdoor activities.

The authors also mention walking the green nature of the city, stating, “Walk the leafy streets in an attentive mood and you’ll find endless delights await you – like a mustachioed man playing the accordion in front of the kaleidoscopic Ascension Cathedral.”

The publication notes that Almaty is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for gastro-tourism. The city offers a wide range of restaurants of different cuisines, both local and international. Neo-nomad restaurants are particularly popular among visitors. They cite the example of neo-nomadic cuisine, which is gaining in popularity in recent times. In addition, coffee lovers are advised to be sure to try the local coffee, as Almaty is famous for its coffee culture, and here you can find many cozy cafes where you can enjoy a fragrant drink in a pleasant atmosphere.

The green market also attracted the attention of journalists, as it is where you can find a “patchwork quilt” of fresh fruits and nuts. The market is a real kaleidoscope of colors, aromas and tastes which create a unique atmosphere.

10 Jan 2024

Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Home

Bishkek Delegation Visits Chinese Solid Waste Enterprise

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Mayor Zhyrgalbek Shamyraliev, together with a group of his representatives and Ulana Bakirova, an expert from the Information Policy Service of the Presidential Administration, visited Hunan Junxing Company in Changsha, China. The purpose of their visit was to study advanced waste treatment methods and familiarize themselves with the transportation and logistics complex.

Hunan Junxing is a high-tech enterprise engaged in the development and implementation of innovative methods for municipal solid waste treatment, municipal wastewater treatment, landfill leachate treatment, fly ash utilization, and other types of waste. The technologies used include advanced methods of physical and chemical treatment and mechanical sorting, which allows the company to effectively solve the problems of environmental pollution and waste utilization.

During the visit, the delegation was shown the transshipment complex of the Hunan Junxing Company, and received information on the operation of the waste utilization plant. The potential prospects for the application of technologies implemented in Changsha being adopted in Bishkek were high on the agenda. At the end of the meeting, a ceremony was held with the company gifting two advanced garbage trucks to the Bishkek administration.

During the visit, a meeting was also held with Gao Wenqi, Deputy Mayor of the People’s Government of Changsha, wherein the parties discussed the development of infrastructure of the city, and prospects for cooperation in the areas of trade, economy, culture, and the social sphere.