Page 1075 – The Times Of Central Asia

13 Dec 2023

Central Asia, Tajikistan Life & Culture, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Life & Culture

U.S. and Central Asian Countries Focus on Protecting Rights of People with Disabilities

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On December 11^th, the U.S. Department of State hosted a meeting of representatives of C5+1 countries dedicated to protecting the rights of people with disabilities and finding practical solutions to their problems.

The C5+1 diplomatic platform represents the U.S. Government’s holisitc approach to Central Asia, jointly engaging all five Central Asian nations.

The meeting was attended by Sara Minkara, Special Adviser to the President of the United States on the International Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State, Deputy Assistant Secretary John Mark Pommersheim, and representatives of government agencies of the USA. The Ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to the United States also spoke during the meeting, which was moderated by Minkara, who shared her experience and recommendations on ensuring protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Donald Lu stressed the importance of increasing cooperation within the C5+1 format on the rights of persons with disabilities in a multilateral format. Following the meeting, the participants agreed on joint actions in this direction.

13 Dec 2023

Tajikistan Life & Culture, Tajikistan International Affairs, Tajikistan Local Politics, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan Features, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics, Tajikistan Home, Kyrgyzstan Features

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Demarcate More Than 90% of Border

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Following a meeting between government delegations, Chairmen of the National Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan, Kamchybek Tashiyev, and Tajikistan, Saimumin Yatimov, released a statement announcing that over 90% of the border between the two countries has now been agreed upon.

“As a result of the work of the intergovernmental commission, agreements were reached on the harmonization of most of the state border – more than 90%,” Tashiyev said. “Work on the remaining sections will be completed soon, starting with Kayragach, Kulundu, Maksat, Arka, Arka-1, Arka-2, Zhany-Zher and up to Zhiydelik. The Working Group has fully completed the coordination. At the moment, we have almost completed work on the disputed areas about which there were questions.”

According to Tashiyev, several more meetings will be necessary to complete the demarcation and delimitation of the state border.

In turn, Yatimov noted that vital issues were discussed at the meeting of the delegations. “There is a common interest, common goals, and common causes between the two states,” he said. “This is the security and socio-economic development of our states. A lot of work has been done today – we have advanced more than 120 kilometers, and have agreed on these issues in principle. If we take the total length of the state border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Kamchybek Kydyrshayevich and I can confirm that over 90% of the state border has been agreed. We are really close to solving these issues.”

13 Dec 2023

Tajikistan Life & Culture, Tajikistan International Affairs, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Business Economy, Tajikistan Home

Tajikistan to Connect to Chinese Internet

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

A new agreement has been reached between Tajikistan and China, which will bring the republic closer to having high-speed internet throughout the country after Tajikistan’s Communications Service and a subsidiary of HUAWEI signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of digital technologies. This will lead to the supply and installation of 7,600 base stations with GSM/UMS/LTD/5G as standard, it was reported.

“This will contribute to the development of mobile communications and fixed broadband networks in Tajikistan,” the regulator said in a statement. “At the same time, given the rapid development of information technology, this will allow operators to have instant access to the latest equipment.”

The agreement also provides for cooperation and the involvement of personnel in the field of communications, mobile operators and Huawei Technology Tajikistan specialists in the development of a single modernization project. The agreement was signed by the Head of the Communications Service, Bek Saburov, and the CEO of Huawei’s subsidiary, Ma Chan, as part of the State Program for the Improvement and Development of Mobile Communications in 2024-2028.

Earlier, the Communications Service made the unexpected decision to allow two private companies to supply internet to the country through international channels. According to a Sputnik Tajikistan source, the companies are TT Mobile (MegaFon), and Indigo Tajikistan (Tcell).

12 Dec 2023

Turkmenistan Life & Culture, Turkmenistan International Affairs, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Local Politics

Turkmenistan to Open Specialized Training Center “Diplomatic Protocol” at the Institute of International Relations

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Turkmenistan is taking strides in reforming its education sector with a particular focus on training diplomatic personnel. In line with this objective, the President of Turkmenistan has signed a resolution for the establishment of a Specialized Training Center “Diplomatic Protocol” at the Institute of International Relations (IIR) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to raising the standard of its diplomatic corps in accordance with international guidelines. The new training center will equip diplomats with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate complex diplomatic protocols and effectively represent Turkmenistan in the global arena.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Adalat, has been tasked to prepare and present proposals within a month. These proposals will outline the necessary changes and additions to the existing legislation of Turkmenistan that are required to implement the President’s resolution.

The establishment of the Specialized Training Center “Diplomatic Protocol” is expected to further enhance the professional capabilities of Turkmen diplomats, fostering stronger international relations and facilitating more effective communication with their counterparts around the world.

12 Dec 2023

Central Asia, Business & Economy

EBRD Launches Youth in Business Program in Central Asia

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

EBRD Launches Youth in Business Program in Central Asia

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on December 12^th said it is addressing the issue of youth entrepreneurship and employment in Central Asia by launching a seven-year €200 million (U$ 218 million) Youth in Business program designed to provide better access to finance and relevant training to young entrepreneurs in the region, where up to one third of the population is aged between 18 and 34 years.

The Youth in Business program in Central Asia (YiB CA) will target micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led or owned by individuals under the age of 35. It will consist of up to €200 million for on-lending to up to 20 partner financial institutions in Central Asia and Mongolia; targeted non-financial services for eligible small businesses will be provided by the Bank’s Advice for Small Businesses program to help develop their entrepreneurial skills through training, advisory services, and networking opportunities.

The EBRD’s investment will be complemented by a package of up to €30 million in grants and concessional co-financing to stimulate inclusive lending and youth entrepreneurship.

It is expected that the first agreements under the YiB CA will include: a loan of up to U$ 10 million to Uzbekistan’s largest private bank, Hamkorbank, a loan of up to U$ 8 million to Shinhan Bank Kazakhstan, a loan of up to U$ 4 million to Mongolia’s leading micro-lender, Transcapital, and a loan of up to U$ 2 million to Kazakhstan-based micro-financial organization, Arnur Credit.

A market assessment conducted by the EBRD in the region revealed that while many young people across Central Asia have a strong entrepreneurial mindset, very few have access to equal economic opportunities. Only around 10% have access to the necessary training and professional expertise.

In Central Asia, MSMEs account for almost half of total employment, and contribute almost 40% of regional GDP.

Grant support and concessional finance to the program is provided by the Government of Kazakhstan, the Small Business Impact Fund, and the European Union.

12 Dec 2023

Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan and Belgium’s Province of Walloon Brabant to Expand Cooperation

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Kazakhstan and Belgium’s Province of Walloon Brabant to Expand Cooperation

On December 11^th, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium, Margulan Baimukhan made a working visit to the province of Walloon Brabant, where he met with the Governor of the region, Gilles Mahieu, Administrator of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Walloon Brabant, Christophe Lebrun, and District Commissioner of the region, Christophe Baes.

During the meeting there was a presentation about the economic and scientific-educational potential of the region. The Kazakh diplomat spoke about the current state of Kazakhstan-Belgium, Kazakhstan-European and CA-EU relations. The main emphasis was placed on projects in the field of transportation, green economy, and rare earth metals.

Ambassador Baimukhan also informed those gathered about the activities of the Kazakh-Belgian Business Council, and the upcoming business missions of Belgian companies and European agro-industrial firms to Kazakhstan in 2024.

Following the meeting, it was agreed that a detailed presentation on economic and investment opportunities in Kazakhstan for business circles in Walloon Brabant would be prepared.

Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Belgium amounted to $514.5 million in 2022. Indicators for the period January-August 2023 amounted to $375.3 million, which is 6.7% higher than for the same period in the previous year. Gross direct investment from Belgium to Kazakhstan in 2022 amounted to $1.5 billion.