Page 162 – The Times Of Central Asia

15 Aug 2025

Uzbekistan Introduces Comprehensive Support for Palestinian Evacuees

August 15, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan has introduced comprehensive measures to assist Palestinian women and children evacuated from Gaza late last year, including financial aid, housing support, free education, and healthcare. A presidential decree published on August 14 announced the creation of a special fund to finance these programs, UzA reported.

On December 26, 2024, 100 injured Palestinian women and children were evacuated from Rafah to Uzbekistan. They were admitted to hospitals and rehabilitation centers for treatment and provided with medication and medical examinations. Authorities say the new measures aim not only to address urgent needs but also to help the group adapt and integrate into Uzbek society.

Special fund and social support

The decree establishes a special fund under the National Social Protection Agency to cover living expenses, rent, and one-time material assistance. Funding will come from charitable donations, international grants, and other legal sources, with spending monitored by a national commission to ensure transparency.

The measures include monthly allowances for working-age adults, full coverage of rental costs for families, one-time payments for childbirth and funeral expenses equivalent to those granted to Uzbek citizens, and lump-sum assistance for essential non-food items. Each family will be assigned a local social worker to assess needs and provide tailored support.

A Republican Commission will coordinate the work of government agencies to resolve practical issues swiftly. Local mahalla committees and social service centers will directly assist families in adapting to community life.

Focus on education and healthcare

The decree guarantees free enrollment for children in state kindergartens and schools without waiting lists, with kindergarten fees waived until January 1, 2028. The Ministry of Higher Education will recognize the foreign academic documents of Palestinian students within two months, without fees or additional exams.

The Ministry of Health will register evacuees at family medical centers and polyclinics near their residences, granting them free care on the same terms as low-income Uzbek families. Any evacuee diagnosed with a disabling condition will be granted disability status regardless of treatment timelines, while elderly people without sufficient work records will receive pensions within two weeks.

Employment and integration

The Social Protection Agency has one month to develop proposals for helping evacuees find jobs and acquire new skills. The Ministries of Economy and Labor, along with commercial banks, will include Palestinians in entrepreneurship and small business support programs such as “Family Entrepreneurship,” “Support for Small Business,” and “First Step to Business.” Local officials and community bankers will oversee the use of funds and provide practical guidance.

Humanitarian context

Uzbekistan’s decision comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run administration, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 145,000 injured since the outbreak of war in October 2023, the Associated Press reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly suggested relocating Palestinians from Gaza to countries including South Sudan, a proposal that Juba has denied discussing. Hamas says it will disarm only if Israeli forces fully withdraw from Gaza, a condition that continues to hinder progress in ceasefire talks, Reuters reports.

15 Aug 2025

Central Asia, Tajikistan Life & Culture, Life & Culture, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Home

Switzerland to Help Tajikistan Promote Tourism Globally

August 15, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

A meeting in Geneva has set the stage for closer cooperation between Tajikistan and leading Swiss tourism organizations to promote its tourism potential internationally.

Expanding Tajikistan’s global presence

Deputy Chairman of the Tajik Tourism Development Committee Ziyodullo Salimzoda and Tajik Ambassador to Switzerland Sharaf Sheralizoda held talks with Geneva Tourism Office Director General Adrien Genier, as well as executives from Swiss companies Trade Wings Voyages and Executive Travel.

Discussions focused on increasing Tajikistan’s visibility in the global tourism market. Proposals included organizing presentations of Tajik tourist routes in Switzerland, launching advertising campaigns, and participating in specialized international tourism events.

Tourism as an economic driver

Both sides emphasized the importance of attracting foreign investment to modernize tourism infrastructure, develop the hotel sector, and create jobs.

“Tajikistan is known for its unique nature and hospitality, as well as the legendary Pamir Highway, one of the highest and most picturesque roads in the world,” noted Primus Publishing, a Swiss media outlet specializing in travel content.

Officials expressed confidence that cooperation with Swiss partners will help increase foreign traveler interest in Tajikistan and strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Partners with global expertise

Trade Wings Voyages is a well established Swiss travel company offering premium business and leisure services worldwide. Executive Travel, based in Geneva, specializes in customized itineraries and full-service travel arrangements.

Both companies have signaled their readiness to include Tajikistan in their travel programs and promote it across the European market.

Following the meeting, participants agreed to pursue long-term initiatives, including cultural exchanges and joint promotional campaigns. This partnership could mark a shift from isolated marketing efforts to a coordinated, sustained promotion of Tajikistan as a distinctive destination for international travelers.

15 Aug 2025

Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan’s Student Housing Crisis Deepens

August 15, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan continues to face a severe shortage of student dormitories, with many new facilities being built in locations that do not address the areas of greatest need, according to a report by analysts at Energyprom.kz.

Demand far outstrips supply

In the 2024/2025 academic year, the country had 336,400 non-resident students, 7.5% more than the previous year. The largest concentrations were in Almaty (123,500), Astana (51,900), and Shymkent (28,500).

Of these, 131,400 required dormitory accommodation, but only 95,900 places were available. On average, just 39% of non-resident students in need were housed. In some regions, the situation was far worse: in Aktobe region, almost 70% of students seeking accommodation could not get it; in North Kazakhstan region, the figure was 68.8%; and in Turkestan region, 58.5%.

While the national average shows 73% of students have access to some form of housing, regional disparities are stark. Only eight out of 20 regions fully met demand. The lowest provision rates were recorded in Aktobe (50.4%), Almaty (60.3%), and Abai region (69.1%). As a result, even in relatively well-served areas, many students are forced to rent costly and often substandard accommodation.

Misaligned construction priorities

In the first half of 2025, 22 dormitories were commissioned nationwide, up from 18 in the same period last year. However, half were designated for workers and migrants rather than students. Only six were built specifically for students, while four were family-type facilities.

The Atyrau region saw the most activity, with six dormitories built, followed by Astana (four) and Akmola and Mangistau regions (three each). Notably, no new student dormitories were built in either Aktobe region or Almaty, where demand is highest.

Paradoxically, Atyrau, where 99.7% of demand is already met and only 26.3% of students require housing, recorded the highest construction rates.

Rising student numbers add pressure

The problem is compounded by an influx of internal and international student migrants. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 8,900 such students arrived, a 26.3% increase year-on-year.

Almaty led the inflow with 2,100 new students, up from 1,400 last year (+48.9%). It was followed by Astana, Shymkent, Almaty region, and Turkestan region. Only Pavlodar region maintained last year’s intake, while Ulytau and Akmola regions saw declines.

Analysts note that while the growth reflects the appeal of Kazakhstan’s leading universities, it is placing additional strain on an already inadequate student housing system.

15 Aug 2025

Environment, Central Asia, Home, Kyrgyzstan Environment, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Home

Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul and China’s Qinghai Become Sister Lakes

August 15, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kyrgyzstan and China’s Qinghai Province have signed a memorandum of intent to establish “twin” or sister-lake relations between Lake Issyk-Kul and Qinghai Lake, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Technical Supervision announced.

The two lakes share many natural similarities.

Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s largest lake, measures 182 km in length and up to 60 km in width. Saline and surrounded by mountain ranges, it is the country’s leading tourist destination.

Qinghai Lake, located in northwest China’s Qinghai province, is the country’s largest lake, renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse birdlife. It stretches 105 km in length and 63 km in width, covering over 4,500 square kilometers. Situated at 3,200 meters above sea level, it has an average depth of 21 meters, with cold, salty waters.

Under the memorandum, Kyrgyz and Chinese representatives will organize mutual visits, seminars, scientific events, and other activities to foster cooperation and share expertise on lake management. The plan also includes developing an eco-tourism route called “Sister Lakes.”

The initiative forms part of broader Kyrgyz-Chinese environmental and social cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. It also envisions joint use of natural resources, development of infrastructure projects, and coordinated monitoring of water quality and environmental conditions.

15 Aug 2025

Central Asia, Home, Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kazakhstan Home

Kazakhstan Tops Central Asia for GDP per Capita, Surpassing Russia and China

August 15, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan has emerged as the regional leader in gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, overtaking both Russia and China, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). IMF data shows that in 2025 Kazakhstan’s GDP per capita reached $14,770, compared to $14,260 in Russia and $13,690 in China.

Within Central Asia, Turkmenistan followed with $13,340, while Uzbekistan posted $3,510, Kyrgyzstan $2,750, and Tajikistan $1,430. Kazakhstan also leads among Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) members, ahead of Georgia ($9,570), Armenia ($8,860), Moldova ($8,260), Belarus ($7,880), Azerbaijan ($7,600), and Ukraine ($6,260). Only the Baltic states recorded higher figures: Estonia ($32,760), Lithuania ($30,840), and Latvia ($24,370). Ireland remained Europe’s leader with $108,920 per capita.

The IMF calculates GDP per capita at current prices, offering a snapshot of purchasing power and overall economic wellbeing. Its analysts attribute Kazakhstan’s strong performance to vast mineral resources, with energy and mineral exports continuing to drive growth. Recent years have also seen expansion in raw material processing and production of high value-added goods.

The report cites ongoing business reforms, foreign investment inflows, and infrastructure upgrades as key factors enhancing competitiveness. Significant spending is going into transport, logistics, technology, education, healthcare, and social services, bolstering domestic demand and labor productivity.

Kazakhstan’s strategic position on trade routes linking Europe and Asia, participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, and active engagement with Russia, China, the EU, and other partners are also seen as growth drivers.

The IMF notes that macroeconomic stability is supported by low inflation, a steady tenge exchange rate, and a balanced budget. “The policies of the National Bank and the government are helping to maintain economic stability even amid global challenges,” the report states.

The Times of Central Asia previously reported that, according to IMF forecasts, Central Asian economies are expected to grow faster than the global average in 2025.

15 Aug 2025

Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Kyrgyzstan and Russia Sign $270 Million in Agreements at Issyk-Kul Forum

August 21, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

At the seventh Kyrgyz-Russian Economic Forum on the shores of Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan and Russia signed nearly 30 agreements worth about US $270 million. The forum brought together around 1,000 representatives from government agencies, investment funds, businesses, and public organizations across member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

In his address, President Sadyr Japarov said Kyrgyzstan has maintained average annual economic growth of 9 per cent since 2022, the highest rate among countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States and the EAEU. He described the forum as a vital platform for strengthening cooperation, exchanging experience, and fostering direct business ties. He also stressed the importance of technological independence, protection of digital data, and the development of national IT infrastructure.

The agreements span energy, industry, transport, aviation, agriculture, the digital economy, education, and logistics. They include a US $55 million contract for Airports of Kyrgyzstan to acquire aircraft from a Russian manufacturer, a US $2.8 million memorandum for the purchase of an electric cruise ship, supply agreements for tractors, trucks, metal products, and machine tools, and plans for a milk processing complex. Additional deals cover financing arrangements for Kyrgyz companies to issue securities on the Russian market, an investment agreement with the Eurasian Development Bank to support projects through the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, and a commitment by the Kyrgyz Green Energy Fund to purchase electricity from Russian suppliers. Roscosmos and the Kyrgyz Ministry of Digital Development also signed a memorandum on the peaceful exploration of space.

First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev noted that during Kyrgyzstan’s decade as an EAEU member, the country has seen improvements in socioeconomic indicators, a decline in unemployment, and continued growth in priority sectors.