Page 196 – The Times Of Central Asia

16 Jul 2025

Central Asia, Turkmenistan Home, Home, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Local Politics, Local Politics, Turkmenistan Features, Features

Turkmenistan Tightens Internet Blocks to Promote State-Controlled VPNs

July 18, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Internet restrictions in Turkmenistan have intensified sharply in recent weeks, according to sources who spoke with turkmen.news. Authorities have reportedly expanded the national IP blacklist by adding numerous /16 subnets, each covering over 65,000 IP addresses. While such sweeping blocks might appear politically motivated, insiders claim the real motive is commercial: corrupt officials are using the restrictions to market and sell VPN services and “whitelist” access they control themselves.

In July 2024, Turkmen authorities briefly restored access to around 3 billion previously blocked IP addresses, raising hopes of a more open digital environment and a boost to the stagnant online economy. However, that reprieve proved temporary. The blocks soon returned, initially targeting smaller /24 subnets (255 IP addresses each). This summer, the government’s cybersecurity department escalated efforts by blocking entire /16 subnets, cutting off hundreds of thousands of websites in a matter of weeks.

Restrictions Without Justification

Turkmenistan already ranks among the most digitally isolated nations. Independent media, global social networks, and any platforms perceived to host criticism of the government have long been inaccessible. However, the latest wave of blocks is not driven by political considerations, as most politically sensitive platforms were already restricted.

Instead, the scale and targets of the new blocks suggest other motivations. According to turkmen.news, even benign and essential online services, such as update servers for antivirus software like Bitdefender and some Google utilities, have been caught in the dragnet. Experts warn that this poses a growing cybersecurity risk in a country with limited digital literacy and inadequate access to software updates.

Selling Access in a Closed System

Sources allege that Turkmen officials are using the crackdown to corner the market for virtual private networks. VPN keys now cost around 1,000 manats (roughly $50) per month, while access to a whitelist, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity, can run up to $2,000 monthly. The officials reportedly behind the scheme are said to be deliberately blocking alternatives to force users into purchasing their products.

Last year, turkmen.news identified several figures allegedly involved in this scheme: Maksat Geldyev, Allanazar Kulnazarov, and Didar Seyidov. While these individuals reportedly profit from the artificial scarcity they create, the broader economy suffers. Analysts estimate that Turkmenistan loses millions of dollars daily due to the constraints on digital development, which is a key factor in modern GDP growth.

Official Denials Amid International Scrutiny

Despite mounting evidence, the Turkmen government continues to deny the severity of the situation. The Foreign Ministry recently issued a statement condemning Ukrainian television channel FreeDom for what it described as “biased and false” coverage of the country’s internet restrictions.

Nonetheless, experts warn that unless the government reverses course, Turkmenistan’s digital isolation will continue to hinder economic development, deepen cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and further disconnect its population from the global information space.

16 Jul 2025

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

Kazakhstan’s Economy Posts Fastest Growth in 14 Years

July 16, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan’s economy expanded by 6.2% in the first half of 2025, marking the country’s fastest growth rate since 2011. The data was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin during a government meeting.

Zhumangarin noted that a similar level of growth was last recorded in the first half of 2011, when GDP increased by 7.1%, eventually reaching 7.5% for the full year. Since then, annual growth rates have rarely surpassed 6%. By comparison, the economy grew 4.8% in 2024.

“The current figure is 0.2 percentage points higher than the growth recorded in the first five months of this year and is the highest in the last 14 years. For context, growth during the same period in 2024 was just 3.2%,” Zhumangarin said. He cited the real sector (+8%) and the services sector (+5.2%) as the primary drivers.

Key Growth Sectors

Transport (+22.7%) and construction (+18.4%) led the surge, driven in part by a 35.2% increase in grain and flour exports, which totaled 11.8 million tons. The mining industry also posted steady gains, with oil production rising 11.6% and coal production up 11.7%, contributing to overall mining growth of 8.4%.

Manufacturing expanded by 5.5%, buoyed by strong performances in machinery (+11.1%), food production (+10%), oil refining (+9.6%), metal products (+14.6%), construction materials (+8.6%), and chemicals (+7%). Agricultural output rose by 3.7%.

Trade and Investment Outlook

From January to May 2025, Kazakhstan’s foreign trade turnover reached $53.5 billion. Exports stood at $29.8 billion, including $10.2 billion in high value-added products. Imports rose by 2.2% to $23.8 billion, resulting in a positive trade balance of $6 billion.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov reaffirmed the government’s ambition to double Kazakhstan’s GDP by 2029, a goal originally set in 2023.

“Last year, our GDP was $286 billion. This year, we expect to surpass the $300 billion mark. If current growth rates hold, we are capable of reaching $450 billion by 2029,” Bektenov stated at a press briefing.

He emphasized that the government is investing in industrial development, economic diversification, and high value-added production to ensure that the majority of national revenue and profits remain within Kazakhstan.

Diverging Forecasts

Earlier this year, the Eurasian Development Bank forecast Kazakhstan’s GDP growth at 5.5% for 2025, with similar rates expected for 2026 and 2027. However, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) recently downgraded its 2025 forecast from 5.2% to 4.9%, citing potential risks to oil output.

16 Jul 2025

Central Asia, Home, International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kazakhstan Home

New Russian Border Rules Cause ‘Probka’ for Kazakhs at the Border

July 16, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Russia’s introduction of a trial of new entry procedures for foreign citizens, including Kazakhs, on June 30, 2025, has led to massive traffic jams at border crossings, despite official claims that registration through the ruID app is voluntary. In practice, drivers without a required QR code have been turned back at the border, stranding cargo and sparking frustration on both sides.

Bureaucracy Meets Gridlock

Under the updated rules, citizens from visa-free countries, including Kazakhstan, must present a QR code generated no later than 72 hours before arriving at the border. Officially described as voluntary, the requirement has effectively become mandatory.

At the Zhaisan border crossing in Kazakhstan’s Aktobe region, dozens of heavy trucks have lined up, with queues reportedly stretching 10 kilometers. Aslan Arzymbekov, head of the regional emergency response department, attributed the delays directly to the new QR code requirement. Many drivers had not registered in advance and were left waiting for hours or even days.

Local emergency services and military personnel have been providing food, water, and medical assistance to stranded drivers, who have been sleeping in their vehicles amid poor sanitary conditions.

“I’ve been standing here since yesterday. My electronic queue is about to expire,” said truck driver Mikhail Khegai.

“Reservations Are Expiring. There Is No Passage.”

Drivers say they had secured a place in the electronic queue but were unable to reach the checkpoint in time. As a result, trucks carrying time-sensitive or perishable goods are missing delivery deadlines, causing financial losses and fraying business relationships.

“It’s a terrible mess. We’ve been stuck here for seven kilometers. There’s nothing to eat. Everyone is waiting,” said carrier Farkhatbek Tursynaliev.

According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, congestion has also been reported at the Zhana Zhol checkpoint in North Kazakhstan and the Bokei Khan crossing in Atyrau region. While local police are attempting to manage traffic and assist drivers, the core issues remain unresolved.

Officials Offer Conflicting Explanations

Kazakhstan’s State Revenue Department in Aktobe region cited roadworks on the Samara-Shymkent highway, ongoing since May 13, as a contributing factor. Temporary traffic lights and barriers have reduced throughput, with completion expected in early July.

Entrepreneurs, however, have lodged nearly 200 complaints in the first three days of the new rules, according to the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs “Atameken.” Ruslan Kuishinov, the chamber’s deputy director for legal affairs, called for a more transparent and organized system.

“We would like to have a visual storage display so drivers can see their status and proceed calmly,” he said.

The Russian Embassy in Kazakhstan has rejected claims that QR codes are mandatory, attributing the delays to seasonal increases in border traffic.

“No additional requirements, including QR codes, are being imposed on citizens,” the embassy stated via its official Telegram channel.

Nevertheless, drivers and border officials on the ground continue to assert that without a QR code, entry is denied, regardless of what official statements claim. While framed as a voluntary digital upgrade, the ruID system has effectively created a bottleneck for both people and goods.

The transition to electronic documentation has proven slower and more cumbersome than the previous paper-based system, turning Kazakhstan-Russia border crossings into endurance tests.

15 Jul 2025

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

Tennis Revolution in Kazakhstan: How Systemic Investment Is Creating Champions

July 16, 2025
By Askar Kubaizhanov

Over the past decade, Kazakhstan has evolved from a promising tennis nation into a formidable contender on the global stage. Elena Rybakina’s Wimbledon triumph, Alexander Bublik’s steady rise, and a new wave of top-ranked juniors are no coincidence; they are the product of a long-term, meticulously executed strategy.

In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Yuriy Polskiy, President of the Asian Tennis Federation and Vice President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF), explains how strategic investment, public-private partnerships, and a grassroots approach have fundamentally reshaped the country’s tennis landscape.

TCA: Kazakhstani tennis players have recently made headlines at top international tournaments. How would you assess Kazakhstan’s current standing on the global tennis map? Are the successes of Elena Rybakina and Alexander Bublik, as well as the emergence of top juniors, the result of systemic work or just coincidence?

Polskiy: Luck plays a role in any athlete’s career, but it’s fleeting. Kazakhstan’s results, among both professionals and juniors, are consistent, which points to a system that delivers. Over the past decade, we’ve seen numerous players ranked in the world’s top 30: Shvedova, Voskoboeva, Kukushkin, Golubev, Korolev, Nedovyesov, and more recently, Diyas, Putintseva, Danilina, Bublik, and, of course, Rybakina. Together, they’ve secured four Grand Slam titles, reached multiple singles and doubles finals, and won WTA 1000, 500, and ATP/WTA 250 tournaments.

Among the juniors, talents like Dastanbek Tashbulatov, Amir Omarkhanov, and Sonya Zhienbayeva have ranked in the ITF Top 5 and Top 20. Our Under-14 and Under-18 national teams have reached the world’s top four and consistently defeated traditional powerhouses such as Australia, France, Italy, and Argentina. These results underscore the strength of Kazakhstan’s national coaching program and the Federation’s long-term vision.

In 2024, Kazakhstan had six players in the ITF junior Top 100, including three in the Top 50. Seven more under-14s were ranked in the Tennis Europe Top 100, more than Italy, currently the leader in that category. Notably, all 13 of these top-ranked juniors were born and raised in Kazakhstan, highlighting the success of a nationwide, structured development model that blends public support with private initiative.

TCA: What is the Federation’s strategic outlook for the next five to ten years? How extensive is the infrastructure, and are there plans to expand into smaller cities?

Polskiy: Since 2007, when businessman and philanthropist Bulat Utemuratov became the KTF president, Kazakhstan has built 38 major tennis centers, each with at least six courts, totaling 364 hard and clay courts nationwide. Over the past 17 years, more than $150 million has been invested in infrastructure. Hundreds of coaches have been trained, particularly for early childhood programs. The number of certified ITF coaches has nearly doubled in five years, now surpassing 400.

Infrastructure growth has significantly reduced training costs: hourly court rental has dropped from $50 in 2007 to just $10 today. Facilities now exist in 16 of the 18 regional capitals and smaller cities like Lisakovsk. Major complexes in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Karaganda, Aktobe, and Ust-Kamenogorsk each include six indoor and ten outdoor courts, allowing over 1,000 children per city to train regularly.

However, demand continues to outpace supply. In Astana and Almaty, each center maintains waitlists of 500-600 children. To meet this, new high-standard complexes are being constructed, including a 14-court facility in Almaty and another in Astana. Additionally, the Federation is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to introduce tennis in kindergartens and schools, ensuring access for children from remote regions.

International partners like Lexus play a crucial role, funding equipment and supporting coach education and certification. These partnerships help ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable.

TCA: How well prepared is Kazakhstan’s coaching system to produce new stars? Is there still reliance on foreign specialists?

Polskiy: Our priority is developing local players and coaches. These go hand in hand: strong coaching develops talent, and working with top athletes enhances coaching expertise.

For example, last year, Eva Korysheva of Aktobe, coached by Pavel Tsoy, became Asia’s top U14 player and competed at the AO Elite Trophy in Australia. Traveling with her coach, Pavel gained firsthand experience of a Grand Slam-level event – a priceless opportunity.

We emphasize maintaining the bond between a player and their first coach. Seminars and educational initiatives support this, and when foreign experts are brought in, local coaches work alongside them. Former players like Dastanbek Tashbulatov, Ayap Sagadat, and Zhansultan Chembotaev are now part of Team Kazakhstan, nurturing the next generation under international mentorship.

TCA: How many children currently play tennis in Kazakhstan? What support exists for regional talents?

Polskiy: More than 30,000 children now play tennis in Kazakhstan. Around 3,500 receive free training and participate in tournaments at no cost. Many regional teams benefit from free or discounted court time during off-peak hours.

The top 150 players under 14 are enrolled in a national development program. Another 32 older athletes receive full or partial funding through the Team Kazakhstan scholarship. Selection is based on national tournament performance and expert evaluations.

Team events like the U12 and U14 Kazakhstan Cups are central to talent discovery, as they energize coaches, motivate young athletes, and allow for the early identification of standout players. Inspired by Italy and Canada, the Federation has introduced talent ID systems across regional centers and continues to invest in hosting national and international tournaments. Families are essential partners, from logistics to emotional support, in building long-term success.

TCA: What are the national teams’ goals at events like the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup? What role do stars like Rybakina and Bublik play?

Polskiy: The men’s team aims to return to the Davis Cup World Group, while the women’s team is targeting victory in the Billie Jean King Cup. We believe both goals are realistic.

These victories inspire the next generation. Young players want to emulate Rybakina, Bublik, Putintseva, and Zhukayev. We host regular masterclasses, giving children the opportunity to meet, train with, and learn from these stars, boosting their confidence and drive.

TCA: Does Kazakhstan have a realistic shot at winning a Grand Slam or team world championship soon?

Polskiy: Absolutely. Elena Rybakina has already won Wimbledon. Yaroslava Shvedova holds two Grand Slam doubles titles. Anna Danilina has won in mixed doubles. Rybakina also finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, just shy of a medal.

Our national teams have beaten world-class opponents including Italy, Germany, Japan, Argentina, Switzerland, and Australia. With the right support and experience, we’re confident our near-wins will become titles.

TCA: How stable is the Federation’s funding? Who are the key backers?

Polskiy: Financial stability is one of our core strengths. Federation President Bulat Utemuratov supports KTF through personal investment and long-term partnerships. Our relative independence from government funding allows for consistent, long-term planning, unaffected by political or economic shifts.

A major milestone was acquiring the license to host an ATP 250 tournament in Kazakhstan. This annual event draws global attention and attracts new sponsors. For instance, Lexus backs the “Tennis for Life” initiative, KPMG supports wheelchair tennis, and numerous companies now sponsor junior tournaments and regional players.

TCA: What are the biggest challenges facing Kazakhstani tennis today? What goals have been set for the next five years?

Polskiy: Our immediate priorities include earning as many Olympic and Paralympic berths as possible, winning junior and senior Grand Slam titles, and capturing the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.

Achieving these goals requires unity. That’s why we invest deeply in developing the Federation’s human capital, preserving institutional knowledge, building continuity, and enhancing our support infrastructure.

TCA: What message would you share with young players starting out in tennis?

Polskiy: Tennis mirrors life. On court, you make choices, face consequences, and grow through setbacks. A match isn’t over until the final point, so there’s always a chance to come back. Tennis shapes not just champions, but resilient individuals. Every loss is a lesson. The game is a lifelong journey of self-improvement.

15 Jul 2025

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

Kyrgyzstan Enacts Code to Boost Financing for Female Entrepreneurs

July 15, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

Kyrgyzstan has officially enacted the Code on Financing Women Entrepreneurs, a regulatory framework aimed at expanding women’s access to financial products from banks and microfinance institutions. The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) will oversee the implementation of the Code, which it regards as a milestone in institutional support for women’s entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, NBKR Chairman Melis Turgunbaev emphasized the crucial role of women in the country’s economy, particularly within the small and medium-sized business sector.

“The launch of the Code, backed by the recent legislative recognition of the concept of ‘women’s entrepreneurship,’ creates a solid institutional foundation for mobilizing financial sector resources and directing them toward the development of this strategically important segment of the economy,” Turgunbaev said.

The legal definition of women’s entrepreneurship was introduced into Kyrgyz legislation only last year. Lawmakers noted that female entrepreneurs often face structural challenges, such as balancing business activities with domestic responsibilities and limited access to property assets that can serve as loan collateral.

According to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the typical Kyrgyz female entrepreneur is between 40 and 50 years old, has a secondary education, runs a small or medium-sized enterprise, often individually and began her business career before turning 30.

The new Code modifies financial regulations to simplify access to credit for women. Key provisions include expanded opportunities for unsecured lending and the removal of a previous requirement for financial institutions to set aside 1% of the loan amount for potential losses when lending to women. The NBKR believes these changes will make financing for women both strategically and commercially attractive across the banking sector.

“Our actions are not just advocacy, they are about building sustainable market mechanisms,” said Turgunbaev. “The National Bank is establishing economically sound conditions that incentivize the entire financial sector to support women entrepreneurs.”

According to the NBKR, the Code applies specifically to enterprises in which women own at least 51% of the capital and make up at least 51% of the workforce. Financial institutions are encouraged to offer more accessible, long-term loans to qualifying women-led businesses on preferential terms.

However, The Times of Central Asia has learned that the Code currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to support women facing loan repayment difficulties. Nonetheless, the regulator clarified that this does not restrict banks from granting relief measures.

“The NBKR will not prevent commercial banks from offering concessions to women entrepreneurs with overdue loans under programs focused on financing women-led businesses,” a spokesperson said.

The National Bank plans to coordinate the Code’s rollout and ongoing refinement, emphasizing that support for women entrepreneurs is viewed as a long-term institutional priority.

15 Jul 2025

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

Kazakhstan Reaffirms OPEC+ Commitment While Seeking to Renegotiate Investor Contracts

July 15, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan has confirmed it will remain a part of the OPEC+ agreement on oil production cuts, despite persistently exceeding its allocated quotas. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov made the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday, while also revealing that the government is initiating negotiations to revise production sharing agreements (PSAs) with foreign investors operating in the country’s largest oil and gas fields.

The OPEC+ agreement, an alliance between OPEC members and non-OPEC oil-producing countries, including Kazakhstan, aims to coordinate output to stabilize global energy markets. Under the current deal, signed in December 2023, member states voluntarily committed to cutting combined oil production by 2.17 million barrels per day through the end of 2026.

However, Kazakhstan has consistently exceeded its quota in recent months. According to the Ministry of Energy, oil exports in June 2025 reached 1.86 million barrels per day, 80,000 more than in May and nearly 500,000 barrels above the country’s voluntary limit.

The surge is primarily attributed to the expansion of the Tengiz oil field, one of Kazakhstan’s largest energy projects. The $49 billion Future Growth Project is already operational and is expected to boost annual output by 12 million tons, or roughly 260,000 barrels per day, an increase of nearly 40%.

Acknowledging the challenges of meeting OPEC+ targets, Bektenov emphasized Kazakhstan’s continued commitment to the deal:

“We are not considering withdrawing from the OPEC+ agreement, as we believe it is useful and contributes to stability in the oil market,” Bektenov stated. “We will strive to fulfill our obligations, but with national interests in mind.”

At the same time, Bektenov underscored the government’s limited control over production levels at key fields such as Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan, where foreign investors hold substantial stakes.

“We cannot demand that our partners reduce production, as they have made significant investments and are counting on a return,” he said.

To address this issue, Kazakhstan has begun discussions with investors to revise existing PSAs, aiming to secure a greater share of national revenues from energy production.

“There is a view that the country’s interests are not fully reflected in the existing agreements. We are starting a dialogue on new agreements for a new period,” Bektenov said. “At the same time, we will act carefully to maintain the investment climate.”

This dual strategy, upholding international commitments while seeking more favorable terms, illustrates Kazakhstan’s intent to balance global cooperation with national economic priorities.

PSAs for the country’s three main oil fields are due to expire in the coming decades: Tengiz in 2033, Karachaganak in 2037, and Kashagan in 2041. Together, these fields account for approximately two-thirds of Kazakhstan’s total oil output, 67 million out of 90 million tons annually.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government in January to begin seeking revisions to the PSA terms well ahead of their expiration.