Page 198 – The Times Of Central Asia

14 Jul 2025

Central Asia, Environment, Kyrgyzstan Environment, Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Eases Plastic Ban to Comply with EAEU Standards

July 14, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has signed amendments to the law “On Limiting the Circulation of Polymer Film Bags and Plastic Items in the Territory of the Kyrgyz Republic,” easing some of the country’s planned restrictions on single-use plastics. The law was originally passed by parliament on June 17, 2025.

Initially set to take full effect on January 1, 2027, the legislation included a sweeping ban on the production, import, and sale of several plastic products, including:

Polymer film bags
All types of disposable plastic tableware
Disposable plastic food packaging
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles
Disposable plastic egg cartons
Plastic coffee capsules
Grocery bags

Under the newly adopted amendments, PET bottles and disposable plastic food packaging have been removed from the list of banned items. Additionally, the original ban on disposable plastic tableware has been narrowed to apply only to non-recyclable products.

Aligning with Regional Trade Rules

The changes were introduced to align Kyrgyzstan’s environmental legislation with the regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Several of the proposed restrictions, particularly the ban on PET bottles and plastic food containers, had sparked concern among domestic and regional businesses, who warned of potential disruptions to manufacturing and cross-border trade.

Industry groups argued that the original provisions would have conflicted with common EAEU standards, complicating compliance and affecting supply chains.

Environmental Efforts Continue in Issyk-Kul

Despite the softening of national restrictions, local efforts to combat plastic pollution remain in place. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, Kyrgyzstan banned the use and sale of plastic bags in Issyk-Kul’s resort and recreational areas as of March 2025. The move is part of a broader initiative to protect the lake’s fragile ecosystem and preserve environmental cleanliness.

14 Jul 2025

Home, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Uzbekistan Home, Uzbekistan International Affairs

At Least 66 Uzbeks Confirmed Dead Fighting for Russia in Ukraine

July 31, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

A BBC-led investigation has confirmed that dozens of Uzbek citizens have died while fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Journalists from the BBC Russian Service and independent outlet Mediazona have verified 118,139 Russian military deaths in the conflict. Among them were 523 foreign nationals from 28 countries, with Tajiks (72 deaths) and Uzbeks (66 deaths) making up the largest foreign contingents. Investigators caution that the true number of casualties is likely higher.

Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, has publicly acknowledged that many recently naturalized Central Asians have been conscripted into the Russian military. Speaking at a public forum, Bastrykin stated that authorities had “caught” around 80,000 new Russian citizens, mostly from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, who had attempted to avoid military service. According to him, they were registered for service, and 20,000 were subsequently sent to Ukraine. These remarks have raised fresh concerns that Russia is using Central Asian migrants to bolster its military ranks.

Official Neutrality and Subtle Retaliation

Central Asian governments have declared neutrality in the Ukraine conflict and have largely abided by Western sanctions. Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine, contributing approximately $2.25 million and $1 million respectively. Kazakhstan has also made it clear that it does not recognize the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk “people’s republics.”

Some analysts believe this neutral stance has triggered retaliatory actions from Moscow. Notably, a Russian court ordered the temporary suspension of operations at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), a key route for Kazakh oil exports to the Black Sea. The 30-day halt severely affected Kazakhstan’s economy, as CPC shipments account for roughly 20% of the country’s GDP.

14 Jul 2025

Home, Kyrgyzstan, Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics

CCTV Cameras Installed Around Lake Issyk-Kul to Combat Poaching and Environmental Violations

July 14, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

Kyrgyz authorities have begun installing CCTV cameras around Lake Issyk-Kul as part of a broader effort to protect the region’s fragile ecosystem and crack down on poaching. The surveillance system, which includes thermal imaging capabilities, will operate around the clock, the Issyk-Kul Regional Internal Affairs Department announced.

The cameras are designed to capture instances of illegal fishing and to monitor motorists who drive onto beaches or into the lake itself, practices that authorities say are damaging the environment. Police officials stressed that this measure was necessary, as public awareness campaigns and verbal warnings had not been effective in curbing such behavior.

“This is an important step toward preserving the lake’s natural environment,” the regional police stated. “Conversations and warnings have not worked, people continue to pollute Issyk-Kul. Our goal is to install cameras around the entire perimeter. Together, we will succeed.”

Public Involvement and Technological Integration

Authorities have called on both local residents and the business community to support the initiative, including through financial contributions.

The new video system will be integrated into the regional situation center operated by the Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs. The center currently oversees major settlements in the area and already operates 353 smart cameras capable of tracking movement and recognizing faces.

Staff at the center monitor adherence to environmental regulations and public order. In collaboration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations, law enforcement regularly conducts raids to identify illegal fishing operations. A particular concern is the use of synthetic fishing nets, which are banned from import and considered especially harmful to the lake’s biodiversity.

Environmental Enforcement and Community Outreach

“Issyk-Kul is a gift of nature. Its preservation is the sacred duty of every citizen,” said Chingiz Tokoldashev, head of the Balykchy Internal Affairs Department. “The fight against illegal fishing is our priority.”

Law enforcement also engages in preventive outreach, educating vacationers about fishing regulations and environmental restrictions. Under current rules, legal fishing, including for the endemic chebachka fish, requires payment of a fee of 600 KGS (approximately $7) to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

14 Jul 2025

Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan, Local Politics

New Law Paves Way for Special Investment Zone in Kyrgyzstan

July 14, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has signed a new law establishing a special financial investment territory in the Issyk-Kul region. The legislation, titled “On the Special Financial Investment Territory ‘Tamchy’ with a Special Legal Regime and Status,” was approved by the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) on June 19.

The law codifies Japarov’s earlier presidential decree of March 17, which called for the creation of a special investment zone with its own legal framework and an independent international center for dispute resolution based on English law.

Investment Zone with International Standards

The Tamchy Special Financial Investment Territory is intended to attract both foreign and domestic investment, improve Kyrgyzstan’s overall investment climate, and boost key sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, wellness, and transport infrastructure.

The zone will operate under a special legal regime that includes tax preferences and other incentives for investors. A key innovation is the establishment of an International Center for Dispute Resolution, which will resolve investment-related disputes under English common law, a legal system grounded in judicial precedent and widely used in global financial hubs like London, Dubai, and Singapore.

Legal Certainty to Attract Investors

By introducing English common law into its investment framework, Kyrgyzstan hopes to create a more transparent and investor-friendly legal environment. Supporters of the initiative argue that legal predictability is essential to building investor confidence and attracting long-term capital.

The government has positioned the Tamchy zone as a cornerstone of its broader economic strategy. The aim is to stimulate socio-economic development, align with international financial and legal norms, and position Kyrgyzstan as a competitive investment destination in Central Asia.

14 Jul 2025

Central Asia, International Affairs

Tajik Influencer Abduroziq Egamov Reportedly Detained in Dubai on Theft Allegations

July 14, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Tajik singer and social media personality Abduroziq Egamov was reportedly detained by authorities at Dubai International Airport on July 12, according to the UAE-based Khaleej Times. The 21-year-old influencer’s production team confirmed his arrest to the newspaper, though official details remain scarce.

Khaleej Times reported that Abduroziq was taken into custody around 5 a.m., shortly after arriving in Dubai from Montenegro. Dubai officials have not disclosed the nature of the charges. “All we can say is that he was detained on suspicion of theft,” a spokesperson for Abduroziq told the publication.

However, conflicting accounts have emerged. Speaking to Asia-Plus, Abduroziq’s uncle, Muboraksho Egamov, categorically denied the detention. “All of this is fiction with no basis in reality,” he said.

Abduroziq, who holds a UAE golden visa, has lived in Dubai for several years. He rose to fame with a mix of musical performances, viral online videos, and appearances on shows such as Bigg Boss 16. In 2024, he expanded his public profile by launching his restaurant brand, Habibi, in the United Kingdom.

Prior Security Concerns and Alleged Financial Theft

In June 2025, Abduroziq publicly stated that his social media accounts, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, had been hacked. He also reported that all the money in his bank accounts had been withdrawn. The loss was estimated at over $1 million. A police complaint was filed in Dubai. By late June, he managed to regain access to his Instagram account with legal assistance, but the stolen funds had not been recovered.

14 Jul 2025

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

Kazakhstan Targets 20% E-Commerce Share by 2030

July 14, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan aims to increase the share of e-commerce to 20% of total retail trade by 2030, according to Galya-Banu Meirbayeva, Director of the Department of Electronic and Exchange Trade at the Ministry of Trade and Integration. The announcement was made during the international summit “Access to Logistics and Business through E-Commerce,” held recently in Pakistan.

Meirbayeva emphasized that advancing e-commerce is a strategic priority for Kazakhstan. She noted that implementing digital solutions, including artificial intelligence and virtual assistants, will improve cross-border trade, enhance customer experiences, and accelerate economic modernization.

Over the past five years, Kazakhstan’s e-commerce sector has grown sevenfold, reaching KZT 3.2 trillion (approximately $6.1 billion) in 2024. E-commerce now accounts for 14.1% of the country’s retail trade, with more than 8 million active online shoppers, predominantly younger users.

“The potential for further growth is huge, and we have set an ambitious goal. By 2030, every fifth purchase in the country should be made online,” a ministry representative stated.

National Strategy for E-Commerce Development

In March 2025, Kazakhstan approved a national development plan for e-commerce. The plan outlines key priorities: improving legislation, expanding public education initiatives, supporting entrepreneurship, and developing modern logistics infrastructure. Ensuring consumer protection and fair market conditions for all participants are also central goals.

The strategy builds on existing momentum, with a focus on equipping the population and businesses for the digital economy. In particular, the government aims to remove regulatory bottlenecks and foster innovation in digital trade.

International Engagement and Regional Partnerships

Kazakhstan has also been active in promoting digital trade through multilateral platforms such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations (UN), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In April 2025, Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding on e-commerce, marking a step toward deeper strategic cooperation between the two countries.

“The exchange of experience and coordination of actions on international platforms will contribute to building a sustainable and inclusive digital trade architecture in the region,” the Ministry of Trade and Integration said in a statement.

Earlier, the ministry had set a target of increasing e-commerce to 18% by 2029, as reported by The Times of Central Asia.

However, domestic businesses continue to express concern over competitive imbalances. Many argue that foreign e-commerce platforms benefit from favorable tax regimes that disadvantage local companies in Kazakhstan’s domestic market.