Page 216 – The Times Of Central Asia

03 Jul 2025

International Affairs, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan

CICA Headquarters Officially Inaugurated in Astana

July 3, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan marked a milestone in its diplomatic history with the official opening of the headquarters of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Astana. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presided over the ceremony, calling it a moment of “symbolic and strategic importance.”

CICA, a multilateral forum aimed at enhancing peace, security, and cooperation across Asia, was founded on October 5, 1992, at the initiative of Kazakhstan’s first President, Nursultan Nazarbayev. He proposed the creation of a pan-Asian platform during the 47th session of the UN General Assembly.

Today, CICA comprises 28 member states, with 10 additional countries and five international organizations, including the United Nations, holding observer status. Its executive body, the CICA Secretariat, is now permanently based in Kazakhstan’s capital.

Speaking at the June 2025 inauguration, President Tokayev highlighted the organization’s enduring relevance amid rising global tensions.

“More than three decades ago, Kazakhstan initiated the creation of the CICA, an initiative that received broad international support as a timely step towards strengthening regional stability and security,” he said. “Today, when geopolitical tensions are intensifying, the principles of trust, mutual understanding, and dialogue are becoming particularly relevant. The CICA, covering almost 90% of Asia’s territory and representing more than half of the world’s population, plays an important role in shaping the new architecture of international relations.”

Tokayev emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order.

“Force is increasingly replacing legal principles. In these circumstances, it is particularly important that all states unconditionally adhere to international law and the UN Charter, without resorting to selective interpretation,” he stated.

He also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s domestic reform agenda and its vision for regional integration.

“We are actively modernizing our transport and logistics infrastructure, railways, highways, and seaports, in cooperation with international partners. This is critically important both for domestic growth and for ensuring the sustainability of regional supply chains,” he noted.

Digital transformation was another focal point of Tokayev’s address.

“We are striving to build a digital state in which AI will be a driver of innovation, growth, and digital sovereignty. Kazakhstan is forming a sustainable, environmentally responsible economy integrated into global value chains,” he said.

The broader geopolitical climate, including ongoing instability in the Middle East, has further highlighted the need for cooperative mechanisms like CICA. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, both CICA members, risks disrupting vital trade and transport routes in Central Asia’s southern corridor.

The opening of CICA’s headquarters thus reinforces Kazakhstan’s longstanding ambition to serve as a platform for dialogue and diplomacy in an increasingly polarized world.

03 Jul 2025

Turkmenistan International Affairs, Turkmenistan, International Affairs

Turkmen Woman Appeals to President After Year-Long Travel Ban

July 3, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Zulfiya Kazhyr, a citizen of Turkmenistan, and her six-year-old daughter have been barred from leaving the country for nearly a year, despite renewing their passports and submitting multiple appeals to authorities in both Turkmenistan and Turkey. Kazhyr has now made a public appeal to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, urging him to intervene.

Trapped in Limbo

Kazhyr, a Turkmenistan national living in Turkey, traveled to Ashgabat in the summer of 2024 to renew her passport. After the renewal was completed, her husband, Turkish citizen Ahmet Sefa, bought tickets for their return to Istanbul. However, when they arrived at the airport, Kazhyr was unexpectedly prevented from boarding the flight.

Immigration officials provided no explanation. Her daughter, who holds Turkish citizenship and suffers from autism and celiac disease, a condition requiring a strict gluten-free diet and regular medical supervision, remains in Turkmenistan with her.

“Please, I beg you, help us. My daughter is exhausted; she has been sick twice here,” Kazhyr pleaded in a video addressed to President Berdimuhamedov. “I cannot manage her condition properly here. There are no suitable products, and this is not my home.”

While authorities do not restrict the child from leaving, her mother is not permitted to depart. Sefa continues to send specialized food from Turkey, but proper care remains impossible in his absence.

Sefa said he has appealed to the foreign ministries and embassies of both countries but has received no response. “We’re in a hopeless situation. My daughter can leave, but how can they separate a child from her mother?” he said.

Attempts by journalists to reach Turkmenistan’s migration service were unsuccessful. Officials declined to comment and advised Kazhyr to “call herself.”

A Systemic Issue

According to Istanbul-based Turkmen activist Zarina Akhtyamova, such restrictions are not uncommon. She cites poverty, unemployment, and inadequate medical access among Turkmen migrants in Turkey as likely motivations for the state’s unofficial control over citizens’ departures.

In January 2025, two Turkish nationals publicly appealed to Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Serdar Berdimuhamedov to permit their Turkmen wives to leave Ashgabat. The women, like Kazhyr, had traveled home solely to renew their passports and were then prevented from departing without explanation.

Activists report that at least 60 families have faced similar issues. Following the January appeal, authorities reportedly allowed some women to leave. A source within the migration service said that of approximately 150 affected individuals, 60 have since returned to Turkey.

Kazhyr and her daughter, however, remain in Ashgabat. The child’s health continues to decline, and the family’s calls for justice remain unanswered.

03 Jul 2025

Central Asia, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Local Politics, Local Politics

Turkmenistan Still Requires COVID Tests and Visas for All Visitors

July 3, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Turkmenistan continues to enforce some of the strictest entry requirements in the world, including COVID-19 testing and complex visa procedures. According to a recent report by The Telegraph, all international arrivals are still subject to a mandatory PCR test at Ashgabat International Airport, despite the global rollback of pandemic-era measures.

The nasal swab test, which costs approximately US$31, remains a compulsory step for entry, even though proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required.

All foreign nationals must also obtain a visa and an official invitation letter before travel. For tourists, this invitation must come from a licensed Turkmen travel agency. Business travelers need a letter from the host organization, whether a private company or a government ministry. Applicants must then submit their visa request, along with the invitation, to a Turkmen embassy. Processing can take up to a month unless expedited service is requested, available for approximately US$150 for a 24-hour turnaround.

Travelers holding a certified invitation may be eligible for a visa on arrival at Ashgabat airport, but they must present the invitation letter upon entry. Without proper documentation, visitors risk being detained at the airport and denied entry.

Even transit passengers are subject to the same strict requirements, including a visa and invitation letter. A special short-term transit visa, valid for stays under five days, is available in limited cases. In addition, anyone staying in Turkmenistan for more than three days must register with the State Migration Service within 72 hours of arrival.

All foreign guests must also pay mandatory entry fees: a US$14 “migration fee” and a tourism tax of roughly US$2 per day.

A potential shift is on the horizon. In April 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved legislation introducing an electronic visa system. Once implemented, travelers will be able to complete a simplified online application process without the need for the traditional invitation letter. Authorities say the e-visa initiative is designed to streamline travel and boost tourism.

Until the new system is in place, however, Turkmenistan remains a tightly controlled destination with elaborate entry requirements and limited flexibility for international visitors.

03 Jul 2025

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

Kazakhstan’s Cotton Sector Continues to Shrink

July 3, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan’s cotton industry is in protracted decline, with key indicators – acreage, harvest volume, and profitability – showing sustained deterioration. Analysts at Energyprom.kz report that small farms, which dominate the sector, are increasingly abandoning cotton in favor of less expensive crops.

A Smallholder Sector in Crisis

According to the National Statistics Bureau, raw cotton production totaled 61.2 billion KZT ($117.4 million) in 2023, down 8% in real terms from the previous year. This marked the second consecutive year of decline in the physical volume index (PVI), reflecting waning interest in cotton cultivation.

The sector comprises around 25,000 agricultural enterprises and employs approximately 70,000 people. Small farms produce 91% of total output but are experiencing the steepest decline: their PVI fell to 88.6% in 2023. In contrast, large enterprises, which account for a minor share of production, saw a 50.7% increase in output.

Cotton is grown exclusively in the Turkestan region, where the cultivated area has shrunk from 223,700 hectares in 2003 to just 106,400 hectares in 2023. The gross harvest last year was 301,700 tons, 35.4% less than two decades ago. Modern agricultural technologies have helped maintain relatively stable yields despite shrinking acreage.

Water Shortages Undermine the Industry

The Ministry of Agriculture identifies severe irrigation water shortages as the primary obstacle to cotton production. While some losses have been mitigated through drip irrigation systems, such technologies are affordable only to large or investor-backed farms. For most smallholders, cotton cultivation has become too costly, prompting a shift to alternative crops.

The problem is systemic. In a parliamentary inquiry, Senator Murat Kadyrbek highlighted inadequate financing for agronomic measures and low purchase prices, which leave many farmers barely covering operating costs. Producers are seeking loan deferrals until they can secure income from harvests.

Eighty-five percent of Kazakhstan’s cotton is exported as raw material, with only 15% processed domestically. Even this limited share struggles to find buyers. In 2023, domestic processing plants operated at just 19.5% of their design capacity, according to the Bureau of National Statistics. Despite the launch of new facilities, including some with foreign investment, processing remains the industry’s weakest link.

Rising Costs, Competitive Pressures

High processing costs pose a major challenge. Processing cotton in Kazakhstan costs 150,000-170,000 KZT (approximately $300) per tonne, triple the cost in neighboring Uzbekistan and China.

Compounding the issue is poor fiber quality. While the global market demands fiber lengths of 35-60 cm, Kazakh cotton typically falls in the 20-25 cm range.

“To improve product quality and competitiveness, a dedicated state program for cotton development is urgently needed,” members of parliament urged. They advocate for collaborative action from both government agencies and producers to revitalize the sector.

02 Jul 2025

Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics

Bishkek Mayor Urges Investors to Avoid Corruption and Uphold Kyrgyz Law

July 2, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

Bishkek Mayor Aibek Junushaliyev has called on foreign investors to strictly comply with Kyrgyz legislation and avoid involvement in corrupt practices. His statement, published on the official city hall website, stresses the importance of lawful and transparent cooperation between government agencies and the business sector.

“We are confident that only transparent and lawful interaction between government agencies and the business community can become the basis for the sustainable development of the capital and attract investment,” Junushaliyev stated.

He affirmed that the mayor’s office remains open to dialogue, ready to support responsible investors, and committed to ensuring full transparency in transactions. However, he warned that any attempts to bypass the law through corrupt means would be met with firm opposition.

Background: Deputy Mayor Arrested

The mayor’s remarks follow the recent arrest of Bishkek Deputy Mayor Taalaibek Baigaziev by the State Committee for National Security. Baigaziev stands accused of soliciting a $35,000 bribe from a foreign company in exchange for lobbying efforts related to the capital’s thermal power plant reconstruction project. After partially failing to deliver on his promises, he was reportedly caught red-handed while returning a portion of the money. A criminal case has been opened against him.

Ongoing Projects and Investment Environment

In his statement, Junushaliyev highlighted major investment projects currently underway in Bishkek with foreign participation. These include the construction of a multifunctional residential and business complex on the site of the former hippodrome, a waste-to-energy incineration plant, and the modernization of the city’s sewage treatment facilities.

He stressed that all these initiatives are being carried out strictly within the bounds of the law and should serve as a model for future investment.

“The city administration will continue to adhere to a policy of openness, legality, and a firm stance against corruption,” he said. “If, during the implementation of a project, you encounter any unlawful actions by officials, such as extortion, coercion, or other forms of corruption, please report them immediately to the city hall’s anti-corruption department or law enforcement authorities.”

According to the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, foreign investment in Bishkek reached $525 million in 2024, a 50% increase compared to the previous year.

02 Jul 2025

Home, Environment, Central Asia, Kazakhstan Environment, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kazakhstan Home

Almaty Grapples with Year-Round Nitrogen Dioxide Crisis, Study Warns

July 2, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

A new study has revealed persistently dangerous levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, with motor vehicles identified as the primary source. Conducted by the Almaty Air Initiative over 2023-2024, the research highlights aging vehicles, inadequate emissions oversight, and coal-based heating as key contributors to chronically high NO₂ levels throughout the year.

With more than 600,000 vehicles on the roads daily, Almaty’s outdated and poorly regulated transport fleet is having a significant environmental impact. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, nearly one-third of the city’s vehicles are over 20 years old, many lacking catalytic converters that are standard in other countries.

NO₂ Levels Far Exceed Global Health Standards

Data from over 50 monitoring stations, installed as part of an Asian Development Bank-supported program, show that annual NO₂ concentrations in Almaty were 4.6 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits in 2023, and 4.2 times higher in 2024.

Only 16 days in 2024 met the WHO’s daily NO₂ threshold of 25 µg/m³. On 143 days, concentrations exceeded 40 µg/m³, posing health risks to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues. On seven days, levels surpassed 100 µg/m³, considered extremely hazardous for the general population.

Kazhydromet, Kazakhstan’s national weather agency, documented over 11,000 violations of the country’s maximum permissible concentration (MPC) for NO₂ in 2024, an average of nearly 30 per day.

Pollution Persists Across All Seasons

Unlike particulate matter (PM2.5), which typically spikes during the heating season, NO₂ pollution remains elevated year-round. Peak monthly averages reached nearly 100 µg/m³ in January 2023 and 80 µg/m³ in December 2024. Even in summer, concentrations hovered around 30-35 µg/m³, well above WHO guidelines.

In 2024, Almaty recorded 164 “clean” days based on PM2.5 levels (below the WHO’s 15 µg/m³ threshold), but just 16 days met the corresponding standard for NO₂, underscoring the pollutant’s persistent presence and underrecognized health risks.

Additional Contributors: Coal and Industry

Beyond traffic emissions, NO₂ levels are exacerbated by emissions from two coal-fired thermal power plants, as well as numerous private heating systems and small-scale boiler houses. The study also criticized Kazakhstan’s vehicle inspection system, which it says fails to identify or enforce emissions violations.

Study Urges Comprehensive Action

To tackle the NO₂ crisis, researchers recommend a suite of policy measures, including:

Transitioning public transport to gas and electric power
Phasing out coal-based heating in favor of gas
Installing emissions filters at thermal power plants and residential heating units
Establishing low-emission zones across Almaty
Encouraging walking and cycling for short trips
Strengthening vehicle inspection and emissions monitoring systems

With NO₂ now considered one of the most serious and persistent air quality threats in Central Asia, Almaty’s situation serves as a stark warning for other rapidly urbanizing cities in the region.