Page 238 – The Times Of Central Asia

13 Jun 2025

Home, Tajikistan International Affairs, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan International Affairs, Uzbekistan Features, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan International Affairs, Kazakhstan Featurees

Central Asia Responds to Escalation Between Israel and Iran

June 16, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Following extensive Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, defined by the Israeli military as a “preventive action” targeting Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, Central Asian governments have begun responding to the escalating conflict by reinforcing security protocols for their citizens in the region.

Kazakhstan: Embassy Issues Guidelines for Citizens in Israel

The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Tel Aviv has issued an official advisory to Kazakh citizens residing in or visiting Israel. The statement recommends:

Adhering strictly to instructions from the Israeli Home Front Command;
Maintaining heightened vigilance;
Monitoring verified news and official announcements;
Staying in regular contact with the Kazakh diplomatic mission.

Emergency hotlines have also been activated to provide immediate assistance to nationals.

Uzbekistan: Warning to Citizens in Iran and Israel

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a public advisory urging citizens in both Iran and Israel to exercise maximum caution. Recommendations include:

In Iran, being prepared to take shelter in designated bomb shelters;
In Israel, strictly following the directives of local authorities and the military;
Keeping identification documents and embassy contact information readily accessible;
Following updates through official and verified information channels.

The Foreign Ministry emphasized that the security situation remains volatile and requires prompt attention from Uzbek citizens in the affected areas.

Airlines Reroute to Avoid Conflict Zone

Kazakh carriers Air Astana and FlyArystan have altered several flight routes to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace, which has been closed amid rising tensions. Destinations affected include Dubai, Doha, Sharm El-Sheikh, Manama, and Medina. Passengers are advised to check their flight status in advance, as changes to departure and arrival times are expected.

Regional Watch: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan

As of June 13, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan have not issued formal statements regarding the conflict. However, diplomatic sources report that embassies and consulates across the region have been placed on high alert and are closely monitoring developments.

Earlier today, the Israeli military confirmed the launch of a military operation targeting what it described as “dozens of strategic sites” in Iran, including suspected nuclear facilities. Tehran has condemned the strikes and pledged a “harsh and symmetrical response.” The international community has expressed growing concern that the conflict could broaden, destabilizing the wider region.

13 Jun 2025

Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan’s E-Commerce Sector Expands Fivefold Since 2020

June 13, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan’s e-commerce sector reached a volume of approximately KZT 3.2 trillion ($6.2 billion) in 2024, marking a fivefold increase since 2020, according to Deputy Minister of Trade and Integration Aset Nusupov. The announcement was made at the Astana International Trade Forum.

Nusupov emphasized that digital trade has become a strategic pillar of Kazakhstan’s economic development, export diversification, and integration into global value chains. “At the end of 2024, e-commerce in Kazakhstan amounted to about KZT 3.2 trillion, with volumes increasing fivefold since 2020,” he stated. “The potential for growth remains high, given our strong digital infrastructure, advanced fintech ecosystem, and more than 8 million young, active users.”

E-commerce currently accounts for 14.1% of Kazakhstan’s total retail trade. The Ministry aims to raise this figure to 18.5% by 2029, more than double the current level. Authorities acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic served as a major catalyst for growth in the sector, as lockdowns and social distancing measures accelerated the shift toward contactless commerce.

Nusupov highlighted the sector’s global trajectory, noting that roughly 30% of the world’s population now shops online. The global e-commerce market is valued at $6.3 trillion as of 2024 and is expected to grow to $8.3 trillion in the coming years.

Kazakhstan’s participation in this trend has had tangible economic benefits. According to the deputy minister, the country’s trade deficit in services, reflecting a surplus of imports over exports, fell from $3.65 billion in 2016 to $1.81 billion in 2023, partly due to the expansion of e-commerce.

To maintain momentum, Kazakhstan has adopted a national plan for e-commerce development through 2027. The strategy prioritizes legislative reform, educational programs, financial support for entrepreneurs, and investment in logistics infrastructure. Legislative initiatives aim to strengthen consumer protection and establish regulatory parity between online and offline retail sectors.

Kazakhstan is also engaged in international efforts to expand cross-border e-commerce. Meanwhile, as previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, domestic debates continue over increasing taxation on foreign e-commerce platforms, an issue that has gained traction in recent years.

13 Jun 2025

Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Opinions, International Affairs, Uzbekistan Features, Kyrgyzstan, Opinions, Features, Kazakhstan Opinions, Kyrgyzstan Opinions, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kyrgyzstan Features

Opinion: China–Central Asia Partnership – Seeking Opportunity in a World of Uncertainty

June 14, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

Leaders from China and the five Central Asian countries will gather in Astana on Monday, two years after their inaugural summit in the Chinese city of Xi’an. However, as Chinese President Xi Jinping has often noted, “Our world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century.” The geopolitical landscape is markedly different from that of their first meeting, with both China and the Central Asian nations now facing a world of increasing uncertainty.

In April, foreign ministers from China and the Central Asian countries convened in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed concern over the rising tide of protectionism and unilateralism. He criticized the United States for launching a tariff war against more than 180 countries, saying it undermines international trade and destabilizes the global economy. Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment to openness. “China will consistently promote a high degree of openness, share opportunities with the world, and take responsibility for upholding international norms,” he said.

Wang’s remarks were echoed by the Central Asian representatives, who voiced strong support for China’s vision of building a “community with a shared future” and pledged to deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, said that China and Central Asian nations have set clear guidelines for collaboration in trade, energy, transport and logistics, education, and science.

The ties between China and Central Asia stretch back to the ancient Silk Road camel caravans that carried not only goods but also cultures. At the first China-Central Asia summit in Xi’an, Chinese President Xi said: “Back in 2013, I put forward the initiative of jointly building a Silk Road Economic Belt during my first visit to Central Asia as Chinese president.” Like an echo of millennia past, the ancient Silk Road now finds its modern expression through connectivity and cooperation.

In May, the first tourist train linking the Chinese city of Xi’an and Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, made its inaugural journey. Also in May, Kyrgyzstan’s State Civil Aviation Agency reached an agreement with Chinese aviation authorities to open a new air route to the Chinese city of Kashgar. As part of the Air Silk Road initiative, this will become the second direct air link between Central Asia and Western China.

The first tourist train between Xi’an and Almaty; image: CGTN

This is in addition to a key milestone in the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project. In April, construction began on a 12-kilometer tunnel in Kyrgyzstan’s Jalal-Abad region. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Kyrgyz Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Bakyt Torobayev, stated: “This project is not only of infrastructural importance. It paves the way for improved quality of life, economic growth, and stronger ties between regions and peoples.”

China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway; image: CGTN

Beyond infrastructure, Kyrgyzstan is working to integrate with China’s banking payment system. A significant step was taken during a recent meeting in Beijing, where the finance ministers of both countries agreed to establish financial infrastructure for cross-border settlements and deepen interbank cooperation.

Meanwhile, in June, Kazakhstan and China launched a high-tech chip manufacturing project with an investment of $50 million. Once completed, the plant in Semey will produce microchips, microcircuits, optoelectronic modules, intelligent host controllers, and electronic displays.

As the world undergoes profound and unprecedented change, Central Asia — strategically positioned between East and West, endowed with abundant natural resources, and emerging as a vital hub for diplomatic engagement — stands at the forefront of global relevance. In this context, China and its partners in the region are advancing a powerful narrative of mutual benefit and shared prosperity.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the publication, its affiliates, or any other organizations mentioned, including CGTN.

12 Jun 2025

Environment, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Features, Tajikistan Environment

Tajikistan Pursues Cotton Reform with EU Backing

June 12, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

The European Union’s support for green transitions presents a real opportunity for Tajikistan to achieve sustainable agricultural development, particularly in the cotton industry, according to Mizrob Amirbekov, an agricultural development expert. Amirbekov highlighted this potential, underscoring the importance of international assistance in modernizing the sector, addressing environmental and social challenges, and establishing a fair and transparent production system.

Rising Demand, Persistent Problems

As global demand for environmentally friendly textiles grows, Tajikistan has a unique chance to establish a sustainable model for cotton production, Amirbekov explained. Increased interest in natural fabrics, driven by both demographic growth and technological advancements, is pushing the industry toward transformation. However, this economic potential is clouded by persistent challenges, including environmental stress, social risks such as forced labor, and a lack of transparency across the supply chain.

The global cotton sector has long faced scrutiny over high water consumption, widespread pesticide use, and unethical labor practices. In response, consumers and international regulators are increasingly pressing for a shift to more sustainable production methods.

EU Investment and National Reform

Tajikistan has begun responding to these challenges. In 2024, it approved the National Strategy for the Development of the Cotton and Textile Industry through 2040, prioritizing modernization, cost reduction, and the expansion of high-value-added production chains.

The European Union is playing a central role in this transformation, having allocated a €19.88 million grant to support the sector’s green transition. The funds aim to advance digital technologies, assist small and medium-sized enterprises, and help the industry adapt to climate change impacts, from droughts to rising temperatures.

“This is not merely financial aid, it’s an opportunity to build a truly sustainable cotton production system,” said Amirbekov. “Farmers and buyers need to understand the principles of sustainability and how agriculture can become a driver of the green economy.”

Ongoing Social and Environmental Challenges

Despite signs of progress, Amirbekov noted that significant problems persist. Farmers report that forced labor continues in some areas, with schoolchildren and unrelated government employees involved in cotton harvesting, practices that violate Tajikistan’s international commitments and damage the credibility of its organic cotton sector.

Environmental impacts are equally severe. Producing a single T-shirt can consume up to 2,700 liters of water, and nearly a kilogram of pesticides may be used per hectare. Amirbekov stressed the need to adopt certified standards such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), to promote sustainable cotton varieties, and to implement precision farming.

“Climate change is already reducing yields, droughts, floods, and temperature fluctuations are becoming more common,” he warned.

To address this, he advocates for sustainable seed varieties, efficient irrigation, and participation in carbon reduction programs.

Amirbekov also criticized the cotton supply chain as fragmented and poorly regulated, undermining trust from international buyers and complicating the enforcement of sustainability standards. He called for the introduction of digital platforms to track supply chains in real time.

Social inequality is another concern: women and small-scale farmers often face limited access to markets and lack property rights. Incorporating fair trade practices, supporting cooperatives, and enforcing gender equity policies could dramatically improve conditions in the sector.

Innovation, Oversight, and the Path Forward

Technology will also be vital to Tajikistan’s green transition. Tools such as blockchain for supply tracking, automated harvesting systems, sustainable fiber processing, and alternative materials can all help reduce environmental damage.

Amirbekov cited the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) in Tajikistan as a case study with mixed results. While the program has aimed to support sustainable farming, many participants complain about low purchase prices for organic cotton. At a March 2024 conference in Dushanbe, stakeholders called for more rigorous oversight by donors and regulatory agencies.

In conclusion, Amirbekov identified four priorities for Tajikistan’s sustainable cotton transition:

Develop domestic processing and logistics infrastructure
Forge partnerships across the full supply chain—from field to fabric
Promote a distinctive Tajik organic cotton brand
Establish reliable export channels

With a fair, coordinated approach, he believes Tajikistan has the potential to become a regional leader in sustainable agricultural production.

12 Jun 2025

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy

EBRD Provides $250 Million Loan to Upgrade Uzbekistan’s Irrigation Pumps

June 12, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a sovereign loan of up to $250 million (€240 million) to support the modernization of 110 irrigation pumping stations across Uzbekistan.

The funding, allocated to the Ministry of Water Resources, will enable the installation of modern, energy-efficient pumps in 10 regions. According to the EBRD, the project is expected to reduce electricity consumption by approximately 251,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually and cut CO₂-equivalent emissions by more than 117,000 tons per year. The financing will also cover refurbishment of related infrastructure and the installation of rooftop solar panels at select stations.

This initiative is a core part of Uzbekistan’s national irrigation modernization program, which aims to reduce electricity consumption across the irrigation system by 25%. The program also includes the deployment of water-saving technologies that will reach nearly half of the country’s irrigated farmland.

Currently, Uzbekistan operates over 1,600 irrigation pumping stations, an energy-intensive network crucial for the country’s agricultural sector. Recognizing the need for improved efficiency, the water management sector has declared 2025 the “Year of Enhancing Pumping Station Efficiency.”

In recent years, the country has invested $1 billion in upgrading major stations such as Karshi, Amu-Bukhara, and Amu-Zang. However, the degradation of smaller and mid-sized stations has continued to drive up irrigation water costs.

Efforts to conserve water are also underway. By concreting 550 kilometers of canals and ditches, water supply to 200,000 hectares of farmland has been stabilized, saving an estimated 450 million cubic meters of water annually. In 2025, Uzbekistan plans to concrete an additional 18,000 kilometers of main canals nationwide.

12 Jun 2025

Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics

E-Scooter Ban and Moped Crackdown on Bishkek’s Agenda

June 12, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

The Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, has called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Bishkek City Council to urgently address the rising threat posed by electric scooters and mopeds on city sidewalks. Lawmakers claim that the growing presence of these vehicles has made pedestrians fearful and contributed to an increase in traffic accidents, some of them fatal.

Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, has formally appealed to the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Mayor of Bishkek to take swift and decisive action.

“Most scooter and moped drivers are children. They do not have driver’s licenses, and mopeds are not captured by traffic cameras. Many countries have strict regulations for such vehicles. We need to implement similar rules,” said Turgunbek uulu.

Lawmakers argue that the unchecked proliferation of electric scooters, often abandoned on sidewalks, makes Bishkek resemble cities in Southeast Asia. According to the Patrol Service, the capital has seen a sharp rise in accidents involving scooters and mopeds, with 186 incidents recorded since the beginning of 2025, resulting in six deaths and 207 injuries. This marks a 118% increase compared to the previous year.

In response, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has proposed a total ban on electric scooter rentals, asserting that rental users are the primary source of risk. Many of them ride at high speeds, ignore traffic rules, and operate scooters on sidewalks and narrow alleys. Authorities also point out that rental companies often neglect maintenance, leaving safety unchecked. The city’s infrastructure, they argue, is ill-equipped to manage the growing number of scooters.

“Everyone rides however they want, there are no rules and no responsibility,” a police spokesperson commented.

To improve safety on highways, the ministry also recommends mandatory registration for mopeds and the introduction of a new driver’s license category, M1.

Parliamentarians have drafted a bill currently under review by the State Security and National Security Committee. It introduces a new classification, individual mobility device (IMD), modeled after similar legislation in Russia. Under the proposal, all IMDs capable of exceeding 50 km/h, or with an engine displacement over 50cc or a power output above 4 kW, must be registered. Less powerful IMDs would require users to obtain a special license, available from the age of 14.

The Bishkek city administration has expressed support for the Interior Ministry’s proposals but emphasized that implementing the new rules would necessitate revisiting existing agreements with scooter rental firms.