Page 3 – The Times Of Central Asia

31 Mar 2026

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

Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Establish Business Council to Boost Trade

March 31, 2026
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have established a joint Business Council aimed at strengthening trade and economic cooperation, according to Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The council was formally launched on March 26 during a meeting in Tashkent attended by a delegation led by Mohammad Karim Hashimi, chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment. The inaugural session brought together representatives from both countries’ business communities and relevant institutions.

The council comprises 32 members. On the Uzbek side, participants include officials from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and representatives of sectoral associations. The Afghan delegation includes members of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment as well as executives from leading private companies.

Discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, fostering direct business-to-business cooperation, and launching new joint projects. Priority sectors identified for collaboration include construction materials, pharmaceuticals, food production, textiles, electrical engineering, and petroleum products.

Both sides set a target of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion in the near term. To support this goal, they agreed on several priority measures, including expanding export capacity, introducing digital customs systems, improving financial and insurance services, and increasing transparency in trade procedures.

Participants also emphasized the importance of regularly organizing exhibitions, business forums, and business-to-business meetings to strengthen ties between entrepreneurs and facilitate partnerships.

Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Davron Vakhobov, highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting that it would help establish direct dialogue between businesses, create new partnerships, and boost investment activity.

The creation of the Business Council builds on recent growth in economic ties between the two countries. Uzbekistan has described its relationship with Afghanistan as “friendly and constructive,” with bilateral trade reportedly increasing 2.5 times over the past five years-from $653 million in 2021 to $1.7 billion in 2025.

31 Mar 2026

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

Increased Funding for Science in Kazakhstan Has Yet to Yield Results

March 31, 2026
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan has significantly increased its spending on research and development, but this has yet to translate into a noticeable economic impact. Analysts point to structural imbalances and a weak link between science and business.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, research and development (R&D) funding in 2025 amounted to approximately $549 million, an increase of 19% compared to the previous year and nearly threefold over the past five years. At the same time, the funding structure has shifted toward greater state involvement. The share of budgetary funds rose to 81.5%, up from 51.3% in 2020, while private sector participation has declined to minimal levels.

Experts note that this model limits the commercialization of scientific developments, which in most countries is primarily driven by the business sector.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has previously stated that science funding has yet to deliver practical results, highlighting systemic inefficiencies and the ineffective use of resources.

More than half of total funding, about $282 million, is allocated to research staff salaries. Meanwhile, approximately $117 million is spent on equipment, materials, and infrastructure. Funding for experimental design and development work, critical for bringing technologies to market, has declined to around $29 million, down from the previous year. Most expenditures continue to be directed toward basic and applied research.

Despite increased investment, science’s contribution to the economy remains limited. R&D spending accounted for approximately 0.16% of GDP in 2025, unchanged from the previous year. Industry participation in scientific research also remains low, with spending in key sectors such as metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and the chemical industry lagging behind.

Analysts argue that without a stronger role for the private sector and more effective commercialization mechanisms, increased funding is unlikely to produce significant technological outcomes.

31 Mar 2026

Central Asia, Uzbekistan Environment, Environment, Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Home

Uzbekistan Launches “Clean Air” Project to Cut Pollution by 2030

March 31, 2026
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan has approved a nationwide environmental initiative aimed at improving air quality and reducing pollution over the next five years, according to a presidential decree published on March 25.

The decree outlines the implementation of the “Clean Air” national project for 2026-2030. The program sets a target of reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere by 10.5% and strengthening environmental monitoring across key industrial sectors.

Under the plan, enterprises classified as having a significant environmental impact will be required to install automatic monitoring systems, as well as dust and gas purification equipment. The initiative also aims to reduce the number of days when air pollution levels, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), exceed national safety standards.

Special attention is being given to the capital. Authorities have extended the mandate of a government commission tasked with addressing environmental challenges in Tashkent until March 1, 2027. The body has also been elevated to a national-level commission, reflecting its expanded scope of responsibility.

From April 1, 2026, a moratorium will be introduced on the creation of new industrial zones in Tashkent, with no specified end date. The measure is intended to limit additional pressure on the city’s already strained air quality.

The decree also introduces stricter environmental requirements in the construction sector starting June 1. Developers will be required to equip building sites with environmental monitoring systems linked to a centralized database managed by the Ecology Committee. In addition, construction sites must install online surveillance cameras to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Companies found to be in violation of environmental regulations will face penalties through a rating system within the national “Transparent Construction” platform. Environmental impact assessments will also become mandatory for all major construction and urban planning projects.

New building designs exceeding specified size thresholds must allocate at least 30% of land area to green spaces, reflecting a broader effort to expand urban greenery.

In recent years, air quality in Tashkent has deteriorated significantly. Experts attribute the problem to industrial emissions, seasonal dust storms, rapid urban development, and the loss of green spaces. Despite a formal ban, an estimated 49,000 trees have been cut down since 2019.

According to the Ministry of Ecology, PM2.5 levels in the capital frequently exceed World Health Organization guidelines. During severe smog episodes in early 2024, pollution levels reached up to 22 times the recommended annual limits, posing serious risks to public health.

31 Mar 2026

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

Kyrgyz School in Tajikistan Closes Due to Lack of Students

March 31, 2026
By Vagit Ismailov

The only Kyrgyz-language school in the Tajik town of Kanibadam has been reorganized following a sharp decline in student enrollment. By the time it closed, only one student and one teacher remained.

According to an order from the mayor of Kanibadam, School No. 28 in the village of Sanjizor was converted into a branch of School No. 41, located in the neighboring village of Jahonzeb. Authorities attributed the decision to the low number of students. Firuza Abduvokhidzoda, head of the town’s education department, said the sole student and teacher were transferred to Boarding School No. 40.

Previously, the school had just one third-grade student, taught by a single teacher who also served as principal.

Regional authorities attribute the situation to population outflow. Gulsara Mirzozoda, head of the Sughd Region Education Department, said the number of students and teachers has significantly decreased in recent years due to migration to Kyrgyzstan.

Despite the lack of students, the school’s support staff continued to work. The building has a capacity of 208 students.

School No. 28 was founded in 1932. At various times, up to 500 students attended, and the curriculum included instruction in the Kyrgyz language alongside standard subjects.

As recently as last year, the school had three students, but a further decline in enrollment made it impossible to continue operating in its previous format.

Local authorities have also linked the situation to broader regional developments, including border tensions and security concerns. The town previously gained notoriety following a series of violent incidents.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, between March and December 2024, 23 people from seven families were killed in a wave of violence in the area. The killings began on the night of March 28-29, when five members of a single family were found dead in their home.

31 Mar 2026

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

Chinese Firm Begins Construction of Wind Farm in Kazakhstan

March 31, 2026
By Sergey Kwan

China’s State Power Investment Corporation has begun construction of a 1 GW wind farm in northern Kazakhstan. The project, located near the city of Ekibastuz in the Pavlodar region, is being implemented jointly with Pavlodar Green Energy LLP under agreements signed with the Energy Ministry on January 29.

According to the ministry, foreign direct investment in the project will total approximately $1.2 billion, with commissioning scheduled for 2029.

The wind farm will include a 300 MW energy storage system designed to stabilize electricity output and support Kazakhstan’s unified power grid. Once operational, the facility is expected to generate around 3.4 billion kWh of electricity annually.

The project is also projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2 million tonnes of CO₂ per year.

In 2025, renewable energy generation reached 8.6 billion kWh, exceeding official targets by 19.4%. Renewables accounted for 7% of total electricity output, up from 6.43% in 2024.

Kazakhstan currently operates 162 renewable energy facilities with a combined capacity of approximately 3.5 GW. In 2026, authorities plan to increase renewable output to 8.8 billion kWh through the launch of 10 new projects, including wind, solar, and hydropower plants.

Despite growth in renewables, Kazakhstan remains heavily dependent on coal and natural gas. Total electricity generation stood at 123.1 billion kWh in 2025 and is expected to rise to 126.5 billion kWh in 2026.

The government is also advancing plans to add 7.6 GW of coal-fired generation capacity, supported by reserves estimated at over 33 billion tonnes.

At the same time, Kazakhstan aims to increase the share of renewables to 15% by 2030 and 50% by 2050, alongside plans to update legislation on alternative energy and hydrogen development.

The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Kazakhstan is launching a large-scale investment program in the energy sector. By 2030, the country plans to attract at least $15.5 billion for the development of coal-fired power generation. The corresponding national project has been approved by the government.

31 Mar 2026

Central Asia, Home, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Business Economy, Business & Economy, Tajikistan Home

Chinese Company Plans to Build Solar Power Plant in Tajikistan

March 31, 2026
By Vagit Ismailov

Authorities in Tajikistan’s Khatlon region are in talks with a Chinese company over the construction of a 500-megawatt solar power plant, a project that could significantly reshape the region’s energy landscape.

The proposal was discussed at a meeting between Khatlon regional head Davlatali Said and representatives of the Chinese company SETS.

For a region where power outages remain a persistent issue, the project could mark an important step forward. With population growth and rising energy demand placing increasing strain on the existing grid, authorities are turning to alternative energy sources. Regional officials expect the plant to help reduce electricity shortages and improve environmental conditions.

The Chinese side has expressed readiness to invest in the project and introduce modern technologies. The company reportedly has experience implementing similar energy projects, including in Central Asia.

Although the project remains at the discussion stage, the parties are already considering key aspects of implementation, including construction timelines and personnel training. If agreements are finalized, the solar power plant in Khatlon could become one of the largest renewable energy projects in Tajikistan.