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05 Dec 2025

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Kyrgyzstan and Britain Sign Landmark Agreement on Critical Minerals Cooperation

December 5, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kyrgyzstan and the United Kingdom have taken a significant step toward strengthening their partnership in the global critical minerals market, signing a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) in London.

The agreement was formalized by Stephen Doughty, UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, and Meder Mashiev, Kyrgyz Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision.

The document outlines cooperation in geological exploration, the implementation of high environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, development of business ties, and the exchange of expertise. For Bishkek, the MoU establishes a new platform for deeper economic engagement with the UK, one of the world’s leading financial and technological hubs, while facilitating foreign investment and joint projects in the critical minerals sector.

Mashiev arrived in London as part of the Kyrgyz government delegation attending London Mining Week, which runs from December 1 to 6. Speaking at the MINEX Eurasia conference on December 1, he presented the country’s long-term strategy for developing its critical minerals sector.

According to him, Kyrgyzstan’s deposits of antimony, beryllium, molybdenum, bismuth, zinc, silver, and other critical minerals represent significant commercial and strategic value for global industries, particularly in energy, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.

State-owned companies, including Kyrgyzgeology, are leading exploration and development efforts, supported by government incentives and an open-door policy toward international collaboration. Strategic sites are being actively promoted for joint ventures and direct foreign investment.

Mashiev emphasized that Kyrgyzstan’s strategy places a strong focus on high ESG standards, aiming to ensure environmentally responsible development, social transparency, and meaningful benefits for local communities. The government’s objective is to position the country as a competitive and responsible supplier of critical minerals essential to global green transition technologies.

Kyrgyzstan’s ambitions are backed by substantial geological potential. Speaking at the International Forum on Critical Minerals 2025 in Seoul in May, Deputy Minister Marat Jusupbekov noted that the country is home to 11 deposits of rare earth elements, positioning it as an increasingly attractive destination for global investors.

One of Kyrgyzstan’s most valuable assets is the Kutessay II deposit, which contains more than 63,300 tons of rare earth metals, along with molybdenum, silver, bismuth, lead, and zinc. The government is promoting joint development of this deposit in tandem with the nearby Kalesai beryllium site, which holds an estimated 11,700 tons of beryllium. Both sites are licensed to Kyrgyzgeology, which is actively seeking foreign investment partners.

Jusupbekov also highlighted the potential of the Kyzyl-Ompol uranium-thorium group, including the Tash-Bulak area, where titanium-magnetite reserves are estimated at 5.5 million tons. This project is licensed to Kyrgyzaltyn, the country’s largest gold mining enterprise.

With global demand for critical minerals rising due to the renewable energy transition and growth in advanced manufacturing, Kyrgyzstan’s latest agreements and strategic initiatives aim to position the country as an emerging player in this fast-evolving, high-value market.

05 Dec 2025

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The Future of Kyrgyz Tech – Scaling Global Companies, Attracting Foreign Capital

December 8, 2025
By Owen Prew

In the second installment of our exclusive two-part interview, The Times of Central Asia continues its deep dive into Kyrgyzstan’s evolving tech landscape with Elena Nechaeva, Head of Communications at the High Technology Park of the Kyrgyz Republic (HTP).

Last week, we explored the startups and entrepreneurs who are currently building and scaling global businesses.

If you missed it, you can read the first part of the interview here.

This week, we focus on policy reform, cross-border cooperation, investor outreach, and the path ahead for Kyrgyz entrepreneurs in an increasingly globally competitive market.

Image: The High Technology Park, Kyrgyz Republic

TCA: In terms of regulation and policy, what improvements or reforms would you like to see to better support innovation?

Elena Nechaeva: There are several policy improvements that could really accelerate innovation in Kyrgyzstan, and many tech leaders have been very open about them.

One of the biggest needs is a clearer national strategy for startups. Now, it’s not fully defined who exactly drives startup development and what the government’s long-term role should be. A coordinated approach with clear ownership would help the ecosystem grow much faster.

Another important area is venture legislation and a stronger legal framework. Founders and investors often mention the need for a proper venture law, elements of English common law, and better protection of intellectual property. These changes would make it far easier to attract long-term capital and for investors to feel confident working with local companies.

There’s also a lot of focus on the importance of modernizing higher education and expanding international partnerships. Strong engineering programs and links between academia and industry are essential for deep-tech development.

And finally, Kyrgyzstan needs policies that help retain and attract talent. The digital nomad visa is already showing positive results, but it can be expanded.

TCA: How does the Kyrgyz Republic’s tech ecosystem compare to others in Central Asia or the wider region?

Nechaeva: If you look at the region by population size, Kyrgyzstan is much smaller – about 7 million people, compared to nearly 20 million in Kazakhstan and over 36 million in Uzbekistan. And yet, with a far smaller talent pool and fewer resources, the country already exports more than $130 million in IT services, almost entirely to global markets.

Whilst Kyrgyzstan’s tech ecosystem is smaller than some of our neighbors, it is one of the fastest-growing. What makes it different is that it is being developed from the bottom up – driven by founders, engineers, and communities rather than large state programs. That’s why the ecosystem is very agile, open, with a real-world focus on exports.

Another difference is the mindset: Kyrgyz startups grow with a “global from day one” approach. They don’t build for a domestic market – they build for the U.S., Europe, and the wider world from day one. That creates a very different culture and pushes teams to compete internationally right from the start.

So, while our ecosystem is smaller in size, it’s fast, flexible, and globally focused, and that’s exactly why it’s gaining attention in the region.

TCA: Is HTP actively working to attract foreign investors or international companies? If so, how?

Nechaeva: Yes, the HTP is highly active in attracting foreign investors and international companies. We participate in major global tech events, GITEX Dubai, Gamescom, CES, Digital Bridge, ICT Week, Web Summit, and others, where we showcase Kyrgyz companies and IT solutions, meet with investors, and build long-term partnerships.

A central part of our strategy is the KIT Forum, our flagship annual event held at the end of May each year.

Last year, we welcomed participants from over 20 countries, hosted 60-plus speakers, drew more than 3,000 attendees, and featured over 40 companies at the expo.

HTP also operates a dedicated Global Development Department, which builds relationships with foreign companies, facilitates international communication, and works to attract both investors and tech firms to Kyrgyzstan.

Our approach is clear: maintain global presence, build trust, and demonstrate that Kyrgyzstan is an emerging tech hub with fantastic talent, competitive operating costs, and an open, business-friendly environment.

TCA: Are there partnerships or joint ventures with other tech parks or innovation hubs across the EAEU, CIS, or globally?

Nechaeva: Yes, Kyrgyzstan is actively engaged in several regional and international tech initiatives.

The country participates in regional forums and exchanges, such as the Digital Startup Awards (DSA), which held its semi-finals in Kyrgyzstan and brought together innovation hubs from across Central Asia, including Uzbekistan’s IT Park, demonstrating strong regional collaboration.

The Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies signed an MoU with Central Asia Capital Investment Fund to create a new technology hub in Tokmok, combining manufacturing, high-tech infrastructure, and startup support.

Another strong example is our cooperation with the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), which co-organized the KIT Forum, now a shared platform for innovation across the Turkic world.

We also partner with organizations like Accelerate Prosperity, which operates throughout Central Asia and supports cross-border startup programs, joint pitch sessions, and investor engagement.

TCA: What is the USP for launching a tech company in Kyrgyzstan right now?

Nechaeva: Kyrgyzstan’s unique advantage lies in its speed, affordability, and global accessibility. It’s one of the few places where you can register a company in just three business days, maintain 100% foreign ownership, and operate fully remotely without a physical office.

The regulatory environment is streamlined, government-backed, and legally protected, giving founders vital certainty.

HTP’s regulatory and fiscal framework has also been tailored for export-oriented tech businesses. The generous tax incentives ensure that more capital goes toward growth rather than taxation.

Operational costs are extremely competitive; Kyrgyzstan ranks among the most affordable countries globally, allowing startups to extend their runway and reinvest in product and talent. The banking infrastructure is also robust, with 21 banks and over 1,000 service points, making it easy for international founders to operate.

The country also boasts a growing, export-driven tech workforce supported by modern tech hubs, co-working spaces, and the HTP community of over 500 companies exporting to 63 countries. While the domestic market is small, the ecosystem is globally focused from the outset.

Finally, lifestyle is a major draw. Kyrgyzstan offers pristine natural beauty, rivers, forests, alpine lakes, and world-class mountains. You can finish a work call and be hiking or skiing within 20 minutes. For many in tech, the balance between global work and active outdoor living is a major incentive – think Boulder, Colorado, but without the price tag.

TCA: What new initiatives or developments can we expect from the High Technology Park in the next year or two?

Nechaeva: In the next 12-24 months, the HTP will evolve from being primarily a virtual tax regime into a more physical, innovation-driven ecosystem. One of our most exciting developments is the creation of a new High-Tech Laboratory, a space to bring together founders, researchers, deep-tech teams, and innovators from across the country.

This initiative supports teams like ArtSkin, whose advanced work in prosthetic technology demands specialized infrastructure. The lab will enable experimentation, prototyping, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in AI, deep tech, engineering, and hardware at a level previously unavailable in Kyrgyzstan.

HTP will continue to be the region’s easiest place to launch a tech company, but soon, it will also be where breakthrough technologies are built.

TCA: How do you envision the HTP shaping Kyrgyzstan’s digital economy by 2030?

Nechaeva: By 2030, HTP aims to be a central driver for Kyrgyzstan’s digital economy. President Sadyr Japarov has already identified tech as a national priority.

Our goals include significantly increasing IT exports, scaling globally competitive product companies, and nurturing a deeper talent pool of engineers, researchers, and founders. HTP will be more than a launchpad; it will be the innovation core for deep-tech, AI, and engineering.

In 2024, HTP resident revenue reached $131 million, a more than sixfold growth since 2018. Under conservative projections, we expect revenues to hit $600-750 million by 2030, and under an accelerated strategy, to surpass $1 billion.

With a GDP of roughly $16-17 billion, this means IT already comprises around 1% of the national economy, nearly all from exports. If HTP maintains its trajectory, tech could account for 3-5% of GDP and 10-20% of exports, creating thousands of high-paying jobs in the country.

In short, if we meet our targets, IT will become one of the key pillars of the economy by 2030.

TCA: Are there emerging technologies or trends that the park is particularly focused on (e.g., blockchain, green tech, quantum computing)?

Nechaeva: AI is the leading area of focus for HTP. Teams are already working on speech tech, automation, analytics, and applied AI, with strong momentum continuing to build.

We are also increasingly focusing on blockchain and Web3. Kyrgyzstan recently hosted a major Web3 conference, and government interest in developing this sector is growing. HTP plans to support blockchain ventures through regulation, education, and global partnerships.

TCA: Finally, Elena, what message would you like to send to young Kyrgyz entrepreneurs or worldwide tech talent considering starting a technology business in Kyrgyzstan?

Nechaeva: In tech, the winners are those who spot opportunities before they go mainstream. They notice momentum in places others overlook.

Kyrgyzstan is one of those places: a small country with no coastline, no oil, and no vast population, but with something far more valuable: great Wi-Fi, a fantastic talent pool, low costs, a builder’s mindset, and a community that knows how to grow from the ground up; and did I mention how stunningly beautiful it is?

In the coming years, I hope that Kyrgyzstan will become a story of how a small nation used technology, creativity, and global reach to outperform expectations.

And right now is the perfect time to become part of that story, before it becomes the headline. The door is open. Jump in while the momentum is just beginning.

Thank you to Elena Nechaeva and the High Technology Park for providing The Times of Central Asia with such a detailed insight into Kyrgyzstan’s digital innovation ecosystem.

If you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, international investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, then you can find out more about the High Technology Park at: https://htp.kg/

05 Dec 2025

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La Tregua: A Bridge Across Wars and Worlds – An Interview with Director Miguel Ángel Vivas

December 5, 2025
By Ola Fiedorczuk

In the misty green heart of Bizkaia, where mountains rise like ancient sentinels and the air carries the scent of rain and earth, a remarkable filmmaking journey unfurled. This is where director Miguel Ángel Vivas Moreno, known for Money Heist (La Casa de Papel), Cicatriz, Desaparecidos, and Secuestrados, reconstructed one of the most haunting landscapes of the twentieth century: a Soviet gulag on the distant Kazakh steppe.

His new film, La Tregua (The Truce), invites viewers into a story based on actual events that unfolded far from Spain, but holds deep ties to its history. It traces the ordeal of Spanish prisoners during World War II who fell into Soviet hands and were compelled to endure the harsh, frozen conditions of a labor camp. Their struggle becomes a bridge between past and present, between countries and cultures, and between two men who must learn to recognize each other beyond the uniforms that once made them enemies.

All images courtesy of the production

The project is an unprecedented Spanish-Kazakh co-production from Spassk 99, AIE, Amanat Capital, LTD, and Umaifilm, LLP. This partnership gives the film a reach that feels genuinely cross-continental. It is a motion picture passport that opens a window onto a forgotten corner of global history.

At the center of the story are Miguel Herrán and Arón Piper, who step into the roles of Reyes and Salgado. The characters appear as ideological enemies; having fought on opposing sides during the Spanish Civil War, both carry heavy psychological baggage. Inside the camp, their former certainties fall away. What begins as uneasy coexistence becomes an inward journey shaped by hunger, fear, and the starkness of their new reality.

Executive producer César Benítez recalls searching for two actors capable of expressing both the physical exhaustion of imprisonment and the spark of hope that keeps a person standing. He says that the moment he saw Miguel and Arón together, he recognized that rare blend of fragility and fire.

Miguel Ángel Vivas talked to TCA to break down the challenges and highlights behind the production.

All images courtesy of the production

TCA: The story is fictional, but it is based on real events in Kazakhstan. Can you explain the historical context and how it inspired La Tregua?

Miguel: The story begins with a documentary about Spaniards in the Soviet gulags. That’s where we discovered that republicans and fascists shared the same prison two years after the Spanish Civil War ended. It struck us as a fascinating starting point for a human story about the relationships that formed between them.

All images courtesy of the production

TCA: The premise is intriguing: how two fighters on opposite sides of the Spanish Civil War end up in a gulag in Kazakhstan. In an increasingly polarized world, is there a lesson in the film to help heal the wounds that divide Spain, or even the world in general?

Miguel: That was the idea! In such a polarized world, I felt it was necessary to make a film about what unites us rather than divides us. The film is universal. In it, we try to explore how the world has split for many different reasons, whether religion or ideologies. My intention was to show that moral principles should stand above any ideology. If a bomb falls on a hospital, for example, morally we should all condemn it, but the moment people put ideology before moral principles, they start looking for excuses not to. It should not be that way.

TCA: Do you have any anecdotes about the Spanish and Kazakh teams working together? Perhaps some interesting cultural exchanges?

Miguel: I can only say it was an incredible experience. I fell in love with Kazakhstan when I went there. And, of course, I fell in love with the actors who came from there, with their craft and above all with their humanity. If there is one thing I have taken from this film, it is a group of people I can truly call friends. More than just anecdotes, what I will carry with me is a wonderful memory of them.

All images courtesy of the production

TCA: I know that this film is primarily focused on the male leads, but Dina Tasbulatova is the female lead, a Kazakh actor who provides emotional layers to the film. Can you elaborate on that and working with her to create her role?

Miguel: Dina is a star. And when I say star, I mean she is one of those actresses you connect with the moment you see her; someone you immediately care about. She has that kind of charisma. On top of that, she is the kind of person who makes working with her incredibly easy. From the beginning, we agreed on the direction the character should take, but she gave us so much more. She created a wonderful performance. It is impossible not to fall in love with her character.

TCA: Many times, a location can add a dimension or even feel like a character in a film. How has setting the film in Kazakhstan created an ambience or added a personality or texture to your project?

Miguel: Kazakhstan gave me the chance to speak about the land, the land of the Kazakhs.

This was very important to me. Rilke said that nostalgia is the residue of our childhood. For me, nostalgia is the memory of who you are, who you were, and who you hoped to become. Our characters want to escape that place, but little by little, without realizing it, they begin to fall in love with the land beneath their feet, the land where they have spent most of their lives. The culture, the folklore, and the people there were essential to telling this story. The character who leaves and whom we see again at the end (I will not name names to avoid spoilers) was never happy again in Spain, because it was no longer his land. We are the land we walk on, and we are our principles. That is what the film is about.

La Tregua is not only a film about survival; it is a cinematic expedition across geography, memory, and identity. It asks viewers to travel with its characters through the cold and into the heart of what makes us human. This emotional odyssey gives it the resonance of a travel narrative, one where the destination is not a place, but a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Having debuted at Comic Con Astana 2025 and been released to theaters in Spain and Kazakhstan in October, La Tregua will arrive on Netflix soon.

05 Dec 2025

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Pannier and Hillard’s Spotlight on Central Asia: New Episode Available Now

December 5, 2025
By Stephen M. Bland

As Managing Editor of The Times of Central Asia, I’m delighted that, in partnership with the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, from October 19, we are the home of the Spotlight on Central Asia podcast. Chaired by seasoned broadcasters Bruce Pannier of RFE/RL’s long-running Majlis podcast and Michael Hillard of The Red Line, each fortnightly instalment will take you on a deep dive into the latest news, developments, security issues, and social trends across an increasingly pivotal region.

In the new episode, available now, the team breaks down a flurry of developments reshaping Central Asia’s security landscape, from the debut of the new C6 format and the surprise expansion of the once-exclusive C5 grouping, to Vladimir Putin’s key trip to Bishkek for the CSTO summit. We examine the alarming collapse in Tashkent’s air quality, Astana’s decision to withdraw from a decades-long arms agreement, and the escalating pattern of cross-border drone strikes between Tajik and Afghan actors along one of the region’s most volatile frontiers. The team is also joined by special guests Edward Lemon and Bradley Jardine to discuss Chinese influence in Central Asia and their new book, From Belt and Road to Backlash.

05 Dec 2025

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How Vaccine Refusals Are Affecting Public Health in Kazakhstan

December 5, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

New data from analysts at Ranking.kz highlights a concerning trend: rising anti-vaccination sentiment in Kazakhstan is contributing to the resurgence of infectious diseases that could have been prevented through routine immunization.

A Sharp Rise in Preventable Infections

According to the National Statistics Bureau, the incidence of several vaccine-preventable diseases has spiked over the past five years. When comparing cases per 100,000 people between 2019 and 2024, whooping cough increased 19-fold, scarlet fever 5.4-fold, viral hepatitis 3.1-fold, and measles nearly doubled. These increases are also reflected in absolute numbers.

The resurgence of measles is particularly striking. After a decline following the 2018-19 outbreak, the disease surged again in 2023, with cases jumping from just 4 to 29,700. Health officials described it as the largest outbreak in a decade, attributing the spike to imported infections and their spread among unvaccinated communities.

While the situation showed little improvement by the end of 2024, 2025 brought some relief. According to Kazakhstan’s chief sanitary doctor, Sarkhat Beisenova, 2,800 cases were recorded in the first ten months of the year. Notably, 80% of those infected were unvaccinated children, mostly due to parental refusal.

Why Vaccine Refusals Are Increasing

The number of vaccination refusals has been rising steadily in Kazakhstan. According to the Ministry of Health, there were 5,300 recorded refusals in 2017. By 2024, that figure had jumped to 20,700 and approached 20,000 again in 2025.

A 2024 UNICEF study revealed that in 60% of cases, parents offered no specific reason for refusing vaccinations, citing only personal beliefs. Religious objections accounted for 12%, distrust of vaccines for another 12%, and 6% admitted they were influenced by negative rumors. Social media continues to fuel fear around “severe vaccine reactions,” “risks of complications,” and widely debunked myths, such as a link between vaccines and autism.

In response, Kazakhstan’s National Center for Public Health has launched an informational portal to provide evidence-based explanations of vaccine safety and to refute common misinformation.

Herd Immunity: A Collective Responsibility

To effectively stop the spread of contagious diseases, a high level of immunization is critical. For measles, 95-97% of the population must be vaccinated; for polio, around 80%. According to the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, Kazakhstan’s overall vaccine coverage stood at 95.3% in February 2025.

International data supports Kazakhstan’s strong vaccination rates among infants. In 2024, more than 98% of children under one were vaccinated against polio, hepatitis B, whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. Measles and rubella vaccinations reached 93%, and pneumococcus 90%, rates higher than the global, Asian, and European averages. Still, even a small unvaccinated population segment can trigger disease outbreaks.

The World Health Organization classifies vaccine hesitancy as one of the top threats to global health. A landmark study by Australian epidemiologist Andrew Shattock, published in The Lancet, modeled a world without vaccines. Over the past 50 years, vaccines have prevented 154 million deaths, 146 million of them children under five.

“In 2024, the probability that a child under 10 will live to see their next birthday is 40% higher than in a world without vaccination. This increased survival likelihood even extends into old age,” Shattock noted.

Child mortality differences are stark: 2.8% globally versus 4.7% in a vaccine-free scenario. Thanks to widespread immunization, Kazakhstan has eliminated diseases such as typhoid fever, diphtheria, cholera, plague, and others. Yet these gains are fragile and could be reversed if herd immunity continues to erode.

05 Dec 2025

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Gennady Golovkin Becomes First Kazakhstani Inducted into Boxing Hall of Fame

December 6, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Former middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin has become the first representative of Kazakhstan to be officially inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF). This milestone cements “GGG’s” legacy not only as one of the most dominant fighters of his era, but also as a Kazakhstani athlete who has left a lasting imprint on the history of global boxing.

Established in 1990, the IBHOF honors boxers, trainers, and promoters who have made significant contributions to the sport. It is located in Canastota, New York, with induction ceremonies traditionally held in summer.

Athletes become eligible for induction three years after their last professional bout (previously five years until 2018). Golovkin was nominated this year based on his final official fight in 2022. Although he has not formally announced his retirement, his absence from the ring made him eligible.

Hall of Fame inductees are selected by a panel of boxing journalists and historians from the U.S., Japan, the U.K., Canada, Argentina, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, and Mexico. Ballots including Golovkin’s name were distributed on October 1.

In the 2025 vote, Golovkin was nominated for the first time and successfully selected alongside American Vernon Forrest and Irishman Steve Collins. Former world champions Antonio Tarver (first nominated in 2024) and Nigel Benn (first nominated in 2017) will also be inducted.

The official ceremony will be held June 11-14, 2026, in Canastota. With this honor, Golovkin will join a prestigious group that includes Sugar Ray Robinson, Rocky Marciano, Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Julio César Chávez, Evander Holyfield, Bernard Hopkins, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and more. The Hall of Fame now features more than 300 inductees.

Golovkin’s dominance in the middleweight division was exceptional. From 2014 onward, he held the WBA, WBC, IBF, and IBO titles at 72.6 kg across various years. He set a division record with 23 consecutive knockouts over nine years, the longest knockout streak in middleweight history.

Over 90% of his professional wins came by knockout, earning recognition from the Guinness Book of Records as one of the highest KO ratios among champions. He also holds the middleweight record for most successful title defenses, with 22 victories over challengers.

Golovkin’s amateur record is equally remarkable. Before turning professional, he fought 350 bouts, winning 345, and served as the long-time captain of Kazakhstan’s national team.

Since retiring from active competition, Golovkin has taken on a prominent role in sports administration. In February 2024, he became head of Kazakhstan’s National Olympic Committee.

In November 2025, he was elected president of the World Boxing Federation, becoming the first Kazakhstani to lead a global sports organization. He also introduced a reform platform focused on transparency and modern management in amateur boxing.

Golovkin’s induction into the Hall of Fame marks the natural culmination of a career that helped shape modern boxing and inspire a generation of fans and athletes. For Kazakhstan, it is more than a personal milestone; it is a moment of national pride. Golovkin has become a sporting icon and a symbol of how individual excellence can elevate a nation’s presence on the global stage.