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04 May 2025
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01 May 2025
Central Asia, Silk Road Treasures, Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan

Twentieth Century Travelogue Documents British Women’s Experiences in Central Asia

Interpreting English-language sources accurately for Kazakh readers can be quite challenging. It often requires drawing on the richness, expressiveness, and natural rhythm of the Kazakh language. I came to appreciate this during an internship in the United States. Each evening, on the first floor of our home in Arlington, Virginia, I would spend about three hours in the study, poring over old library books containing historical records about Kazakhs. A quote often came to mind during those long nights: “A person with a good book is never truly alone.” It became both a source of inspiration and motivation.

One day, I discovered a remarkable book, published in 1927 in both Boston and New York, titled Through the Jade Gate and Central Asia. Written by Mildred Cable and Francesca French, the book recounts their travels as British female missionaries across northwestern China and Central Asia. It offers a vivid portrayal of life in the region a century ago. The authors journeyed through Gansu, Xinjiang, the Gobi Desert, and visited Mongol and Tibetan settlements.

In 1923, Cable, French, and their companion, Evangeline French, traveled more than 2,400 kilometers through Central Asia. They set out from Huozhou, spreading Christianity along the way. During their travels, they opened a mission school, distributed religious literature, and tried to learn local languages, such as Uyghur, to better communicate with Muslim women. However, conversions among local women were rare.

The group crossed the desert five times, traversed the Tibetan plains, and eventually reached Zaysan via Shauyeshek. In Zaysan they met with Kazakh families and documented their encounters. For example, one Kazakh man asked if they knew how to operate a sewing machine, likely one he had purchased from Russians. They also met a Nogai man with two wives and a son, one wife being Kazakh and the other from another Turkic group. Throughout the book, the authors include photographs and descriptions of the people they met along the way.

 

Their journey continued along the Irtysh River, where they were moved by a boatman’s song. Upon reaching Semey, they then traveled by train to Novosibirsk and Omsk. On a boat from Omsk, they observed a Kazakh family and were struck by their blend of nomadic tradition and Western education. The family’s Western-style clothing, musical abilities, and refined manners stood out. One Kazakh man even played traditional music on the piano for his child, a moment that so impressed the authors that they included the musical notation in their book.

The book also records a striking demographic insight: “We were told the Kazakh population exceeds seven million.” The travelers were clearly impressed by the Kazakhs’ adaptability, modesty, and political awareness, suggesting these qualities would soon position them for greater influence. They were especially taken by the poise and beauty of a Kazakh nurse, who left a lasting impression.

In the end, every foreign source that offers insight into our history is an asset. This travelogue stands out as a vivid and respectful portrayal of our ancestors and as a cultural treasure worth remembering.

01 May 2025
Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Introduces Investor Visa

Kazakhstan has approved new regulations allowing foreign nationals to obtain an investor visa, a move aimed at boosting the country’s investment appeal and fostering long-term business partnerships, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Under the new framework, foreign nationals who invest a minimum of $300,000 into the charter capital of Kazakh companies or in locally listed securities can apply electronically for an investor visa. This so-called “golden visa” also offers the opportunity to obtain a residence permit valid for up to 10 years.

The Ministry highlights that similar visa programs in Europe, the United States, the UAE, and Singapore have proven effective in attracting capital, technology, and business activity. With this initiative, Kazakhstan joins a growing number of countries adopting investment residency schemes.

The introduction of “golden visas” aims to create a more favorable and predictable environment for foreign investors by offering legal protections and reinforcing trust in Kazakhstan’s investment climate. The initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy of promoting openness, safeguarding capital, and developing sustainable international economic partnerships.

Kazakhstan has recently launched several new visa categories, including the Neo Nomad Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Residence Visa, to attract business migrants, skilled professionals, and international visitors.

The Digital Nomad Visa provides long-term residency options for freelancers, self-employed entrepreneurs, IT specialists, and startup founders.

The Neo Nomad Visa is tailored for remote workers who travel while working. Applicants must demonstrate a verified monthly income of at least $3,000, along with valid health insurance and a clean criminal record.

The Residence Visa targets foreign professionals in medicine, science, innovation, education, and the creative industries. It allows recipients to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 90 days.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 15.3 million people visited Kazakhstan in 2024, a 66% increase compared to the previous year.

01 May 2025
Central Asia, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Smart Mining Plus: How International Science Diplomacy Works in Kazakhstan

In an era where sustainable development and technological innovation are reshaping global industries, international cooperation has become a cornerstone of progress. One such example is the collaboration between Nazarbayev University (NU) in Kazakhstan and Hokkaido University in Japan. Supported by a $3.2 million grant under Japan’s Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) program, their joint project,  Next-generation Smart Mining Plus for Sustainable Resources Development,  aims to modernize mining through smart technologies and knowledge exchange. The research is scheduled to run until March 31, 2030, offering a long-term framework for technology transfer and institutional capacity building. Fidelis Suorineni, Professor at the NU School of Mining and Geosciences and a leading expert in mining systems and geotechnical engineering, shares his vision and emphasizes the benefits of this international partnership.

TCA: What makes your collaboration with Hokkaido University unique?

Suorineni: The partnership with Hokkaido University is special not only because of the institutional synergies but also due to building a foundation of personal trust and continuity. My professional relationship with Professor Yohei Kawamura of Hokkaido University dates back to 2013, when we were both working in Australia — he at Curtin University and I as the Inaugural Chair of Mine Geotechnical Engineering at the University of New South Wales. Despite relocating to different parts of the world, we have continued our collaboration ever since.

Japan is globally recognized as a technology hub, especially in mining and environmental technologies. Its institutions develop, manufacture, and supply cutting-edge solutions. On the other hand, Kazakhstan is rich in natural resources; it ranks sixth globally in terms of reserves and is a leader in uranium and chromite production. This partnership is thus strategically complementary. Through this collaboration, Nazarbayev University gains access to Japanese technologies that support safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable resource extraction, technologies that are also essential for Japan’s manufacturing industries.

Additionally, both countries benefit through mutual education and expertise development. While Japanese universities such as Hokkaido and Akita offer strong academic programs, they have limited access to physical mining sites. In contrast, our School of Mining and Geosciences in Kazakhstan combines world-class faculty with direct access to operational mines, allowing hands-on training for students. For the past five years, Japanese students and faculty have visited NU annually for two to three weeks to participate in specialized courses and mine visits. Likewise, each year, two of our graduate students and select faculty members travel to Japan to attend six-week short courses, which include laboratory work and field trips. This exchange ensures a balanced and mutually beneficial transfer of knowledge and experience.

TCA: How will the SATREPS Smart Mining Plus project benefit Kazakhstan specifically?

Suorineni: The SATREPS project brings significant benefits to Kazakhstan. Its full title, Next-generation Smart Mining Plus for Sustainable Resources Development, captures its ambitious scope. At its core, the initiative aims to integrate current and emerging mining technologies into the local context, promoting more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible methods of resource extraction.

For Kazakhstan, this initiative represents a step forward in managing its vast natural resource wealth more effectively. The deployment of advanced technologies such as the 360-degree Advanced Visualization and Interaction Environment (AVIE) and Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA) will support both research and practical applications in mining. These technologies not only enhance operational safety and efficiency but also help align local practices with global environmental standards.

Moreover, the project creates valuable opportunities for NU students and faculty to engage in cutting-edge research and training. It strengthens academic infrastructure, supports capacity building, and fosters a strong bridge between Kazakh and Japanese institutions. Over time, this collaboration will contribute to Kazakhstan’s long-term strategy for technological modernization and economic diversification.

TCA: Could you describe your scientific focus and areas of specialization?

Suorineni: My core expertise lies in Mining Systems and Mining Geotechnical Engineering. Within this field, I focus on both traditional and innovative approaches to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in mining operations. My research spans the application of emerging technologies such as Big Data analytics, Virtual Reality (VR), and Space Technology to optimize mining processes. Additionally, I contribute to the development of advanced mining systems, including open stopping, block caving, and pillar design.

In terms of methodology, I work with numerical modeling tools such as Map3D and Rocscience software for stress analysis and ground behavior prediction. I also apply empirical design methods to evaluate mine stability and address complex geotechnical challenges, including rockbursts, seismicity, and ground support systems such as Thin Spray-on Liners (TSL). My laboratory work involves material testing for rock, soil, and support structures. In addition, I am actively engaged in mine auditing and research on hydraulic fracturing in rock masses.

TCA: What does international collaboration look like in your work?

Suorineni: My work is deeply rooted in international cooperation, which is essential for tackling global challenges in mining and geosciences. Over the years, I have built strong academic and research partnerships with institutions across several continents.

In China, I collaborate with Northeastern University, the China University of Mines and Technology, and the China ENFI Engineering Corporation. In Japan, my primary partners are Hokkaido University and Akita University. In Australia, I work to maintain active collaborations with the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) and the University of Adelaide.

In Europe, I collaborate with the Central Mining Institute (GIG) in Poland and Luleå University of Technology in Sweden. Within Kazakhstan, my partnerships include Karaganda Technical University and Zhezkazgan University named after O.A. Baikonurov. These collaborations facilitate knowledge sharing, joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and the development of globally relevant training programs for both students and professionals.

TCA: What are your future plans and prospects for scientific development?

Suorineni:Looking ahead, my research agenda aligns with global objectives, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I aim to develop and implement technologies that support the safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly extraction of natural resources.

01 May 2025
Justice, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Justice, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Uzbekistan and Russia Hold First Meeting on Labor Migration and Migrant Rights

On April 29, an interagency delegation from Uzbekistan visited Moscow for the inaugural session of the Uzbekistan–Russia working group on labor migration and migrant rights. The Prosecutor General’s Office of Uzbekistan reported that the delegation was led by Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prosecutor General Shohrukh Aminov.

The Russian delegation was headed by Deputy Prosecutor General Pyotr Gorodov and included representatives from the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Federal Security Service, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Internal Affairs.

Uzbekistan’s delegation comprised officials from the Prosecutor General’s Office, the State Security Service, the Migration Agency, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and Health.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the current state of labor migration, identified ongoing challenges, and explored potential solutions. They agreed to develop joint measures to regulate legal migration while balancing the interests of both countries.

The delegations also agreed to strengthen oversight of the rights of Uzbek citizens working in Russia and Russian citizens visiting Uzbekistan. Both countries’ Prosecutor General’s Offices pledged to closely monitor the protection of migrant rights.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a protocol was signed outlining the decisions made. The implementation of these agreements will be jointly monitored by both Prosecutor General’s Offices.

The session followed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent visit to Uzbekistan, during which he stressed the importance of migrants understanding Russian laws and language. While warning of an increase in migrant-related crime, he also acknowledged Russia’s ongoing need for foreign labor.

01 May 2025
Central Asia, Lead Supplementrary 1, Home, Tajikistan Business Economy, Tajikistan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan Features, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

Kazakhstan to Import Electricity from Tajikistan to Address Energy Shortages

Kazakhstan and Tajikistan have signed an agreement on long-term cooperation in the energy sector. The agreement will remain in effect for 20 years, with the possibility of a 10-year extension. The document aims to strengthen energy security, promote environmentally friendly technologies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Monitoring and telemetry

Under the agreement, Kazakhstan will receive scheduled electricity supplies from Tajikistan, particularly from the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP). These imports are intended to cover planned shortages in the North-South zone of Kazakhstan’s unified power system. The price is set at $0.034 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), including VAT at a zero rate.

The agreement also includes the introduction of hourly electricity metering at connection points between Kazakhstan’s and Central Asia’s power grids, as well as along the Tajik border. Kazakhstan’s system operator, KEGOC JSC, will receive real-time telemetry data from Tajikistan via interstate transmission lines to ensure accurate metering and efficient coordination.

Electricity deliveries will follow the routes specified in the purchase agreements. The primary source will be the Rogun HPP, with supplies timed to match Kazakhstan’s peak shortage periods.

A long-awaited step

Energy cooperation between the two countries has been under discussion for some time. In August 2024, former Kazakh Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliev held talks on importing electricity from Tajikistan. These discussions also addressed the issue of unscheduled electricity flows between their power grids.

By December 2024, plans were already in place to finalize a 20-year agreement. In February 2025, the deal was confirmed during talks between Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu and his Tajik counterpart, Sirojiddin Mukhriddin.

“We agree that Tajik-Kazakh energy cooperation has broad prospects. We have agreed that an intergovernmental agreement on electricity will be signed in the very near future,” the Tajik foreign minister said at the time.

The potential of the Rogun HPP and prospects for Kazakhstan

A key element of the agreement will be the Rogun hydroelectric power plant on the Vakhsh River. Once completed, its dam will reach a height of 335 meters, making it the tallest in the world. The power plant will have a capacity of 3,600 MW, making it the largest power plant in Central Asia. This makes the project strategically important not only for Tajikistan but for the entire region.

The official website of the Rogun HPP states that the facility will be the upper stage of the Vakhsh cascade and will play a key role in ensuring sustainable energy supplies.

The agreement is expected to not only enable Kazakhstan to stabilize its energy balance during peak loads, but also open up new opportunities for cross-border cooperation. With the growing demand for green energy, the strategic alliance with Tajikistan could become an important element of the country’s energy transition.

The resolution enters into force on the day of its signing and effectively launches an intergovernmental mechanism capable of strengthening Kazakhstan’s energy security for decades to come.

01 May 2025
Environment, Uzbekistan Environment, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Life & Culture

UN Backs Earthquake Victims Day, Highlighting Uzbekistan’s Seismic History

On April 29, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared a new international observance — the International Day in Memory of the Victims of Earthquakes. The initiative, jointly proposed by Chile, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan, received widespread support from UN member states. The day will be commemorated annually to honor the victims of past earthquakes and raise awareness about seismic risks and disaster preparedness.

Earthquakes remain among the deadliest natural disasters in human history, responsible for massive destruction and loss of life. Most recently, on March 28, a powerful earthquake in Myanmar claimed more than 3,700 lives. In Turkey and Syria, millions are still recovering from the devastating earthquakes of 2023, which killed over 55,000 people.

Uzbekistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ulugbek Lapasov, stated that the declaration is not only a tribute to victims but also a global call to action. “We thank all member states who supported the resolution, as well as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction for their help,” he stated.

Uzbekistan has itself experienced devastating earthquakes. One of the most significant occurred in the early morning of April 26, 1966, when a powerful earthquake struck the capital city of Tashkent. The disaster left 300,000 people homeless and caused severe damage to homes, schools, hospitals, and factories. Eight people were killed, and about 150 were injured.

Important documents and photographs from the 1966 disaster are preserved in the Central State Archive of Tashkent.

Located in a seismically active region, Tashkent has a long history of earthquakes. Historical sources, including the writings of 19th-century historian Muhammad Solih, document earlier seismic events, such as the destructive earthquake of April 1866, which caused widespread damage to mosques and homes and many deaths.

The city’s history of resilience lives on today. Many of Tashkent’s buildings, decorated with colorful mosaics, were built during the post-earthquake reconstruction.

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