Page 317 – The Times Of Central Asia

09 Apr 2025

Central Asia, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Local Politics, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Imposes Temporary Ban on Chicken Egg Imports

April 9, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Starting April 9, Kazakhstan will impose a six-month ban on the import of fresh chicken eggs, aimed at supporting local poultry farms during a seasonally weak demand period. The measure, signed into effect by Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov, is outlined in Order No. 101 and targets eggs classified under code TN VED 040721.

The ban applies to imports from both non-EAEU countries and fellow Eurasian Economic Union member states and covers all transportation modes. However, transit shipments through Kazakhstan and the movement of eggs between EAEU countries via Kazakh territory are exempt.

Why the Ban Was Imposed

The Ministry of Agriculture said the decision is intended to support local producers during spring and summer, when demand for eggs traditionally falls. With a seasonal influx of fresh produce and a larger share of household-produced goods on the market, egg prices often dip below cost, putting poultry farms under financial strain.

Additionally, warmer temperatures shorten product shelf life and make it technologically difficult for producers to scale down operations. This often leads to warehouse overstocking. To counter these issues, the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy approved the temporary import restrictions.

“In order to protect the domestic market and the sustainability of enterprises, the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy approved the establishment of temporary restrictive measures,” the ministry said.

Advance Planning and Strategic Goals

Discussions around restricting egg imports began in February 2025 as part of a broader government initiative to support domestic producers and combat gray imports.

Officials expect the ban to help stabilize domestic prices, which surged nearly 12% year-on-year as of October 2024 due to seasonal fluctuations. Prices typically fall in summer but rise again in autumn to offset earlier losses.

In a bid to strengthen long-term food security, construction of a new egg and mixed fodder production plant will begin in Turkestan region in 2024. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce around 200 million eggs annually.

Authorities Confident in Domestic Supply

Despite the potential for price hikes, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev assured the public there will be no shortage of eggs or poultry products. According to the ministry, domestic producers are capable of fully meeting the country’s summer demand.

The government sees the temporary import ban as a strategic tool to stabilize the agro-industrial sector, shield local producers from unfair competition, and promote self-sufficiency in food production.

09 Apr 2025

Central Asia, Home, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Features, Kyrgyzstan Features, Kyrgyzstan Home

Trump Tariffs: A Barrier for Kyrgyzstan, or an Opportunity?

April 16, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

Akylbek Japarov, former head of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers, has described the United States’ newly imposed trade duties as an “economic earthquake” already reshaping global markets. However, he sees an opportunity for Kyrgyzstan, which faces a comparatively low U.S. tariff rate of just 10%.

A Regional Advantage

Japarov argues that China has been hit hardest by the new U.S. tariffs. “Following the introduction of duties, Chinese goods are 20-35 percent less competitive, not due to the nominal tariff alone, but because of higher overall costs, disrupted logistics, contract renegotiations, and increased risk premiums,” he explained in a Facebook post. “Part of that market is being freed up, for someone else.”

Kyrgyzstan, along with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, faces a 10% U.S. tariff rate. In contrast, Kazakhstan’s goods are subject to 27% duties. Japarov sees this as a competitive edge that Kyrgyzstan could leverage to integrate into new supply chains, especially while global players are adjusting to the new trade landscape.

The former prime minister believes the country is well-positioned geographically, situated between China, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and South Asia, with low production costs and access to regional markets. While Kyrgyzstan’s total trade turnover stands at around $16 billion, the U.S. accounts for only 4% of that figure. Key exports to the U.S. include shoes, tobacco products, animal-derived goods, and pharmaceuticals.

Japarov suggests Kyrgyz businesses focus on re-exports, product localization, and packaging. He calls for investments in logistics and customs certification, and for the government to craft a new export strategy. “While some see a threat, others are building export channels. While some are calculating losses, others are increasing production,” he said.

An Opening for Business, Not Policy

In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Sergei Ponomarev, president of the Kyrgyz Association of Markets, Trade and Services, said the new tariffs should be viewed as part of a larger negotiation process. “The trade war has begun. China, the European Union, and other countries are already responding. But the duties have also triggered a wave of global inflation. These are high risks but also great opportunities,” he said.

Ponomarev noted that Kyrgyzstan’s limited integration with the global economy means it will likely experience only indirect effects. Still, he pointed to past examples of adaptive trade strategies. Before joining the EAEU, Kyrgyz entrepreneurs often re-labeled Chinese products as “Made in Kyrgyzstan” for resale in Russia. In some cases, Chinese producers even falsely labeled their goods as Kyrgyz to benefit from preferential access to the Russian market.

He suggested similar tactics could re-emerge under the current trade environment. “Some businesses may exploit the 10% duty. Chinese goods could be repackaged in Kyrgyzstan or processed through joint ventures,” Ponomarev said. “For example, a sweater could arrive from China, sleeves sewn on in Kyrgyzstan, and the product re-exported as local.”

Such methods, he noted, may be feasible in low-tech sectors like apparel, but Kyrgyzstan lacks the skilled labor force needed to replicate this in high-tech manufacturing.

Ponomarev concluded that while Japarov’s ideas are not official government policy, they nonetheless represent a realistic business opportunity amid shifting global trade dynamics.

09 Apr 2025

Central Asia, Uzbekistan Environment, Environment, Kazakhstan Environment, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan Partner on Caspian Green Energy Corridor

June 4, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have signed a landmark agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to advance a regional renewable energy initiative known as the Caspian Green Energy Corridor.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on April 5 in Baku, outlines plans for a feasibility study to assess the project’s potential. The primary objective is to establish a robust legal and institutional framework that will facilitate cross-border electricity trade among the three countries, particularly from renewable sources.

The Caspian Green Energy Corridor is part of ADB’s broader regional strategy to promote clean energy and enhance multilateral cooperation. The initiative aims to interconnect the energy systems of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, enabling them to share and distribute renewable electricity more efficiently.

“This agreement lays the foundation for deeper cooperation and shows our shared commitment to building a clean energy future,” said Yevgeniy Zhukov, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia.

A key ambition of the project is to develop a green energy supply route from the Caspian region to Europe via the Black Sea Cable. The corridor is expected to improve energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and support economic development across the region.

The initiative is also backed by the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, which brings together 11 countries and several development partners to promote regional integration and reduce poverty through economic collaboration.

09 Apr 2025

Home, Tajikistan Life & Culture, Uzbekistan, Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Features, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan Features, Features, Uzbekistan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan Features

Excitement Mounts After Trio of Central Asian Countries Launch Joint Bid to Host 2031 AFC Cup

April 15, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

On February 24, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan officially submitted a joint bid to host the 2031 AFC Asian Football Cup. If selected, the 2031 tournament would be the first top-level football event hosted in Central Asia.

Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) President Rustam Emomali – the eldest son of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon – displayed his enthusiasm following the bid. “Our Central Asian region has never hosted the final part of the Asian Cup. I think the time has come. Our region is represented by very strong teams, and I am confident that together with the fraternal countries, we will host the final part of the Asian Cup at the highest level,” he stated.

Whilst a joint bid amongst Central Asia countries has stoked excitement for many in the region, they currently face strong competition to host the event. The UAE, Kuwait, Australia, Indonesia, and South Korea have all signaled their intention to bid to be the tournament’s next host.

Whilst none of the three Central Asian nations have hosted a top-level football tournament, Uzbekistan has experience with similar events after hosting the AFC U-20 and U-23 tournaments and the Futsal World Cup in 2024.

However, after attending the Futsal World Cup, Uzbek fan Farrukh Irnazarov is nervous that the authorities may not promote the event aggressively enough. “When Uzbekistan hosts an event like this, they’re very serious about it. However, unfortunately their biggest concern is security. [The Futsal World Cup] wasn’t heavily publicized, and many people weren’t aware we were hosting it,” he told The Times of Central Asia.

To be considered for the bid, all three countries will need to complete stadium renovations by the time the AFC committee makes its decision in 2026.

Uzbekistan is the most prepared of the three, with stadiums already at international tournament capacity in Tashkent, Namangan, Fergana, and Qarshi. A stadium with a minimum capacity of 50,000 seats is required for the final, and Bishkek has already volunteered.

Tashkent and Dushanbe are also revamping their respective stadiums, as the host nations must have two cities with 40,000-seat stadiums for the semi-finals in the tournament.

The Dolon Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek; image: TCA, Joe Luc Barnes

What is the AFC Asian Cup?

The AFC Asian Cup is an Asian (plus Australia) football competition that has been held every four years since 1956. The previous tournament was held in 2023 in Qatar, which saw the host nation become champions.

The tournament started with just four teams: South Korea, Israel, South Vietnam, and Hong Kong, playing a round-robin style tournament before expanding to 24 teams in 2019. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have already qualified for the next tournament in Saudi Arabia in 2027, whilst Tajikistan and Turkmenistan need to win their group in the final round of qualification to participate.

However, for the 2031 tournament, if Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan see their bid accepted, all three teams will qualify automatically.

Central Asia’s best tournament result came with a fourth-place finish by Uzbekistan in 2011. All three teams are hoping for similar success twenty years later.

Image: Sherzod Ibragimov

Impacts of Hosting the Tournament

If the Central Asia trio see their bid accepted, this could lead to significant long-term recognition and progress for Central Asian football. The investment in modernized stadiums could significantly benefit Uzbek, Kyrgyz, and Tajik football moving forward.

However, according to Aidana Otorbaeva, the vice-president of the Kyrgyz women’s football association and a former Kyrgyz national team player, these investments wouldn’t just support the top level of men’s football.

“Co-hosting the Asian Championship can bring even more investment and recognition to our favorite sport, football, but particularly women’s and youth football as well. For my academy, we struggle to provide enough coaches, stadiums or even fields to accommodate the demand for the sport. Investments have led to some small stadiums being built across the country, but it’s still not enough,” Otorbaeva told TCA.

Hosting any international tournament brings substantial media coverage and recognition, and therefore leads to sponsorships, partnerships, and foreign investment.

Sherzod Ibragimov, Uzbekistan’s U-17 National Team Head Coach, has another view about the sustainability of funding in Central Asian football. “The attention of foreign investors on [Central Asia], where football is developing, will increase, and in the future, there will be no need for government investment,” he told TCA

Central Asia could also see increased opportunities to host international friendly matches, especially with more modernized stadiums, featuring teams across Asia or even Europe. Tourism could also see a big boost. When the United Arab Emirates hosted the tournament in 2019, they saw an influx in tourism revenue through hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets.

Hosting the event could lead to similar long-term gains in tourist revenues.

Many are already thrilled about the possibility of this continental tournament coming to the region, including Tajik U-17 National Team Head Coach Marco Ragini. “When I saw the joint bid for 2031, I really thought this will be the right time to bring change to football in Central Asia. It will be a good time and opportunity to have a spotlight on Central Asian football,” Ragini told TCA.

09 Apr 2025

Central Asia, Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Home

Jennifer Lopez to Perform in Kazakhstan – Billion-Tenge Boost Expected

April 9, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

American pop icon Jennifer Lopez will perform in Kazakhstan’s capital this summer, with local officials predicting a major economic windfall from the event. Malik Hasenov, producer at Astana Concert Company, told a recent government meeting that the concert could generate over 6.5 billion KZT ($12.6 million) for the city’s economy and contribute 400 million KZT ($778,000) in taxes to the state budget.

Kazakhstan on the Map of J.Lo’s World Tour

Astana has been added to Lopez’s Up All Night world tour schedule, with the concert set to take place at Astana Arena on August 1.

The tour includes stops in Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Hungary, Poland, the UAE, and other countries, but Kazakhstan is her only Central Asian destination. She is scheduled to perform in Abu Dhabi before arriving in Astana and will close the tour in Armenia’s capital Yerevan.

“I will have some special concerts this summer. I am very much looking forward to meeting you. We haven’t seen each other for too long. This summer is going to be awesome,” Lopez wrote on Instagram.

Economic Impact: Expectations and Numbers

According to Hasenov, approximately 15,000 tourists are expected to visit Astana for the concert, with significant spending projected across hotels, restaurants, transportation, and retail sectors. “Jennifer Lopez’s arrival will be a landmark moment, opening Astana on the touring map of A-class stars,” he said.

Tickets are expected to go on sale shortly, ranging in price from 40,000 to 150,000 KZT ($75 to $290).

Astana will also host two other major events in 2025. On July 13, the Alem Fest music festival, featuring British singer Craig David as headliner, will take place at Astana Arena, coinciding with the closing of Comic Con Astana. Additionally, large-scale drone shows are planned, expected to attract up to a million spectators.

J.Lo and Kazakhstan: A Brief History

This won’t be Jennifer Lopez’s first visit to Kazakhstan. In 2010, she performed at a private birthday celebration, and in 2011, she returned for a New Year’s corporate event. Reports estimate she was paid around $3 million for both appearances.

In 2017, Lopez drew attention from Kazakhstani fans during a Las Vegas concert when she echoed chants of “Kazakhstan!” shouted by Gennady Golovkin supporters, a moment that quickly went viral.

A year later, controversy arose when YouTube temporarily blocked the Kazakh music video Zyn-zyn, citing similarities to Lopez’s Control Myself. The video was later reinstated following public backlash in Kazakhstan, with many hailing it as a “small victory”.

Most recently, in February 2025, Lopez interacted with a Kazakh fan named Binura during a concert in Abu Dhabi, sparking lively discussions across Kazakhstani social media.

09 Apr 2025

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

Ruling Party Urges Government to Revise VAT Reform Plans

April 9, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan’s ruling Amanat party has called on the government to revise its proposed tax reforms, particularly those affecting the value-added tax (VAT). The party is pushing to double the planned threshold for mandatory VAT registration, warning that the current proposal could harm small and medium-sized businesses.

Under current law, businesses must register for VAT if their annual turnover exceeds 78.6 million KZT (approximately $152,000). The government’s draft reform proposes to lower this threshold to 15 million KZT (around $29,000). It also includes raising the basic VAT rate from 12% to 16%, introducing a zero rate for agricultural producers, a 10% rate for selected industries, and gradually applying VAT to the healthcare sector. The reform also proposes eliminating 128 tax exemptions worth more than 1.3 trillion KZT.

A progressive personal income tax is also under discussion. With a base rate of 10%, the government suggests introducing a 15% rate for annual incomes exceeding 8,500 MRP (monthly calculation index), equivalent to over 33.5 million KZT. For 2025, the MRP in Kazakhstan is set at 3,900 KZT (about $7.50).

The draft Tax Code is scheduled for a first reading in the Mazhilis, Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament, on Wednesday, April 9. On the eve of the session, government officials presented the proposals at an expanded meeting with Amanat’s parliamentary faction, which holds 62 of the 98 Mazhilis seats.

Amanat deputies voiced strong opposition to the proposed reduction in the VAT registration threshold, warning it could drive businesses into the informal economy. Instead, they urged the government to raise the threshold to at least 30 million KZT (approximately $58,000).

The party also proposed exempting 19 socially important food items from VAT to ease the financial burden on citizens. These items include flour, bread, pasta, eggs, buckwheat, rice, sugar, vegetable oils, various meats (such as beef and chicken), dairy products (milk, kefir, cottage cheese), staple vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions, cabbage), and salt.

“Particular concern was expressed over proposals to apply VAT to healthcare and to tax financial services,” the party said in a statement. “Such measures would drive up prices and impose additional costs on the population, which is unacceptable under current conditions”.

As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, the government initially considered raising the VAT rate to 20%, but President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev rejected that proposal in favor of a more moderate increase.