Page 346 – The Times Of Central Asia

18 Jul 2025

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

Italian University Opens Branch in Kazakhstan to Train Agricultural Specialists

July 18, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Marche Polytechnic University of Ancona, Italy, has officially opened a branch campus at Zhetysu University named after Ilyas Zhansugurov in Taldykorgan, the administrative center of Kazakhstan’s southeastern Zhetysu region.

The inauguration ceremony on July 16 was attended by prominent officials including Zhetysu Region Governor Beibit Isabayev, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, and Italian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Antonello De Riu.

Marche Polytechnic University is a public institution that offers a broad range of academic programs in agriculture, engineering, economics, medicine, and biology. The new branch in Kazakhstan is expected to focus on disciplines that align with the region’s agricultural priorities, including agriculture, food engineering, tourism, economics, and digital technologies.

Addressing the Region’s Workforce Needs

In his remarks, Nurbek emphasized the importance of developing local expertise to support the region’s growing agri-tech and greenhouse sectors.

“Our region is in need of agronomists and digital specialists to support the growth of our greenhouse complexes,” he said. “This new branch will help meet that demand with targeted academic programs.”

Isabayev highlighted the regional administration’s support for the initiative, announcing 14 scholarships for students during the first stage of enrollment.

“Our region is an agricultural one,” he said. “We need skilled professionals who can introduce innovation and advanced technologies into the sector.”

A Boost for Bilateral Cooperation

De Riu praised the initiative as a significant milestone in Kazakh-Italian academic cooperation.

“Collaboration with Zhetysu University is a key part of Italy’s international strategy,” he said. “We will implement joint projects in education and scientific research and share expertise that enhances both institutions. This is not just about opening new opportunities, it’s a real step forward in strengthening the friendship and partnership between Kazakhstan and Italy.”

Faculty members from Marche Polytechnic University will deliver courses at the new branch, while students will benefit from access to joint research opportunities and international internships. Graduates will receive dual diplomas from both institutions.

18 Jul 2025

Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics, Features, Kyrgyzstan Features, Kyrgyzstan Home

Kyrgyzstan Moves to Tighten Passenger Transport Regulations

July 21, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has proposed amendments to the national passenger transport law aimed at improving safety standards for drivers and imposing new restrictions on mountainous routes, particularly the perilous Bishkek-Osh highway.

According to the draft legislation published on the government’s legal portal, the proposed changes would apply to taxi and bus services nationwide. Among the key provisions are: all taxis must be equipped with functioning taximeters, and drivers will be required to visibly display their license number and photo identification inside the vehicle. Drivers must also meet stricter eligibility criteria, including sobriety, appropriate grooming, and a clean criminal record, specifically, no convictions for serious crimes.

Enhanced Safety Protocols and Route Restrictions

The proposed law mandates pre-trip medical examinations for drivers and routine technical inspections for all passenger vehicles prior to departure. These measures are part of a broader effort to raise safety standards in the country’s growing but often unregulated transport sector.

One of the most significant changes involves the regulation of mountain routes. The new rules would prohibit right-hand drive vehicles from providing passenger services and restrict the use of small-capacity buses on the hazardous Bishkek-Osh highway during winter months. Only large, four-wheel-drive buses would be allowed to operate on the route year-round, while smaller vehicles would be permitted only between May 1 and October 15. The highway, which traverses some of Kyrgyzstan’s most treacherous terrain, sees dozens of accidents and fatalities each year.

Mixed Reactions from Drivers

Taxi drivers interviewed by The Times of Central Asia offered a range of responses to the proposed legislation.

“We carry people, and safety should come first,” said Halil Ibragimov, a taxi driver in Bishkek. “Passengers need to know that the vehicle is in proper condition and that the driver is well-kept. No one wants to be driven by someone wearing shorts and slippers, with smelly feet.”

Ibragimov welcomed stricter checks on driver sobriety and knowledge of traffic regulations.

Others, however, raised concerns about the potential economic impact of seasonal vehicle bans on the Bishkek-Osh route.

“If this ban is introduced, hundreds of drivers will lose their income, and it will be much harder for passengers to travel from the north to the south of the country,” said a Mr. Kudaybergenov, a taxi operator.

Fleet drivers in Bishkek echoed these concerns and called for more balanced reforms. They advocated for better enforcement of existing regulations and improved oversight of vehicle fleets rather than outright seasonal bans.

“There should be scheduled departures for all buses and taxis along that route,” one driver said. “Make sure every driver has proper winter tires and gets enough rest before setting off again. Too many drivers go back on the road immediately after a long trip just to earn more.”

Fleet owners also warned that a full winter ban on standard vehicles could cause travel disruptions and leave passengers stranded for extended periods.

18 Jul 2025

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

Italian Agricultural Group Considers Launching Industrial Hemp Project in Kazakhstan

July 18, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

The Italian agricultural organization Unione Coltivatori Italiani (UCI) is exploring a project to cultivate and process industrial hemp in Kazakhstan for applications in the textile, construction, and pharmaceutical industries. The initiative was announced by the national investment promotion agency Kazakh Invest.

During a recent meeting in Astana, Kazakh Invest Deputy Chairmen Azamat Kozhanov and Madiyar Sultanbek held talks with UCI President Mario Serpillo. The Italian delegation shared its experience in sustainable agriculture and closed-loop production systems using hemp, including the manufacture of fibers, oil, and biomaterials.

A Phased Rollout with International Standards

According to the statement, the project will begin with pilot plots of up to 100 hectares in various regions of Kazakhstan, where agricultural technologies will be tested. If successful, the initiative will be scaled up. Only industrial hemp varieties compliant with international standards for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, no more than 0.3%, will be used. This ensures the hemp has no psychoactive effects and qualifies as a technical raw material.

Kazakhstan first proposed cultivating industrial hemp in 2016, but the idea failed to materialize. In spring 2025, however, a renewed effort gained legislative support. A bill legalizing the cultivation of non-narcotic hemp under strict state control was introduced and passed in June, allowing production for industrial use only.

Modern Technologies and Regulatory Oversight

The proposed project will employ advanced agricultural technologies to produce textiles, biocomposites, and pharmaceutical products. The Italian side emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance, including certification, licensing, and cooperation with research institutions in fields such as medicine, cosmetology, sustainable agriculture, and construction materials.

Founded in the 1920s, UCI is one of Italy’s oldest agricultural organizations and has a long-standing commitment to sustainable development.

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture previously announced plans to use domestically grown industrial hemp to produce high-security paper for identity documents.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, this development indicates the potential for multiple hemp cultivation and processing projects to emerge across the country.

18 Jul 2025

Central Asia, Home, Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Begins Construction of Major International Logistics Hub in Kostanay

July 18, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan has officially begun construction of a major transport and logistics complex in the northern city of Kostanay, aiming to establish a critical transit hub linking China, Central Asia, and Europe. The new “Tobyl” Logistics Hub is set to enhance the country’s role in regional and global supply chains.

Designed to integrate into international transport corridors, including routes to China, Central Asia, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and Europe, the facility is scheduled to be operational by 2027. It is expected to significantly boost transit capacity along the “Northern Kazakhstan, Southern Urals” corridor and facilitate freight movement toward the People’s Republic of China.

In the first half of 2025, Kazakhstan’s transit freight volume reached 16.8 million tons, marking a 4% year-on-year increase.

Strategic Investment for Economic Growth

“The complex will reduce logistics costs for businesses, support export-oriented manufacturing, attract investment into processing industries, and stimulate the creation of new industrial enterprises,” said Aydyn Alimov, Director of the new logistics center. “We believe Tobyl will become a business magnet and a driver of regional industrial growth.”

The hub will feature advanced infrastructure, including terminals, warehouses, customs clearance facilities, IT zones, and service areas operating under a “one-stop-shop” model. A digital cargo tracking system will provide real-time logistics monitoring.

The project is being developed with the participation of JSC Kedentransservice, Kazakhstan’s largest logistics operator, and is backed by the state-owned Industrial Development Fund. Covering an area of 133.6 hectares, the Tobyl complex represents an investment of 64 billion KZT (approximately $122 million). It is designed to process up to 400,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), or more than 11 million tons of cargo annually, and will create 500 new jobs in logistics, IT, and service sectors.

A Catalyst for Regional and National Development

“We are not just building a logistics hub, we are laying the foundation for a new economic geography,” said Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev at the groundbreaking ceremony. “Tobyl will become an intellectual platform where logistics, digitalization, education, and industry converge. This is not just a regional but a national project, a catalyst for growth across the country.”

According to the government, the Tobyl hub will also promote sustainable exports from the Kostanay region and foster deeper industrial cooperation within the Eurasian space.

Kostanay is already Kazakhstan’s leading automotive manufacturing hub. In 2024, local automaker Allur produced 90,515 vehicles, comprising passenger cars, trucks, and buses, out of a national total of 134,000. In 2025, a new KIA plant with an annual capacity of 70,000 vehicles is expected to launch, along with facilities for producing automotive components and spare parts.

Earlier this month, Kazakhstan and China signed an updated strategic agreement to strengthen railway links and increase cargo throughput along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor.

18 Jul 2025

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

Uzbekistan to Sell Mobiuz in Bid to Attract Foreign Investment

July 18, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan is aiming to raise $300 million through the sale of its mobile operator Universal Mobile Systems LLC, better known as Mobiuz, according to a report by Bloomberg. The planned sale forms part of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s broader push to reduce state ownership and attract foreign investment into key sectors of the economy.

Sources familiar with the matter said the government would support a buyer who is willing to merge Mobiuz with other local telecom companies. Investors from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and Europe have already expressed preliminary interest.

A formal tender for 100% of Mobiuz was launched in June, with interested parties required to submit letters of intent by August 1. Rothschild & Co. is acting as the primary financial advisor for the deal.

The State Assets Management Agency of Uzbekistan declined to comment on the sale.

Part of a Broader Privatization Drive

The Mobiuz sale is a key component of Uzbekistan’s ambitious privatization program, which aims to generate at least 10 trillion soums (approximately $786 million) in revenue this year. The government plans to divest stakes in 29 major companies across industries such as telecommunications and energy by the end of 2026.

As of the end of 2024, Uzbekistan had 35.6 million mobile subscribers. Mobiuz accounted for roughly 20.9% of the market, according to BMI, a division of Fitch Solutions. The operator’s main competitors include state-owned Uztelecom JSC, which had a brand valuation of $241 million last year, as well as Coscom LLC and Unitel LLC, the latter of which is owned by Dubai-based Veon Ltd.

In 2024, Mobiuz reported $164 million in revenue and an EBITDA of $41 million, according to figures from the State Assets Management Agency.

Strategic Investment Opportunity

Veon declined to confirm whether it plans to participate in the tender but said it “regularly reviews organic and inorganic growth opportunities” and considers Uzbekistan a key market in which it is “pursuing an ambitious growth strategy and expanding our digital portfolio.”

The Uzbek government hopes the sale will bring in fresh capital and modern expertise to support the development of the country’s rapidly expanding telecom sector. Officials also expect that increased competition will lead to improved services for consumers.

18 Jul 2025

Home, Turkmenistan Justice, Justice, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Features, Features

Travel Ban Overturned: Turkmen Woman and Her Daughter Rejoin Family in Turkey

July 23, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

After nearly a year of separation, Zulfiya Kazhir and her six-year-old daughter Sena have finally been allowed to leave Turkmenistan and reunite with their family in Turkey. The case drew widespread public attention after the pair, Zulfiya, a Turkmen citizen, and Sena, a Turkish citizen, were detained while attempting to leave the country in September 2024. The long-awaited reunion took place on July 15, and a video capturing the emotional moment was shared on TikTok by Zulfiya’s husband, Turkish national Ahmed Sefa Kacir.

A Sudden Separation

In the summer of 2024, Zulfiya traveled to Turkmenistan with Sena to renew her documents. However, their scheduled return flight on September 18 was abruptly halted when Zulfiya was denied boarding at Ashgabat airport. Authorities cited her temporary placement on a no-fly list, though no further explanation was provided at the time.

Only later did Turkmenistan’s migration service inform her that she was subject to a travel ban. Despite numerous appeals to both Turkmen and Turkish authorities, the family’s efforts to lift the restriction proved unsuccessful for many months.

The situation was especially dire due to Sena’s medical and developmental needs. Diagnosed with gluten intolerance and autism spectrum disorder, she requires a specific diet, regular hygiene protocols, and access to developmental therapy, services largely unavailable in Turkmenistan.

Collective Punishment

After nearly ten months of legal and diplomatic stalemate, Zulfiya learned that the travel ban was linked to her brother’s alleged involvement in armed conflicts in Syria. Although he had not lived in Turkmenistan for over 20 years and Zulfiya had no contact with him, her name was included on a restricted travel list alongside other relatives, a practice critics describe as a form of collective punishment.

A Direct Plea to the President

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, frustrated by the lack of progress, Zulfiya recorded a video appeal to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, calling for an end to the restriction on her freedom of movement. In the message, she identified her family as ethnic Tatars and explained that her mother and sister also hoped to leave for Tatarstan, their ancestral homeland.

“Let me and my daughter return home,” she pleaded in the video, which was widely circulated online.

Shortly afterward, the travel ban was lifted. On July 15, her husband posted a video from the airport showing the family’s emotional reunion, filled with hugs, tears, and relief, marking the conclusion of their nearly year-long ordeal.