Page 357 – The Times Of Central Asia

04 Mar 2025

Defense, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan to Establish Major Defense Industry Hub at Semey Tank Repair Plant

March 4, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan is set to create a large-scale defense industry center based on Central Asia’s only tank repair plant, located in Semey. The announcement was made by Kazakhstan’s Defense Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov during a conference of the Association of Defense Industry Enterprises.

According to Zhaksylykov, the facility will go beyond its current role of repairing and modernizing military equipment and will also begin producing weapons. This initiative aims to enhance Kazakhstan’s defense capabilities and reduce the country’s reliance on imported military hardware.

The Semey tank repair plant, operational since 1987, specializes in servicing armored personnel carriers (APCs), self-propelled artillery units, and tanks. Transforming it into a defense industry hub will allow Kazakhstan to expand its military production and strengthen its position in the regional defense sector.

“Today, 124 companies operate in Kazakhstan’s defense industry, but not all are actual manufacturers. Some exist only to receive funds from state defense contracts without producing anything,” Zhaksylykov stated.

To address these inefficiencies, the minister proposed establishing a special commission comprising representatives from both the Defense Ministry and private sector businesses.

Zhaksylykov also underscored the importance of localizing military production. He emphasized that even if advanced military technologies are sourced from abroad, their adaptation and manufacturing should take place within Kazakhstan to ensure technological independence and sustainability.

04 Mar 2025

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

Uzbekistan to Invest $200 Million in Seed Production

March 4, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan is expanding international cooperation in agriculture, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewing new sector development plans on March 3.

The country is implementing agricultural reforms aimed at boosting efficiency through modern technologies and scientific research. Recently, Uzbek experts visited China, Italy, and Japan to study advanced farming practices, leading to new partnerships in the sector.

Seed Production: A Key Priority

High-quality seed production is essential for increasing crop yields. While Uzbekistan has 14 agricultural research institutes and 55 seed farms, they struggle to develop new seed varieties. As a result, many farmers rely on imported seeds, which are often more effective than local alternatives.

To address this issue, Uzbekistan will establish a national seed and nursery system based on China’s agricultural model. The project, to be launched at the Agro-Service Center in Yukorichirchik district, will receive a $200 million investment. It will focus on developing improved varieties of cotton, wheat, rice, corn, grapes, and fruit. Additionally, a model farm will be created, integrating modern equipment and drone technology.

Investing in Agricultural Education

Developing skilled agricultural professionals is another challenge. Uzbekistan is looking to Italy’s education system as a model, particularly the University of Bologna, which trains specialists for European agriculture.

This year, 200 Uzbek students will study at Bologna, Tuscia, Ferrara, and Pisa universities. The University of Tuscia will also offer 30 annual scholarships for Uzbek students.

Uzbekistan is further expanding practical training opportunities abroad. Uzbek students have already completed internships in Germany and the UK, while universities in Tashkent and Fergana are establishing Japanese language centers to prepare students for study in Japan.

Expanding Global Cooperation

Mirziyoyev has called for stronger ties with Hungary, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, and South Korea. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture is developing new initiatives to introduce innovative agricultural practices across the country.

04 Mar 2025

Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Boosts Vocational Training as Demand for Blue-Collar Workers Surges

March 4, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan is experiencing a growing demand for blue-collar workers, particularly in the construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, according to Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection Askar Biakhmetov.

In 2024, a total of 979,000 job seekers found employment in Kazakhstan, including 714,000 individuals who secured permanent jobs, Biakhmetov stated.

Kazakhstan’s Labor Market Development Concept aims to increase the number of high-quality, well-paid jobs from 2.5 million in 2024 to 3.8 million by 2029.

To achieve this, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has expanded vocational training programs:

In 2023, 67,500 people participated in short-term vocational courses
The Skills Enbek online training platform trained 57,700 people, of whom 14,600 secured jobs after completing their courses
The platform currently offers 858 online courses, including 311 free courses, aimed at helping individuals gain new skills or improve their qualifications

Kazakhstan has declared 2025 the “Year of Blue-Collar Professions” to highlight the importance of vocational careers. “The total demand for labor over the next six years is estimated at 1.6 million workers. Of these, around 900,000 jobs will require vocational education, while more than 400,000 positions will be in blue-collar professions,” Biakhmetov stated.

Meanwhile, the government is taking steps to reduce reliance on foreign labor. Svetlana Zhakupova, Minister of Labor and Social Protection, announced that Kazakhstan’s annual foreign labor quota will be reduced from 22,000 to 15,000 in 2025.

As Kazakhstan continues to modernize its labor market, the government is prioritizing workforce development through training initiatives and employment programs, ensuring sufficient skilled labor for the country’s growing economy.

04 Mar 2025

Central Asia, Environment, Kyrgyzstan Environment, Kyrgyzstan

Chinese Company to Build Waste Recycling Plant in Osh

March 4, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

China’s Hunan Junxin Huanbao KG Invest will build a solid waste incineration plant in Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city, as part of a project to generate electricity from municipal waste.

According to the Osh municipality, Mayor Jenyshbek Toktorbayev signed an agreement with the Chinese company during his visit to Changsha, the capital of China’s Hunan Province, in early March.

The agreement includes the preparation of a feasibility study, with construction set to begin in the coming months. The project is expected to cost $90 million.

Similar Project Underway in Bishkek

The Times of Central Asia reported that Hunan Junxin Huanbao KG Invest is already implementing a similar waste recycling project in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital. The company is currently constructing a solid waste recycling plant at Bishkek’s sanitary landfill.

The facility will generate electricity by incinerating municipal solid waste. In its initial phase, the plant will process 1,000 tons of waste per day, with plans to expand capacity to 3,000 tons daily. The project’s total investment is estimated at $95 million, with construction expected to be completed by December 2025.

Addressing Kyrgyzstan’s Waste Crisis

Solid waste management has been a long-standing challenge in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in its largest cities, Bishkek and Osh. The construction of modern recycling plants marks a significant step toward tackling waste issues while simultaneously contributing to sustainable energy production.

04 Mar 2025

Central Asia, Tajikistan Life & Culture, Life & Culture, Tajikistan

Tajikistan Steps Up Efforts to Combat Obesity and Malnutrition

March 4, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations , in collaboration with Tajikistan’s Ministries of Health and Agriculture, has launched an initiative to develop national nutrition guidelines aimed at promoting sustainable food systems. The project was presented at a national workshop focused on improving public health through better nutrition.

Rising Obesity Rates in Tajikistan

Tajikistan has experienced a steady increase in obesity over the past 11 years. In 2012, 46.3% of the population was classified as overweight; by 2023, this figure had risen to 51%. During the same period, obesity rates increased from 13.4% to 17.4%.

Despite these concerns, food insecurity and malnutrition remain significant challenges in the country. FAO’s acting representative in Tajikistan Aghasi Harutyunyan says that addressing these issues requires a collaborative approach: “This [initiative] is an important milestone for Tajikistan in developing a healthy eating framework based on sustainable food systems. All stakeholders in the food system have a responsibility to ensure that consumers have access to nutritious food. Through collaboration, we can develop policies that improve nutrition and strengthen the country’s agri-food system.”

Food Security and Nutritional Deficiencies

Although there have been some positive trends, food security remains a major concern for many Tajik citizens. According to Nushervoni Bilol, deputy director of the National Nutrition Centre, ongoing issues include lack of trained specialists, weak laboratory infrastructure, insufficient equipment, limited international support, and low government funding for nutrition initiatives.

Health Ministry Data on Nutrition Trends

A 2023 report from Tajikistan’s Ministry of Health highlighted both improvements and continuing challenges in the country’s nutrition landscape:

The rate of exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months increased from 34% (2012) to 41% (2023).
The proportion of stunted children decreased from 23% to 14%.
Anemia rates among women of childbearing age and children under five dropped to 35-36% (down from 41.2%).
However, acute malnutrition remained at 5.6%, and the number of overweight individuals continues to rise.

As Tajikistan works to improve public health and food security, experts emphasize the need for greater investment in nutrition programs, better-equipped laboratories, and stronger collaboration with international partners.

04 Mar 2025

Local Politics, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Featurees

Kazakhstan Introduces AI Regulation Bill to Ensure Human Oversight

March 7, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Deputies of the Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan’s parliament, have introduced a draft law titled On Artificial Intelligence. The legislation proposes a complete ban on digital systems that make decisions without human intervention.

The bill was presented by one of its key developers, Mazhilis deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyayeva, who emphasized the need for a transparent and effective legal framework for integrating AI into Kazakhstan’s economy.

“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly highlighted the importance of AI development and issued relevant directives. During a recent visit to the Artificial Intelligence Development Center, he stressed the need for a balanced approach to AI regulation. On one hand, it is a matter of security; on the other, it is essential for development. Striking this balance is crucial,” Smyshlyayeva stated.

To address security concerns, the bill seeks to prohibit fully autonomous AI systems that operate without human oversight, aiming to reduce the risk of unintended consequences.

AI Classification and Regulation

The proposed legislation classifies AI systems by risk level:

High-risk: AI systems that impact human life and health or are used in public administration will be subject to strict regulation.
Medium-risk: These systems require oversight but with fewer restrictions.
Low-risk: AI systems in this category can be developed without regulatory intervention.

The bill also calls for the creation of a National AI Platform, a state-led technological infrastructure for AI development, training, and testing.

Additionally, lawmakers propose restrictions on AI applications that assess individuals based on social, biometric, or behavioral characteristics. The bill also seeks to ban AI technologies designed to manipulate human behavior. Violations of these provisions would result in administrative penalties under a newly proposed amendment to the Code of Administrative Offenses.

Lawmaker Expresses Fear of AI

During the bill’s presentation, MP Anas Bakkozhayev openly admitted his concerns about artificial intelligence, stating that AI threatens national traditions and intellectual independence.

“I view AI with caution, sometimes even fear. This path leads to degradation. Humans should think and analyze for themselves. Otherwise, where are we headed? Are we merely following global AI trends? What about our traditions, culture, and intellectual capabilities? I fear AI,” Anas Bakkozhayev said.

He also criticized the use of AI by Kazakh officials, arguing that neural networks have become a tool for bureaucrats who prioritize their superiors’ opinions over independent thought. Furthermore, he raised concerns about AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, potentially gathering sensitive data that could threaten national security.

Kazakhstan’s AI Landscape

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the Chinese robotics company AgiBot recently signed an agreement with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry to establish a joint venture for AI-powered robotics in Kazakhstan’s industrial facilities.

However, the expansion of AI remains a contentious issue in Kazakhstan’s parliament. Last December, Smyshlyayeva’s colleague, MP Magerram Magerramov, proposed restricting the use of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools in schools, arguing that their overuse weakens students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.