Page 368 – The Times Of Central Asia

24 Feb 2025

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Uzbekistan Features, Features, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Uzbekistan Applies for UN Security Council Membership for 2035-2036

February 24, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan has announced its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2035-2036 term. The move reflects the country’s growing ambitions on the global stage, as it seeks to enhance its role in international diplomacy and regional stability.

At a recent international meeting, Uzbek officials outlined the country’s key priorities in working with the UN. They emphasized Uzbekistan’s commitment to global cooperation, fostering regional security, and supporting Afghanistan’s economic recovery.

Strengthening Ties with Afghanistan

Uzbekistan’s expanding international engagement was further highlighted during a high-level visit by a delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. The delegation met with Uzbek officials, including Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khojayev, to discuss trade and economic cooperation.

Talks focused on strengthening trade, transit, and investment ties. Uzbekistan expressed its readiness to establish a joint trade zone on the border, featuring processing plants for pine nuts and cotton, packaging and logistics centers, and food production facilities. Uzbek investors also showed interest in Afghanistan’s oil and gas sector and industrial projects, including plans for a cement plant in Namangan.

Relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have grown in recent years, with projects like the Termez International Trade Center boosting bilateral trade. Tashkent has also reaffirmed its commitment to tackling global challenges, including drug trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime.

Environmental and Development Initiatives

Uzbekistan has placed environmental protection at the center of its development strategy. The government has declared 2025 the “Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy” and is taking steps to address the consequences of the Aral Sea crisis. Efforts include large-scale reforestation projects, water conservation measures, and the expansion of renewable energy sources. Uzbekistan has called for increased international support to sustain these initiatives.

Additionally, Uzbekistan invited UN member states to participate in the UN Public Services Forum, scheduled to take place in Samarkand in June 2025. The forum will focus on improving public services and accelerating progress toward global development goals.

24 Feb 2025

Central Asia, International Affairs, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan

Ethnic Kazakhs Returning to Their Historical Homeland

February 24, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Ethnic Kazakhs holding foreign citizenship have received a total of 65 “Ata Zholy” cards, granting them the right to live and work in Kazakhstan for 10 years, the Kazakh Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population has announced.

Of these, 27 cards were issued to business immigrants seeking to establish and develop enterprises in Kazakhstan, while 38 cards were granted to qualified professional, including physicists, mathematicians, chemical engineers, maxillofacial surgeons, and paediatricians. The recipients have arrived from Russia, Germany, Mongolia, China, the United States, Israel, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Finland, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

The Ata Zholy Program

The Ata Zholy (Path of Ancestors) card was introduced in July 2023 to strengthen ties between ethnic Kazakhs abroad and their historical homeland while attracting skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to Kazakhstan.

Holders of the card retain their foreign citizenship and receive a 10-year residence permit, allowing them to live anywhere in Kazakhstan. They enjoy equal rights with Kazakh citizens, including access to social benefits and employment opportunities, and can apply for Kazakh citizenship through a simplified process. However, as foreign nationals, Ata Zholy cardholders cannot vote, run for office, or hold public service positions.

Growing Number of Ethnic Kazakh Returnees

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection also reported that since the beginning of 2025, 1,070 ethnic Kazakhs have returned to Kazakhstan and obtained “Kanda” status, a designation for ethnic Kazakhs and their family members who have never previously held Kazakh citizenship.

The Kandas who arrived in 2024 came from:

China – 51.9%
Uzbekistan – 37.5%
Turkmenistan – 7.1%
Russia – 1.8%
Other countries – 1.7%

Since gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has welcomed over a million ethnic Kazakhs back to their homeland.

24 Feb 2025

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Magnus Carlsen Criticizes Almaty’s Air Quality After Chess Championship

February 24, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Former world chess champion Magnus Carlsen has spoken about the challenges he faced while competing in the World Rapid Chess Championship in Kazakhstan.

Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the Norwegian grandmaster revealed that Almaty’s poor air quality forced him to seek refuge in the mountains to recover and breathe fresh air.

Carlsen described the tournament venue as a “strange place,” noting that Almaty suffers from severe air pollution in winter, creating an uncomfortable environment. To cope, he traveled to a mountainous area about an hour from the city, where he said the landscape resembled the Swiss Alps, with peaks reaching 3,500 meters.

This trip caused Carlsen to be late for his match against Belarusian grandmaster Vladislav Kovalev. He started the game 2.5 minutes behind schedule, a significant disadvantage in a format where players have just three minutes for the entire game, plus two seconds per move. Despite the setback, Carlsen won both the match and the championship.

“I was so miserable in the city that I realized if I wanted to keep playing, I needed to get out and get some fresh air. I decided to take the risk, and it worked,” he said in an interview.

The tournament began on December 25, 2022, in Almaty, with a total prize fund of $1 million, fully sponsored by general partner Freedom Broker.

Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history, held the world championship title from 2013 to 2023. He has won the World Rapid Chess Championship five times, claimed eight Blitz Chess titles, and secured victory in the 2023 FIDE World Cup.

24 Feb 2025

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A Taste of Kazakhstan: Interview with Almaty’s Apple City Cider

February 24, 2025
By Henry Kuvin

Englishman Alexander Thomas is the passionate founder of Apple City Cider, an Almaty-based craft cidery dedicated to producing high-quality, locally sourced ciders that celebrate tradition with a modern twist. With a deep-rooted love for orchards and fermentation, Thomas blends innovation with time-honored techniques to create crisp, flavorful ciders.

TCA: What first brought you to Almaty, and what kept you here?

AT: I used to work for the world’s largest publishing group, where I reported on different market sectors. When I covered aviation, I used to fly around the world to speak to different airline CEOs to discuss their route strategies and fleets. I first came to Kazakhstan to interview Air Astana’s CEO, Peter Foster. I was supposed to fly to Paris to speak with KLM and Air France, but that meeting was canceled, so I flew back to London. Sitting next to me, little did I know, was my future wife. In the same company, I very much enjoyed the coverage of the drinks industry. I had originally wanted to make wine in the south of France, but after marrying a Kazakh girl, we decided to start our business in Kazakhstan. Instead of pressing grapes in the South of France, we began pressing apples in Almaty.

TCA: Can you tell us the inspiration for Apple City Cider?

AT: We started the business because no one was making cider in the birthplace of the apple, around that time, cider was not even available to purchase in Kazakhstan. Around the same time we went on sale, another alcohol manufacturer began to produce cider as well, but we are the only cider specialists; the main business of the others is spirits and other alcoholic drinks.

Image: TCA, Henry Kuvin

TCA: How did Almaty respond to your business idea, and what were the main challenges when establishing your company?

AT: Consumers are very happy with the product and happy that we started our business here. Like other local companies, Almaty Cider has received a lot of positive support from the city; they love how it’s called “Almaty Cider.” The concept of eating locally and supporting local businesses is a global phenomenon, and Almaty is no exception. The fact that Almaty is the birthplace of the apple, proven by science, made it the ideal location to start such a business. The Malus Sieversii apple, native to the Almaty region, is perfect for cider. The levels of tannins, fruit sugar, and acidity, while not ideal for eating, make a great-tasting cider.

TCA: Almaty, the place of abundant apples, does not have a huge cider culture – how has this changed since you established the business, and where do you see it going?

AT: Cider was not available even as an imported product until about three to four years ago. Since then, we have seen imported brands come to the market, and people have developed a taste for it. In Russia, for example, there are now over 100 independent cideries. The first person to start a cidery in Russia was a deputy in the Duma, and he used his power to have cider move from the alcohol to the agricultural production list. As a result, it became easier to produce and distribute. Now, in St. Petersburg or Moscow, you can find three to four varieties on tap in most bars. In the rest of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), consumer trends tend to follow what happens in Russia.

TCA: What have been the biggest challenges you faced as an entrepreneur in Almaty, and how did you overcome them?

AT: Time and patience: There is no printed list of things you need to do to start a business here. It’s definitely a case of trial and error; we did not have the necessary steps laid out for us nor examples to base our business on. In Kazakhstan, especially with a new product, you are a pioneer. By starting a business, we were stepping into the dark, so to speak. It was a lot more time-consuming than we initially thought, and it took several years of trying to get the necessary green lights before starting production.

TCA: How do you hope Apple City Cider contributes to Almaty’s cultural and culinary identity?

AT: The fact that it is a premium artisanal, or craft, product that did not exist in the market makes us unique. There are only mass-market competitors or high-priced imports. People have responded well to our product. Bartenders are making special cocktails with it, chefs are cooking with it, and it’s available in various bars, restaurants, and shops across the country. The entire Kazakh culinary scene is changing; it has absolutely transformed in the past decade. It used to be that most restaurants were very old-fashioned, with a twenty-page menu, the same in every place. But now, Neo-Nomad cuisine, as it’s called, a contemporary take on traditional Kazakh food, has created a really cool food scene in Kazakhstan.

Image: TCA, Henry Kuvin

I hope it brings awareness to the true birthplace of the apple, as just outside of Almaty is the epicenter of the apple’s birthplace. In fact, it is not the Aport apple that is native to Kazakhstan, but the Malus Sieversii. The Aport was brought here by the Russians, and it simply grew well in the climate. There are some communities that are reintroducing Malus Sieversii trees to the region, but the variety is still not as well known as Aport.

TCA: What advice would you give someone in Almaty who dreams of starting their own business?

AT: Do as much research as you possibly can, but even then, it won’t be enough. There is so much you cannot prepare for without taking the plunge. Talk to as many people as possible, and you might find someone who has faced similar experiences to learn from.

TCA: Are there any local partnerships, like with farmers or businesses, that have been crucial to your success?

AT: We have some regular growers who we buy from and certain restaurants and bars where our products are popular. Our target audience is “hipsters” and adventurous people from all age demographics, but the largest percentage of our customers are younger people.

24 Feb 2025

Home, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Features, Kyrgyzstan Features

Kyrgyz State Companies Encouraged to List Securities on Local Stock Exchange

February 24, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Akylbek Japarov, has signed a decree recommending that all state-owned enterprises conduct initial public offerings (IPOs) and trade their securities on the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange (KSE). Experts believe the move will stimulate stock market development and attract foreign investors.

Several years ago, shares of five major state-owned enterprises, Kyrgyzaltyn, Kyrgyztelecom, Manas International Airport, Uchkun (the state printing house), and RSK Bank, were listed on KSE. The initiative served as a testing ground for improving corporate governance. At the time, stock exchange representatives noted that the process enabled state companies to modernize their operations and expand without relying on loans.

“The IPO is just the beginning. According to KSE listing requirements, companies must maintain transparency, conduct public operations, and provide ongoing financial and economic disclosures to sustain investor confidence,” said KSE President Medet Nazaraliyev.

Nazaraliyev told The Times of Central Asia (TCA) that the shareholders of KSE include the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange and the Istanbul Exchange, making it possible for foreign investors to participate in Kyrgyz securities trading. Additionally, under Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) agreements, investors from across the bloc can freely purchase shares in local companies.

“Transferring the trading of all state-owned companies’ securities to KSE aims to consolidate the market and ensure that state enterprises receive high-quality financial services. KSE is also working on expanding its investor base and exploring opportunities to enter foreign markets, all in the interests of our issuers,” KSE Vice President Myktybek Abirov told TCA.

According to Abirov, 24 state-owned enterprises are currently listed on the exchange. Under Kyrgyz law, all transactions involving securities of open joint-stock companies must be conducted on KSE.

Last year, U.S. credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings joined KSE’s list of official evaluators, alongside Kazakh and Russian firms. This partnership facilitates independent assessments of green and gender bonds issued by the exchange. Furthermore, S&P’s involvement enhances the credibility and attractiveness of Kyrgyz securities for foreign investors.

In the middle of 2024, the volume of capitalization of KSE amounted to $636 million.

24 Feb 2025

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Proposed Kazakh Foreign Agents Law Sparks Heated Debate

March 19, 2025
By Aliya Haidar

The potential adoption of a law on foreign agents has sparked heated discussions and even serious conflicts in Kazakhstan. However, some experts believe that labeling foreign agents will help the country’s citizens understand whose interests certain sections of the media and bloggers are serving.

Discussions about the possible adoption of a foreign agents law in Kazakhstan have been ongoing for several years. The sharp reduction in USAID activities worldwide, including in Kazakhstan, has given new momentum to the debate. A directive from U.S. President Donald Trump to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) brought shocking details to light.

It was confirmed that over the years, USAID had spent millions of dollars funding various projects in Kazakhstan. Some of these projects, including those involving the Kazakh government, were related to energy, modernization, healthcare, and other progressive fields. However, a significant portion of the funds went toward media resources that promoted a specific point of view in Kazakhstan, often leading to conflicts, as extensively reported by The Times of Central Asia (TCA) in a series of articles.

Following Trump’s directive, Mazhilis (Parliament) Deputy Magerram Magerramov accused USAID of lobbying for the LGBT community. According to him, Elon Musk and Trump had called USAID a criminal organization. The deputy claimed that foreign-funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were promoting an alien and harmful perspective in Kazakhstan.

Sources indicate that the shutdown of USAID’s activities has already led to the closure or suspension of certain media outlets in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. For example, on February 17, Mediazona Central Asia announced it was temporarily ceasing operations.

The issue of foreign funding for media and bloggers has caused an intense reaction in Kazakhstan’s information space. Amid the USAID shuttering, Mazhilis deputy from the People’s Party of Kazakhstan, Irina Smirnova, proposed amending the legislation on foreign financing. Her proposal served to escalate tensions.

On February 12, Smirnova submitted a parliamentary inquiry to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. According to Smirnova, around 200 NGOs in Kazakhstan receive foreign funding, with 70% financed through various U.S. sources. Official government data shows that the country has 165 different grant donors, including 53 international organizations, 31 foreign government organizations, and 81 foreign and Kazakh NGOs.

“Even experts find it difficult to distinguish between friendly resources and those that require caution to avoid falling under the influence of destructive ‘soft’ power,” Smirnova stated, representing this a challenge for Kazakh society.

According to Smirnova, many countries counter such challenges by adopting foreign agent laws. For example, Israel has had such a law since 2016, China since 2017, Australia since 2018, the UK since 2023, and France since 2024. One of the original models for such laws is the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act, enacted in 1938 to counter Nazi propaganda.

Smirnova suggested that Kazakhstan should develop national legislation on foreign agents similar to Western countries so that citizens can evaluate and compare information while understanding its source. Her statement triggered a massive backlash, however, with the most extreme reaction coming from Arman Shuraev, a former politician, who seemingly used offensive language toward Smirnova on social media, accusing her of defending a pro-Russian position. Shuraev later deleted the post, claiming his account had been hacked.

Nevertheless, Smirnova stated that she regarded his remarks as an act of ethnic hostility, and publicly requested the Ministry of Internal Affairs to document Shuraev’s attacks and legally assess his actions.

According to Kazakh political scientist and director of the public foundation Kemel Arna, Zamir Karazhanov, Kazakhstan and Central Asia will experience the effects of Donald Trump’s policies. Karazhanov believes it is evident that USAID will either be shut down or completely change its operational format.

“The agency was originally intended to help the populations of developing countries, focusing on clean water, food, education, healthcare, and other humanitarian needs. However, over time, USAID actively engaged in the media sphere, addressing issues that, frankly speaking, concern impoverished populations in developing countries the least. The organization needs to return to its roots, where good intentions were initially laid,” Karazhanov told The Times of Central Asia.

According to Karazhanov, many media outlets in Kazakhstan received support from USAID, and these projects will now inevitably face funding shortfalls.

“Under Trump, this trend will continue for at least four years, his term in office. His statements do not emphasize human rights, freedom of speech, or democracy. Trump is an authoritarian leader at the head of a democratic system,” Karazhanov stated, adding that he believes that during Trump’s presidency, far-right politicians and ideologies will gain momentum worldwide.

Additionally, however, Karazhanov argues that USAID and other Western organizations violated liberal democratic principles by imposing foreign ideas and engaging in mass propaganda. Thus, the concept of Western influence clearly needs reconsideration.

According to Karazhanov, provisions on foreign agents are currently scattered across multiple legislative acts in Kazakhstan. This approach may have been driven by a reluctance to provoke conflict with the West or exacerbate internal disputes, as seen in Russia and Georgia after adopting similar laws.

“We should focus on the interests of Kazakh society. There is no need for excessive restrictions, but the public must be informed about the sources of all information. Whose position does a given media outlet or blogger represent? This is critically important. There is a geopolitical struggle in the world, and Kazakhstan has weak information security. Any foreign state can influence us through its media. It should not be the case that a Kazakhstani channel is covertly promoting the ideology and narratives of a foreign state,” Karazhanov argued.

Many democratic Western countries choose to regulate foreign influence on their citizens, including by controlling social media.

“There must be clear and precise definitions, including for the term ‘foreign agent’ itself. If the legal norms are scattered across multiple acts, clarity it’s impossible. Especially with controversial laws like this, ambiguity cannot be allowed. The state’s position must be clearly formulated within a single law,” Karazhanov argues. “If a foreign agents law is adopted, it must apply equally to everyone. The most important distinction is whether the funding source is domestic or foreign. If it is foreign, then the audience must be informed — regardless of how small the foreign funding share is. The sponsoring country does not matter; it can be friendly or unfriendly. The foreign agents’ law should only reflect Kazakhstan’s national interests.”