Page 382 – The Times Of Central Asia

18 Jun 2025

Central Asia, Environment, Home, Kyrgyzstan Environment, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Features, Kyrgyzstan Home

Artificial Glacier Technology to Support Kyrgyz Farmers Amid Climate Change

June 18, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Artificial glacier technology is emerging as a promising solution to help Kyrgyz farmers adapt to the growing challenges of climate change. By enhancing irrigation efficiency and ensuring a more reliable water supply, these innovations aim to strengthen the resilience of mountain communities dependent on agriculture.

The technology was the focus of a roundtable discussion held on June 17 in Bishkek, titled “Technical Solutions for Improving Water Availability in Irrigation Systems for Mountain Communities in Kyrgyzstan Under Climate Change.”

At the event, Oleg Guchgeldiyev, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Kyrgyzstan, presented a new FAO initiative to develop and expand artificial glacier infrastructure in the country. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan.

With natural glaciers rapidly retreating due to global warming, water scarcity during the summer months has become a critical concern for Kyrgyz farmers. Artificial glaciers, engineered ice structures formed in winter and melted during warmer periods, offer a low-cost, scalable method of ensuring water availability during the growing season.

“Artificial glaciers are not just a technological solution,” Guchgeldiyev said. “These innovations serve as a pillar of resilience for rural communities in a changing climate. Such projects strengthen food security and promote long-term agricultural development.”

How the Technology Works

The FAO’s “Glacier – Reservoir – Farmer” system combines artificial glaciers with small water reservoirs and modern irrigation methods such as drip systems. Water is collected from mountain springs and funneled through a pipeline to a vertical outlet pipe, 10 to 15 meters high. The elevation difference generates pressure that sprays water into the air. In winter, this spray freezes, gradually forming an ice cone. In summer, the stored ice melts and is directed to nearby reservoirs, from which it is distributed to fields for irrigation and livestock use.

“Location is critical for glacier construction,” noted Matraim Jusupov, an FAO expert in agriculture and water management. “On average, one artificial glacier can supply water for 300 to 500 hectares of land.”

The integration of reservoirs and pipeline systems minimizes water loss and enhances distribution efficiency, improving crop yields and rural livelihoods.

Early Implementation and Expansion

Kyrgyzstan already has over 30 artificial glaciers, with early projects implemented in the Uzgen, Kochkor, and Aksy districts.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, In autumn 2024, seven more artificial glaciers were constructed in villages across the Batken region as part of the FAO’s broader climate adaptation strategy.

These initiatives are part of Kyrgyzstan’s growing efforts to modernize its water infrastructure and build resilience against the intensifying impacts of climate change on its agriculture-dependent economy.

18 Jun 2025

Citizens of Central Asia Face New Entry Restrictions To Russia and the U.S.

June 18, 2025
By Aliya Haidar

Citizens of Central Asian countries are encountering a wave of new travel restrictions from two major global powers, Russia and the United States. In recent weeks, Moscow and Washington have both introduced or expanded measures that complicate entry for citizens of the region, raising concerns about migration rights, bilateral relations, and regional security.

Russia Tightens Border Rules

Starting June 30, 2025, citizens from visa-free countries, including Kazakhstan, will be required to obtain a special QR code to enter Russia. The code must be secured in advance via the Gosuslugi RuID app, at least 72 hours before travel, or four hours in emergency cases. The app is not yet operational, but Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has confirmed its planned launch on the same date.

While Russia maintains visa-free arrangements with over 30 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Israel, and all CIS members, these new digital entry requirements apply broadly. Exceptions include citizens of countries already subject to visa regimes, diplomats, and citizens of Belarus, a Union State member.

Additionally, as of January 1, 2025, the allowable visa-free stay in Russia for citizens of these countries has been reduced from 90 days per half-year to 90 days per calendar year.

Many Kazakhstani travelers fear that the new rules will result in long queues and technical delays at border crossings. More broadly, critics point out that the move undermines the spirit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), whose member states, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Belarus, and Russia, are supposed to enjoy facilitated mobility.

Response to the Crocus City Hall Attack

The changes come in the wake of the March 22, 2024 terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, which left at least 145 dead and more than 500 injured. The suspects in the attack were reportedly citizens of Tajikistan, sparking a wave of anti-migrant sentiment in Russia.

According to Temur Umarov, a Berlin-based political analyst at the Carnegie Center, Russian authorities are prioritizing security over economic necessity. “Russia is doing everything possible to reduce the number of migrants from Central Asia,” he said, noting the vital role these workers play in several Russian industries.

Regional Backlash

Public figures and officials in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan have expressed frustration over Russia’s tightened migration policy. In Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a formal protest with the Russian ambassador following a widely publicized incident in which Kyrgyz citizens were forcibly removed from a Moscow bathhouse.

Member of Parliament Zhana Akayev strongly condemned the treatment of Kyrgyz nationals: “Partners and allies do not behave like this. They are humiliating our citizens,” he said.

Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin criticized Russia’s approach as inhumane and called for migration policies that respect mutual interests and fundamental rights. In Uzbekistan, several bloggers have gone further, calling for entry bans on Russian public figures, including Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, for alleged chauvinistic remarks.

Kazakhstan has taken a more measured stance. Aibek Smadiyarov, a spokesman for the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, emphasized that the QR code system does not constitute a visa regime. He also noted that biometric data collection, initiated by Russia in November 2024, is a standard international practice. As for reciprocal measures, Smadiyarov said the government is “carefully studying” its options.

U.S. Restrictions Expand

Meanwhile, the United States is also moving to restrict entry from certain Central Asian nations. On June 15, it was reported that Kyrgyzstan had been added to a watchlist of countries whose citizens may face entry restrictions.

A memorandum signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and sent to American diplomats outlines new immigration benchmarks. Affected countries have 60 days to demonstrate compliance, though no official communication has yet been received by Kyrgyz authorities.

“The criteria for this designation remain unclear,” the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that there is no confirmed imposition of restrictions as of yet.

Political analyst Igor Shestakov suggests the move is consistent with U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign promises to curb illegal immigration. “Trump made it clear that America would not serve as a transit country,” he said. While migration from Kyrgyzstan increased during Joe Biden’s presidency, Shestakov noted that during Trump’s first term, even students faced difficulty securing visas.

“Now there will be a tightening of the screws,” Shestakov warned, advising Kyrgyz citizens without legal U.S. status to consider returning home.

On June 5, President Trump signed an executive order restricting entry for citizens of several countries, including Turkmenistan. The move was prompted by high visa overstay rates, 15.35% for business/tourist visa holders and 21.74% for student/exchange visa holders from Turkmenistan between October 2022 and September 2023.

Ashgabat has formally protested the decision. With Kyrgyzstan potentially joining Turkmenistan on the U.S. watchlist, concerns are growing in other Central Asian states, especially Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, about their own future access to the U.S..

18 Jun 2025

Home, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Business Economy, Business & Economy

Tajikistan Introduces 20% Duty on Imported Mobile Phones

June 18, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Starting July 1, 2025, Tajikistan will impose a 20% customs duty on all imported mobile phones, including both feature phones and smartphones. This marks a significant policy shift, as such devices were previously exempt from import duties.

Policy Details

According to Government Decree No. 364, dated June 10, the duty applies to goods classified under HS codes 8517130000 and 8517140000, which encompass mobile phones, including smartphones. The new regulation stipulates a 20% tariff based on the customs value of the imported goods.

“This means that upon import, phones will be subject to a 20% charge on their declared value,” a local trade expert explained. As a result, the retail price of a single device could rise by nearly one-fifth.

Expected Price Increases

Analysts predict retail prices for mobile phones will rise by 15% to 25%, depending on the brand and model. The price hike is expected to shift consumer preferences, with more people likely turning to budget or second-hand devices.

The government has not publicly provided an official rationale for the duty. The decree was issued without accompanying commentary. However, economists suggest the measure is intended to bolster state revenues by broadening the import tax base.

Experts advise consumers planning to purchase a new phone to do so before July 1, as many foreign-manufactured models, particularly those brought in through official channels, are expected to become significantly more expensive thereafter.

Tightened Import Controls

This move follows earlier steps by the Tajik government to tighten oversight of the mobile phone market. Since February 1, 2023, all mobile phones and tablets must be registered through their IMEI numbers. Devices connected to local mobile networks were automatically logged into the national database during a three-month grace period.

From May 1, 2023, all imported phones must undergo formal customs clearance, with IMEI numbers automatically registered upon completion. Individuals bringing phones into the country for personal use or as gifts must complete a T-6 customs form. In such cases, IMEI registration is also automatic.

While IMEI registration for individuals is free, all customs-related costs are borne by importers and are typically passed on to consumers through retail pricing. As a result, Tajik consumers should expect further price pressures starting in July, likely making new mobile phones less accessible to the broader population.

18 Jun 2025

Home, Tajikistan International Affairs, Tajikistan, International Affairs, Tajikistan Features

Russia to Gradually Cancel Tajikistan’s $300 Million Energy Debt

June 18, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Russia and Tajikistan have signed an agreement to gradually write off Tajikistan’s $300 million debt related to electricity supplied by the jointly operated Sangtuda-1 Hydropower Plant. The arrangement was confirmed by a protocol approved by the lower house of Tajikistan’s parliament, according to The Moscow Times.

The agreement was signed in late April by Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev and Tajik Minister of Energy and Water Resources Daler Juma. Under the terms of the agreement, the debt will be cancelled in stages through 2034.

Sangtuda-1, a 670-megawatt hydropower facility, accounts for approximately 12% of Tajikistan’s electricity production. Its sole customer is the state-owned energy company Barki Tojik, which has long struggled to meet payment obligations. Through this arrangement, Russia is effectively subsidizing electricity costs for Tajikistani consumers by absorbing the financial shortfall.

Part of a Broader Debt Strategy

This move is consistent with Russia’s broader approach to economic diplomacy among its allies. Tajikistan is not alone in receiving such relief. Earlier this year, President Vladimir Putin approved a deferral of Belarusian state loan repayments totaling $800 million, now rescheduled for 2031-2036.

Russia has previously provided relief in $26.7 million in debt owed by Guinea-Bissau and canceled $691 million in Somali debt. In total, Moscow has forgiven around $20 billion in African debt, much of it tied to Soviet-era military transactions.

Closer Financial Ties

The debt relief agreement comes amid deepening financial cooperation between Dushanbe and Moscow. According to the National Bank of Tajikistan, more than 90% of bilateral trade is now conducted in Russian rubles, a sharp contrast to 2021, when trade was equally divided between the ruble and the U.S. dollar.

17 Jun 2025

Home, Turkmenistan International Affairs, International Affairs, Turkmenistan Features, Features

Israel Strikes Mashhad, an Iranian City Near Turkmenistan and a Hub for Central Asia Trade

June 19, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

Mashhad, a northeastern Iranian city near the border with Turkmenistan and a significant hub for trade with Central Asia, is among the targets hit by the Israeli military in the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran.

The Israeli military said a strike on Mashhad’s airport on Sunday was the furthest since it launched airstrikes on Iran, including nuclear facilities, on June 13 and Iran promptly retaliated. The attack on the city highlights the potential fallout for some countries in Central Asia that do business with Iran across the border with Turkmenistan.

“The IAF (Israeli Air Force) struck an Iranian refueling aircraft at Mashhad Airport in eastern Iran, approximately 2,300 kilometers from Israel. The IAF is operating to establish aerial superiority over Iranian airspace. This marks the longest-range strike conducted since the beginning of Operation Rising Lion,” the Israeli military said on X.

Mashhad, which has a population of up to 3.5 million, is Iran’s second most populous city after the capital Tehran, which has nearly 10 million people. The northeastern city is an Islamic pilgrimage site and is the birth place of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media on Tuesday that “we know exactly” where Ayatollah Khamenei is hiding and that he is an “easy target” even if he is safe for now. Trump has also demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” though it was unclear whether his comments meant the U.S. could directly join Israel’s military campaign against Iran.

While the whereabouts of Iran’s supreme leader are not publicly known, Mashhad and other major Iranian cities have been thrown into turmoil by the Israeli attacks. Some people have fled to other towns or places in the countryside that they think might be safer. Flights have been canceled and there are reports of widespread internet disruptions.

Mashhad is about 75 kilometers from the nearest point on the border with Turkmenistan, and a driving distance of about 275 kilometers to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital to the northwest.

Last month, Iran and Turkmenistan signed an agreement aimed at increasing bilateral trade to $3 billion, the Tehran Times reported. The neighbors also agreed to establish joint free trade zones, build up border markets, ready a bilateral gas contract and take other steps to develop economic cooperation.

In April, Iran and Turkmenistan agreed to start a cross-border passenger train as a way to strengthen economic ties. The route would link Mashhad with Merv, a city in Turkmenistan.

The extent of disruption to these economic plans is unclear as fighting between Israel and Iran continues. Fears of a wider war are circulating and numerous countries, including those in Central Asia, have appealed for an end to hostilities.

17 Jun 2025

Home, Opinions

Opinion: Latecomer Advantage – Central Asia’s Prospects for Embracing Technology

June 17, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Astana, Kazakhstan for the second China–Central Asia Summit marks another milestone in reviving a historic bond shaped by the ancient Silk Road — a shared civilizational journey linking China and Central Asia.

Today, as the world enters an era dominated by technology as a key driver of development, Central Asian countries have the opportunity to leverage a latecomer advantage by narrowing the digital gap, cultivating technical talent, and harnessing technology for poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

Closing the Digital Gap: Role of the Digital Silk Road

The rise of the digital economy is reshaping the very foundation of modern development. Just as reliable electricity, transportation networks, and other essential infrastructure once formed the critical foundations for development, digital infrastructure has now become an indispensable pillar for economic and social advancement.

The digital world is inherently shared, a phenomenon that can be understood as the ‘digital commons’. It refers to spaces where access and contribution are mutually reinforcing — the value of digital resources grows as more people use them, more knowledge is exchanged, and more services become interconnected.

In light of this, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed building the Digital Silk Road of the 21st Century as early as May 2017 to help close the digital gap among participating countries.

For Central Asian countries, the task is to achieve more inclusive digital connectivity. This means not only expanding coverage and improving the quality and speed of connections but also embedding digital solutions more deeply into daily life — across education, commerce, healthcare, etc. These are essential steps toward fully realizing the shared benefits of the digital commons.

Mature digital business models from other parts of the world offer valuable blueprints that can be directly adopted or adapted to local contexts.

In education, mobile-based learning platforms and virtual classrooms have proven effective in overcoming limited local resources. Expanding access to vocational training, language courses, and digital literacy programs is essential to build a workforce ready for the modern economy.

In commerce, the rapid rise of mobile payment systems and cross-border e-commerce platforms has the potential to fundamentally reshape the models small businesses operate. By replicating proven models in mobile finance and logistics management, Central Asian countries can open new pathways for local producers to connect with global markets.

ln healthcare, telemedicine provides another avenue where digital solutions can directly address the challenges of limited medical resources and vast geographic distances. Online diagnostic services and remote consultations can expand access to basic healthcare services and help strengthen public health resilience.

These models are especially applicable because they are already functioning effectively in comparable emerging markets. Many of today’s digital solutions are highly scalable and transferable, requiring only sufficient connectivity and a capable user base.

Seizing the latecomer advantage: Talent is the key

While lagging in technology may seem a disadvantage, it can also serve as a strategic advantage when viewed differently. This is the essence of what is known as the latecomer advantage — the ability of less developed countries to skip costly, time-consuming stages of technological experimentation and move directly to mature, proven solutions.

Historical examples such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines have demonstrated how effectively introducing technologies can accelerate development. Central Asia can follow a similar path, with talent development as the key.

As early as May 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a plan under the Belt and Road framework to promote cooperation and innovation in science and technology. “China will enhance cooperation on innovation with other countries. We will launch the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan, which consists of the Science and Technology People-to-People Exchange Initiative, the Joint Laboratory Initiative, the Science Park Cooperation Initiative and the Technology Transfer Initiative,” he stated.

By leveraging this initiative, Central Asia can advance its human capital strategy by cultivating technological talent along two parallel tracks:

High-end scientific talent: Central Asian countries should cultivate researchers and engineers capable of engaging in joint development projects, gradually moving beyond technology adoption to adaptation and improvement. Collaborating with Chinese partners through scientific exchanges and joint laboratories can accelerate this talent development process.

Technical and vocational talent: Beyond high-level scientists, the region also requires a large skilled workforce capable of operating and maintaining imported technological equipment and systems. Vocational training schools, complemented by programs from Chinese companies to train local technicians, can significantly reduce the region’s reliance on external technical support.

By focusing on both high-end scientific expertise and a broad base of skilled technical workers, Central Asia can efficiently absorb existing technologies and turn the latecomer advantage into a lasting foundation for greater regional competitiveness.

Agricultural technology for poverty alleviation

In recent years, Central Asia has enjoyed a period of relative stability, providing a critical window to address poverty issues.

China’s approach to poverty alleviation offers useful pathways. Over the past decades, the country has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, with agricultural technology playing a central role. High-yield crop varieties and modern agricultural practices have become key drivers of its remarkable rural productivity growth.

By drawing on these practices, Central Asia can develop solutions that are suitable for its unique conditions. Given its vast arable lands and frequently harsh climates, the region stands to gain significantly from technologies such as drought-resistant crop varieties that mitigate environmental challenges and enhance agricultural productivity.

In addition to crop improvement, smart irrigation systems conserve water and lower input costs, automated pest management reduces crop losses, and precision farming optimizes resource use. Even more advanced technologies, such as satellite-based soil monitoring and remote sensing, can be applied on large-scale farms to optimize field management.

By localizing and scaling these technologies, Central Asian countries can build a more resilient agricultural sector and lay the groundwork for durable poverty reduction.

Catch-up growth: Central Asia’s emerging prospects

With China and Central Asia deepening their partnership, the region stands at the threshold of a new chapter. Just as the ancient Silk Road once carried silk, spices, and stories across vast lands, today’s Belt and Road Initiative brings technology and digital opportunity. If Central Asia successfully leverages its latecomer status, it stands a good chance of driving catch-up growth and achieving prosperity.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the publication, its affiliates, or any other organizations mentioned, including CGTN.