Page 385 – The Times Of Central Asia

12 Feb 2025

Local Politics, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Home, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbekistan Advances Draft Law on Religious Policy

February 12, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber has approved the draft law On State Policy in the Religious Sphere and sent it to the Senate for further consideration. The law, formally titled On Ensuring Freedom of Conscience of Citizens in the Republic of Uzbekistan and Approving the Concept of State Policy in the Religious Sphere, was first discussed in the lower chamber on January 31 and was open for public consultation until February 10.

The draft law consists of seven chapters and 41 articles, outlining the goals of state policy in religious affairs and detailing 10 key tasks to support these objectives.

The proposed legislation focuses on:

Ensuring freedom and equality for all citizens, regardless of gender, nationality, language, or religion, while preventing discrimination
Strengthening national unity and respecting traditions while ensuring equal opportunities for all communities
Establishing equal legal conditions for citizens’ participation in social life
Protecting the right to freedom of conscience without forced religious indoctrination
Maintaining secularism in state policies and governance
Ensuring public institutions and law enforcement operate based on secular principles
Promoting religious tolerance and civic engagement
Preventing civil servants from favoring or discriminating against any religion in their professional duties
Advancing science, culture, and the arts while benefiting from global achievements
Combating radicalization, extremism, and terrorism to protect public safety and social order

During the public consultation period, citizens submitted more than 480 comments, suggestions, and recommendations. Lawmakers also held meetings with religious representatives and journalists to gather feedback. On February 6, officials met with representatives from 16 religious groups, all of whom expressed support for the proposed law, emphasizing that it would help maintain religious harmony and stability in Uzbekistan.

Authorities stated that most citizens backed the initiative, recognizing its timely development and potential benefits for the country. A working group and the responsible committee reviewed all proposals and incorporated necessary adjustments before finalizing the draft.

12 Feb 2025

Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Kasymaliyev: Kyrgyzstan to Focus on Hydropower and Economic Growth

February 12, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

As a small, landlocked country in the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is prioritizing the expansion of its hydropower potential, enhancing transit opportunities, and digitalizing public administration, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliyev said at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on February 11.

According to Kasymaliyev, Kyrgyzstan’s position as an “upstream country” in the region largely shapes its water policy. The country’s total hydropower potential is estimated to exceed 140 billion kilowatt-hours per year. While Kyrgyzstan’s abundant water resources meet domestic needs, they also supply irrigation water to large farmland areas in downstream Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Hydropower and Regional Energy Cooperation

Kyrgyzstan’s flagship project in the water and energy sector is the construction of the Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power plant on the Naryn River, in partnership with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Once completed, the plant is expected to generate 5.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting domestic demand while also enabling the export of surplus clean energy to neighboring countries.

Transport and Trade: China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway

Another major infrastructure initiative highlighted by Kasymaliyev is the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which broke ground in December 2024. More than just a transport corridor, the railway is seen as a strategic link connecting East and West. The route will facilitate the movement of goods from China to Kyrgyzstan and onward to Central Asia, the Middle East – including Turkey – and the European Union.

“The project will strengthen interregional ties, help diversify transport routes, and enhance the region’s competitiveness as an international transport and transit hub, benefiting all Central Asian countries,” Kasymaliyev said.

Digital Transformation and AI in Governance

Kyrgyzstan’s third priority is digital transformation, aimed at reducing bureaucracy and lowering the cost of public services for citizens and businesses.

“We are on the threshold of a new era of public administration, where digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and big data are not just tools but the foundation for making balanced and strategically sound decisions,” Kasymaliyev stated.

He emphasized that AI offers unprecedented opportunities to improve governance efficiency. “Today, decisions worldwide are based on objective analysis of vast amounts of data. If we can assess the impact of fiscal reforms, energy tariff changes, or investment programs in advance, we can minimize risks, enhance economic resilience, and make truly well-informed decisions,” he said, adding that Kyrgyzstan is eager to adopt best practices from international partners.

12 Feb 2025

International Affairs, Defense, Tajikistan Justice, Home, Tajikistan International Affairs, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Business Economy, Tajikistan Features, Tajikistan Home, Features

U.S. Urges Tajikistan to Enforce Sanctions on Russian Firms Amid Ongoing Compliance Review

February 12, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

The Tajik government has received an official letter from the United States requesting compliance with sanctions against several Russian companies operating in the country, Chairman of the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management Sulton Rakhimzoda announced at a press conference on February 11.

According to Rakhimzoda, the U.S. has requested clarification on what measures Tajik authorities plan to take regarding the sanctions. “This is a sensitive topic, and it is currently under consideration,” he stated.

He added that sanctions against Russian companies are not a new phenomenon and that businesses affected by the restrictions should already have mechanisms in place to adapt. “It is clear that sanctions impact companies to varying degrees. However, as far as I know, they have already developed strategies to operate under these conditions. These issues are also being discussed in negotiations with the government,” Rakhimzoda said.

He noted that the Investment Committee does not oversee this sector directly, but that the relevant government agencies are handling the matter.

Following the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the U.S. and the European Union imposed strict sanctions on several Russian enterprises. In January 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Gazpromneft Tajikistan along with its parent company, Gazprom Neft.

Tajik authorities have stated that the sanctions will not affect oil product imports into the country. However, experts warn that the restrictions could eventually impact other companies cooperating with Gazpromneft Tajikistan.

12 Feb 2025

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Business & Economy

Uzbekistan Seeks International Collaboration for Nuclear Energy Project

February 27, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on February 10 to review progress in Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy sector and outline future goals. Officials reported that 25 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity will be added over the next five years, generating 64 billion kilowatt-hours of green energy annually. By 2030, the country aims to increase the share of renewable energy to more than 50% of total electricity production.

Azim Ahmadkhodjayev, director of Uzatom, discussed the sector’s prospects in an interview with Uzbekiston 24 TV following the meeting. He noted that by 2040, the share of nuclear energy in global electricity production could rise from 9% to 25%. He also recalled that Uzbekistan signed an agreement last year with Rosatom to build a 330 MW small-scale nuclear power plant in Jizzakh.

“Our president emphasized that this project should have an international character, with the involvement of various international organizations,” he said. In addition to Russian technologies, the project will integrate Chinese non-nuclear technologies and European software and hardware.

“To implement this project, we will create an international consortium using the most advanced technologies,” Ahmadkhodjayev added.

To reduce water consumption, the project may incorporate dry coolers from Hungarian or Chinese manufacturers.

Uzatom has also developed a cooperation program with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to train specialists and ensure safety in nuclear energy projects. Ahmadkhodjayev noted that the president has instructed officials to explore alternative approaches for similar projects in the future.

12 Feb 2025

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

Kazakhstan to Diversify Agricultural Crops for Higher Yields and Increased Profits

February 12, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan will continue diversifying its agricultural crop areas this year as part of efforts to double gross agricultural output, Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov announced at a government meeting on February 11, focused on preparations for the upcoming sowing season.

According to Saparov, Kazakhstan plans to sow crops on 23.8 million hectares in 2025, an increase of 518,000 hectares compared to 2024. The crop diversification program will cover approximately 1 million hectares, while the area dedicated to highly profitable crops will expand by 750,000 hectares.

The area under oilseed crops will increase by 365,000 hectares, reaching 3.3 million hectares, including a 50,600-hectare expansion for sunflower cultivation, bringing it to 1.3 million hectares. Potato cultivation will grow by 14,900 hectares to reach 136,800 hectares, while buckwheat fields will expand by 41,500 hectares, bringing the total to 147,000 hectares. The sugar beet planting area will increase to 18,400 hectares, and forage crops will expand by 184,000 hectares, reaching 3.4 million hectares. Cotton will be sown on 135,200 hectares, while rice will cover 90,200 hectares.

Kazakhstan will also continue to reduce its reliance on wheat monoculture. In 2025, grain crops will be sown on 16.6 million hectares, slightly down from 16.7 million hectares in 2024. Over the past two years, wheat cultivation has been reduced by nearly 730,000 hectares, including 159,000 hectares this year.

According to Saparov, diversification will help mitigate risks associated with price fluctuations in agricultural markets. Oilseeds and legumes remain in high demand both domestically and internationally, with consistently strong prices. While the average price of wheat stands at 65,000 – 70,000 KZT per ton, export-oriented crops such as flax and rapeseed can fetch 200,000 KZT per ton or more.

Beyond economic benefits, crop diversification contributes to soil health. Saparov highlighted that legumes, in particular, help enrich the soil with nitrogen, improving the yield of subsequent crops. This approach not only increases profitability but also enhances environmental sustainability.

12 Feb 2025

Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

ICAO to Develop Master Plan for Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation

February 12, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have signed an agreement to develop a strategic Master Plan for the Development of Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation through 2050.

The plan will outline a comprehensive strategy for the country’s civil aviation sector, covering the development of airports, air navigation systems, and airlines. It will also focus on improving flight safety, aviation security, accessibility, and the liberalization of air transport.

Kazakhstan is the first country in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to establish a strategic partnership with ICAO for the sustainable development and modernization of its civil aviation sector. The initiative aligns with national objectives to enhance Kazakhstan’s role as a regional transit and transport hub.

According to the Ministry of Transport, domestic airlines carried 14.3 million passengers in 2024, a 9% increase from 2023. Passenger traffic at Kazakhstan’s airports also grew by 14%, reaching 29.7 million people.

Kazakhstan currently operates 582 flights per week to 31 countries, including Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Korea, China, India, and several European nations such as Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Additional destinations include countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, Turkey, and the Maldives.