Page 397 – The Times Of Central Asia

05 Feb 2025

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

Kyrgyzstan Considers Potato Export Ban

February 5, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry is considering a temporary ban on potato exports to prevent unjustified price increases.

On February 1, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobayev instructed the Antimonopoly Regulation Service and local authorities to closely monitor food prices.

Government Efforts to Stabilize Prices

Speaking on Birinchi Radio, Torobayev noted that on February 3, the wholesale price of potatoes in Osh, the country’s second-largest city, had reached 60 KGS (about $0.68) per kilogram. However, after government intervention, prices stabilized at 49 KGS (about $0.56) by the evening of the same day.

In the capital, Bishkek, retail potato prices currently range from 55 to 58 KGS (about $0.65) per kilogram.

Torobayev assured that Kyrgyzstan has sufficient potato reserves, with farmers storing supplies while intermediaries inflate market prices – at times reaching 75 KGS per kilogram.

Potential Export Ban and Market Outlook

The government is now considering restricting potato exports. Torobayev urged farmers to sell their produce rather than wait for higher prices, warning that an early spring could lead to an earlier-than-usual harvest, potentially affecting market rates.

Kyrgyzstan’s move follows a similar decision in neighboring Kazakhstan, where The Times of Central Asia previously reported that rising potato prices prompted authorities to impose a six-month restriction on exports to non-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries.

05 Feb 2025

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

Unmanned ‘Aero Taxi’ Planned to Launch in Kazakhstan Next Year

February 5, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan plans to introduce an unmanned aero taxi service by 2026, following the example of South Korea, Minister of Transportation Marat Karabayev has announced. He outlined the project’s timeline and potential routes.

First Route and Project Details

According to Karabayev, there are currently no legal restrictions preventing the launch of aeromobile services in Kazakhstan.

“The first stage will involve a route from Almaty to the town of Alatau. We are in discussions with Kazakh entrepreneurs, and a pilot launch is planned for 2026. These will be silent, hydrogen-fueled helicopters capable of carrying five passengers. One Kazakhstani company has already expressed interest in developing the aeromobility sector,” he said.

He noted that similar technologies are being actively developed in South Korea and the United States, and Kazakhstan is studying their potential implementation.

“We are currently assessing how this technology can be adapted for our country,” Karabayev added.

Regulatory Framework and International Experience

The minister also mentioned that the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry has proposed studying international regulatory practices for such vehicles.

“We will review this proposal. As unmanned vehicles become more common in Kazakhstan, we will develop the necessary legislative framework,” he assured.

However, Karabayev clarified that no amendments are currently being considered regarding liability for accidents involving unmanned vehicles.

Global Developments in Aero Taxi Technology

Unmanned aero taxis are already being tested and partially deployed in several countries. In the UAE, the Chinese company EHang has conducted pilot flights in Dubai, while in China, EHang has obtained certification for commercial operations.

Meanwhile, South Korea is also conducting trials of air taxi services.

05 Feb 2025

Central Asia, Tajikistan Justice, Justice, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Features

Tajikistan Sentences Defendants in Alleged Coup Attempt Case

February 5, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Tajikistan’s Supreme Court handed down sentences on February 5 in a high-profile coup attempt case, convicting former high-ranking officials, politicians, and journalists. Among those sentenced are a former foreign minister, a former chairman of the Supreme Soviet, and retired security officials.

Sentences and Key Defendants

Former Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi received a 27-year prison sentence. Shokirjon Khakimov, the first deputy leader of the Social Democratic Party of Tajikistan, and Ahmadshokh Komilzoda, former deputy chairman of the Democratic Party, were each sentenced to 18 years. Journalist Rukhshona Khakimova, the niece of Khakimov, was sentenced to eight years on charges of treason. However, details of the charges against her remain undisclosed, as the case is classified.

The trial was conducted behind closed doors at a pre-trial detention center.

Lack of Transparency and Denials by Defendants

Authorities have not disclosed details of the trial, citing national security concerns. Relatives of the defendants were barred from attending, and defense lawyers have refrained from commenting due to non-disclosure agreements.

According to sources, many of the convicted individuals denied the charges during their final statements. In particular, Akbarsho Iskandarov and Ahmadshokh Komilzoda argued that the verdicts were issued without sufficient evidence.

The trial began on November 14, 2024, following a wave of arrests that started in mid-2024 with the detention of Saidjafar Usmonzod. The defendants have consistently pleaded not guilty, and in December 2024, they formally rejected charges of treason and attempted seizure of power.

05 Feb 2025

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

Kazakhstan to Offset Oil Overproduction in 2024

February 5, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan has pledged to compensate for excess oil production in 2024, reaffirming its commitment to the OPEC+ agreements.

At the 58th meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, Kazakh representatives confirmed the country’s readiness to take necessary measures in 2025 and 2026 to meet its obligations under the OPEC+ framework.

“Despite increased production this year due to the expansion of the Tengiz field, Kazakhstan remains committed to the OPEC+ agreement and will engage in negotiations with partners in accordance with international law,” the Ministry of Energy stated.

OPEC+ Efforts to Stabilize the Market

The February 3 meeting marked the first OPEC+ gathering of 2025. Participating ministers emphasized that voluntary production cuts, implemented by several member states in December 2024, have contributed to oil market stability.

Previously, on December 5, 2024, OPEC+ agreed to extend voluntary oil production limits of 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) for the first quarter of 2025. The decision was made in response to a seasonal slowdown in demand during the winter months. A gradual easing of restrictions is expected to continue until September 2026.

The next OPEC+ monitoring committee meeting is scheduled for April 5.

05 Feb 2025

Central Asia, Justice, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Justice

Uzbek National Arrested in Florida Voter Fraud Case

February 5, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

An Uzbek national residing in Florida been arrested for allegedly submitting fraudulent voter registration applications, the U.S. Department of Justice has announced.

According to U.S. authorities, Sanjar Jamilov, a 33-year-old Uzbek citizen living in the Florida town of St. Petersburg, conspired to file 132 false applications with election officials in Pinellas County in early 2023.

The fraudulent applications, submitted under different names, exhibited clear signs of irregularity, including identical formatting, repeated birth dates, and nearly sequential Social Security numbers. The suspects also directed election-related mail to addresses they controlled.

Jamilov has been charged with conspiracy to commit voter registration fraud and providing false information during registration. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.

The arrests come shortly after the U.S. presidential election in November 2024, in which Republican candidate Donald Trump won and has recently begun his second term.

Authorities have emphasized that investigations are ongoing, and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

05 Feb 2025

Central Asia, International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan Features

Japarov Highlights China as Key Trade and Investment Partner for Kyrgyzstan

February 19, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Ahead of his state visit to China, which began on February 4, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov highlighted the strategic partnership between the two countries in an interview with Xinhua news agency. He described China as one of Kyrgyzstan’s main trade and investment partners. The full interview was published on Japarov’s official website.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Japarov underscored the value of the long-standing comprehensive strategic partnership between Kyrgyzstan and China.

“In recent years, our countries have significantly strengthened mutual trust and built a relationship based on good neighborliness, friendship, and productive cooperation,” he said.

One of the most significant projects in Kyrgyz-Chinese cooperation is the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, officially launched in Kyrgyzstan on December 27, 2024. Japarov emphasized that the railway aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative and reflects the high level of political trust between the three countries.

“This route is more than just a transport corridor. It will facilitate the delivery of goods from China to Kyrgyzstan and further to Central Asia, the Middle East, Turkey, Europe, and beyond. It will also allow our products to reach South and Southeast Asia,” he stated.

Expanding Economic Cooperation

Japarov reiterated that China has long been one of Kyrgyzstan’s key trade and investment partners. In 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached $22.71 billion.

He expressed support for expanding Kyrgyz-Chinese economic cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, the processing industry, energy, and environmental protection. He also advocated for increased collaboration between regions, the creation of a banking and financial platform, and the development of e-commerce.

Enhancing Trade and Border Connectivity

To improve trade efficiency, Kyrgyzstan and China are working to increase the transit capacity of the two existing border checkpoints – Torugart and Irkeshtam. Japarov also expressed hope that opening a third border checkpoint at Bedel would further boost trade flows between China and Central Asia.

He noted that trade and economic cooperation have accelerated, as seen in the extended working hours at the Torugart and Irkeshtam checkpoints. Previously, the Chinese side operated these crossings for eight hours a day, five days a week. However, in 2024, they transitioned to 14-hour operations, seven days a week.

“Since March 1, 2024, the Kyrgyz side has switched to a round-the-clock working schedule at both Torugart and Irkeshtam. We expect our Chinese partners to follow suit,” Japarov said.

Agricultural and Digital Trade Initiatives

Japarov also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote the export of Kyrgyzstan’s environmentally friendly agricultural products to China.

Additionally, both countries are implementing the Two Countries, Two Parks project in Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn region, linking the Kashgar (China) and Naryn (Kyrgyzstan) free economic zones. The initiative aims to enhance e-commerce between Kyrgyzstan and China’s Xinjiang-Uyghur Autonomous Region.