Page 425 – The Times Of Central Asia

13 May 2025

Central Asia, Home, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan

Asel Baibagysheva Becomes First Kyrgyz Woman to Climb Everest

May 13, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Asel Baibagysheva has made history as the first Kyrgyz woman to reach the top of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. She reached the 8,849-meter summit on May 11, and safely descended to base camp the following day, planting the Kyrgyz national flag at the top of the world.

Baibagysheva’s achievement was swiftly recognized by Kyrgyzstan’s leadership. On May 12, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliyev personally congratulated her via video link. “On behalf of the President, the Cabinet of Ministers, and myself, please accept my heartfelt congratulations on this historic ascent,” he said. “Your success is an inspiring example for everyone, demonstrating the ability of Kyrgyzstanis to reach any height. It fills us with pride in our country.”

Kasymaliyev praised Baibagysheva for her courage, resilience, and high level of professionalism, noting that completing the climb in 54 hours was not only a personal milestone but also a moment of national significance.

Baibagysheva responded by expressing her sense of responsibility in representing Kyrgyzstan on Everest. “I felt a special duty to my country with every step I took toward the summit,” she said.

With eight years of mountaineering experience, Baibagysheva has previously summited some of the most challenging peaks in Kyrgyzstan and beyond. Her accomplishments include Lenin Peak (7,134 m), Khan Tengri (7,010 m), and Pobeda Peak (7,439 m) in Kyrgyzstan, as well as Mount Elbrus (5,642 m) in Russia’s Caucasus region.

She was also the first Kyrgyz woman to climb Manaslu in Nepal, the world’s eighth highest mountain, reaching its 8,163-meter summit.

Baibagysheva now joins an elite group of Kyrgyz climbers who have reached Everest. Eduard Kubatov became the second Kyrgyz man to summit Everest in May 2021, following in the footsteps of Dmitry Grekov, who achieved the feat in 1997.

13 May 2025

Environment, Central Asia, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Features, Turkmenistan Environment

Two Key Environmental Initiatives Completed in Turkmenistan

May 13, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Turkmenistan has marked the successful completion of two major agro-environmental initiatives aimed at enhancing natural resource management and climate change adaptation. These efforts represent significant progress in addressing environmental challenges both nationally and across the broader Central Asian region.

Regional Project on Natural Resource Management

The first project concluded was the second phase of the regional program titled “Integrated Natural Resource Management in Drought-Prone and Salinized Agricultural Production Landscapes of Central Asia and Turkey,” which commenced in 2018. This initiative focused on pilot sites in the Karakum Desert, the mountain village of Nokhur, and the Turkmen sector of the Aral Sea region.

Key achievements include the establishment of mini GIS laboratories at the Scientific and Information Center under the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development, the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna, and within the environmental control departments of the Ministry of Agriculture. These facilities are now equipped with modern tools to support research and monitoring efforts.

The project also delivered resource-efficient agricultural equipment, drought-resistant seeds and seedlings, water pumps for various intakes, and rapid soil analysis equipment to agricultural universities. Twenty wells and sardobs (traditional water reservoirs) were constructed for livestock centers and nurseries utilizing drip irrigation systems. Additionally, the project cleaned parts of the collector drainage system and developed reclamation plans to rehabilitate degraded land.

Another notable contribution was the continued publication of the international scientific journal “Problems of Desert Development,” which has been issued in Ashgabat since 1967.

National Climate Change Adaptation Plan

The second completed initiative, “Development of the National Adaptation Planning Process in Turkmenistan”, was carried out by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Green Climate Fund. Launched in 2021, the project sought to implement the National Climate Change Strategy by defining specific adaptation measures and implementation mechanisms.

The initiative resulted in the development of a comprehensive Roadmap for implementing the National Adaptation Plan, the creation of a national climate finance concept, and new guidelines for integrating climate adaptation into water resource management. These tools aim to bolster Turkmenistan’s resilience to the adverse effects of climate change.

Central Asian Climate Conference in Ashgabat

From May 13 to 15, Ashgabat will host the Seventh Central Asian Conference on Climate Change (CACCC-2025), organized by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) with support from the World Bank, CAWEP, RESILAND Tajikistan, and GIZ.

CACCC-2025 will serve as a key regional platform to transform climate ambitions into actionable strategies. The agenda includes mobilizing financial resources for adaptation and mitigation, enhancing regional cooperation, and sharing best practices. Participants will engage in plenary sessions, thematic panels, and field visits to sites that exemplify successful adaptation measures.

One of the conference’s strategic goals is to develop a plan for increasing regional climate finance by 25% over the next five years. Delegates are also expected to present updated national contributions (NDCs 3.0) under the Paris Agreement and promote cross-border cooperation for sustainable development.

With the region facing accelerating climate threats, such as glacier melt, rising temperatures, and land degradation, CACCC-2025 will be a pivotal event for advancing climate resilience and environmental sustainability across Central Asia.

13 May 2025

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

Rising Cement Prices in Kyrgyzstan Slow Economic Growth

May 13, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

In a bid to stabilize the construction market, the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has lifted a temporary ban on cement imports. The decision is aimed at addressing soaring prices and growing demand for construction materials amid an ongoing nationwide building boom.

According to government officials, the move is intended to support market competition, prevent material shortages, and reduce pressure on prices. “The lifting of the temporary ban on cement imports will support healthy competition in the market, prevent shortages, and stabilize prices for construction materials,” the cabinet stated.

The ban had been introduced approximately one month earlier, following a surge in cement imports from neighboring countries. Officials argued that this influx had created unfair competitive conditions for domestic producers.

Construction Boom Meets Market Tensions

Kyrgyzstan’s construction sector has emerged as a key engine of economic growth in recent years. The government has made the development of this sector a priority, citing its importance for job creation, infrastructure expansion, and broader economic momentum.

The country is currently in the midst of a construction boom, with large-scale projects such as stadiums, airports, and affordable housing developments underway. These initiatives are being supported by new mortgage lending programs and infrastructure investments.

However, rapid growth has strained the supply of building materials, especially cement. Local media report that the construction of a new stadium in Bishkek, touted as the future largest in Central Asia, alone requires 135,000 cubic meters of cement.

Concerns have also been raised over alleged artificial price hikes. While officials deny any supply issues, reports suggest that some market players may be inflating prices to maximize profit amid the surge in demand.

Balancing Growth and Stability

The lifting of the import ban signals a shift in government policy toward greater market flexibility in the face of inflationary pressures. It reflects broader challenges facing Kyrgyzstan’s economy as it seeks to balance robust growth in the construction sector with price stability and fair market practices.

As the country continues its infrastructure push, the success of such measures will be critical not only to the construction industry but also to the broader trajectory of economic development in 2025.

13 May 2025

Central Asia, Home, Justice, Kazakhstan Justice, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

Former Head of Astana Metro Project Detained in Turkey

May 13, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee (KNB) has confirmed the detention of Talgat Ardan, the former head of the Astana Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, in Turkey. Ardan, who had been placed on an international wanted list, is accused of embezzling significant budgetary funds allocated for the capital’s metro system.

Legal proceedings against Ardan stem from a major corruption case that surfaced in 2020. A criminal trial launched in Astana that autumn revealed the alleged embezzlement of billions of tenge earmarked for the LRT’s construction. In May 2021, seven individuals were sentenced to prison terms ranging from seven to ten years. Two key figures, Ardan and former Astana deputy mayor Kanat Sultanbekov, were named as the scheme’s organizers and subsequently added to Interpol’s red notice list.

“In September 2019, the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan submitted an extradition request to Turkey’s Ministry of Justice. Following this, Turkish authorities initiated a search. This year, the KNB confirmed Ardan’s whereabouts, and he was detained by law enforcement in Antalya,” the committee’s press service reported. On May 9, a court in Antalya approved his deportation to Kazakhstan, where he remains in custody pending extradition proceedings.

An Astana court had previously found Ardan guilty in absentia under Articles 189, Part 4, and 361, Part 4 of the Criminal Code, covering the embezzlement of budget funds and abuse of office. He was sentenced to nine years in prison. Investigators reported that KZT 5.8 billion (approximately $11 million) was misappropriated during the construction of the LRT line. Ardan led the project from 2014 to 2017.

The Astana LRT was originally slated for completion before the Expo 2017 exhibition but suffered repeated delays due to financial shortfalls. In 2022, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev questioned the viability of the project, pointing to its 22-kilometer route and limited utility. He suggested repurposing the already-installed infrastructure. Nevertheless, city authorities opted to continue construction. Then-Mayor Altai Kulginov argued that dismantling the partially built system would cost more than completing it.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the city’s current mayor, Zhenis Kasymbek, has pledged to open the first phase of the LRT by the end of this year.

13 May 2025

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

Central Asia Startup Cup: A Call for Regional Unity Through Innovation

May 23, 2025
By Daniel Abdyldaev

There has been a significant growth in tech events in Central Eurasia throughout the last few years. Several years back you would only see these on a national level, it is hard to find something that isn’t regional these days. There is the Central Eurasian Venture Forum, the largest regional venture capital forum, which will take place on June 5 this year in Kazakhstan, which is also home to Digital Almaty and Digital Bridge. Tashkent has its ICT Week on September 23-26, 2025. Tajikistan hosts the Startupstan Summit, Georgia has the Central Eurasia Venture Summit, Azerbaijan the Baku ID & INMerge, and the list goes on.

At the end of last month, Bishkek hosted the Central Asia Startup Cup, the largest tech conference to date in the Kyrgyz Republic focused on startups and venture capital. As reflected in the name of the event, the country is not an exception and is following the trend of regional cooperation.

The keynote speaker came from the UK, Kyrgyz Republic-born Asel Sartbaeva, the CEO and Co-Founder of EnsiliTech, a startup with a technology that allows vaccines and other biopharmaceuticals to be stored and transported at room temperature. Aside from her keynote speech and presentation, Sartbaeva also participated in a panel session devoted to female founders.

For the first time in the history of the Kyrgyz Republic, there were a huge array of venture capital investors — apart from domestic investors, the Central Asia Startup Cup hosted venture capital funds from Georgia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, the UK, and Uzbekistan.

The government’s interest in the startup ecosystem is also growing — a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Accelerate Prosperity, the organizing party of the conference, and the Ministry of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic. Also, for the first time, the regional final of the Startup World Cup, organized in partnership with Pegasus Tech Ventures (USA), was held as a part of the Central Asia Startup Cup. The latter is a global contest with 100+ regional events held across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, with each regional winner competing in the final in Silicon Valley. Porte Tech, a startup from Kazakhstan providing digital concierge solutions for hotels, was selected for the Startup World Cup Grand Final in San Francisco and will compete in for a $1,000,000 investment fund in October 2025.

A traditional part of such tech conferences, the Startup Battle took place on the second day of the Central Asia Startup Cup, with eight teams reaching the finals. The Grand Prix of the conference and an equity-free prize of $10,000 were awarded to ArtSkin, a Kyrgyz hardware startup developing artificial skin for prosthetic limbs.
Seven teams were also recognized with cash prizes of €5,000 each from the European Union’s Last-mile Connectivity to Promote Digital Green Education Opportunities project: Nomado, Tez Jumush, Sound Vision, Edu Test, WeSave, TilZone, and The Tech. VoiceDiary, an AI companion for emotional support, received a trip to Silicon Valley as part of the Dive into Silicon Valley program from the Kyrgyz Republic’s High Technology Park.

According to organizers of the conference, “Accelerate Prosperity, are creating a bridge between Central Asia and the global startup scene. The Central Asia Startup Cup is not just a forum, it is an impetus for the entire ecosystem of the region. My team and I are proud to be its active participants and those who promote and develop Kyrgyz startups,” Jyldyz Isabekova, the Accelerate Prosperity country director stated.

Such cooperation inspires hope that the region will be integrated into the global innovation ecosystem in the near future, especially given how important innovation industries are to the economies of the region, and it is unlikely that any single country can do it alone.

12 May 2025

Home, Justice, Uzbekistan Features, Uzbekistan Justice

Samarkand Issues Safety Warnings after Gas Explosion Kills Seven in Home

May 14, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

The Uzbek city of Samarkand is intensifying a home safety campaign following the death of seven people in what authorities call “a flash of a gas-air mixture” in a house last week.

Emergency officials in the Samarkand region have said an investigation is underway into the explosion in the city on the night of May 8-9.

“The kinetic impact of the flash caused the collapse of the reinforced concrete structures of the house, damaging the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors and the basement. There was no fire,” the regional emergency situations department said on Telegram. It reported six deaths, and several media outlets in Uzbekistan later reported a seventh death. The victims were found under the rubble.

Since the accident, regional emergency officials have issued appeals to residents to not install non-standard gas cylinders on gas stoves and gas appliances. They are also advising people to take other safety measures, including not connecting gas cylinders to equipment using rubber hoses that can’t operate under specific pressure; regularly checking for gas leaks by using soapy water on cylinder connections and valves; and ensuring that flammable items are at least 10 meters away from gas cylinders.

Following those rules “will prevent accidents that could happen to you and your loved ones!” the emergency situations department warned.

In a separate incident on May 7, two people were killed and one was injured in an explosion at a gas station in the Katakurgan district of Samarkand region. A fire broke out during the fueling of two diesel fuel storage tanks, according to reports on UzDaily.com and other Uzbek media. The reports attributed the information to the state Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety.