Page 426 – The Times Of Central Asia

07 Jan 2025

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

Kyrgyzstan Aims to Integrate Cryptocurrencies with Licensed Crypto Banks

January 7, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce has submitted a draft law titled “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Sphere of Virtual Assets” to the country’s parliament. The proposed legislation aims to establish licensed crypto banks to provide regulated banking services related to digital assets and cryptocurrencies.

The Ministry emphasized the urgency of integrating crypto assets into Kyrgyzstan’s financial system, citing the rapid growth of digital technologies and cryptocurrencies. In its commentary on the bill, the Ministry stated:

“Given the rapid development of digital technologies and cryptocurrencies, the creation of a crypto bank is an urgent necessity for the integration of crypto assets into the traditional financial system of the country. A crypto bank will ensure safe, regulated, and convenient interaction of citizens and businesses with cryptocurrencies.”

The Ministry identified several key goals for the proposed crypto bank:

To legalize and regulate the cryptocurrency market by establishing clear rules and standards.
To increase trust in crypto assets while ensuring the protection of users’ rights.
To mitigate risks of fraud and unauthorized access to funds.

The Ministry also highlighted the potential economic benefits of introducing a crypto bank. Legalizing cryptocurrency transactions would increase transaction volumes and boost tax revenues. Additionally, the initiative is expected to create new jobs in the fintech sector, positioning Kyrgyzstan as a regional hub for financial innovation.

Kyrgyzstan already taxes cryptocurrency mining, with a rate of 10% applied to electricity costs for mining activities. This rate includes VAT and sales tax. From January to November 2024, Kyrgyzstan collected 46.6 million KGS (approximately $537,000) in cryptocurrency mining taxes, nearly half the total collected in 2023, according to the Ministry of Finance.

While public interest in cryptocurrencies is growing among individuals and businesses in Kyrgyzstan, the market remains poorly regulated. The Ministry believes that a licensed crypto bank will address these challenges, increasing transparency, trust, and financial security. By adopting this legislation, Kyrgyzstan seeks to modernize its financial system and embrace emerging opportunities in the digital economy.

07 Jan 2025

Central Asia, Home, Turkmenistan Life & Culture, Life & Culture, Turkmenistan, Features

Shakespearean Passions Unfold in Turkmen Village Over Marriage Dispute

January 7, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

A heated conflict erupted in the village of Yangala in Turkmenistan’s Ahal province over an 11th-grade girl’s decision to marry her boyfriend from a neighboring village. The girl’s parents firmly opposed her plans to marry a young man from Kopetdag, sparking tensions that escalated dramatically on December 31 when the girl ran away with her fiancé.

In an attempt to resolve the situation peacefully, elders and relatives from the fiancé’s side formed a delegation to negotiate with the girl’s family. The six-member group, which included a 75-year-old elder, visited the girl’s home but was met with hostility. The negotiations devolved into a violent altercation, with verbal insults escalating to physical confrontation.

The girl’s relatives pelted the visitors’ cars with stones, smashing windows and headlights. One of the delegates suffered injuries from a hunting rifle loaded with salt.

Police intervened, detaining several individuals involved in the fight, while the injured were taken to the hospital. The elder, who sustained bruises during the skirmish, refused to press charges, stating, “I came to settle the conflict, not to bring any of the girl’s family to jail.”

To de-escalate the situation, the district khakim (head of the local administration) convened a meeting with representatives from both families. The khakim tasked his deputy with finding a resolution acceptable to all parties within 15 days. He warned that if reconciliation proved impossible, the case would be referred to the prosecutor’s office.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women in Turkmenistan, particularly in matters of marriage. Despite legal guarantees of gender equality under the country’s Family Code, which states that marriage requires the free and full consent of both parties, societal norms and family pressures often undermine these rights.

Women in Turkmenistan frequently face coercion and violence when their choice of spouse conflicts with family expectations. International human rights organizations have repeatedly reported violations of women’s rights in the country. A UN Foundation report reveals that 12% of Turkmen women have experienced physical or sexual violence within the family, though the real figures are likely higher due to underreporting in the country’s restrictive environment.

The lack of effective legal mechanisms to protect women from domestic violence further exacerbates their vulnerability. Women who defy family opposition to marriage often face social stigmatization and even violence.

The turmoil in Yangala illustrates the enduring influence of patriarchal traditions in Turkmen society and the broader struggle for women’s rights. As authorities work to mediate the conflict, the case underscores the urgent need for stronger protections for women in Turkmenistan to ensure that their legal rights are upheld in practice.

07 Jan 2025

Turkmenistan Home, Central Asia, Tajikistan Life & Culture, Home, Turkmenistan Life & Culture, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Turkmenistan, Life & Culture, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Uzbekistan Home, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan Home, Uzbekistan Life & Culture, Features, Kyrgyzstan Home, Kazakhstan Home

How Orthodox Christmas Is Celebrated in Central Asia

January 7, 2025
By Andrei Matveev

Orthodox Christmas, observed on January 7, holds a significant place in Central Asia, even in predominantly Muslim countries such as Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. This article explores how the holiday is celebrated in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

Kazakhstan

Orthodox Christmas in Kazakhstan is a public holiday, alongside the Muslim celebration of Kurban-Ayt (Eid al-Adha). This recognition stems from the efforts of Kazakhstan’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who proposed in 2005 during the XI session of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan to declare both holidays as non-working days.

Despite opposition from the Constitutional Court, which cited the country’s secular constitution, members of the parliamentary faction Asar, led by Nazarbayev’s daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva, and the presidential party Otan amended the Labor Code to accommodate these holidays. Since then, Orthodox Christmas and Kurban-Ayt have been official holidays.

Celebrations in major cities include festive liturgies. In Almaty, the Ascension Cathedral holds a service beginning at 11pm on January 6, followed by a midnight procession. In Astana, the Assumption Cathedral similarly hosts a midnight service. For those unable to attend, events from the Assumption Cathedral are live-streamed on the YouTube channel “Live Broadcasts of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan.”

Uzbekistan

Orthodox Christians comprise 4-5% of Uzbekistan’s population of over 37.5 million. Uzbekistan is part of the Tashkent and Uzbekistan Diocese under the Russian Orthodox Church.

The Cathedral of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Tashkent is the focal point of Christmas celebrations. Services begin at 11.30pm on January 6 and end at 3.30am. To ensure maximum participation, the cathedral holds five separate liturgies. Metropolitan Vikenty of the Tashkent and Uzbekistan Diocese explains, “Traditionally, the liturgy was held at night because the Nativity of Christ took place at night. But not everyone can attend a night service, so we perform several liturgies.”

Kyrgyzstan

Approximately 350,000 Orthodox Christians live in Kyrgyzstan, according to Bishop Daniel of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan. The country is part of the Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church.

January 7 is a public holiday in Kyrgyzstan, aligning with the extended New Year vacations, which last from January 1 to 7. Festive services are held at the Resurrection Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Prince Vladimir in Bishkek.

Tajikistan

In Tajikistan, the Orthodox Christian community numbers around 80,000, or 1.2% of the population, though regular church attendance is much smaller. The country is under the jurisdiction of the Dushanbe Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Christmas services are held at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Dushanbe, beginning at 11pm on January 6 and lasting about three hours. The diocese oversees six churches in Tajikistan, served by five priests.

Turkmenistan

As of 2019, Turkmenistan’s Orthodox Christian population is about 485,000, or 9% of the total population. All Orthodox parishes are under the Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church, established in 2007.

Services on Christmas Eve and January 6 are conducted in all 12 Orthodox churches in Turkmenistan, adhering strictly to church traditions. According to Archpriest John, dean of Orthodox parishes in Turkmenistan, Christianity has ancient roots in the region, with traditions tracing back to the Apostle Thomas.

Orthodox Christmas is celebrated with vibrant traditions across Central Asia, reflecting the diversity of the region. Though minority communities in most countries, Orthodox Christians continue to uphold their customs and integrate them into the cultural fabric of their societies.

06 Jan 2025

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy

Uzbekistan Introduces New Rules for E-Commerce Platforms

January 6, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan has issued a new decision titled “On Measures to Further Develop the E-Commerce Sector in Uzbekistan”, introducing updated regulations for e-commerce operators, including electronic trading platforms, order aggregators, and digital streaming service providers.

Under the new regulations, only legal entities registered as residents of Uzbekistan can operate as e-commerce providers. This includes platforms that facilitate electronic transactions, such as marketplaces, aggregators, and streaming services.

Entities or individual entrepreneurs that merely provide information about goods, services, or digital products without engaging in electronic contracts or transactions are not classified as e-commerce operators under these rules.

From July 1, 2025, e-commerce operators in Uzbekistan must adhere to the following conditions:

Legal Registration: Operators must be registered as legal entities in Uzbekistan.
Compliance with Laws: Operators are required to follow legislation related to e-commerce, personal data protection, copyright, consumer rights, and advertising.
Transparency: Upon request, they must provide information about their activities to authorized bodies free of charge.
Retail Trade Rules: Operators must comply with retail trade regulations.
Operational Standards: They must maintain an information system capable of ensuring the effective provision of services to e-commerce participants.

These new measures are part of Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to regulate and encourage growth in its rapidly expanding e-commerce sector.

Meanwhile, The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries is planning to enter the Tajikistan and Turkmenistan markets. Wildberries currently operates in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia, offering a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, electronics, and home furnishings.

By setting clear rules for e-commerce operators, Uzbekistan aims to create a more structured and reliable digital marketplace, ensuring transparency, consumer protection, and compliance with international standards.

06 Jan 2025

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

Kyrgyzstan Boosts Energy Capacity with Hydropower Plant Upgrade

January 6, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

On December 30, Kyrgyzstan marked a significant milestone by commissioning the modernized hydroelectric generating unit No. 4 at the Uch-Kurgan Hydropower Plant (HPP). This upgrade is a critical step in addressing the country’s chronic electricity shortages, particularly acute during the harsh winter months.

The modernization increased the generating capacity of unit No. 4 by 20%. The project, which began in March 2024, was implemented by the China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC).

Work on hydroelectric generating unit No. 3 is scheduled to begin in 2025. Upon completion of the overall modernization project, the operational lifespan of the Uch-Kurgan HPP will be extended by 25–30 years.

The Uch-Kurgan HPP, situated on the Naryn River near Shamaldy-Sai in the Jalal-Abad region, plays a vital role in Kyrgyzstan’s energy supply. Its reservoir has a total capacity of 52.5 million cubic meters. Before reconstruction, the plant’s total capacity stood at 180 MW, with four hydroelectric units producing 45 MW each. Operating since 1962, the plant had not undergone any major upgrades until now.

Kyrgyzstan is actively upgrading its hydropower infrastructure to enhance energy production. On November 19, 2024, the country launched the modernized hydroelectric generating unit No. 1 at the Toktogul HPP, its largest power facility. The upgrade increased the unit’s capacity by 60 MW, raising the Toktogul HPP’s total capacity to 1,260 MW from its previous 1,200 MW. The Toktogul HPP currently provides approximately 40% of Kyrgyzstan’s electricity.

In addition to modernization projects, Kyrgyzstan is constructing the flagship Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant, which will have a projected capacity of 1,860 MW and an average annual generation of 5.6 billion kilowatt-hours. Upon completion, Kambarata-1 will become the country’s largest hydropower plant and is expected to eliminate Kyrgyzstan’s electricity shortages.

These developments reflect the country’s commitment to expanding its energy capacity, ensuring sustainable power supplies, and meeting the growing demands of its population and industries.

06 Jan 2025

Kyrgyzstan Justice, Justice, Kyrgyzstan, Features, Kyrgyzstan Features

Kyrgyzstan Strengthens Fight Against Corruption

January 8, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

Kyrgyzstan’s president, Sadyr Japarov, has signed a new law to intensify the fight against corruption by introducing tougher penalties for offenders and eliminating opportunities for them to avoid imprisonment.

Under the new legislation, individuals convicted of corruption will no longer be able to pay fines or compensate the state for damages in exchange for avoiding prison sentences. Instead, they will be required to serve a mandatory prison term – even if they confess to their crimes.

The new law amends Article 79 of Kyrgyzstan’s Criminal Code by adding Part 1/1. According to this amendment:

Offenders who plead guilty and fully compensate the material damage caused to the state for crimes listed under Articles 336-348 (corruption and other offenses against state and municipal interests) must receive a prison sentence.
The sentence will be no less than half the minimum term prescribed under the relevant criminal article.

Additionally, corrupt individuals will be permanently barred from holding state or municipal positions, regardless of whether their criminal record is later expunged.

This law signals Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to eradicating corruption within state structures. Authorities believe it will create the necessary mechanisms to deter corrupt activities and hold offenders accountable.

One of the country’s most high-profile corruption cases involved former customs officer and oligarch Raimbek Matraimov, nicknamed “Million.” As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Matraimov avoided imprisonment by paying over $200 million to the state, sparking public outrage over leniency in sentencing.

The new law addresses such loopholes, ensuring that financial restitution alone will no longer suffice to escape imprisonment.

This reform underscores Kyrgyzstan’s broader efforts to strengthen governance, restore public trust, and ensure accountability at all levels of government.