Page 456 – The Times Of Central Asia

11 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Justice, Uzbekistan Justice, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Uzbek Government Files Criminal Case Against Citizen Over Jihadi Activities in Syria

December 13, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

The Uzbek Ministry of Internal Affairs has instigated a criminal case against Khudoyor Nuriddinov, also known as Abu Walid, who is accused of being a member of an international terrorist organization. The announcement was made via the ministry’s press service.

Born in 1994 in the Rishtan district of Ferghana, Nuriddinov faces multiple charges under Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, including:

Article 155-2: Training or travel for the purpose of terrorist activities,
Article 159: Undermining the constitutional order of Uzbekistan,
Article 223: Illegal travel abroad or entry into Uzbekistan,
Article 244-2: Creation, management, or participation in extremist, separatist, or banned organizations.

According to the authorities, Nuriddinov left for Russia in 2016 as a labor migrant, where he became influenced by international terrorist ideologies. He later traveled to Idlib, Syria, where he engaged in propaganda activities. The Uzbek authorities report that his actions led to the deaths of several Uzbek citizens who were recruited and killed in fighting in Syria.

Nuriddinov continues to promote jihad through social networks and YouTube, giving a religious pretext for his activities. His accounts and pages are banned in Uzbekistan, and those found storing, distributing, or transporting his content face legal action.

11 Dec 2024

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

World Bank Chief Economist Owes a Bottle of Wine to Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet Chief

December 11, 2024
By Anton Chipegin

During a conversation with Hugh Riddell, head of the World Bank’s office in Kyrgyzstan, Akylbek Japarov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, shared an anecdote about a wager made with the World Bank’s chief economist.

“In 2022, at a World Bank session in Washington, your chief economist and I bet that Kyrgyzstan’s economic growth over the next 3-4 years would remain stable and exceed 7%. He doubted this was possible and was ready to wager a bottle of fine wine,” Japarov recounted at a recent event focused on Kyrgyzstan’s development.

Japarov highlighted the latest economic figures to underscore his point: GDP growth for the first 11 months of 2024 stands at an impressive 9%. Confident in his position, Japarov announced his intention to claim his winnings.

The anecdote reflects broader optimism about Kyrgyzstan’s trajectory. According to data presented by World Bank experts during discussions with the presidential administration, 89% of Kyrgyz citizens believe the country is moving in the right direction regarding political, social, and economic reforms.

The World Bank is actively monitoring socio-economic trends in Kyrgyzstan through its “Listening to the Kyrgyz Republic” project. This initiative conducts monthly panel surveys of 1,500 households across all regions, using telephone interviews to track citizens’ well-being and gather insights into national development trends.

11 Dec 2024

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

Uzbekistan Proposes 10-Year Extension of Duty Free Export Benefits to the EU

December 11, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

On December 4-5, Uzbekistan participated for the first time in the meeting of the General Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) working group of the European Union in Brussels. The meeting included representatives from 28 EU member states and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade (MIIT).

Uzbekistan’s delegation highlighted the progress made since becoming a GSP+ beneficiary in 2021. During this time, the country’s exports to the EU nearly tripled, reaching $1.15 billion. Of the 6,200 products eligible for duty-free export, approximately 1,100 – primarily agricultural, textile, and chemical goods – are exported regularly.

To further enhance market stability and competitiveness, the delegation proposed adding new fruits and vegetables to the list of preferred goods and revising seasonal export quotas. They also recommended extending the GSP+ preferential trade regime for an additional ten years to foster long-term economic ties with the EU.

During the visit, Uzbek representatives held talks with European Commission officials to improve access to Uzbek products, adjust quotas for rolling metals, and secure technical assistance to align with EU standards. These discussions mark a significant step in expanding trade and economic cooperation under the GSP+ framework.

11 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Kyrgyzstan Opens Airport in Karakol – More New Routes Coming Soon

December 11, 2024
By Sergey Kwan

On December 11, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov inaugurated the reconstructed international airport in Karakol, the main city of the Issyk-Kul region. Situated southeast of Lake Issyk-Kul, Karakol is Kyrgyzstan’s winter tourism hub and home to the nation’s largest and most popular mountain ski resort.

President Japarov highlighted the reopening of the Karakol International Airport as a pivotal move toward strengthening regional connectivity, boosting tourism, and enhancing Kyrgyzstan’s international profile. “This is just the beginning,” Japarov remarked, announcing plans for a major new development: a “Kyrgyz Courchevel,” envisioned as Central Asia’s largest and most modern ski resort. Located 70 kilometers from the airport, the year-round facility is planned to accommodate up to a million tourists per season.

Kyrgyzstan’s government is also prioritizing the modernization of regional airports to improve domestic air connectivity. Renovation projects are underway in Naryn, Kazarman, Kerben, and Batken, while construction of a new airport in the southern city of Jalal-Abad is set to begin soon.

Starting in May, the government plans to launch domestic flights on routes including Kazarman-Bishkek, Naryn-Bishkek, Kerben-Bishkek, Karakol-Osh, and Talas-Osh. These flights will be operated by the state-owned Asman Airlines.

This follows the reopening of the Talas airport in May, as previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, marking its return to operation after decades of inactivity since the Soviet-era. Originally built in 1979 to accommodate planes and helicopters, the airport had long been out of service until its recent renovation.

To support the enhanced domestic air network, Kyrgyzstan’s Manas International Airport Open Joint Stock Company has procured two Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft for Asman Airlines. Manufactured in Canada, the Dash 8 Q400 is a short-haul plane capable of carrying up to 80 passengers over distances of up to 2,000 kilometers.

11 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Uzbekistan International Affairs, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbek Deputy Proposes Introducing Visa Regime With Russia

December 11, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

Russian politician Leonid Slutsky has proposed establishing a comprehensive set of mandatory rules for foreign workers in Russia, called the “Migrant Code.” Developed in coordination with diasporas and law enforcement agencies, the code outlines guidelines for migrants seeking legal employment in Russia.

According to Slutsky, the Migrant Code will require foreign workers to learn Russian and ensure their families also acquire language skills if residing in Russia. Migrants, he says, must respect Russian culture and traditions, adhere to public behavior standards, obtain official employment, and pay taxes. Additional requirements include securing insurance against deportation or expulsion, undergoing fingerprinting, genomic registration, and mental health testing.

In response, Alisher Qodirov, chairman of Uzbekistan’s Milli Tiklanish (National Revival) party, suggested introducing a visa regime with Russia to address potential instability and a rise in migration flows.

Qodirov underscored the importance of Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries implementing stricter entry and exit controls to Russia, alongside enhanced requirements for job seekers. He emphasized the need for migrants to respect their host country’s language, culture, and laws while reaffirming the significance of national values.

He further stated that educating Uzbek workers on their rights and responsibilities would help mitigate social, political, and economic challenges for Uzbekistan. It would also protect citizens from exploitation and discrimination abroad, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its people.

11 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Kazakhstan Opens Pavilion in Uzbek-Afghan Border Trade Center

December 11, 2024
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration has announced the opening of a trade pavilion showcasing Kazakh products at the Termez International Trade Center, located in the town of Termez, Uzbekistan, near the Afghan border.

The pavilion is expected to serve as a strategic platform for promoting Kazakh goods in the markets of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.

The Termez International Trade Center is a crucial hub at the crossroads of Central Asian trade routes, facilitating significant trade flows between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Opened on August 29, the center was inaugurated by Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and acting Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar. The facility includes retail spaces, hotels, a medical center, and other amenities. Notably, it supports transactions in multiple currencies, such as U.S. dollars, euros, rubles, and yuan. Afghan citizens can visit and conduct trade at the Termez center for up to 15 days without requiring an Uzbek visa.

Kyrgyzstan has also secured a presence at the Termez International Trade Center. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, on November 11, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and Commerce acquired a trade pavilion, providing a strategic foothold to expand Kyrgyzstan’s influence in the markets of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have both removed the Taliban from their lists of terrorist organizations, aligning with broader efforts by Central Asian nations to deepen trade and economic ties with Afghanistan.