Page 460 – The Times Of Central Asia

12 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Life & Culture

Second Train Tour Launched Between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

December 12, 2024
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan’s national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), has announced the launch of its second train tour, Jibek Joly (Silk Road) 2.0, connecting major cities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The inaugural journey on this new route will depart from Almaty on January 2, 2025, and return on January 7.

The itinerary includes stops at some of the most iconic and culturally rich destinations in the region:

Turkestan, Kazakhstan: Passengers will spend a full day exploring this ancient city, including a visit to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique architecture.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan: The tour will highlight the historical landmarks of the Uzbek capital, along with modern attractions such as the Magic City theme park.
Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Travelers will visit landmarks including the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, and the Ulugbek Madrasah.
Shymkent, Kazakhstan: The final stop on the tour is Kazakhstan’s third-largest city, known for its dynamic urban culture.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, this initiative follows the success of the first four-day train tour launched in November, which connected Almaty, Turkestan, and Tashkent. The Jibek Joly 2.0 train route underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to enhancing regional tourism and strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.

12 Dec 2024

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

EDB Thinks Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Will Show Strongest Growth in 2025

December 12, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) forecasts that Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will lead regional economic growth in 2025. According to the bank’s Macroeconomic Forecast, published on November 5, GDP growth rates for Kyrgyzstan are given at 8.7%, Tajikistan at 8.4%, and Kazakhstan at 5.5%. For comparison, the corresponding figure for Russia is just 2.4%.

Tajikistan’s robust growth is attributed to rising prices for gold and other export metals, coupled with reduced costs for imported energy and food products. These factors are expected to enhance economic efficiency by freeing up funds for consumption and investment. Additionally, the country’s rapidly growing population remains a central driver of its economic expansion.

Similarly, Kyrgyzstan’s strong economic performance will be fueled by industrial development, high investment activity, and resilient domestic demand. However, in both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, industrial growth and investment activity are anticipated to lag behind GDP expansion.

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are expected to grow above the global average, supported by steady exports and robust domestic demand.

Kazakhstan’s economy will benefit from increased oil production, large-scale government infrastructure projects, and supportive fiscal policies.

The EDB predicts that inflation across the region will gradually decline, from 7.9% in 2024 to 6.4% in 2025. High interest rates will remain a key tool in controlling inflation, with rates expected at 7.3% in Kazakhstan by the end of 2025.

Inflation in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is projected to remain within target levels, reaching 5.0% and 5.8%, respectively. These lower inflation rates are expected to support continued economic stability in both countries.

12 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Home, Local Politics, Features, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbekistan Strengthens Criminal Penalties for Organising Mass Disturbances

December 12, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

On December 11, Uzbekistan’s Parliament, the Oliy Majlis, adopted a draft law amending Article 244 of the Criminal Code, which addresses mass riots. The amendments, passed in the first reading, aim to strengthen legal measures against organizing or financing mass disturbances.

Deputy Prosecutor General Svetlana Artikova explained the rationale behind the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals, society, and the state during turbulent times.

“Is there criminal liability for training aimed at organizing mass disturbances or preparing weapons, explosives, or special devices for such purposes? In our opinion, there is,” Artikova stated. She highlighted that such actions threaten public safety and stability, warranting criminal accountability.

The draft law introduces two new provisions – parts 3 and 4 of Article 244 – focused on addressing these threats. Financing the organization of mass riots will also be explicitly recognized as a crime. According to Artikova, the amendments aim to safeguard the country’s peace and stability, serving as a preventive measure rather than an act of retribution.

“Whether online or offline, participating in such ‘training’ is about destroying our way of life,” she remarked.

The proposed amendments will not require extra funding from the state budget. The draft law has already been reviewed and approved by key government entities, including the Supreme Court, the State Security Service, and the Ministries of Economy and Finance, Internal Affairs, and Justice.

Details regarding the specific penalties for these offenses were not disclosed by the prosecutor’s office.

12 Dec 2024

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

Turkmenistan Bans Students from Celebrating New Year’s Eve

December 12, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

Authorities in Turkmenistan have imposed strict measures preventing students and schoolchildren from celebrating New Year’s Eve, requiring them to sign written pledges to abstain from festivities. Students are prohibited from hosting or attending parties at home or in cafes and are barred from being outdoors during the celebration.

“Students have been forced to write forms stating they will not celebrate New Year’s Eve and will return to their dormitories after attending official events,” a source revealed. Violations of the ban are met with threats of expulsion. According to reports, older students in previous years were expelled for secretly hosting parties, serving as a warning to others.

Similar restrictions are being enforced in schools across Ashgabat, where festive parties have been banned following an order from the Ministry of Education. Teachers have been instructed to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Paradoxically, official state media in Turkmenistan are showcasing large-scale New Year preparations, including the lighting of the “Main Christmas Tree of the Country” on December 14. Despite the visible holiday decorations, New Year celebrations remain tightly controlled. Last year, schools and kindergartens canceled New Year events, and state institutions were prohibited from installing Christmas trees.

Local analysts attribute these stringent measures to the conservative policies of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Unlike his father, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who was known for extravagant celebrations and even personal performances at New Year’s events, Serdar has opted for a more restrained and controlled approach.

The restrictions reflect the growing emphasis on regulation and conformity under Turkmenistan’s current leadership, casting a shadow over what was once a more festive and unifying holiday.

12 Dec 2024

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

Uzbekistan’s Debt to Russia Climbs Amid Rising Regional Loans

December 12, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

Russia’s foreign lending surged to over $30 billion in 2023, the highest level since 1999, with Egypt, Bangladesh, and India receiving the largest new loans. Uzbekistan also saw a notable rise in its debt to Russia during the year.

Uzbekistan’s debt to Russia increased by $41.3 million in 2023, contributing to the overall growth in the country’s financial obligations to foreign lenders.

Russia’s Top Debtors

Belarus remains Russia’s largest debtor, with $7.75 billion in loans, accounting for 25% of Russia’s total foreign lending. Bangladesh follows with $6.6 billion (22%), and India ranks third with $4.1 billion (14%). Other significant borrowers include Egypt, which owes $3.3 billion (11%), and Vietnam at $1.4 billion (5%).

Egypt experienced the largest debt increase in 2023, with an additional $1.45 billion borrowed from Russia. Bangladesh and India saw increases of $745 million and $363 million, respectively. Afghanistan’s debt to Russia grew by $19.9 million, while smaller increments were recorded in countries like Zambia, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Sudan, and Moldova, which collectively added $26.54 million in debt.

Uzbekistan’s Broader Debt Outlook

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Uzbekistan’s public debt is projected to reach $45.1 billion by the end of 2025, equivalent to 36.7% of the country’s GDP. By the end of 2023, public debt is expected to stand at $39.7 billion.

The Uzbek government’s budget for 2025 highlights significant fiscal commitments, with 52% – amounting to $27.02 billion – allocated to social programs, reflecting the government’s emphasis on social spending.

12 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Home, International Affairs, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kazakhstan Home

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum Resigns

December 12, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum has announced his resignation, effective January 20, 2025. His departure coincides with similar resignations by U.S. Ambassadors Philip Goldberg in South Korea and Mark Libby in Azerbaijan, all stepping down from diplomatic service. The timing of these resignations has sparked speculation, as it aligns with the start of a new presidential term for Donald Trump.

End of a Distinguished Career

Rosenblum informed the Kazakh government of his decision on November 26, concluding a nearly 28-year career with the U.S. State Department. He has served as Chief of Mission in Kazakhstan since November 2022, representing the United States through five presidential administrations and eight secretaries of state.

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan. I have developed a deep respect for the country’s culture, traditions, and people,” Rosenblum said.

Under his tenure, bilateral relations flourished, with progress in trade, investment, cultural exchange, university partnerships, and security cooperation. Rosenblum also emphasized his admiration for Kazakhstan’s family-oriented values and expressed optimism about its future:

“Kazakhstan’s future is bright, and its opportunities are virtually limitless because the country is built on strong family traditions,” he remarked.

While Rosenblum plans to retire from the State Department, he expressed a desire to return to Central Asia, possibly as a tourist or in another capacity.

Transition at the U.S. Embassy

Deputy Chief of Mission Deborah Robinson will serve as Chargé d’Affaires until a new ambassador is appointed and confirmed. The U.S. Consul General in Almaty, Michelle Erkin, will also continue her work. Rosenblum’s predecessor, William Moser, ended his term in September 2021, preceding Rosenblum’s appointment in late 2022.

Resignations in South Korea and Azerbaijan

Rosenblum’s resignation coincides with similar announcements by Philip Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, and Mark Libby, U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan. Goldberg, who has served in diplomatic roles for nearly 35 years, plans to step down in January 2025. His tenure in South Korea began in July 2022, during the administration of President Yoon Suk-Yeol, and was marked by efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Korea alliance and enhance trilateral cooperation with Japan.

Mark Libby’s resignation reflects similar timing, with discussions focusing on the alignment of these departures with the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.

A Broader Diplomatic Crisis?

These resignations occur against the backdrop of challenges in the U.S. diplomatic service, highlighted in a report by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The report detailed staffing issues during Trump’s first term, with several key State Department positions either unfilled or held by interim appointees.

The conclusion of Rosenblum’s distinguished career marks the end of a productive chapter in U.S.-Kazakh relations, leaving his successor with the task of continuing to foster this important bilateral partnership.