Page 481 – The Times Of Central Asia

21 Mar 2025

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UN Human Rights Commissioner Raises Alarm Over Air Quality in Bishkek

March 21, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed concern over deteriorating air quality in Bishkek during his official visit to Kyrgyzstan. The visit, focused on civil rights, freedom of speech, and economic development, also addressed pressing environmental issues affecting the Kyrgyz capital.

Speaking at a press conference, Türk emphasized that Kyrgyzstan ranks among the most polluted countries in the region, and that air quality in Bishkek poses a serious threat to public health and the environment.

“Despite some progress and financial support from international organizations, much more needs to be done to protect the environment,” he said.

Türk urged Kyrgyz authorities to intensify efforts to combat climate change and to increase investment in green initiatives. He underscored the importance of climate finance and the need for comprehensive, cooperative action.

“This issue must be addressed in partnership and through a climate change lens,” he said. “While there have been financial injections from international donors, they have not yet translated into sufficient results. Each country bears responsibility. Green investments are essential, not just for Kyrgyzstan, but for all nations. The government must take stronger, more effective action.”

According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report from IQAir, cities across Central Asia consistently exceed World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The report notes the following annual average concentrations (in micrograms per cubic meter):

Dushanbe: 46.3
Tashkent: 31.4
Bishkek: 21.2
Osh: 20.5
Almaty: 20.3
Astana: 15.4

For context, the WHO’s recommended safe limit for PM2.5 is no more than 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

21 Mar 2025

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Kazakhstan to Ban Chicken Egg Imports from April

March 21, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture has drafted an order to ban the import of fresh chicken eggs for six months, beginning in April. The proposal, backed by the government’s interdepartmental commission, is expected to remain in effect through the end of September.

The ban will apply to all imports of fresh eggs, regardless of transport mode, from both countries outside of and member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). However, it will not affect the transit of eggs through Kazakhstan, including shipments moving from one EAEU country to another, such as from Russia to Kyrgyzstan.

The initiative was not proposed by the authorities but by the Association of Egg Producers.

“The Association appealed to the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture to consider a ban on egg imports from April to September,” said Kairat Maishev, head of the association. “A similar restriction was in place in 2024, from May to October. The goal is to curb illegal imports, prevent the entry of low-quality eggs, and support the development of the domestic industry.”

Maishev stressed that the ban does not target legitimate importers but aims to ensure that imported eggs are properly documented and taxed. He also noted concerns about substandard products entering the market during the summer months.

“In summer, the market often receives imports that do not meet shelf life and quality standards,” he stated. “It’s also difficult for authorities to regulate pricing for these products.”

Kazakhstan currently has 34 poultry farms producing approximately five billion eggs annually, enough to meet domestic demand, according to the association. “We are confident that local producers can fully supply the population with quality products,” Maishev added.

Official data shows that in 2024, Kazakhstan imported 87.4 million eggs and exported 43.2 million. Domestic production covered 99% of the national demand, with most imports originating from other EAEU countries.

Government officials argue that the temporary ban will help strengthen the domestic egg industry and promote transparent pricing in the local market.

In a related development, Kazakhstan suspended poultry imports in January from the U.S. states of Delaware and South Carolina, as well as Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region, due to outbreaks of avian influenza.

20 Mar 2025

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Celebrating Nauryz: A Timeless Tradition of Unity, Renewal, and Heritage in Central Asia

May 2, 2025
By Tamila Olzhbaekova

Nauryz is more than just a holiday – it is a symbol of spring renewal, harmony, and unity that has been celebrated by the peoples of Central Asia for centuries. Marking the arrival of the spring equinox, Turkic communities welcome the New Year with purification rituals, festive gatherings, and traditional games. While the holiday shares common roots across the region, each country celebrates it uniquely, reflecting its distinct cultural heritage.

Nauryz has survived through the centuries, and despite the evolution of the celebration in the modern era, it continues to unite people through traditions.

Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, Nauryz is celebrated on a large scale, transforming cities and villages into festival grounds filled with folk rituals, sporting events, and cultural performances. The holiday begins with blessings from elders and family visits. At the heart of the festive table is Nauryz-kozhe, a traditional soup made from seven ingredients, each symbolizing key values in life.

“Nauryz without Nauryz-kozhe is not Nauryz,” Daniyar, 29, from Almaty, told The Times of Central Asia. “When I was a child, my grandmother told me that eating it would bring luck for the year. That’s why the whole family gathers around the table.”

Beyond feasting, Nauryz is a time for competitions. Among the most popular are kokpar, an equestrian contest where riders traditionally competed for a goat carcass – now often replaced with a dummy version (serke), asyk atu, a traditional game of precision using sheep bones, and kazaksha kures, a national wrestling competition.

“As a child, I always looked forward to this day because it was when I could see adults displaying strength and skill,” Sanzhar, 25, from Taraz, told TCA. “These traditions are passed down through generations and strengthen our culture.”

Ancient customs also come to life during the festival. People wear traditional Kazakh attire, exchange gifts, and partake in purification rituals.

“When I put on a [traditional] Kazakh costume, I feel a deep connection with my ancestors. There’s something magical about this holiday – the aroma of freshly cooked kozhe, the sound of the dombra, the folk dances, and the spirit of unity. It’s a day to remember who we are and take pride in our culture,” said Aizhan, 40, from Astana.

Nauryz celebration in Almaty; image: TCA

Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, Nauryz represents renewal and rebirth. The celebrations begin with a cleansing ritual, where people clean their homes, courtyards, and even their minds, symbolizing a fresh start. Hospitality plays a central role, as it is customary to host and visit seven guests, symbolizing openness and strong social bonds.

Like in Kazakhstan, Nauryz-kozhe is a staple of the festive table. However, Kyrgyz cuisine also features kuurdak, fried meat with potatoes and onions, and osh – also known as plov or palov – emphasizing the tradition of generous feasting.

The holiday is further enriched by national sporting competitions, including horse races, wrestling (kuresh), ordo, a traditional strategy game, and arkan tartysh, a tug-of-war contest.

“For us, Nauryz is more than just a holiday. It’s a time to come together, reconnect with traditions, and welcome the fresh energy of spring,” Asyl, 28, from Bishkek, told TCA.

Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, Nauryz carries a deep historical significance. The festival begins with a purification ritual, followed by family gatherings around a festive table. The centerpiece of the Uzbek Nauryz feast is sumalyak, a dish made from sprouted wheat, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Its preparation is a social event in itself, accompanied by singing and well-wishing.

Other traditional dishes include pilaf, manty (steamed dumplings), naryn (a cold noodle dish), and flatbreads (non). The holiday is marked by folk performances, concerts, and sporting competitions. Among them, Kurash, Uzbekistan’s national form of wrestling, remains a crowd favorite.

“In our family, Nauryz is a special occasion,” Dildora, 32, from Tashkent, told TCA. “We not only bring our relatives together but also pass down our traditions and values to the younger generation. While modern celebrations now include large concerts and street performances in Tashkent, we remain committed to our traditions.”

Traditional treats for Nauryz; image: TCA

Tajikistan

In Tajikistan, Nauryz is a time for renewing family ties, strengthening friendships, and seeking forgiveness. People visit relatives and friends, exchange gifts, and offer sincere well-wishes, embracing the spirit of unity.

As in other Central Asian nations, the Tajik festive table is central to the celebration, with the most important dish being plov. The communal meal brings families together to share not only their food but also joy.

Music is an integral part of Tajik Nauryz traditions. Folk instruments such as the dutar, tanbur, dumbrak, and Kashgar rubab fill the air with festive melodies, while traditional dances serve as a joyful expression of the holiday.

Turkmenistan

Nauryz in Turkmenistan is a vibrant celebration that symbolizes renewal, unity, and the return of warmth following the harsh winter. Deeply rooted in Turkmen heritage, the holiday is celebrated with family gatherings, traditional music, dances, and festive meals. A highlight of the celebration is the preparation of semeni, a dish made from sprouted wheat, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Communities engage in cultural performances and sports, reaffirming their sense of national pride and cultural identity.

Despite globalization and modernization, Nauryz continues to unite the peoples of Central Asia. It is not just a holiday, but a living tradition, a time for family, gratitude, and cultural pride. Whether through age-old customs, festive meals, or exhilarating competitions, Nauryz remains a powerful symbol of renewal and shared heritage across the region.

20 Mar 2025

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Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan Reach Border Agreement After Years of Negotiations

April 1, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

After nearly two decades of discussions, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have officially determined the junction point of their shared borders. Kamchibek Tashiyev, head of the Kyrgyz National Security Committee, presented the final border demarcation to Kyrgyz lawmakers, AKIpress reported.

On March 19, Tashiyev stated that trilateral negotiations on this issue had been ongoing since 2007. Government delegations from the three countries held six meetings before reaching an agreement. The dispute over the exact location of the border junction remained unresolved until a March 2025 meeting in Dushanbe, where representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan finalized the demarcation.

During the meeting, Tashiyev displayed a map marking the agreed border point in blue. He noted that Uzbekistan had previously suggested a location marked in green, while Tajikistan proposed a spot marked in red. Accepting these alternative proposals would have left key roads outside Kyrgyzstan’s territory. Under the final agreement, Kyrgyzstan retains approximately 100 hectares of land, which, although uninhabited, includes an important road.

This breakthrough follows a March 13 border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, aimed at ending long-standing tensions that had made their shared border the most volatile in Central Asia for over a decade. The deal was underscored by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon’s first visit to Bishkek in nearly 12 years, highlighting its importance.

As part of the agreement, the two countries also agreed to reopen the Kairagach (Leilek district) and Kyzyl-Bel (Batken district) border checkpoints, which had been closed for nearly four years. Both checkpoints resumed operations on March 13.

20 Mar 2025

Draft

Kazakh MPs Propose Differentiated Taxation for Medicines and Healthcare

March 20, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakh lawmakers are pushing for a differentiated tax policy on medicines and healthcare services to maintain their affordability amid upcoming tax reforms. Askhat Aimagambetov, a deputy of the Mazhilis (Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament), has proposed exempting certain essential medicines from value-added tax (VAT) and reducing the tax burden on medical institutions.

Proposed VAT Adjustments

Kazakhstan is currently debating a new Tax Code that would increase the VAT rate from 12% to 16%, while introducing zero and reduced rates for specific industries. Aimagambetov, writing on social media, noted that a group of Mazhilis deputies had repeatedly advocated for differentiated taxation of medicines and medical services even before discussions on the VAT hike began.

He stressed that applying the full 16% VAT rate to all medical services and pharmaceuticals would lead to a sharp rise in costs and reduce access to healthcare for the population.

Tax Exemptions for Essential Medicines

To mitigate this impact, lawmakers propose VAT exemptions for drugs treating socially significant diseases such as:

Cancer
Rare diseases
Palliative care
Diabetes
Autoimmune diseases

“The specific list is still under discussion and will be expanded,” Aimagambetov stated. “This measure will prevent a sharp increase in drug prices for those who need them most, socially vulnerable groups.”

For other medicines, a reduced VAT rate of 10% is under consideration.

Impact on Medical Services

Currently, medical services in Kazakhstan are not subject to VAT. However, under the new Tax Code, the government proposes introducing a 10% VAT rate. Aimagambetov and his colleagues initially suggested reducing this to 5%, but discussions are now focused on exempting certain socially significant medical services from VAT entirely. These include:

Oncology treatments
Palliative care (hospices)
Stroke treatment
Potentially obstetrics and other critical medical services

For other medical services, a 10% VAT rate may be introduced.

Changes to Corporate Tax in Healthcare

In addition to VAT adjustments, the government plans to raise the corporate income tax for medical institutions. Currently, this sector benefits from a zero-tax rate, but under the proposed reforms, a 10% corporate tax would be applied.

Consultations with Businesses Ongoing

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the government plans to finalize the list of industries eligible for the 10% VAT rate following consultations with the business community.

20 Mar 2025

Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan’s Film Industry Surges: Domestic Productions Outperform Foreign Blockbusters at the Box Office

March 20, 2025
By Aliya Haidar

Kazakhstan’s domestic film industry is experiencing a renaissance, successfully competing with and even surpassing foreign productions in box office revenue, an outcome that was unthinkable just a decade ago.

Ten years ago, Kazakhstani films and television were seldom watched. Western and Russian blockbusters dominated cinemas, leaving little room for domestic content. Filmmakers lamented that their work attracted only a niche audience of aesthetes and patriots. Today, however, Kazakh productions are filling theaters and attracting millions of online views.

“In 2024, the output of Kazakhstani films increased by 58%. Among the top 10 highest-grossing films, every second one was a domestic production. Revenue from foreign and domestic films was nearly equal. This demonstrates the growing interest of audiences in national content,” Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, said on March 18.

By the end of 2024, Kazakhstani films had grossed more than 22 billion tenge, a 30% increase compared to 2023, according to Alexander Aksyutits, general director of the Top Pro Cinema production center. The number of films released during the year surged from 65 to 107.

“What’s even more important is that Kazakhstanis’ attention to national cinema continues to grow. Looking at the top 20 highest-grossing films of last year, 70% were locally produced. Just a few years ago, foreign films dominated the market. As a result, our film industry is attracting increasing interest from private investors. Equally significant are the positive changes in the state financing system for film production,” Aksyutits said.

YouTube/frame from the series “5:32”

Streaming Demand and Cultural Shift

Aksyutits also noted a surge in Kazakhstan’s TV series production, largely due to the rising popularity of streaming platforms. However, demand for local content currently outstrips the country’s production capacity, primarily due to a shortage of skilled professionals.

Some experts believe this shift in audience preferences is linked to a growing cultural divide between Kazakhstan and the Western and Russian film industries. As narratives diverge, local audiences increasingly seek stories that reflect their own experiences and values.

“In recent years, I’ve started watching Kazakhstani TV much more often. Before, I had little interest in them and barely knew they existed. Now, I remember titles like Meow, 5:32, Patrol, and Sake. These are mostly crime dramas or comedies. What draws me in are the relatable characters, people you might see in your own neighborhood. The familiar settings, humor, and natural dialogue make the stories feel real,” said Alexander, a resident of Almaty.

The TV series Meow follows drug couriers and the battle against them, while 5:32 delves into the world of serial killers. Sake and Patrol take a comedic approach, with the former portraying a charmingly corrupt mid-level official and the latter focusing on the daily lives of police officers. According to critics, this new wave of TV content, which is currently achieving high ratings on television and accumulating millions of online views, successfully blends serious themes with strong performances and humor. Countries including Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Ireland, Germany, Azerbaijan, Turkey, India, South Korea, the UK, and Uzbekistan have begun purchasing Kazakhstani content.

Movie poster “Dastur”

Box Office Success and New Horizons

The film Dastur (Tradition) is one of the latest domestic productions to break box office records in Kazakhstan. The film tells the harrowing story of a young woman forced to marry her abuser while her community remains indifferent. As the protagonist seeks revenge — whether by her own hand or through a mystical force — the film delivers a powerful social commentary.

“I was deeply moved by Dastur. Some may argue that its plot isn’t groundbreaking, but the film captures an ordinary Kazakhstani village with such authenticity that it feels personal. The characters, uncles, aunts, grandmothers, are so real and familiar, yet terrifying in their complacency. I cried while watching it,” said Rabiga, a university student.

Beyond modern social issues, Kazakhstan’s film industry is also producing high-quality historical films. “I’m thrilled to see well-made movies about Kazakhstan’s historical figures, warriors, artists, writers. We know so little about them, and now these films are bringing their stories closer to modern audiences,” Rabiga added.

Within a week of its release, Dastur had earned more than 1 billion tenge, surpassing the Hollywood blockbuster Aquaman. For many, this marked the beginning of a new era for Kazakhstani cinema.