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17 Mar 2025

Home, Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Strengthens Position in Global Critical Minerals Market

March 17, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan has the potential to ensure a stable supply of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition and the expansion of the electric vehicle market, according to analysts at the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC).

An AIFC study highlights Kazakhstan’s competitive advantages in exporting copper, zinc, aluminum, silver, and lead. Additionally, nickel, gold, lithium, and rare earth metals are seen as promising sectors for export expansion.

Kazakhstan holds a 5% share of the global zinc market, ranking seventh in reserves with 6.7 million tons. In 2022, Turkey, Russia, and China accounted for 70% of Kazakhstani zinc exports. The country also controls about 4% of the global copper market, with 20 million tons in reserves, placing it 11th worldwide. Its main copper buyers in 2022 were China, Turkey, and the UAE.

Kazakhstan ranks eighth globally in lead reserves (2 million tons) and 12th in production, with 40,000 tons mined in 2021. Global lead demand is projected to rise from 11.6 million tons in 2022 to 13.4 million tons by 2031. In the silver market, Kazakhstan holds the third-largest reserves, accounting for 2.7% of global supply.

In 2023, Kazakhstan ranked 11th in global bauxite reserves (160 million tons) and 10th in production (4.3 million tons), though its aluminum market share remains below 1%. The primary destinations for aluminum exports are Turkey, Italy, and Greece. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is among the world’s top 20 nickel-producing countries, holding reserves of approximately 1.5 million tons, or 2% of global reserves, though its market share remains small.

The country is also actively exploring lithium deposits in collaboration with companies from Germany, the UK, and South Korea. In March 2024, South Korean specialists discovered a lithium deposit in East Kazakhstan with a content of 5.3%, valued at an estimated $15.7 billion.

Kazakhstan has also strengthened its position in the critical minerals market through international agreements. It recently signed a contract with the European Union worth €3 million for the supply of essential raw materials.

17 Mar 2025

Central Asia, Tajikistan International Affairs, International Affairs, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Restore Flights Following Landmark Border Agreement

March 17, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

Regular flights between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will resume in April 2025, marking a significant step in restoring air connectivity between the two countries.

A test flight on the Bishkek-Khujand-Bishkek route was successfully conducted by Kyrgyz airline Asman Airlines. Regular operations on this route will begin on April 8, with flights scheduled once a week. The approximate cost of a one-way ticket is expected to be around $90.

Additionally, Tajikistan’s national carrier, Somon Air, has resumed regular flights between Dushanbe and Bishkek after nearly four years. The first flight was made possible following an agreement between the two governments to restore air service.

“This important development significantly strengthens air connectivity between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, creating new opportunities for passengers and businesses. With the support of the presidents of both countries, regular flights between the capitals will become more accessible, contributing to the growth of economic and cultural ties,” said Manasbek Samidinov, Chairman of the Board of Manas International Airport Company.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the resumption of air travel comes shortly after a historic border demarcation agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. On March 13, Presidents Sadyr Japarov and Emomali Rahmon signed a treaty finalizing all border sections. The landmark deal was the result of three years of negotiations, mutual concessions, and land swaps.

17 Mar 2025

Home, Uzbekistan Environment, Environment, Kazakhstan Environment, Kyrgyzstan Environment, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan Environment, Features

Biodiversity Experts Tell Banks to Halt Projects That Endanger Central Asia’s Rivers

March 17, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

On March 14, World Rivers Day of Action, international environmental organizations issued a stark warning about the future of Central Asia’s key rivers and lakes. A coalition, including Rivers without Boundaries, International Rivers, Friends of the Earth US, Urgewald, and CEE Bankwatch Network, called on major international development banks to reconsider their funding policies for hydropower projects.

According to environmentalists, Central Asia already has more than 300 large dams, with over 200 additional projects either planned or under construction, many with financial backing from international banks.

In a joint statement addressed to the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the groups expressed concern over the rapid expansion of dams in the region. They argue that these hydropower projects are fragmenting rivers, destroying natural habitats, and violating human rights.

Despite UNESCO World Heritage protections and other conservation measures, environmentalists warn that increased international funding for both large and small hydropower projects could irreversibly damage Central Asia’s rivers. A newly published map by Rivers without Boundaries identifies the region’s most valuable and vulnerable freshwater ecosystems. If all planned projects are completed, nearly all of Central Asia’s river systems will be fragmented, including those that remained untouched during Soviet-era hydroengineering efforts.

“Dams and reservoirs in Central Asia are often presented as necessary for water conservation and energy development,” said Evgeny Simonov, international coordinator of Rivers without Boundaries. “However, global experience shows that this approach is often economically inefficient and environmentally destructive.”

Andrey Ralev, a biodiversity specialist at CEE Bankwatch Network, emphasized the severe impact of hydropower projects on the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, which have already contributed to the Aral Sea crisis. “Their mountain tributaries still support unique biodiversity. Development banks should support their protection, not finance destructive hydropower projects,” he said.

Katharina Lu, a senior manager at Friends of the Earth US, highlighted the growing impact of climate change and biodiversity loss on river ecosystems and local communities. “International development banks must stop blindly supporting hydropower and instead consider decentralized energy solutions with less environmental impact,” she said.

17 Mar 2025

Central Asia, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Local Politics, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan to Establish Nuclear Energy Agency

March 17, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan will create a Nuclear Energy Agency, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during a session of the National Kurultai (annual assembly).

“Given the special significance of this issue, I have decided to establish the Agency for Nuclear Energy under the President. We must maximize the potential of gas and coal-fired generation, as well as renewable energy sources,” Tokayev said.

Tokayev emphasized the need for a comprehensive, long-term approach to energy sector development.

“By approving the construction of the first nuclear power plant in a referendum, citizens have given the green light to this initiative. However, it is crucial not only to meet current energy demands but also to lay the foundation for future economic growth. That is why I believe it is necessary to construct not one, but three nuclear power plants to establish a full-fledged nuclear cluster,” he said.

Kazakhstan held a referendum on October 6, 2024, regarding the construction of its first nuclear power plant. According to the Central Election Commission, 63.66% of eligible voters participated, with 71.12% (5.56 million people) supporting the project.

In January 2025, the government finalized a shortlist of potential technology suppliers for the plant. The candidates include Russia’s Rosatom, South Korea’s KHNP, China’s CNNC, and France’s EDF.

Simultaneously, authorities are completing an analysis of possible locations for the second and third nuclear power plants. The final construction plan is expected to be unveiled in the second quarter of 2025, with the city of Kurchatov among the potential sites under consideration.

14 Mar 2025

Home, Silk Road Treasures, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan

Kazakh Theatrical Performance Breaks Annual Record

March 14, 2025
By Duisenali Alimakyn

The play Gauhartas, directed by Kazakhstani theater artist Askhat Maemirov, has been staged over 250 times within a year, marking a record achievement in Kazakhstan’s theater industry.

This widely acclaimed production is an adaptation of a work by esteemed Kazakh writer, Dulat Isabekov. His story depicts the life of a Kazakh family during the Soviet period, shedding light on the struggles of ethnic minorities under an authoritarian regime. In 1975, the Kazakhfilm studio produced a movie based on this work.

With every show selling out, the play has already drawn nearly 75,000 spectators. It has been performed in several major cities across Kazakhstan, including Aktau, Atyrau, Oral, Taldykorgan, and Almaty. Plans are now in place to present the production on an international stage. “In this production, we emphasize the significance of family and cultural values in Kazakh society,” said the director of the musical drama. “We examine the roles of mothers and fathers, questioning their responsibilities and influence. By portraying the life of an ordinary Kazakh family, we aim to reflect deeper human emotions. At its core, the play conveys the importance of safeguarding love and happiness within the home.”

Though Gauhartas was first introduced to readers fifty years ago, its themes remain highly relevant today. The dynamics of family life and the bond between parents and children continue to be timeless subjects in literature and theater, and currently, many young people in Kazakhstan are coming to watch this play.

Image: TCA, Duisenali Alimakyn

This work was written by the recently deceased Kazakh writer, Dulat Isabekov, when he was 25 years old while serving in the military near Moscow. Depicting Kazakh society, including one family’s internal resistance to the system and the impact of Soviet society on people, this work became one of the author’s timeless creations.

The play offers a fresh perspective to Kazakh audiences by addressing the issue of women’s equality. It delves into the fractured relationship between society, a father, and a son, highlighting their inability to connect and understand one another, ultimately leading to tragedy. In essence, this work looks back at the past, aligns with the present, and paves the way for a hopeful future.

14 Mar 2025

Home, Kyrgyzstan Justice, Justice, Kyrgyzstan, Features, Kyrgyzstan Features

English Law in Kyrgyzstan? Bold Move Faces Hurdles in Investment Disputes

March 20, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

Kyrgyzstan’s government is considering adopting elements of English common law to handle investment disputes, but legal experts remain skeptical about its feasibility.

On March 13, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev met with the British Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan and a group of international consultants to discuss the potential integration of English legal principles into Kyrgyzstan’s legal framework. The initiative has also received support from President Sadyr Japarov, who, in late 2024, stated at the People’s Kurultai in Bishkek that the adoption of English law principles is essential for attracting foreign investment.

“Citizens and external investors have the opportunity to invest in the construction of large projects. For large investments, first of all, it is necessary to have fair courts,” Japarov stated.

Challenges in Implementing English Law

In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Shamaral Maichiev, chairman of the International Court of Arbitration in Kyrgyzstan, cautioned that adopting English law would require extensive legal and structural changes.

“A package of legal and regulatory documents duplicating existing commercial law, including court procedures, would need to be developed and adopted. Alternatively, specific sections based on English law principles could be incorporated into current legislation,” Maichiev explained.

Beyond legislative changes, Maichiev noted that judicial retraining would be essential. This includes:

Requalifying legal professionals to apply Common Law principles
Establishing a register of judges specialized in Common Law
Conducting court proceedings in English or other international languages could pose logistical and financial challenges
Hiring foreign judges would add further costs to the national budget.

“Creating a new Common Law Court would be financially burdensome for the country, requiring substantial resources and a long implementation period,” Maichiev emphasized.

Existing Arbitration Mechanisms in Kyrgyzstan

Legal experts argue that Kyrgyzstan already allows the use of Common Law principles in international arbitration courts, making a new Common Law Court unnecessary.

Judges at the Court of Arbitration under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan contend that investment and commercial disputes are already effectively handled through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

“Today, the Kyrgyz Republic is one of the regional leaders in establishing legislative mechanisms for alternative dispute resolution. To enhance Kyrgyzstan’s international reputation and investment appeal, it is proposed that the International Court of Arbitration under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry handle investment and commercial disputes, including those based on Common Law principles, without requiring state budget funds,” Maichiev told TCA.

The judge expressed confidence that the International Court of Arbitration in Kyrgyzstan has the resources to become a leading center for economic dispute resolution in the Eurasian region.