Page 498 – The Times Of Central Asia

11 Nov 2024

Central Asia, Environment, Kazakhstan Environment, International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs

Kazakhstan’s Lake Balkhash Receives 13.5 billion Cubic Meters of Water in 2024

November 11, 2024
By Sergey Kwan

The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan announced on November 8 that 13.5 billion cubic meters of water had been sent to Lake Balkhash via the Ili River from the Kapchagay Reservoir this year, raising the lake’s average water level to 341.6 meters above sea level.

The trans-boundary Ili River, originating in China, supplies about 70% of Lake Balkhash’s water. According to the ministry, this year’s average water flow at the Kazakhstan-China border was 384 cubic meters per second, a 17% increase from last year.

Lake Balkhash, located 280 kilometers northwest of Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is the world’s fifteenth-largest lake. In May, reports indicated that Balkhash’s water level had risen by 23 centimeters since the start of the year, largely due to increased rainfall and snowmelt-related floods this past spring.

Earlier this month, The Times of Central Asia reported that Kazakhstan and China have initiated negotiations on the joint management and allocation of water from shared rivers. A key goal for Kazakhstan in these talks is to maintain optimal water levels in Lake Balkhash.
Three major rivers in Kazakhstan — the Irtysh, Ili, and Emel — originate in China, making trans-boundary water management critical for the country.

In late August, The Times of Central Asia also reported that the Kapchagay Reservoir near Almaty had filled to capacity for the first time in a decade. The reservoir collects water from the Ili River and regulates its flow to Lake Balkhash.

11 Nov 2024

CAREC Ministers Approve Climate Action Plan and Launch Regional Climate Fund

November 11, 2024
By Sergey Kwan

At the 23rd CAREC Ministerial Conference held in Astana on November 8, member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program—Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—endorsed a new Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) and launched the CAREC Climate and Sustainability Project Preparatory Fund (CSPPF). These initiatives aim to strengthen regional collaboration on climate resilience, low-carbon growth, and sustainable development.

The CAREC Program is a partnership of 11 countries and development partners that promotes sustainable development through regional cooperation, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) hosting the CAREC Secretariat.

In his address at the conference, ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa stated, “The approval of the CAREC Climate Change Action Plan and the establishment of the Climate and Sustainability Project Preparatory Fund are significant milestones in our collective efforts to address climate change. By working together, we can build resilient infrastructure, develop early warning systems, and create a greener future powered by renewable energy.”

The CCAP, covering the period from 2025 to 2027, prioritizes initiatives aligned with the CAREC Climate Change Vision and focuses on four main areas to address climate challenges in the region. It aims to enhance climate risk preparedness, strengthen the water-energy-food nexus, promote low-carbon growth by reducing emissions and expanding renewable energy, and create a CAREC climate platform.
The CSPPF will support CAREC countries in developing viable regional climate projects that align with their commitments under the Paris Agreement.

On November 8, ADB signed fund contribution agreements with China’s Ministry of Finance and South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, generating an initial $5 million in funding for the CSPPF.

Speaking at the Ministerial Conference, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov highlighted the CAREC Program’s significance for Central Asia, noting that over the past 20 years, it has mobilized about $51 billion for the region, with more than $9 billion invested in Kazakhstan.

During his visit to Kazakhstan, ADB’s Asakawa met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to discuss ongoing cooperation and future initiatives.

From 1994 to 2024, ADB financed projects in Kazakhstan valued at approximately $7 billion. Notably, ADB participated in the construction of the Western Europe–Western China highway corridor and the reconstruction of the Aktobe–Kandyagash road.

11 Nov 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Tajikistan Local Politics, Tajikistan Business Economy, Tajikistan, International Affairs, Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Solidarity Center: Central Asian Migrant Workers Face Low Pay and Unsafe Workplaces

November 11, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

Central Asian migrant workers face new challenges as they look for well-paying jobs, with economic shifts and political instability adding to the uncertainty. More women and young people also choose to migrate, often facing unique risks. Panelists at a recent Solidarity Center webinar highlighted that protecting these workers’ rights is more effective when countries in the region work together on safe migration plans.

A Solidarity Center study involving over 1,000 migrant workers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan found that Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are the primary countries of origin, while Kazakhstan is becoming a growing destination. Most participants (58%) left due to low wages in their home countries, and 31% cited a lack of jobs as their main reason for migrating.

Russia, once a top destination for Central Asian workers, has seen a drop in migrant numbers since its economy took a hit following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A migrant worker from Uzbekistan shared that overtime hours weren’t paid, and medical expenses had to come out of his pocket if he got sick. According to Lola Abdukadyrova, Solidarity Center’s regional director in Kyrgyzstan, this story reflects the harsh conditions many migrant workers face—no overtime pay, no sick leave, and frequent discrimination or harassment.

Abdukadyrova noted that for nearly 30% of Kyrgyz migrant households, money for food is often a struggle. In Uzbekistan, this rate rises to 45%, as shared by Nodira Karimova, director of the Republican Social Information Center Istiqbolli Avlod.

Abdukadyrova added that many migrants earn only enough for basic food, and they face delayed payments, heavier workloads without extra pay, and unsafe working conditions.

“Kazakhstan has endorsed the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and participates in various regional migration dialogues,” said Aleksandr Mukha, director of the Mangistau Regional Branch of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law. In another significant win for migrant worker rights organizations, Kyrgyzstan issued the GCM in August to improve conditions for Kyrgyz citizens who travel abroad to earn their livelihoods.

The Times of Central Asia has previously written about how that Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has increased pressure on Central Asian migrants.

11 Nov 2024

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

Turkey Ready to Buy Kazakh Meat at Twice the Price Offered by China

February 4, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture is actively working to open the Turkish market to Kazakh meat exports. Deputy Minister Amangaly Berdalin reported that Turkish partners are willing to pay twice as much for Kazakh beef as China.

The Ministry of Agriculture has previously pursued access to the Chinese market for Kazakh livestock products. In February, Beijing lifted restrictions on Kazakh livestock imports, potentially enabling Kazakhstan’s southeastern regions to resume exports of frozen beef and pork to China. However, significant export volumes to China have yet to materialize. Maksut Baktibayev, head of the Meat Union of Kazakhstan, explained that the agreement between the countries only allows exports from four meat processing plants in Kazakhstan, with a combined capacity of 8,000 tons of frozen beef.

According to Berdalin, Kazakh producers are not utilizing even this limited capacity due to uncompetitive pricing. Chinese buyers offer $5.5 per kilogram of Kazakh beef, which is comparable to prices in Kazakhstan’s domestic market, ranging from 2,700 to 3,000 tenge ($5.4 to $6.1) per kilogram. Given these figures, transporting Kazakh meat to China is economically unviable for producers. In contrast, Turkey is prepared to pay nearly double, or $11 per kilogram, for Kazakh beef.

“Our ministry’s objective is to open as many markets as possible for our producers, particularly those offering attractive prices,” Berdalin stated at the Vet Astana 2024 International Exhibition on Feed and Veterinary in Astana. “That is why our inspectors are actively collaborating with Turkish officials to understand their export requirements.”

Berdalin noted that while specific export volumes of Kazakh beef to Turkey are not yet determined, there is optimism following a recent diplomatic visit. In August, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov visited Ankara, where business representatives from both countries signed contracts to supply Kazakh meat to Turkey, valued at $80 million over the coming years, contingent on Kazakhstan’s successful completion of required veterinary and epidemiological procedures.

The Turkish market has historically been closed to most Kazakh livestock products due to restrictions related to animal diseases, with some bans in place for approximately 20 years. Turkish authorities lifted these restrictions in June 2024. Kazakh producers are now navigating an extensive certification process to gain market access. Some required tests must be conducted in third countries, prompting Kazakhstan to rebuild its own laboratory capabilities. Berdalin shared that the Kazakh government has allocated 3.8 billion tenge ($7.7 million) this year to support veterinary laboratories.

“To export to a country, we must meet all its import requirements. For instance, to export our honey, we need to conduct 43 specific tests. Currently, we handle 20 in-house, but the remaining 23 are outsourced to laboratories in Latvia and Georgia,” Berdalin explained.

In addition to Turkey, the Ministry of Agriculture is working to open European markets for Kazakh meat. Last year, Kazakhstan exported over 53,000 tons of meat and meat products valued at $153 million. Poultry was the largest export category, at nearly 32,000 tons, followed by beef at 15,800 tons. Primary export destinations included Uzbekistan, the UAE, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, and Kuwait. Between January and May 2024, Kazakhstan exported 27,300 tons of meat, generating $71.7 million. Of the 5,000 tons of beef exported, 4,600 tons went to Uzbekistan, which, according to Kazakh producers, resells the meat to markets in the Middle East and Turkey.

11 Nov 2024

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

Central Asia to Develop a Unified Platform for Electricity Trade

November 11, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister for Energy Umid Mamadaminov announced at the European Economic Days in Tashkent on November 6 that a unified platform for electricity trade is being developed in Central Asia. Mamadaminov said that Uzbekistan is developing this platform with the support of the World Bank and other partners.

“Infrastructure is very important for integrating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, and many countries face this problem. We need at least 5,000 km of power lines, including 500 kV and 200 kV high-voltage lines and substations,” Mamadaminov said.

At least 2,000 km of power lines should be built in the next two years.

“We have already signed contracts to install more than 2,000 MW of energy storage systems with a total capacity of more than 400 MW, as each is a two-cycle network. We will have at least 4,000 MW of basic capacity in the next two years. This helps to respond to fluctuations in solar energy production quickly,” the deputy minister said.

According to Mamadaminov, automation is the main problem in integrating renewable energy sources into the electric grid because the system cannot be controlled without it.

In addition, this year, reforms to modernize and regulate energy consumption, including a new plan developed by the Cabinet of Ministers, were implemented in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan’s energy system, especially electricity generation, relies heavily on fossil fuels. However, the country aims to produce 25% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Uzbekistan plans to focus on solar energy while using wind, biomass, and hydro sources to achieve this goal. The government is working to attract investors to build 8 GW of solar and wind power and increase hydroelectric capacity to 1.935 GW by 2030. Biogas production from biomass and organic waste will also be developed.

09 Nov 2024

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Military Pilot Killed, Two Injured in Chopper Crash in Kazakhstan

November 9, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

A military helicopter crashed in western Kazakhstan during a training flight on Saturday, killing a veteran pilot who was involved in flood control efforts earlier this year and injuring the other two servicemen who were on board.

The crash happened near the village of Saryzhar in the Aktobe Region, according to authorities. Kazakh media reports said a fire broke out on impact.

“The preliminary cause of the incident is considered to be a technical malfunction, and the details are under investigation,” Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defense said on Telegram. “An interdepartmental emergency response team is working at the scene.”

The ministry identified the serviceman who died in what it called a “hard landing” as Maj. Batyr Kairatovich Urazymbetov, an air squadron instructor from the Military Institute of Air Defense Forces. It said Urazymbetov was born in 1988 and was an experienced airman, accumulating more than 500 flight hours on the Mi-8 helicopter.

“Throughout his service, he demonstrated high professionalism and dedication to duty, including participation in flood control efforts this spring. He was awarded anniversary medals and long service awards. He was married and had two children,” the ministry said. Urazymbetov’s family will receive financial aid and other support, it said.

Kazakhstan’s military assisted with evacuations, building barriers to prevent water flows and other measures during devastating floods this year that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described as Kazakhstan’s worst natural disaster in 80 years.

Air Squadron Commander Major Bibarys Ibraev and senior Lt. Rustem Nigmetov, a flight instructor at the military institute’s training aviation center, were injured in the crash on Saturday. They were transported to the regional hospital in Aktobe city and were in stable but serious condition.

Azerbaijan’s defense minister, Col. Gen. Zakir Hasanov, said on Telegram that he was “deeply saddened” to hear about the crash and expressed condolences to the families of the dead serviceman and his injured colleagues. Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries participated in joint military exercises in Kazakhstan in July.

Kazakhstan’ military has operated Soviet-designed Mi-8 helicopters since declaring independence from the Soviet Union in late 1991. Dozens of countries use the aircraft.

The helicopter that crashed received its “last major overhaul” at a military facility in Almaty last year, and maintenance requirements and pre-flight preparations were in order, according to defense officials. The crew had experience dealing with bad weather, night flying and other challenging conditions.