Page 5 – The Times Of Central Asia

10 Apr 2026

Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan and China Launch Hydrogen Energy Technology Innovation Center

April 10, 2026
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan and China have expanded cooperation in clean energy with the launch of the China-Kazakhstan Hydrogen Energy Technology Innovation Center at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty on April 9.

The center is part of Kazakhstan’s strategy to build a modern technological base linking science, education, and industry in support of the country’s transition to low-carbon energy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov highlighted the importance of international partnerships in the development of the energy sector.

“Hydrogen energy is one of the strategic priorities for the development of the energy sector. The Concept adopted in 2024 laid the legal and economic foundation for the creation of a new industry aimed at decarbonizing the economy. The new center should become a key platform for training next-generation engineers, conducting applied research, and rapidly introducing innovations into production,” Akkenzhenov said.

As part of the ceremony, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Energy China International Corporation signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding outlining the center’s operational framework.

The agreement includes expanding scientific and technical cooperation, facilitating technology transfer, and promoting academic exchange. The partners also plan to conduct joint research, test hydrogen technologies, and launch pilot projects, with a particular focus on the commercialization of innovations and their integration into Kazakhstan’s industrial sector.

The development of hydrogen energy is a key element of the global transition to cleaner energy systems. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy, the country has significant potential in this field due to its natural resource base and growing renewable energy capacity. Cooperation with Chinese technology partners is expected to strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in emerging energy markets and support industrial modernization.

During the ceremony, Zhanseit Tuimebayev, chairman of the board and rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, highlighted the evolving role of universities as drivers of economic and technological development.

“Universities today are not only centers for training specialists but also key drivers of economic growth, technological development, and national competitiveness. Al-Farabi National University has consistently pursued this mission, transforming itself into a new type of university, one that not only educates, but also develops technologies, shapes markets, and acts as a full-fledged partner to the state and industry,” Tuimebayev said.

10 Apr 2026

Home, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Local Politics, Kazakhstan

Kazakh MP Calls for a Legislative Ban on Radical Religious Movements

April 10, 2026
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazybek Isa, a deputy of the Mazhilis (Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament ), has called for a legislative ban on radical religious movements, arguing that their spread poses a threat to social stability and national security. In a parliamentary inquiry addressed to the government and law enforcement agencies, Isa stated that the ability of such groups to recruit followers could undermine social cohesion and national values.

“A legislative ban on radical religious movements is a matter of national security. Such movements threaten social stability, and the state is obligated to protect its citizens from their influence,” the deputy said. He added that the proposed measures are not aimed at religion itself, but at organizations promoting what he described as destructive ideologies.

Several recent high-profile incidents prompted the inquiry. In March 2026, a blogger criticized the celebration of Nauryz, describing it as “not a Kazakh or Muslim holiday.” He was subsequently detained, and a criminal case was opened against him on charges of inciting religious discord.

In a separate case, a YouTube interview circulated featuring a man presenting himself as an imam who claimed to have given his second wife to a student. Following public backlash, he was held administratively liable and fined.

According to Isa, existing regulations governing extremist and radical organizations are dispersed across multiple legal acts and are not always effectively enforced. He proposed developing a more comprehensive legislative framework focused on prevention.

The deputy also raised concerns about compliance with laws regulating face-covering clothing. He referred to a court case in Aktobe in which the defendants’ wives attended hearings wearing niqabs, arguing that this highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of identification requirements.

Kazakhstan previously adopted legislation on the prevention of offenses that includes fines for wearing clothing that conceals the face and hinders identification in public places, including niqabs.

Isa further called for tighter oversight of individuals acting as religious preachers and questioned the role of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan in preventing the spread of radical ideologies. He warned that individuals presenting themselves as religious mentors may contribute to social polarization and the recruitment of young people into radical movements.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, in recent years, Kazakhstani authorities have strengthened measures to counter religious extremism, including efforts to prevent radicalization and curb the spread of extremist ideologies.

10 Apr 2026

Business & Economy, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Business Economy

ADB Growth Forecast Points to Strong Expansion in Tajikistan

April 10, 2026
By Sadokat Jalolova

Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasts that Tajikistan’s economy will maintain strong growth over the next two years, driven primarily by industrial expansion and the services sector.

In its latest Asian Development Outlook (April 2026), the bank projects that gross domestic product will grow by 7.3% in 2026 and 6.8% in 2027. This follows an estimated 8.4% expansion in 2025, indicating a slight moderation but continued robust performance.

ADB attributes the outlook to improving industrial competitiveness and rising value-added production, which are expected to support long-term economic development and job creation.

“Tajikistan’s strong growth opens up opportunities to accelerate job creation,” said Ko Sakamoto, ADB country director for Tajikistan. “By developing competitive, value-adding industries from food processing and textiles to mineral products, the country can translate growth into more and better jobs.”

At the same time, inflation is projected to rise to 4.0% in 2026 and 4.5% in 2027. According to ADB, this increase will be driven by stronger consumer lending, remittance inflows, higher public sector wages, supply chain pressures, and adjustments to utility tariffs. The bank noted that the outlook remains subject to revision given the uncertain regional environment.

Despite recent gains, ADB cautioned that Tajikistan’s economic structure remains vulnerable. While industrial output has grown, the country continues to depend heavily on a narrow range of products. Exports are dominated by raw materials and low- to mid-level processed goods, with higher value-added manufactured products accounting for less than 10% of total merchandise exports.

To address these challenges, the report recommends a broader, ecosystem-based industrial policy. This would involve support for specific sectors, along with improvements in infrastructure, workforce skills, access to finance, and the overall business environment.

ADB’s earlier assessments highlight mixed socioeconomic trends. While poverty has declined significantly from 30.9% in 2020 to 19.9% in 2024, inequality and structural constraints continue to pose challenges to long-term development.

10 Apr 2026

Home, Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics

AI Will Help the Kyrgyz Parliament Speed Up the Legislative Process

April 10, 2026
By Times of Central Asia

The Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament of Kyrgyzstan) is introducing the e-Kenesh digital platform, which is intended to move parliamentary committee work into an electronic format and use artificial intelligence to help analyze draft legislation. According to the parliament’s press service, the platform is designed to replace paper-based workflows and provide lawmakers with access to all agenda materials via tablets already distributed to deputies. The software was developed by local specialists in cooperation with parliamentary staff.

The e-Kenesh system will also allow civil servants and experts to participate in committee meetings remotely, joining discussions from their workplaces or while on official travel. Parliament says this should make participation easier for officials and experts and improve coordination around committee work. At the same time, key speakers will continue to attend meetings in person to respond to lawmakers’ questions.

The platform is intended to make committee work and legislative tracking more transparent. Users will be able to track the history of each issue, including deliberations, decisions, authorship of legislative initiatives, and voting records.

One of e-Kenesh’s new features is an AI module that can analyze draft laws and generate short summaries. This will help deputies quickly navigate documents and better understand the objectives of proposed legislation.

“You will be able to see which issue was considered and when, as well as what decisions were made. It will also show which MP submitted a proposal and how they voted. Additionally, the app will provide a brief summary of each bill. Artificial intelligence is also being implemented to analyze bills and explain their content and objectives,” said Parliament Speaker Marlen Mamataliev.

According to the Speaker, starting next week, all parliamentary committees are expected to fully abandon paper documents and transition to electronic document management. The shift reflects Kyrgyzstan’s broader push to digitize public administration and streamline legislative work.

Developers noted that the system will continue to be refined during implementation, with any technical issues addressed as they arise.

10 Apr 2026

Home, Turkmenistan Life & Culture, Life & Culture, Turkmenistan

Pilots for Turkmenistan Airlines to Be Trained in Turkey

April 10, 2026
By Vagit Ismailov

Turkmenistan Airlines has announced a recruitment campaign for candidates to study aviation at the Turkish Aeronautical Association University. The four-year program will be funded by the airline.

Selection will be conducted on a competitive basis. Applicants must be male, under the age of 25, hold Turkmen citizenship, and have completed secondary education. Additional requirements include passing a medical examination at the Ashgabat Airport Medical Center and holding a valid military ID.

The admission process consists of several stages. Candidates first undergo an initial interview with airline representatives, followed by entrance exams and an interview with representatives of the Turkish university. In the final stage, applicants must pass a medical examination in Ankara.

The airline will cover tuition fees, dormitory accommodation, and travel costs, including flights to Ankara at the start of the academic year and return travel to Ashgabat upon completion of the program. However, students will be responsible for certain expenses, including visa fees, health insurance, meals, communication, and local transportation.

Upon graduation, participants are required to work for the airline for ten years.

Limited Progress in Air Connectivity

Despite this initiative, Turkmenistan’s broader aviation sector continues to face challenges. No new international routes have been launched, and several previously announced flights have yet to begin operations.

Plans to expand the country’s international air connectivity have been discussed for years, but tangible progress remains limited.

10 Apr 2026

Home, International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Visits Caucasus to Expand Trade and Transit Ties

April 14, 2026
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister, Yermek Kosherbayev, conducted a diplomatic tour of the South Caucasus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, as part of Astana’s efforts to strengthen trade and economic ties, expand investment cooperation, and develop key transit routes between Central Asia and Europe.

Armenia: Trade, Investment, and Digitalization

In Yerevan, Kosherbayev held meetings with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Vahagn Khachaturyan, and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. He conveyed greetings from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and highlighted the high level of bilateral cooperation.

“Thanks to the efforts of the leaders, bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Armenia have reached a qualitatively new level,” Kosherbayev said.

He noted that the evolving geopolitical situation creates new opportunities for both economies. Kazakhstan reaffirmed its interest in long-term supplies of agricultural products, including grain and meat, as well as in expanding transport links and launching direct flights.

The two sides discussed the implementation of the Roadmap for Trade and Economic Cooperation for 2026-2030. More than 100 enterprises with Kazakh capital are registered in Armenia, while over 400 Armenian companies operate in Kazakhstan, indicating growing business activity.

Artificial intelligence, digitalization, nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals, higher education, and healthcare were identified as priority areas for cooperation. Particular attention was given to the establishment of a branch of the TUMO educational center in Astana.

Azerbaijan: Energy and Transport Corridors

In Azerbaijan, Kosherbayev met with President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. Discussions focused on strengthening allied relations and expanding cooperation in energy, industry, and logistics.

“Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations are characterized by steady and progressive development and possess significant potential. We express our firm commitment to further strengthening our alliance with brotherly Azerbaijan,” the minister said.

Bilateral trade has increased sharply over the past five years, reaching $470.7 million in 2025. The two sides agreed to work toward raising this figure to $1 billion.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, a key element in diversifying Kazakhstan’s export routes. For Astana, Azerbaijan is the pivotal Caspian link in the westward corridor connecting Kazakhstan to the South Caucasus and on to European markets. The parties also discussed projects to lay a fiber-optic communication line and a subsea power cable across the Caspian Sea to strengthen regional energy and digital connectivity. These projects fit a broader strategy to connect Central Asian energy and data infrastructure more closely with Azerbaijan and, through it, with Europe.

In addition, both sides highlighted opportunities to expand the transit of Kazakh energy resources through Azerbaijani territory, alongside growing cultural, humanitarian, and educational exchanges.

Georgia: Investment and a Logistics Hub

The final stop was Georgia, where the minister met with President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili.

“Kazakhstan views Georgia as a reliable political and economic partner in the South Caucasus,” Kosherbayev said.

The officials noted positive momentum in economic cooperation. Kazakh investment in Georgia has exceeded $600 million, with companies active in logistics, energy, and finance. Georgia’s importance to Kazakhstan lies not only in bilateral trade and investment, but in its role as the Black Sea gateway for cargo moving along the Middle Corridor.

The development of the Trans-Caspian route remains a central priority. Following the talks, the ministers signed a Cooperation Program for 2026-2027 aimed at further institutionalizing bilateral dialogue.

Regional Significance of the Visit

The visit highlights Kazakhstan’s effort to deepen its role in the South Caucasus, a region of growing importance for trade and for the development of transport routes between Asia and Europe. The expansion of the Middle Corridor is intended to reduce reliance on traditional logistics routes and broaden access to international markets. That goal has taken on greater urgency since regional governments and transport operators began seeking more reliable alternatives to northern routes and other vulnerable chokepoints.

More broadly, the tour reflects Astana’s push to expand investment ties and political dialogue with regional partners, with the aim of supporting closer economic integration across Central Asia and the Caucasus.