Page 5 – The Times Of Central Asia

02 Dec 2025

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How the Russian Relocation Wave Reshaped Kazakhstan’s Economy

December 4, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

In September 2022, northern Kazakhstan’s border crossings experienced huge surges as tens of thousands of Russians fled mobilization for the war in Ukraine. In Almaty and Astana, rental prices soared to historic highs, and social infrastructure came under intense pressure. At the time, the influx seemed poised to destabilize the country’s established equilibrium.

Two years on, the situation has transformed. The initial surge subsided, and spontaneous migration underwent a natural filtering process. Many who saw Kazakhstan as a temporary stop have moved on or returned to Russia. Those who made a conscious decision to stay have legalized their status and integrated into the local economy.

Despite initial fears, the mass relocation did not damage Kazakhstan’s economy. On the contrary, the so-called “Russian exodus” accelerated Almaty and Astana’s evolution into cosmopolitan urban centers, while introducing lasting economic shifts.

A New Diaspora

Understanding the impact of the mass migration requires distinguishing transient travelers from those who settled. During the peak in autumn 2022, more than 400,000 Russian citizens crossed the border, though most quickly departed Kazakhstan.

According to Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry, from January 2023 to September 2024, more than 80,000 Russian citizens received residence permits for work. Including family members and remote workers, the core of the relocated population can be estimated at 100,000–120,000 people.

Those who remained form a skilled urban middle class, IT specialists, engineers, doctors, and entrepreneurs, largely aged 25 to 40. When the “visa run” legal loophole allowing stay extensions by briefly exiting the country was abolished in January 2023, many were forced to legalize their presence. The rule change pushed many relocants to formalize their stay through work contracts or business registration, which in turn made their economic activity more visible to the state.

By the end of 2023, the number of registered legal entities with Russian participation exceeded 18,000, a 70% increase. In 2024, that number rose to more than 23,000.

The “Cappuccino Effect”

The arrival of tens of thousands of solvent consumers brought not only capital, but also the consumption habits of Russia’s megacities. International institutions, including the IMF, have acknowledged that Kazakhstan’s 2023 GDP growth was supported in part by robust domestic demand. Spending surged in restaurants, delivery services, taxis, and gyms, especially in Almaty and Astana. This boost helped small and medium-sized businesses recover from the pandemic.

Russian entrepreneurs, opening everything from coffee shops to architecture firms, raised service standards and intensified competition. Local businesses responded by improving their quality and digitalizing operations. However, this also pushed up consumer prices, contributing to inflation and affecting local purchasing power.

Housing remains the most visible pressure point. While the panic of late 2022 has passed, rents remain well above pre-crisis levels. Analysts estimate that average house prices are still 40% higher than in 2021. This has fueled gentrification, with central Almaty’s “Golden Square” and elite areas of Astana becoming expat enclaves. Students, public sector workers, and young families have increasingly been pushed to the outskirts, increasing commuting times and straining public transport.

Many relocants are transitioning from tenants to homeowners, bolstering demand in the mid to high-end housing segments.

Labor Market and Social Integration

Fears that migrants would displace local workers have largely failed to materialize. While competition has intensified in some white-collar sectors, particularly IT, Kazakhstan has benefited overall.

The national tech park, Astana Hub, has seen dramatic growth. Relocated startups and global players, such as inDrive, Playrix, and MyTona, have boosted Kazakhstan’s IT service exports. By 2023, Kazakhstan’s IT exports had surpassed $500 million, with Astana Hub residents alone exporting over $280 million worth of services. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has since set a $1 billion IT export target by 2026.

In other corporate sectors, such as marketing and consulting, there is tension, with local professionals facing wage pressure from relocated workers willing to accept lower salaries. Still, this dynamic has prompted many Kazakh professionals to upskill and compete more effectively.

Socially, the integration process is mixed. Many relocants are enrolling in Kazakh language courses, viewing this not just as a practical necessity but also as a gesture of respect. Unlike earlier migration waves marked by colonial overtones, today’s arrivals tend to reject imperial narratives and express respect for local culture.

Still, complete assimilation is rare. In Almaty and Astana, many relocants operate in semi-insular “bubbles,” frequenting familiar venues and working in coworking spaces. However, these communities are not closed: business partnerships and mixed work teams are gradually blurring the lines between old and new residents.

Looking Ahead

The key question now is whether these relocants will remain if the war ends. Indicators such as school enrolments, business formation, and mortgages suggest that a significant share of relocants have put down roots.

Kazakhstan has gained an unexpected demographic and intellectual dividend. The initial shock of migration has been transformed into economic opportunity. The next challenge lies in administration, ensuring the successful integration of this new class of taxpayers without triggering social imbalance or resentment among the native population.

02 Dec 2025

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

Why Tajikistan Chose the Desert Partridge as Its Symbol for 2026

December 2, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Tajikistan has designated the desert partridge as its “Bird of the Year 2026”, a move environmentalists say could mark a turning point in the country’s approach to protecting fragile desert ecosystems.

The National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan concluded its annual public vote by officially selecting the desert partridge, locally known as chil or kabki zirak, as the national avian symbol for the coming year. This rare and elusive species inhabits the southern and western desert zones of the country, areas that remain among the least studied in Tajikistan’s environmental landscape.

Although no systematic population surveys exist, ornithologists agree that the desert partridge is in decline. Primary threats include habitat degradation, overgrazing, agricultural expansion, and the absence of long-term ecological monitoring. Environmental advocates hope the bird’s new status will encourage state-led conservation efforts in arid regions that have historically received little attention.

Measuring 30-35 centimeters in length and weighing up to 450 grams, the desert partridge is ideally adapted to its environment. Its sandy plumage offers effective camouflage in rocky deserts, while distinctive dark stripes on its head help distinguish it from other species. The bird rarely flies, instead relying on swift footwork to navigate between shrubs.

Its preferred habitat includes plains, foothills, and dry plateaus. One of the most resilient species in Central Asia’s deserts, the partridge can survive without access to open water, making it a model of adaptation to extreme conditions.

Scientists say the selection of the desert partridge is a conscious signal that Tajikistan must begin prioritizing the study and protection of desert ecosystems. The Bird of the Year status will facilitate comprehensive population monitoring and draw public and institutional attention to the environmental impact of climate change.

In 2025, Tajikistan named the great bustard, one of its rarest bird species, as its bird of the year. Approximately 23 nesting pairs and up to 60 individuals during migration have been documented.

Launched in 2007, the Bird of the Year program has previously featured notable species such as the eagle owl, blue magpie, white stork, Tibetan snowcock, hoopoe, peregrine falcon, swallow, golden eagle, oriole, goldfinch, turtle dove, and the beautiful bustard.

02 Dec 2025

Central Asia, Turkmenistan Home, Home, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy

Turkmenistan Introduces New 200 Manat Polymer Banknote

December 2, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Turkmenistan has unveiled a new 200 manat polymer banknote as part of a broader upgrade to its national currency, state news agency TDH reported on December 1. The Central Bank announced that the new note, along with updated polymer versions of the 1, 5, and 10 manat denominations, has entered circulation in honor of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s recognition as a permanently neutral state. The release also coincides with the 2025 theme: the International Year of Peace and Trust.

While the 1, 5, and 10 manat notes retain their existing color schemes and general designs, each now includes the emblem of the International Year of Peace and Trust. The newly introduced 200 manat note depicts the Arkadag Monument on the front and the administrative building of the Arkadag city khyakimlik (mayor’s office) on the reverse. All updated notes bear the year of issue and the facsimile signature of the Central Bank chairperson.

The Central Bank emphasized that the new and modified banknotes must be accepted at face value by all institutions and businesses, regardless of ownership or sector. Earlier series issued in 2009, 2012, 2014, 2017, and 2020 remain valid legal tender.

To combat counterfeiting, authorities advised the public to verify at least five security features when handling cash. Detailed guidance is available on the Central Bank’s official website.

Last year, the Central Bank implemented a range of reforms aimed at improving cash quality and strengthening anti-counterfeiting controls throughout the financial system.

In a related regional development, Kyrgyzstan in March began domestic production of its national currency, the som, for the first time since gaining independence. The new Kyrgyz banknotes are printed by the Bishkek-based Open Joint Stock Company Uchkun, replacing previous reliance on European printing facilities.

02 Dec 2025

Central Asia, Home, Tajikistan International Affairs, International Affairs, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Home, Features, Tajikistan Lead Story

Tajikistan Reports New Militant Attack from Afghanistan; Chinese Citizens Killed

December 2, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

A deadly cross-border attack has once again drawn attention to the volatile security situation along the Tajik-Afghan border. Armed militants opened fire on foreign workers in Tajikistan, prompting sharp condemnation from Dushanbe and renewed calls for Kabul to enhance control over its border regions.

According to the press center of Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security (GKNB), the latest incident occurred on November 30 at approximately 6:45 p.m. near the village of Shodak, located in the rural village of Vishkharv, Darvaz district.

The gunfire reportedly came from the Afghan village of Ruzvayak, in the Mohi Mai district of Badakhshan province. Militants targeted employees of the China Road and Bridge Corporation, a Chinese state-owned construction company. Two Chinese nationals were killed in the attack, and two others were wounded.

This was not an isolated incident. On November 26, militants launched a similar cross-border assault in the Shamshiddin Shohin district, resulting in the deaths of three Chinese employees of the Shokhin-SM company and injuring another.

Both attacks originated from Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, raising serious concerns among Tajik authorities about what appears to be a growing pattern of cross-border violence.

Despite ongoing efforts to enhance security, Dushanbe acknowledged continued attempts by armed criminal groups to destabilize the situation. “The Tajik side, expressing deep concern, strongly condemns these alarming actions by criminal groups and calls on the current authorities of Afghanistan to take timely and effective measures,” read a statement from the Border Troops press center.

The GKNB stated that additional measures are being implemented to strengthen border protection and ensure the safety of both Tajik citizens and foreign workers. Authorities also reported that the situation remains “stable and under control,” and that investigations are underway.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan condemned the attacks as “brutal actions by terrorist groups” and urged the Afghan authorities to guarantee the security of border areas.

Official reactions followed from Kabul, Islamabad, and Tehran. Representatives of the Taliban (designated as a terrorist organization and banned in several countries) extended condolences to both Tajikistan and China. They asserted that the attacks were carried out by factions seeking to “create tension and mistrust between countries in the region,” and expressed willingness to cooperate in the investigation and information exchange.

On December 1, President Emomali Rahmon convened an emergency meeting with the heads of Tajikistan’s law enforcement and security agencies. According to the presidential press service, Rahmon “strongly condemned the illegal and provocative actions of Afghan citizens,” called for tougher preventive measures, and instructed security forces to reinforce surveillance and control along the entire border zone.

02 Dec 2025

Central Asia, Uzbekistan Environment, Environment, Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Features, Uzbekistan Home, Features

Mirziyoyev Orders Crackdown on Pollution and Waste

December 2, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan is intensifying its environmental oversight as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev convened a high-level government meeting on December 1 to address mounting pollution, delays in waste-to-energy infrastructure, and preparedness for the winter season. The session highlighted the rising social and economic risks of air-quality deterioration in Tashkent, and chronic failures in waste management nationwide.

Officials attributed recent spikes in air pollution in the capital not only to industrial emissions and construction activity but also to a severe cold anticyclone blanketing much of the country. This weather system caused high atmospheric pressure and temperature inversions, trapping fine particulate matter and inhibiting air circulation. In response, authorities launched inspections of construction sites, greenhouses, and vehicle emissions, while emergency measures, such as watering streets, cleaning canals, and activating fountains, were deployed to stabilize air quality.

Mirziyoyev ordered regional officials to enforce stricter environmental compliance, eliminate violations promptly, and take proactive steps to prevent further degradation. He emphasized that growing public frustration demands “decisive and coordinated action” from all levels of government.

Stalled Waste-to-Energy Projects Under Scrutiny

Waste-to-energy development, a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s sustainability agenda, also came under fire. Although $933 million in investment has been pledged, several regions have yet to launch projects. Existing facilities in Andijan, Namangan, Ferghana, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, and Tashkent continue to face critical infrastructure deficiencies, including inadequate roads, electricity, and water supply.

Mirziyoyev instructed officials to remove these bottlenecks and ensure the nationwide rollout of waste-to-energy projects in 2026. The government has set a target of reducing household waste disposal areas by 50% by 2030.

To date, 47 landfill sites have been closed and rehabilitated, restoring over 240 hectares of land for environmental use. Yet the majority of Uzbekistan’s 132 active landfills still lack protective barriers, green belts, and basic safety systems. The president ordered the transformation of these sites into “environmentally safe zones” and called for greater public engagement through environmental education. Starting in 2026, the government will allocate at least 150 billion soums annually from the state budget for this initiative.

Hazardous Waste and Digital Tracking

Industrial and hazardous waste management also remains underdeveloped. Processing rates have improved but still fall short of international norms. Mirziyoyev demanded a full inventory of hazardous waste generation and storage sites and directed each region to launch its own recycling or disposal initiatives. A unified digital platform will be introduced to monitor hazardous waste nationwide.

Winter Readiness and Public Safety

Winter preparedness was another major focus. Persistent issues with liquefied gas distribution prompted the president to order operational reforms and faster responses to citizen complaints. Authorities reported substandard repairs along 1,800 kilometers of power lines; the Prosecutor General’s Office will investigate, and the Energy Inspectorate has been tasked with strengthening oversight to ensure stable electricity supply during the winter.

Mirziyoyev also called for updated fire-safety standards in residential buildings, including a ban on highly flammable façade materials.

Presidential Decree and Long-Term Strategy

The December 1 meeting followed a presidential decree issued on November 25 introducing emergency environmental measures and creating a special commission to stabilize conditions. The decree was based on proposals presented at an earlier meeting led by Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the Presidential Administration. That session outlined immediate, medium-, and long-term reforms, including tighter regulation of major polluters, expanded greening programs, and the development of a modern air-quality monitoring system supported by scientific infrastructure.

02 Dec 2025

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

Kazakhstan Launches Michurin Orchard to Advance High-Tech Horticulture

December 2, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan has taken a significant step in modernizing its agricultural sector with the inauguration of the Michurin Orchard, a collaborative venture between the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan and the Russian Academy of Sciences. The orchard, launched on December 1 in the village of Almalyk, Almaty region, will serve as a flagship platform for developing intensive horticulture and integrating science with high-value agricultural production.

The initiative is part of the Kazakh-Russian Center for Advanced Technologies in the Agro-Industrial Sector, established in April 2025. Named after Ivan Michurin (1855-1935), a renowned Russian pioneer in plant selection, the orchard will operate as an open-air research and production site. Its core objectives include testing promising fruit and berry varieties, applying intensive horticultural techniques, and deploying water-, energy-, and resource-saving technologies.

Initial plantings will focus on high-yield Russian apple cultivars adapted to Kazakhstan’s climate, along with pear, cherry, sweet cherry, plum, and a broad range of berries such as raspberry, honeysuckle, currants, sea buckthorn, and rose hips.

Akhylbek Kurishbayev, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, described the orchard as “a long-term investment in the development of Kazakhstan’s fruit growing industry.” He emphasized that the initial three-hectare planting represents the foundation of a new generation of resilient, high-productivity varieties capable of withstanding climatic stress. Kurishbayev noted that the Michurin Orchard will contribute to national breeding programs, build a sustainable raw material base for food processing industries, ranging from juices and concentrates to functional foods and help shift Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial model from raw-materials dependence to knowledge-intensive production.

The orchard will also function as a live testing ground for horticultural technologies, from the selection of planting material to the delivery of premium fruit to consumers.

Horticulture is emerging as a strategic growth sector within Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial complex. According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Taszhurekov, Kazakhstan’s apple orchards now span nearly 29,000 hectares, predominantly located in the southern regions of Almaty, Turkestan, Zhambyl, and Zhetisu. In Almaty and Zhetisu regions alone, apple orchards cover more than 2,400 hectares and include over 416,000 trees.

In parallel, Kazakhstan is working to revive the iconic aport apple, a variety deeply intertwined with the country’s botanical heritage and the city of Almaty, widely regarded as the ancestral home of the apple. Under a targeted 2024-2028 program involving private investors and specialized nurseries, the government aims to produce certified saplings and scale commercial aport cultivation. By 2027, Kazakhstan plans to plant 110 hectares of aport orchards.