Page 526 – The Times Of Central Asia

20 Feb 2025

International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Kyrgyzstan’s Aviation Authorities Await Removal from EU Blacklist

February 20, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

Kyrgyzstan’s State Civil Aviation Agency has announced that auditors from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will visit the country on March 9 to assess the possibility of lifting the EU’s long-standing flight ban on Kyrgyz airlines.

Kyrgyz airlines have been on the EU’s aviation blacklist since 2006, with repeated but unsuccessful attempts by the country’s authorities to resolve the issue. The EU has cited multiple concerns, including shortcomings in Kyrgyzstan’s aviation legislation, inadequate inspector training, and a lack of flight crew development programs. The aging aircraft fleet has also been a key factor in maintaining the ban.

Over the past two years, Kyrgyzstan has undergone two separate aviation audits, one focused on flight safety and another on aviation security.

“Flight safety covers everything related to flight operations, while aviation security deals with protecting airports and aircraft from illegal interference,” explained Daniyar Bostonov, director of the State Civil Aviation Agency.

According to Bostonov, Kyrgyzstan has been working since 2017 to meet all EU requirements. Hundreds of industry documents have been translated into English to demonstrate transparency and regulatory compliance.

Bostonov believes the country now meets international aviation standards, and a final decision on Kyrgyzstan’s removal from the blacklist is expected in November 2025 at a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN).

“The question is no longer whether we will be removed from the EU blacklist – it is a certainty. We may just need to submit some additional documents to the European Parliament,” Bostonov stated.

If the ban is lifted, Kyrgyzstan will be able to resume direct flights to the European Union and gain access to more favorable aircraft leasing agreements.

“For example, if an Airbus aircraft is sold for $1,000, that price remains the same for non-blacklisted countries. However, if it is delivered to a blacklisted state, the price can drop to $800, which discourages investors,” Bostonov explained.

Further supporting the possibility of removal from the blacklist, Manas International Airport recently became a member of ACI Europe, an organization representing over 500 airports across the continent.

20 Feb 2025

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

ADB to Help Uzbekistan Introduce Smart Water Management

February 20, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $125 million loan to support Uzbekistan’s government in modernizing water management, improving water security, and expanding access to safe and reliable water.

Advancing Smart Water Management

ADB’s Climate-Smart Water Management Improvement Project will assist Joint Stock Company Uzsuvtaminot, the country’s national water utility, and its regional branches in enhancing water infrastructure and efficiency. Key initiatives include:

Completing the nationwide installation of bulk flow metering and telemetry systems at major water sources.
Conducting a comprehensive asset inventory and geographic mapping of all water supply and wastewater infrastructure, covering approximately 4 million customer connections.
Implementing climate-smart, IT-based utility management systems, including training programs for national water utility staff.
Upgrading customer service centers with new financial management software, ensuring transparent financial statements aligned with international standards.

Addressing Water Security Challenges

ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan Kanokpan Lao-Araya emphasized the urgency of improving water management in the face of climate change and inefficient usage.

“Uzbekistan’s water resources are under acute threat from climate change and inefficient usage. ADB’s project introduces smart water management systems to improve water usage, reduce energy consumption, and increase operational efficiency to lower Uzbekistan’s carbon footprint,” she stated.

ADB’s Ongoing Support for Uzbekistan

Since Uzbekistan joined ADB in 1995, the bank has committed $14.3 billion in public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance to support the country’s development.

20 Feb 2025

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

Kazakhstan to Help Jordan Assess Uranium Reserves

February 20, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

During Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to Jordan, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom National Atomic Company JSC and the Jordan Uranium Mining Company (JUMCO). The agreement outlines plans for cooperation in uranium exploration and mining in Jordan.

Kazatomprom CEO Meirzhan Yusupov emphasized that the partnership with JUMCO presents new opportunities to strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in the global uranium industry.

“This memorandum aligns with our strategic goals of efficiently utilizing our resource base. Additionally, studying foreign projects will provide valuable international experience and contribute to the sustainable development of both countries,” he said.

Assessing Uranium Potential in Jordan

The primary goal of the agreement is to evaluate the potential for uranium exploration and development in Jordan. This includes assessing reserves and analyzing the feasibility of using heap leaching technologies for extraction. Special attention will be given to environmental safety and economic viability. Based on the study results, both parties will decide on the next steps for project development.

JUMCO CEO Mohammad Al-Shannagh stated that partnering with the world’s largest uranium producer could accelerate Jordan’s commercial uranium production.

“Cooperation with Kazatomprom will open new horizons for us in uranium mining, allowing us to share knowledge, use advanced technologies, and jointly develop marketing strategies,” he said.

Joint projects are expected to give new impetus to Jordan’s nuclear industry, creating jobs, attracting local contractors, and improving infrastructure.

Kazakhstan’s Expanding Uranium Industry

Kazakhstan’s collaboration with JUMCO provides an opportunity to expand its international reach, strengthen economic ties with Jordan, and enhance its influence in the global uranium sector.

Kazatomprom is the world’s largest producer of natural uranium, with priority access to one of the world’s most significant resource bases. Since November 2018, Kazatomprom’s shares have been traded on the Astana International Financial Center Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.

20 Feb 2025

Business & Economy, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Four New Foreign Low-Cost Carriers to Launch Flights from Kazakhstan

February 20, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Four new low-cost airlines are set to enter Kazakhstan’s aviation market, further expanding the country’s international air connectivity, according to Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev.

Lastayev highlighted that the number of international flights to and from Kazakhstan has been increasing annually. The country currently has air links with 31 countries and 58 cities, operating 119 international routes. In 2024, 12 new flights were introduced across 22 routes, including major cities such as Mumbai (India), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and Prague (Czech Republic). Additionally, flights on 10 previously suspended routes were resumed.

In 2025, Kazakhstan plans to launch flights to 16 new destinations, including Rome, Munich, Budapest, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Busan. The country’s low-cost flight options will also expand with the arrival of four new budget airlines:

SpiceJet (India)
Eastar Jet (South Korea)
T’way Air (South Korea)
Thai AirAsia (Thailand)

The entry of these carriers is expected to make international travel more affordable for passengers.

Lastayev also noted that Kazakhstan’s “open skies” policy, aimed at liberalizing the aviation sector, was expanded in 2024 to include airports in Kyzylorda, Kostanay, and Atyrau. The policy is now in effect at all of Kazakhstan’s international airports.

20 Feb 2025

Environment, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan International Affairs, Turkmenistan Business & Economy, Turkmenistan Environment

High Methane Emissions May Hinder Turkmenistan’s Gas Exports to Europe

May 13, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

High methane emissions could pose a significant obstacle to Turkmenistan’s entry into the European gas market, according to an updated report by the U.S. Department of Energy, published on February 6. The main findings of the study were summarized by Eurasia Review on February 19.

The report, which examines oil and gas production in the Caspian region, notes that four countries, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, account for 3% of global energy production.

Turkmenistan’s Gas Reserves and Export Ambitions

According to the report, Turkmenistan ranks fifth worldwide in natural gas reserves, estimated at 400 trillion cubic feet in 2025. In 2023, the country set a record by producing 3.0 trillion cubic feet of dry natural gas, the highest level since official statistics began in 1992.

Currently, Turkmenistan’s primary gas exports are directed to China, but Ashgabat is seeking to expand its market reach, including potential supply routes through Afghanistan. However, the U.S. Department of Energy warns that excessive methane emissions from Turkmenistan’s fields could complicate access to the European market via the Trans-Caspian pipeline.

In terms of oil reserves, Turkmenistan holds a relatively modest 600 million barrels, with an average daily production of 275,000 barrels in 2024.

Diversification Efforts and New Export Deals

Meanwhile, Turkmenistan is taking steps to diversify its export destinations. Gas supplies to Turkey are set to begin on March 1.

During a phone call on February 10, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov informed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that an agreement had been reached to transit gas through Iran under a swap supply arrangement with Turkish energy company BOTAŞ.

Efforts to Reduce Methane Emissions

Turkmenistan has also been actively engaging in international initiatives to curb methane emissions. On December 1, 2023, the country joined the Global Methane Pledge (GMP), an initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In November 2024, Bloomberg reported that the state-owned Turkmengaz plans to hire specialists to measure methane emissions more accurately and is preparing a tender for emission monitoring.

That same month, the U.S. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) released satellite data showing that methane leakage from oil and gas fields in Turkmenistan, the U.S., and Venezuela is significantly higher than official ground-based measurements suggest.

20 Feb 2025

Central Asia, Environment, Home, Kazakhstan Environment, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kazakhstan Home

Kazakhstan Fears Electric Cars Will Strain Energy Infrastructure

February 20, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstani lawmaker Nauryz Saylaubai has raised concerns over the country’s ability to support the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs), citing infrastructure challenges and regulatory gaps. In a request to First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, the Mazhilis (lower house of parliament) member called for urgent measures to address these issues.

Growing Number of Electric Vehicles

According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the share of electric-powered vehicles in Kazakhstan remains relatively small. As of February 1, 2025, the country had 12,655 registered electric cars, 350 electric trucks, and 189 electric buses. In contrast, there were 4.45 million gasoline-powered cars, 91,100 diesel-powered vehicles, 10,100 gas-powered cars, and 400,300 hybrid vehicles running on a mix of gasoline, gas, and electricity.

Despite the low overall share, EV adoption has been accelerating. A year ago, on February 1, 2024, Kazakhstan had only 8,366 electric cars, 277 electric trucks, and 38 electric buses. This represents a 25% increase in electric cars and a fivefold rise in electric buses over the past year.

Energy Infrastructure Concerns

The rapid growth of EVs has raised concerns among lawmakers about the ability of Kazakhstan’s aging power grid to handle the additional demand.

“It is well known that an increase in the number of electric vehicles puts additional pressure on power grids. Given that our grid infrastructure is already outdated, won’t this lead to future accidents? What measures are being taken to address this issue?” Saylaubai asked.

Kazakhstan’s EV market is expected to keep expanding, as electric vehicles are exempt from the country’s scrappage tax and import registration fees, making them approximately 15% cheaper than conventional cars.

Charging Infrastructure and Service Gaps

Saylaubai also highlighted the country’s insufficient charging infrastructure.

“According to international standards, the optimal ratio of electric vehicles to public charging stations should be 10 to 1. In Kazakhstan today, there is just one charging station for every 43 electric cars,” the lawmaker noted.

State-owned road infrastructure operator KazAutoZhol had planned to install 40 new charging stations along intercity highways in 2024, but by the end of last year, only 23 had been completed.

Another major issue is the lack of service centers for EV repairs and maintenance, particularly in rural regions. Owners outside major cities struggle to find specialists and spare parts, while logistical challenges further complicate EV accessibility in remote areas. Saylaubai urged the government to develop a nationwide network of service stations and ensure the availability of spare parts.

Legal Uncertainty Over Autopilot Systems

The lawmaker also pointed to regulatory gaps regarding the use of autopilot features in electric vehicles.

“The vast majority of electric cars are equipped with autopilot functions, but it remains unclear whether drivers are legally allowed to activate them within city limits or who would be held responsible in the event of an accident,” he said.

Additionally, he warned that electric cars can reach high speeds within seconds, potentially posing risks to road safety.

As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, Kazakhstan’s car market set a new record for sales of new vehicles across all fuel types last year.