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16 Oct 2024

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Tajikistan’s Acute Hunger Issue

October 16, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

Tajikistan has been recognized as the hungriest country among the former Soviet republics. According to the Global Hunger Index prepared by the International Food Policy Institute, 8.7% of the country’s population faces food shortages, and ranked 65th out of 127 countries in the world, is on par with countries such as Nicaragua and Ghana. Lower index scores equal less food problems.

Assessments of hunger are based on child mortality, stunting, and wasting and in recent years, Tajikistan has consistently ranked lowest among post-Soviet countries in the Global Hunger Index.

Despite attempts to improve the situation, the country remains one of the most vulnerable in the region. Today, 18.4% of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition, 5.1% are wasted, and 3% of children do not survive to the age of five; all indicative of serious food security problems in the country.

According to the Global Hunger Index, malnutrition varies widely across the former Soviet Union. The best results are demonstrated by Uzbekistan, which ranks first among countries with minimal hunger issues. In the republic, less than 2.5% of the population faces food shortages. Stunting affects 6.5% of children; wasting ,2.4% of children, and infant mortality does not exceed 3.1%.

Uzbekistan was the only Central Asian country to rank highly among the 22 former Soviet republics with the lowest hunger rates, including Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, and Georgia. Belarus and Lithuania consistently demonstrate a high level of food security, making them among the leaders of the former Soviet republics. Armenia and Kazakhstan, in contrast, rank 23rd and 25th, respectively, demonstrating moderate nutritional problems among the population. Moldova, ranked 26th, has a similar situation: malnutrition remains relatively low but requires attention. Kyrgyzstan ranks 36th and Ukraine 46th, indicating average hunger levels. Turkmenistan was ranked 50th.

The situation is particularly dire in Africa, which tops the list of countries with the most significant hunger problems. South Sudan, Burundi, Somalia, Yemen, and Chad, recognized as the hungriest countries in the world, experience extremely high rates of child mortality and malnutrition among their populations.

16 Oct 2024

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

Inside Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Power Play

November 7, 2024
By Dr. Robert M. Cutler

Kazakhstan recently held a referendum in which approximately 71% of voters supported the initiative to construct the country’s first nuclear power plant (NPP). This project is part of Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix, reduce dependence on coal, and address chronic energy shortages that have affected the country for years. As the world’s largest uranium producer, Kazakhstan has abundant natural resources that make nuclear power a viable and strategic option.

The government views nuclear power as crucial for enhancing energy independence and security, while also contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is for nuclear energy to contribute about 5% of the national generation mix by 2035, marking a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources.

A strategic opportunity for Kazakhstan

The NPP project is expected to be undertaken by an international consortium, the members of which are yet to be selected. Kazakhstan’s balanced multi-vector foreign policy encourages the involvement of various potential partners, such as Russia’s Rosatom, China’s National Nuclear Corporation, South Korea’s Hydro & Nuclear Power, and France’s EDF. Kazakhstan’s strategy for involving an international consortium aims to reduce potential geopolitical risks, particularly concerning Russia’s Rosatom. Rosatom is a key player in the nuclear energy sector, but Western sanctions against Russian companies raise concerns about its involvement in Kazakhstan’s project. By involving multiple international partners, Kazakhstan aims to prevent overreliance on any single country, such as Russia, and maintain a diversified approach to foreign relations.

This approach allows Kazakhstan to leverage advanced technologies from multiple sources, foster innovation, improve efficiency, and reduce risks associated with the NPP’s construction and operation. It also ensures that the best practices from leading global enterprises can be integrated into the project, enhancing overall safety and performance. Moreover, the involvement of international partners is likely to facilitate knowledge transfer, enabling Kazakhstan to build domestic expertise in nuclear energy.

The estimated cost for the NPP is between $10 and $12 billion, with the expectation that contractors will secure financing. An international consortium could attract investment from multiple sources, including their own countries, thereby reducing Kazakhstan’s financial burden for the project, inculcating resilience against uncertainties such as currency fluctuations, and distributing the risks among several stakeholders. As sanctions against Rosatom and broader economic concerns make sole reliance on Russian intolerably risky, attracting investment from multiple international stakeholders will also enable Kazakhstan to spread financial risks, thus enhancing the project’s viability.

A key strategic opportunity for Kazakhstan is to develop self-sufficiency in uranium enrichment. As the world’s largest producer of uranium, Kazakhstan has the potential to enrich its own yellowcake, i.e., impure uranium obtained by processing uranium ore. Developing this capability would reduce Kazakhstan’s dependence on Russia for enriched uranium imports and significantly enhance its energy independence.

Japan serves as a relevant model for this, as it enriches uranium domestically under international safeguards for civilian nuclear use. Kazakhstan could pursue a similar approach under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision, ensuring compliance with its non-proliferation commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan’s national nuclear company, is expected to play a significant role in overseeing the NPP’s construction and operation. Although the project will involve international partners, Kazatomprom could supervise project administration, ensuring that national interests are maintained throughout the development process. This arrangement would provide Kazakhstan with a mechanism to retain control over key aspects of the NPP’s development.

This could happen even if Kazatomprom’s stake is not a majority one. An example of this strategy is the reorganization in 2008–2009 of the consortia developing the offshore Kashagan gas deposit into the North Caspian Operating Company. In this instance, it was KazMunayGas that acquired the supervisory role, holding a minority stake slightly larger than the minority stakes of six international partners from six other countries.

Strengthening international partnerships

Kazakhstan has taken steps to strengthen its energy partnerships with other countries, such as France. President Tokayev’s meeting with French President Macron in November 2023, for example, focused on uranium exports and energy cooperation. This cooperation with France, alongside other international players, helps reinforce Kazakhstan’s energy security strategy and aligns with its broader multi-vector foreign policy.

The participation of international partners such as EDF (France), National Nuclear Corporation (China), and Hydro & Nuclear Power (South Korea) enhances the likelihood of successful technology transfer and capacity building. These partnerships offer Kazakhstan the opportunity to develop domestic expertise in nuclear technology, which is essential for achieving greater self-reliance in its energy sector. Effective technology transfer will ensure that Kazakhstan can independently manage and operate the NPP in the longer term.

Kazakhstan’s cooperation with NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) program offers another avenue for developing expertise and infrastructure related to energy security. While Kazakhstan is not moving towards NATO integration, its cooperation under PfP provides access to technical expertise and support in managing energy infrastructure.

By framing this partnership as energy-related and focused on civilian infrastructure, Kazakhstan can avoid provoking Russia while still benefiting from NATO’s resources and experience. For example, Kazakhstan could benefit from the technical training and best practices provided by the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence, headquartered in Lithuania, which supports PfP members in their non-military energy security initiatives.

In perspective, Kazakhstan’s approach to the NPP project exemplifies its broader strategy of balancing national interests with international cooperation. Diversified partnerships, reduced reliance on individual countries, and initiatives to build domestic capabilities will help to ensure Kazakhstan’s energy security and minimize geopolitical risks.

This approach would demonstrate how multi-vector diplomacy combined with strategic risk management can achieve sustainable development. The experience of the NPP’s construction and operation could easily serve as a model for managing high-stakes infrastructure projects in other economic sectors.

16 Oct 2024

Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy

Accelerating Growth: Uzbekistan’s Automotive Industry Continues to Expand

March 17, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Uzbek-Singaporean company Technologies of Real-Time plans to start producing components for such famous brands as BYD, Chery, Changan, Geely, and Dongfeng, it was announced during President Mirziyoyev’s visit to the Tashkent region. The project will cost $115 million and is planned to be realized by 2025. As a result, 43 new jobs will be created, and production capacity will increase from 180,000 to 280,000 units annually.

The automobile industry is a critical component of the Uzbek economy, with car production growing almost threefold in recent years. By the end of this year, production volume is expected to reach 460,000 units, and by 2030, it is planned to increase this figure to 1 million. Two new private enterprises and international brands have been brought in to eliminate monopolies and promote competition in the industry, with more than 20 plants in the country producing a wide range of cars and trucks.

In response to the growing demand for spare parts, more than 300 enterprises have joined a cooperative network, including Technologies of Real-Time in Zangiat. In November 2019, the President familiarized himself with the products of this enterprise at an international industrial fair, and recommended its further expansion. As a result, extensive modernization has been carried out, and new equipment from China, Russia, South Korea, Japan, and the United States has been installed in 12 workshops. Currently, more than 750 types of spare parts for 118 car models are produced here.

The enterprise has created 220 jobs. Products are supplied to the domestic market, including to the Uzavto Motors plant in the Khorezm region, where 773,000 spare parts for Damas and Labo were shipped. Spare parts are also in demand abroad: last year, exports amounted to $3 million, including deliveries to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

16 Oct 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan Determine Operating Mode for Toktogul Reservoir

October 16, 2024
By Sergey Kwan

Following a meeting in Tashkent to coordinate the region’s water and energy balance, ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan determined a preliminary operating mode for Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul reservoir for the autumn-winter period.

Kyrgyzstan’s largest Toktogul hydroelectric power plant (HPP) reservoir on the Naryn River releases water downstream to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan providing essential irrigation for fields in Kazakhstan’s dry southern regions. In winter, the plant which produces around 40% of Kyrgyzstan’s electricity, releases more water to generate electricity to meet the country’s power shortages.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are now interested in helping Kyrgyzstan maintain a sufficient volume of water in the Toktogul reservoir for use during the 2025 irrigation season; a goal which could be achieved by exporting Kazakh and Uzbek electricity to Kyrgyzstan during the winter months.

Commenting on the proposal, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, stated: “An important area of cooperation for our countries is the water and energy sector. This year has become a vivid example of deepening such regional cooperation. We [Kazakhstan] have met our water needs thanks to the joint measures. For a downstream country, this is extremely important. First, it is used to fill the North Aral Sea. We will continue to adhere to the agreements reached for the autumn-winter period to provide farmers with irrigation water next year.”

The Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation announced on October 14 that the irrigation season had ended in all regions of the country and during the growing season, from April 1, the Ministry supplied Kazakhstan’s farmers with about 11.2 billion cubic meters of water. Nurzhigitov also drew attention to the vital role of water diplomacy in preventing a shortage of irrigation water this year, with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan sending more water to Kazakhstan than planned.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia the Toktogul reservoir accumulated more water this year than last.

16 Oct 2024

Environment, Uzbekistan Environment, Central Asia, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Local Politics, Uzbekistan International Affairs, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbekistan’s Heritage Trees Added to International Monumental Trees List

October 16, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

The Ministry of Ecology of Uzbekistan reports that it has participated in the compilation of data on the country’s aged and relict trees for inclusion in the international list of MonumentalTrees.com.

MonumentalTrees.com is an electronic record of perennial, rare, and unique tree species of international importance located throughout the world, aimed to protect and promote national natural heritage sites.

Species found in Uzbekistan currently listed on MonumentalTrees.com. include: Eastern Biota (1500 years’ old) in the Forish district of Jizzakh ; Sycamore ( over 1160 years’ old) in the Urgut district of the Samarkand; Juniper ( over 1000 years’ old), Hazel ( over 800 years’ old) and Sycamore (around 600 years’ old) in the Bostanlyk district of Tashkent , as well as Sycamore (some 900 years’ old) in the village of Sayrob in the Boysun district of Surkhandarya; Sycamore (over 750 years’ old) in the territory of the Dorus-Saodat Memorial Complex in the city of Shakhrisabz in Kashkadarya , and a Boboyongok Hazel tree (about 700 years’ old) in the Zomin national nature park in Jizzakh .

Uzbekistan is the first Central Asian country and the third among the CIS republics to register its natural heritage species in this international list. Perennial trees located in Russia and Azerbaijan are also included.

15 Oct 2024

Home, Features

Silk Roads Curators Push Boundaries in London

October 15, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The curators of the Silk Roads exhibition at the British Museum got out of their comfort zones to create the show, which traces the intricate ties and overlapping networks linking Asia, Europe and Africa centuries ago.

The lead image of the exhibition is the silhouette of a camel caravan that evokes romanticized notions of Silk Road trade, but the curators wanted to go further, exploring the geographic sweep of the routes along which people, objects and ideas moved over many generations. The London show, which opened in late September and runs until Feb. 23, 2025, includes objects from nearly all the museum’s collection departments as well as items on loan from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and other places.

Silk Roads has received generally positive reviews and some raves. There are a few critics. William Dalrymple, a prominent historian whose most recent book is “The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed The World,” said the show didn’t give enough attention to India.

Last week, the curators said in a presentation that the connectivity and expansiveness of the project could be a model for exhibitions on other topics even as it hewed to rigorous scientific research involving British Museum experts and international specialists from other institutions.

The Silk Road exhibition “goes beyound the norm in its experimental approach to tell big stories in a museum setting,” curator Luk Yu-ping said, adding that it was the first major show at the British Museum led by a team of three curators from different departments and with different fields of knowledge.

“Each of us has had to step beyond our comfort zones and stretch well beyond our areas of expertise,” said Luk, an expert in Chinese paintings and prints as well as Central Asia collections. The result, she said, is an exhibition that “shows the potential for reimagining permanent displays and further developing partnerships and future projects” involving the British Museum.

Another curator, Sue Brunning, said the layout of the Silk Roads show tries to evoke a winding journey through distant lands.

“The design of the exhibition is quite open with no walls and few barriers, and this is also to emphasize the connectivity between the different regions,” said Brunning, an archaeologist who specializes in early medieval European collections.

Visitors can see for long distances down the gallery, and the different heights of the displays give an idea of the terrain, according to Brunning. There are also large images of the sea, mountains and other natural environments that give a sense of what people were traversing at the time, as well as an “ambient soundscape of environmental and travel sounds,” she said.

The third curator is Elisabeth R. O’Connell, a specialist in ancient Egypt and the Byzantine period. She did not participate in the talk.

While the Silk Roads network lasted for millennia, the British Museum is focusing on a relatively narrow slice of it – the period between AD 500 and AD 1,000, when contacts accelerated and flourished.

Luk said museums in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan loaned objects for the exhibition that filled in “gaps in the museum’s collections and enabled us to bridge the eastern Silk Roads to West Asia. The curator visited Samarkand and Tashkent in Uzbekistan during preparation for Silk Roads three years ago. One of the highlights of the exhibition is a collection of elephant ivory chess pieces – possibly the oldest in the world – that was excavated from under the floor of an 8^th century mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

“Further discussions took place with museums in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan,” Luk said. “And although in the end we could not borrow from them, they generously permitted us to include photographs of their objects in the exhibition book.”