Page 537 – The Times Of Central Asia

20 Feb 2025

Uzbekistan Strengthens Intellectual Property Protection

February 20, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan is taking significant steps to enhance intellectual property (IP) protection with a new draft law, which was approved in its first reading by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on February 18.

The proposed legislation introduces amendments to multiple legal codes, strengthening penalties for copyright violations and industrial property rights infringements. Key changes include:

Increased fines for copyright infringement
Administrative penalties for violating rights to selection achievements
Confiscation of items used in patent-related offenses
Expanded judicial powers to inspect and seize counterfeit goods
Stricter criminal liability for intellectual property violations
Criminal penalties for unauthorized use of trademarks, software, and inventions
Mandatory destruction of counterfeit goods at the offender’s expense

The law aims to curb counterfeit production, attract foreign investment, and support Uzbekistan’s efforts to join the World Trade Organization.

Under Uzbekistan’s Copyright Law, intellectual property rights apply to works by Uzbek citizens, residents, and those first published in the country. Currently, fines for copyright violations range from UZS 375,000 (USD 28.95) to UZS 1.87 million (USD 144.36) for individuals and up to UZS 3.75 million (USD 289.48) for officials.

Additionally, the Code of Administrative Responsibility imposes various fines for violations of personal non-property rights related to intellectual property.

In neighboring Kazakhstan, copyright or related rights violations under the Criminal Code carry a minimum fine of KZT 295,360 (USD 588.17) as of 2024. More severe offenses can result in imprisonment for three to six years.

20 Feb 2025

International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, 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.