Page 542 – The Times Of Central Asia

31 Jan 2025

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

Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and Iran to Boost Cargo Transport Along North-South Corridor

February 19, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to increasing cargo transportation along the North-South transport corridor.

Representatives of national railway companies from the four countries met on January 30 in Almaty to discuss ways to enhance the corridor’s attractiveness and establish favorable end-to-end tariffs for shipments passing through Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan to Iran’s Bandar Abbas port.

According to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the country’s national railway company, the meeting also addressed cargo transportation across Kazakhstan, particularly through the Bolashak rail station, located on the border between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. In 2024, 1.6 million tons of cargo was transported via this station.

The North-South corridor, linking Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran, has an annual capacity of 10 million tons of cargo.

In July 2024, Kazakhstan hosted its first international meeting on the North-South transit and trade corridor, bringing together delegations from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Turkmenistan, the UAE, Iran, Iraq, Oman, and Uzbekistan.

During that meeting, Kazakhstan, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Russia signed a roadmap for the eastern route of the corridor. The plan aims to expand the corridor’s capacity to 15 million tons annually by 2027 and 20 million tons by 2030.

By connecting Russia and Belarus to Iran’s Persian Gulf ports, with further access to India, the North-South corridor is expected to enhance trade opportunities and further solidify Kazakhstan’s role as a key transit hub in the region.

31 Jan 2025

Environment, Central Asia, Home, Kyrgyzstan Environment, Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek Tests Chinese Catalytic Converters in Effort to Reduce Air Pollution

January 31, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

The Bishkek municipality has launched an experiment to assess the effectiveness of catalytic converters developed by China’s Qingdao State University in reducing vehicle emissions. The initiative is part of broader efforts to combat air pollution in Kyrgyzstan’s capital.

A lack of catalytic converters in 85% of vehicles operating in Kyrgyzstan is a major contributor to air pollution. These devices play a crucial role in reducing the toxicity of vehicle emissions by converting harmful compounds into less hazardous ones.

As part of the experiment, Chinese catalytic converters have been installed in cars provided by three public figures – a deputy chairman of the Bishkek City Council and two popular bloggers. Specialists from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision will measure the vehicles’ emissions before and after installation using an exhaust gas analyzer to determine the impact of the devices.

The results of the experiment will help authorities decide whether to implement a broader rollout of Chinese-made catalytic converters in Bishkek.

Vehicle Pollution in Bishkek

Bishkek has over 600,000 registered vehicles, nearly double the city’s road capacity of 350,000. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, motor transport accounts for 27% of the city’s total air pollution. Additionally, 333,801 vehicles in Bishkek are more than 15 years old, contributing significantly to deteriorating air quality.

Air pollution remains a persistent issue in Bishkek, a city of over one million residents. The problem worsens in winter when coal burning for household heating – responsible for 40% of the city’s air pollution – intensifies. As a result, Bishkek frequently ranks among the world’s top 10 most polluted cities on IQAir’s global air quality index.

31 Jan 2025

Silk Road Treasures, Home, Uzbekistan, Life & Culture, Uzbekistan Life & Culture

Museum Showcasing Traditional Rishtan Ceramics to Be Established in Uzbekistan

January 31, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

A museum dedicated to the history of traditional ceramics will be established in the Uzbek town of Rishtan. The institution, organized as a non-governmental entity, aims to serve as a center for preserving and promoting the region’s unique pottery heritage.

The museum’s key objectives include collecting and preserving exhibits, conducting cultural and educational programs, and training young artisans in pottery through the traditional mentoring system. Additionally, it will foster international cooperation by collaborating with foreign museums to organize exhibitions and exchange expertise.

To implement the project, a working group has been formed to develop the museum’s concept and oversee its activities. The building designated for the museum is expected to be fully adapted to its needs by April 1, 2025.

Notably, in September 2023, London’s King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts hosted a master class led by Uzbek ceramist Shokhrukh Rakhimov. The event, supported by Uzbekistan’s Foundation for the Development of Culture and Arts, introduced master’s and doctoral students to the traditions of Uzbek ceramics. Rakhimov inspired participants to explore new artistic forms using ancient craft techniques, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and the preservation of national heritage within the global academic community.

31 Jan 2025

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Business & Economy, Uzbekistan Business & Economy

Uzbekistan Aims for Self-Sufficiency in Potato Production by 2027

January 31, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Uzbekistan plans to fully meet its domestic potato demand through local production by 2027. Although potatoes are among the most consumed food products in the country, a portion of the supply still comes from imports, despite being cultivated on 290,000 hectares of land.

Government Initiative to Boost Production

Current potato varieties and yields are falling short of expectations, prompting the government to take action. The Potato Research Institute has been tasked with developing high-yield varieties adapted to Uzbekistan’s climate. The institute will produce three million tubers annually using the in-vitro method, a technique where plant samples from the upper shoot are cultivated under artificial conditions in test tubes or glass containers.

To support these efforts, the government will allocate 400 billion UZS (USD 30.85 million) from the Agricultural Fund this year for potato farming development. Additionally, imported seed potatoes will be exempt from customs duties for the next three years. Authorities have also been instructed to provide farmers with potato cultivation and processing equipment, offering affordable leasing options.

Impact of Regional Potato Supply Disruptions

The announcement comes amid rising potato prices in Central Asia. Recently, Kazakhstan suspended potato exports to non-EEU countries, including Uzbekistan, for six months due to increasing domestic prices. This restriction has already caused difficulties for Uzbek importers.

Additionally, a shipment of 43 wagons of potatoes from Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region was stopped at the Uzbek border a few days ago for a phytosanitary inspection. The delay left the potatoes in storage for over 10 days, causing them to freeze and spoil.

“Look, it’s rotten. Water is leaking, everything is ruined. First, it froze, then it melted – now it’s useless. There were 68 tons in one wagon,” said businessman Azamat Serikbayev.

The Kazakh entrepreneurs, who had sold the shipment before the export ban took effect, expressed frustration, arguing that all necessary documents had been issued in mid-January. They claim the cargo was unjustly delayed and is now unsuitable even for animal feed. Representatives of five affected companies say they intend to sue officials over their losses.

31 Jan 2025

Home, Kyrgyzstan Justice, Justice, Kyrgyzstan, Features, Kyrgyzstan Features

U.S. Weapons Smuggled into Russia via Kyrgyzstan, Authorities State

January 31, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (GKNB) has claimed that it has uncovered and dismantled a criminal group that operated a smuggling network transporting firearms, ammunition, and military uniforms from the United States to Russia via Kyrgyzstan.

According to Kyrgyz security services, the smuggling operation began in April 2022 and involved individuals from Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and the United States. The group illegally transported and sold firearms, including Glock, CZ, and SIG Sauer pistols, as well as assault rifles, shotguns, and corresponding ammunition.

“It was established that Kyrgyz citizens and other individuals – whose names are not being disclosed due to the ongoing investigation – purchased firearms from U.S. manufacturers via online platforms. These weapons were then concealed in shipments disguised as video equipment and transported to Kyrgyzstan. Once in the country, the main firearm components were assembled, creating ready-to-use weapons, which were subsequently smuggled into Russia for illegal sale,” the GKNB stated.

Authorities estimate that since 2022, more than 300 firearms have been trafficked from the United States to Russia through this scheme.

On January 23, 2025, a Kyrgyz citizen was caught while receiving another shipment of weapons from the United States. Law enforcement officials seized two barrels from a combat assault rifle and a barrel from a Glock-34 pistol.

The suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention at a GKNB detention center following a court decision. Special services continue to identify other individuals involved in the operation.

31 Jan 2025

Home, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Local Politics, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Discusses Construction of Three CHP Plants with Russian Participation

January 31, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Almasadam Satkaliev, has provided an update on the construction of three combined heat and power (CHP) plants in the Akmola, East Kazakhstan, and Abay regions, projects in which Russia is involved.

Russia’s involvement in constructing these cogeneration plants was first announced in 2023 by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Serik Zhumangarin, during a forum on interregional cooperation between the two countries. Subsequently, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy drafted a corresponding government resolution. According to Satkaliev, the feasibility study for the Kokshetau thermal power plant is now in its final stage.

“We have started designing. Moreover, in the first stage, on-site preparation and clearing have already begun. We have practically started the construction of auxiliary infrastructure. For the Semey and Ust-Kamenogorsk plants, we expect to finalize feasibility studies this spring and will announce the figures later,” the minister stated.

Satkaliev stressed that project costs remain a critical issue for Kazakhstan, and negotiations on financing will be conducted under strict conditions.

“Samruk-Energo, which represents Kazakhstan in these projects, has been given the necessary instructions. Our primary financing scenario involves a loan from the Russian government with subsidization. Negotiations are ongoing, particularly regarding the amount of financing. Despite limited funding sources, we will take all necessary measures to ensure the timely construction of these plants, given their importance for economic security,” he stated.

On January 28, during an expanded government meeting, Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev criticized the authorities’ performance in the heat supply sector.