Page 553 – The Times Of Central Asia

27 Sep 2024

Gang Involved in Selling Children Abroad Neutralized in Kyrgyzstan

September 27, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

A transnational criminal gang engaged in the illegal adoption and sale of children abroad has been disrupted in Kyrgyzstan.

The State Committee for National Security (SCNS) reported that the group included foreign and Kyrgyz citizens. In the period from 2022, the criminals used various manipulation tactics and bribery to obtain custody rights over children from socially vulnerable families, after which they illegally transported them out of the country for sale.

As a result of investigative and operational measures, on September 20 the group’s leaders were detained and placed in the SCNS’s detention center. An investigation is ongoing to identify the remaining group members and those who assisted them.

The situation with child trafficking in Kyrgyzstan remains an acute problem despite the efforts of the authorities. The country is a source and transit point for human trafficking, including children, who are often victims of sexual exploitation or illegal adoption. Criminal groups use corrupt connections and manipulation to gain custody of children from socially vulnerable families.

One of the main problems is the lack of resources and coordination between law enforcement and social services, which makes it challenging to eradicate the trade. International organizations also point to the need to strengthen control over migration, as child trafficking is often associated with the export of minors out of the country.

The Kyrgyz government is cooperating with international organizations such as the UN and Interpol to combat human trafficking, but further strengthening of law enforcement and prevention of such crimes is required to address the problem.

27 Sep 2024

Central Asia, Environment, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Local Politics, Turkmenistan Features, Turkmenistan Environment

Turkmenistan To Harness Technology and Algae to Combat Desertification

October 8, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

The International Scientific and Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan has received the copyright for the innovative development of nanocomposite material technologies based on blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). The development – which can improve eroded sandy and desert lands in dry steppe and desert zones – is designed to control desertification, wind erosion, and sand migration. This material can also be used as a raw material for producing construction materials and bio-products, which opens up a wide range of opportunities for its use.

“Movable bare sands cause significant damage to the national economy, often covering agricultural lands, rivers, water bodies, canals, transportation highways, irrigation facilities and other objects. Therefore, controlling wind erosion and fixing sand are important tasks. We have proposed an effective way to combat desertification using blue-green algae (cyanobacteria),” said Altyn Rakhmanova, Head of the Biotechnology Department of ANT International Science and Technology Park.

Cyanobacteria play a crucial role in soil improvement by participating in biochemical processes, accumulating substances and nitrogen, and destroying minerals. Their vital activity contributes to environmental changes and soil formation, especially by forming various overgrowths on its surface.

Turkmenistan is actively combating land degradation following the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the National Action Program to Combat Desertification (NAPCD), which includes reforestation.

In May 2024, the State Program for Integrated Development of Biotechnology in the Country for 2024-2028 was approved; one of the plans is to study and apply algae. The application of biotechnology for the development of new materials offers a promising and effective solution.

27 Sep 2024

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Features, Local Politics, Uzbekistan Justice, Features, Uzbekistan International Affairs, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Fallout From Assault on Tashkent Schoolboy Reaches Russian Foreign Ministry

September 27, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

On September 23 a teacher at a school in Tashkent’s Chilonzor district slapped a student when the child asked for the Russian language class to be taught in Russian.

The Children’s Ombudsman of Uzbekistan, Surayyo Rahmonova, has begun an investigation into the incident — but not before news of the assault reached Russia.

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that she was concerned about the content of a video of the slap that was posted on social media. “We have requested official clarification from the Uzbek side,” Zakharova commented. “The Uzbek side is urgently asked to give the media material a legal assessment and, if justified, to take action against the perpetrator of cruel treatment of the child. We are keeping this issue under the closest attention.”

The leader of Uzbekistan’s Milli Tiklanish (National Revival) party and deputy speaker of the lower house of parliament, Alisher Qodirov commented on Telegram that “it would be better for [Russia] to deal with their own affairs [which are] full of problems than to deal with our internal issues. The violation of rights of an Uzbek child at a school in Uzbekistan will be investigated in accordance with Uzbek laws.”

A vocal critic of Russian influence, earlier this year Qodirov proposed a ban on the provision of public services to persons who don’t speak the Uzbek, and the promotion of Soviet ideology and symbols in Uzbekistan.

27 Sep 2024

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan Business Economy, Tajikistan, Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Features

Central Asian Economies to See Continued Growth in 2024 and 2025

September 27, 2024
By Sergey Kwan

The latest economic outlooks from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) project continued economic growth in the five Central Asian countries in 2024 and 2025.

According to the latest edition of the EBRD’s Regional Economic Prospects report, Kazakhstan’s economy will grow by 4% in 2024, with upside from public spending to restore flood-affected infrastructure and housing. The trade, transport, warehousing, services, and IT sectors were the main growth drivers for Kazakhstan in the first half of the year. The EBRD forecasts that in 2025, the country’s real GDP will likely grow by 5.5% amid the planned expansion of the Tengiz oil field.

The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2024 projects 3.6% growth of Kazakhstan’s gross domestic product (GDP) this year, slightly lower than the bank’s previous forecast of 3.8% in April 2024. The reason is a weaker service expansion in the first half of the year, lower oil outputs, massive spring floods, and a slowdown in investment. ADB forecasts Kazakhstan’s economic growth to accelerate to 5.1% in 2025.

The government of Kazakhstan anticipates the country’s economic growth at 5.6% in 2025.

The EBRD report forecasts Kyrgyzstan’s GDP growth to reach 9% in 2024 before moderating slightly to 7% in 2025. The country’s growth potential stems from the expansion of tourism, investment in infrastructure, and gold exports. Both remittances and real wages have remained elevated, helping retail and wholesale trade grow.

ADB projects 6.3% growth for Kyrgyzstan in 2024 and 5.8% in 2025. Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy forecasts economic growth of 6.3% in 2024 and 6% in 2025.

Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Economy, Daniyar Amangeldiev, has explained why the economic forecasts from international financial institutions sometimes differ from those of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy.

According to Amangeldiev, the forecasts differ because international financial organizations often do not take into account specific measures and actions that the government plans, each of which would potentially impact the country’s economic growth. He added that international forecasts can be skeptical, based on data that may not reflect all the government’s actions.

According to the EBRD report, Tajikistan’s GDP growth is projected to reach 8% in 2024 and 7% in 2025. Hikes in public-sector salaries, pensions, and minimum wages drove domestic demand in the year’s first half, boosting the retail and wholesale trade sectors. The resumption of precious and semi-precious metal exports increased public infrastructure spending, and fixed capital investment was a major growth factor. However, fluctuations in remittances from Tajik labor migrants working in Russia present a significant downside risk for the Tajik economy.

ADB forecasts Tajikistan’s economy to grow 6.5% in 2024 and 2025.

The EBRD report says Turkmenistan’s economy has shown stability in recent years, citing investment in public infrastructure projects, production facilities, and fixed capital investment as key growth factors. Launching a new single window for export-import operations has improved Turkmenistan’s customs efficiency and simplified transit procedures, enabling higher freight turnover. This has led to the expansion of the country’s transportation sector. The EBRD forecasts the national economy to grow 6.3% in 2024 and 2025. The report warns that weaker Chinese growth could negatively impact demand for Turkmen natural gas.

ADB projects Turkmenistan’s growth at 6.5% in 2024 and 6% in 2025.

The EBRD report attributes Uzbekistan’s economic growth to increased remittances and tourist arrivals. It notes the strengthening of the country’s services and industrial production sectors. The EBRD expects Uzbekistan’s economy to expand by 6% in 2024 and 2025 on continued market-oriented reforms and infrastructure investments. However, an energy deficit, which has already led to increased natural gas imports, could pose a challenge and limit growth opportunities.

ADB projects Uzbekistan’s growth to be 6% in 2024 and 6.2% in 2025.

27 Sep 2024

Central Asia, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Local Politics, Turkmenistan Business & Economy, Local Politics, Business & Economy

Turkmenistan Sees Increase in Number of Bank Cards

September 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

As of September 1, over 5.8 million bank cards were registered in Turkmenistan, indicating a growing interest in cashless payments in the country.

Since the beginning of 2024, the number of cards issued has increased by 4.7%, from 5.562 million in January to 5.823 million in September. There was a slight increase during August and September, with about 38,600 cards added, a 0.67% increase from the previous month.

Looking at the trend of recent years, 5.177 million cards were issued in January 2023, an 8.5% increase from 4.771 million at the beginning of 2022.

The main factor driving this growth is the availability of financial services, as more and more people can use banking products and transition to cashless payments. Government initiatives to digitalize the economy contribute to this process.

27 Sep 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan Environment, Environment, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Business & Economy, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Uzbekistan International Affairs

United States Supports Uzbekistan’s Methane Reduction Efforts

September 27, 2024
By Sergey Kwan

The U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan reports that a joint project between GasGreen Asia LLC, a subsidiary of Maryland-based Climate Compass, and Uzbekistan’s national gas distribution company, Hududgazta’minot JSC, has been engaged in detecting and repairing natural gas leaks within the country’s national gas distribution system. This project contributes to the country’s green economy transition and commitments under the Global Methane Pledge.

Climate Compass, LLC is a world leader in providing logistical and technical services for greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects.
A Korean carbon finance company, Ecoeye Co., Ltd., is the principal investor of the project, which began in March 2023.

Since the project’s inception, over 50,000 individual methane leaks have been identified, measured, and repaired, reducing over seven million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year. The project has created more than 200 local jobs, including engineers, data specialists, and project managers, who received intensive training from American technical experts. The repairs have generated tens of millions of dollars in savings for Hududgazta’minot by preventing gas losses and contributing to significant environmental benefits.
At the September 24 event highlighting the project’s significant achievements, U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick said: “The United States welcomes Uzbekistan’s commitment to a broad-based transition to a green economy. This project supports Uzbekistan’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

According to Henick, the United States strongly supported Uzbekistan’s decision to join the Global Methane Pledge in 2022, an initiative to reduce methane emissions worldwide.

Methane reduction is critical to Uzbekistan’s efforts to meet its nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. According to the United Nations Environment Program, methane emissions have accounted for approximately 30 percent of global warming and are an increasingly growing challenge.

According to the “Methane in Central Asia: Emissions, Trends, Actions” report, Uzbekistan’s annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remained largely stable and declined slightly over the past 15 years, ranging between 180 and 200 million tons of CO2-equivalent or 5 tons per person.

The report says the country’s energy sector is responsible for 75–80 percent of GHG emissions, including 50 percent from fuel combustion and 25–30 percent from methane leaks in the coal, oil, and gas sectors, the equivalent of 50 million tons of CO2. Uzbekistan has successfully decoupled GHG emissions from economic growth and intends to reduce the specific GHG emissions per GDP by 35 percent by 2030 compared to the 2010 level.