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28 Oct 2025

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Tokayev Awards Entrepreneurs and Workers as Kazakhstan Marks Republic Day

October 28, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan recently celebrated Republic Day. On this day 35 years ago, the country adopted the Declaration of Sovereignty, and in December 1991, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics disappeared from the world map. However, the state continues some Soviet traditions, including hosting events on the eve of public holidays. Grand concerts and lavish receptions are held with the participation of artists of various genres, and state awards are given to workers, farmers, and public sector employees. One of the innovations of the new era is the awarding of prizes to well-known businesspeople, which would have been unthinkable under the communist era.

On the eve of Republic Day, the head of Kazakhstan issued a decree honoring citizens who have made a significant contribution to the economic, cultural, and social development of the nation. Among them are many people well-known in the country, such as Shukhrat Ibragimov, who holds the position of CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Eurasian Resources Group; Vyacheslav Kim, who heads the board of directors of Kaspi; Tursengali Alaguzov, head of GALANZ Bottlers; Daniyar Abulgazin, investor and co-founder of the Qazaq Oil and SinoOil gas station chains; and Nurlan Smagulov, founder of Astana Group, which includes companies such as Astana Motors and the MEGA shopping and entertainment complexes.

Among the award winners were also Armanzhan Baitasov, the publisher of Forbes Kazakhstan; Farrukh Makhmudov, founder of the Orbis Kazakhstan; Kenes Rakishev, head of Fincraft Group; Oleg Novachuk, acting chairman of the board of directors of KAZ Minerals Ltd; Alexander Chukreev, an entrepreneur known for his beverage brands; and Saule Zhakayeva, chair of the board of Citibank Kazakhstan.

This routine procedure sends a signal to the business community that the state encourages successful businesses that bear the burden of social responsibility. Many of the award winners helped the country during the severe floods of 2024, when tens of thousands of people were left homeless, and are building museums, schools, and public buildings at their own expense.

In addition to businesspeople, this year, which Tokayev has declared the Year of Working Professions, was marked on the eve of Republic Day with state awards for 138 representatives of working dynasties, around 500 workers and laborers in industry, transport, construction, agriculture, and other sectors, about 200 representatives of small and medium-sized businesses, more than 130 teachers and scientists, over 100 medical workers and other citizens who have made a personal contribution to the development of the country through their daily work.

28 Oct 2025

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Rare Earth Diplomacy: Critical Minerals Set to Top Agenda at C5+1 Summit

November 7, 2025
By Andrei Matveev

The announcement of an upcoming C5+1 summit in Washington between the United States and the Central Asian republics has taken much of the regional and U.S. political establishment by surprise.

A swift visit by U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan was seemingly necessary to coordinate the summit’s agenda. Notably, Kazakhstan appears prepared to play a leading role on one of the summit’s most pressing issues.

The summit, scheduled for November 6 in Washington, was first revealed through media channels before being confirmed through official correspondence between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and U.S. President Donald Trump. Uzbek media later confirmed the meeting, citing sources within the administration of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and this was followed by Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov.

It is notable that shortly after Tokayev’s correspondence with Trump became public, the Kazakh president held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Officially, the two discussed Tokayev’s upcoming visit to Moscow. This was their second such call in less than two weeks, the previous taking place on October 14. There is speculation that the Washington summit may have been a key topic of discussion.

During meetings in Tashkent with Gor and Landau – Uzbekistan being the first stop on their tour – Mirziyoyev reportedly discussed a broad set of topics. However, the issue of “critical materials,” particularly rare earth metals, stood out. It is increasingly clear that rare earths will be a central focus of Trump’s engagement with Central Asian leaders.

Sergio Gor and Christopher Landau at the Shymbulak ski resort in Almaty; image: Akorda

Trump has previously drawn attention for high-stakes diplomacy involving rare earth metals, including a controversial deal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and later discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage. Most recently, during the first leg of his Asia tour, Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and concluded a rare earth metals agreement, despite the challenges associated with extracting these materials, which are often found underwater.

Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan appears well-positioned to take the lead in terms of rare earth elements. President Tokayev first proposed developing rare earth metal deposits in his September 2023 address, “The Economic Course of Fair Kazakhstan.” In 2024, Kazakh geologists identified 38 promising solid mineral deposits, including the Kuyrektykol site in the Karaganda region, which contains substantial reserves.

Tokayev returned to the issue in January 2025, during an extended government meeting, criticizing the cabinet for delays and emphasizing Kazakhstan’s untapped potential in rare earth extraction and processing.

In April, during the Central Asia-European Union summit, Tokayev met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who congratulated him on the discovery of a major deposit in Kazakhstan. The topic also featured at the Central Asia-Italy summit in May, where Tokayev proposed creating a regional research center to consolidate data on rare earth deposits across Central Asia. “The creation of joint ventures, technology transfer, and the localization of Italian production in the region are of practical interest and promise significant benefits for our countries,” Tokayev stated.

Most recently, in his September 8 State of the Nation address, Tokayev outlined concrete targets, instructing the government to launch at least three enterprises within three years to produce high-tech goods using critical materials.

“Given global trends, rare earth metals and other critical materials are becoming particularly important. In this area, Kazakhstan has all the opportunities to firmly integrate into global production and trade chains,” he said.

If President Trump is seeking the “deal of the century” on rare earths, Kazakhstan appears more than ready to make its pitch.

The upcoming C5+1 summit represents more than a diplomatic gathering – it is emerging as a stage for a wider strategic realignment. With Washington seeking to secure critical materials and diversify supply chains away from geopolitical rivals, and Central Asian states eager to attract investment while balancing relations with Moscow and Beijing, the meeting could redefine regional partnerships. Whether the talks yield substantive agreements or remain largely symbolic, the fact that rare earths now sit at the heart of U.S.–Central Asian dialogue signals a new era of resource diplomacy in Eurasia – one in which Kazakhstan, and potentially its neighbors, stand to play an outsized role.

28 Oct 2025

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China’s Visa Diplomacy: A Strategic Tool for Influence in Central Asia

October 28, 2025
By Yunis Sharifli

As China’s international influence expands, it is refining its approach to global engagement by combining economic strength with crafted instruments of soft power. While in the past China primarily relied on Confucius Institutes and educational exchange programs to promote cultural understanding and strengthen people-to-people connections, its strategy has evolved into a more diverse and multidimensional framework.

In recent years, Beijing has expanded its soft power tools to include Luban Workshops, which transfer technical skills and vocational expertise, and medical cooperation initiatives that enhance China’s reputation as a reliable development partner. These efforts have allowed China to project an image of a country that not only builds infrastructure and invests in markets, but also contributes to human capital and social welfare across the developing world.

A newer element in this evolving strategy is visa diplomacy. In a global environment where mobility and connectivity shape international relationships, easing travel restrictions has become a subtle yet effective way to deepen engagement.

As of mid-2025, China has signed or implemented visa-free or unilateral visa exemption agreements with 75 countries, covering tourism, business, family visits, and transit travel. This list includes key Central Asian partners such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, both of which maintain mutual visa exemption agreements with Beijing.

The expansion of China’s visa diplomacy brings significant benefits for both China and its Central Asian partners, particularly Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. For Beijing, this initiative advances two major objectives, strengthening its economy and enhancing its soft power.

On the economic side, visa-free agreements allow China to attract a larger and more diverse group of international visitors, expanding its tourism market beyond traditional regions. While travelers from Europe, Asia, and North America remain the most frequent visitors, there has been a noticeable increase in arrivals from Central Asia.

This trend is already visible in official figures, as in 2024 China recorded 20.1 million foreign entries under visa-free arrangements, representing 74.6 percent of total arrivals and marking a growth of more than 112 percent compared with 2023.

Visa-free diplomacy also supports China’s broader development goals by making tourism one of the essential drivers of economic growth and a reliable source of revenue. In 2025, China’s tourism sector, including both domestic and international travel, is expected to contribute a record 13.7 trillion yuan to the national economy.

This figure exceeds pre-pandemic levels by more than ten percent and sustains approximately 83 million jobs. As China expands its visa agreements with Central Asian countries, it aims to attract more visitors from the region, increase tourism income, and deepen regional economic ties.

Beyond its economic value, visa-free diplomacy enhances China’s soft power across Central Asia. By facilitating more frequent travel and cultural interaction, China has the opportunity to build a more positive image among Central Asian societies and to strengthen long-term people-to-people relations.

These exchanges can create familiarity and trust, which are essential elements of sustainable diplomacy. When combined with other soft power tools such as educational programs, technical cooperation, and media outreach, visa diplomacy helps China build a balanced approach that complements its economic influence with greater social and cultural engagement in the region.

For Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, mutual visa exemption agreements also generate important economic benefits and align well with their goals of expanding and diversifying the tourism sector. Visa-free access serves as a strong incentive for Chinese tourists, who rank among the world’s highest spenders on international travel.

Their presence provides a direct boost to local economies through increased spending on accommodation, restaurants, transportation, and local goods. There has already been a visible rise in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Uzbekistan. The visa-free arrangement is expected to further strengthen tourism flows from China to the Central Asian region. Building on the new visa-free policy, Uzbekistan aims to attract one million Chinese tourists in the medium term.

Beyond tourism, simplified travel regulations also create new opportunities for trade and investment. Easier mobility encourages Chinese entrepreneurs and investors to explore Central Asia, identify potential ventures, and establish business operations. Over time, these interactions can help attract greater levels of investment, deepen economic integration, and strengthen China’s role as a strategic economic partner in the region.

Against the backdrop of China’s growing economic influence in Central Asia, visa-free agreements play an important role in strengthening people-to-people engagement across the region. This approach complements Beijing’s long-standing focus on government and elite-level relations by fostering broader social and cultural connections.

Through expanded mobility, China seeks to build familiarity and trust among Central Asian societies, allowing individuals to experience its culture, development, and economic progress firsthand. Over time, this engagement can help ease public concerns about China’s increasing presence in the region and reshape perceptions by highlighting the potential benefits of Chinese investment and cooperation. By encouraging more direct human interaction, China aims to cultivate a more balanced and positive narrative around its role in Central Asia.

27 Oct 2025

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Gor and Landau Tour Central Asia Amid Rising Stakes

October 29, 2025
By Askar Alimzhanov

On October 25, U.S. Special Representative for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau arrived in Tashkent on an official visit. The visit to Central Asia was not publicly scheduled in advance, with news of the trip only emerging a few days beforehand. In Uzbekistan, the high-ranking visitors were received with full state honors. A motorcycle escort and blocked roads in the capital are typically reserved for visits by heads of state.

Although the American delegation’s visit to Uzbekistan ended by Monday evening, local media coverage remained scant. Apart from posts on the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan’s Telegram channel, almost no media outlets covered the event. On the evening of October 25, Gor and Landau held productive talks with representatives of U.S. companies about numerous opportunities to strengthen mutual prosperity. Afterwards, they traveled to Samarkand, where they toured the city often referred to as the pearl of Central Asia.

On October 26, the visitors held fruitful talks with Foreign Minister Saidov, thanking him for his leadership and hospitality throughout the visit. His efforts, they noted, are elevating the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Uzbekistan to a new level. The delegation also held “productive” talks with Ministers Bobir Islamov and Laziz Kudratov on expanding trade and investment ties.

By Monday evening, Gor and Landau had arrived in Almaty, Kazakhstan. As the largest city in the country, Almaty is also one of Central Asia’s key business hubs. According to sources, the agenda in Kazakhstan includes meetings with business leaders and a cultural program. As in Uzbekistan, there was no official information about the visit released on Monday. This may, however, be because Monday was a national holiday – Republic Day – an event which President Donald Trump extended his congratulations to mark, stating that ““The United States values our close economic and security ties with Kazakhstan and looks forward to further strengthening our expanded strategic partnership in the coming year.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also sent his “congratulations to the people of Kazakhstan.”

By all indications, the lightning-fast visit by the senior U.S. delegation is linked to the recently announced C5+1 summit in Washington on November 6.

Beyond cultural sightseeing, the talks reportedly covered cooperation in rare earth mineral processing and other sensitive areas. Recently, U.S. interest in the countries of the region has expanded significantly. While China and, traditionally, Russia are considered the main players in the region, Europe and the U.S. are increasingly seeking a firmer foothold in Central Asia’s strategic landscape. Recent global conflicts have exposed major powers’ dependence on raw materials and logistics routes. The search for new corridors and suppliers now seems both logical and urgent. Sanctions on Russia have also had a direct impact on regional economies, requiring swift responses.

The C5+1 format presents an ideal framework for launching coordinated political and business cooperation. Yet, it’s essential to recognize the significant disparities among Central Asian countries. Kazakhstan is the region’s financial heavyweight. According to the IMF, Kazakhstan’s GDP per capita stands at $14,720, compared to $10,800 in Turkmenistan, $3,650 in Uzbekistan, $2,790 in Kyrgyzstan, and $1,640 in Tajikistan. Kazakhstan’s figure surpasses even that of China ($13,810) and Brazil ($10,580).

Geographically, Kazakhstan also serves as the main gateway to Central Asia. The core route of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor (TITR or Middle Corridor) passes directly through Kazakhstan. A substantial portion of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, launched by Xi Jinping in 2013, also runs through the country. In terms of natural resources, Kazakhstan has no regional competitors. Beyond oil and gas, it’s worth noting that Kazakhstan is the world’s top uranium producer, accounting for about 42% of global output. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are still classified as ODA recipients – countries receiving official development assistance to foster economic growth and improve living standards.

In this context, President Tokayev’s statement to Minval Politika supporting Azerbaijan’s participation in the upcoming Central Asia–U.S. summit as a country that is “becoming a regional transport, logistics, and energy powerhouse” appears especially persuasive. Azerbaijan’s inclusion in the C5+1 framework could significantly enhance the region’s economic capacity.

27 Oct 2025

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Tokayev Backs Azerbaijan to Join Central Asia-U.S. Summit

October 28, 2025
By Jonathan Campion

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has said he would welcome Azerbaijan’s participation in the upcoming Central Asia-U.S. Summit in Washington. In an exclusive comment to Azerbaijani outlet Minval Politika, Tokayev praised Azerbaijan’s regional role and even called the country a “natural part of Greater Central Asia.”

“I consider Azerbaijan’s participation in such an important forum desirable. Given its energy resources, favorable geographic location, strategic vision, and the political will of President Ilham Aliyev, this country plays a crucial role in the South Caucasus and beyond, essentially becoming a regional transport, logistics, and energy powerhouse,” Tokayev said. “Azerbaijan can be considered a natural part of Greater Central Asia. I also consider President Donald Trump’s initiative to hold a summit in Washington in the very near future to be very timely and worthy of support. I am confident this event will be productive and mutually beneficial,” the Kazakh leader noted.

The planned summit on November 6 falls under the C5+1 format that brings together the U.S. and the five countries of Central Asia. It will mark the first such gathering held in Washington, after an initial presidential meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in 2023. Donald Trump has formally invited the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to attend. The meeting will coincide with the tenth anniversary of the C5+1 diplomatic platform, which was launched in 2015 to deepen cooperation between Central Asia and the U.S. on security, economic and other issues.

Tokayev’s remarks about Azerbaijan reflect a growing view that Azerbaijan is increasingly integrated with Central Asia. In recent years, Baku has been invited to Central Asian heads-of-state consultative summits as a special participant, underscoring what analysts call the “growing importance of the South Caucasus as a gateway for Central Asia to European markets”. During the most recent Central Asia leaders’ meeting in Astana in August, Azerbaijan was designated a key partner in regional initiatives, and Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries “represent a single historical, cultural, and geopolitical space” with deep-rooted ties. That brotherly affinity is reinforced by Turkic cultural links and mutual strategic interests. Tokayev himself, in talks with Aliyev, has called Azerbaijan “a regional power” and “a fraternal state” for Kazakhstan.

Azerbaijan indeed wields significant influence as an energy and transport hub connecting Eurasia. The country is a major oil and gas producer that has steadily expanded exports to Europe, and it anchors the Trans-Caspian trade routes linking China and Central Asia to the West via the Caucasus. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine disrupted traditional east–west corridors, the so-called Middle Corridor — running from Central Asia across the Caspian Sea through Azerbaijan — has taken on greater importance. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have positioned themselves as “key actors” in this reconfigured Eurasian logistics network that bypasses Russian territory.

The United States is also paying close attention to these routes: officials have indicated that the Washington summit will spotlight development of the Trans-Caspian corridor, with the U.S. “keen to promote logistics through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan” to bolster regional trade connections.

It remains unclear whether Azerbaijan will formally join the summit, as the event’s C5+1 format is traditionally limited to the five Central Asian republics. So far there has been no public announcement of an invitation to Baku. However, Kazakhstan’s public support for Azerbaijan’s involvement signals a willingness among Central Asian leaders to broaden regional cooperation. Observers say including Azerbaijan could bring added heft to discussions on energy security and transport integration, given Baku’s role as a corridor to Europe. For Washington, deeper engagement that ropes in a key Caspian partner may also advance U.S. aims in the region. A high-profile summit with regional leaders aligns with efforts to counter Russian and growing kChinese influence in Central Asia, while strengthening an emerging network of alliances across Eurasia.

27 Oct 2025

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Kazakhstan Eyes Revival of Ili River Corridor as Logistics Artery

October 27, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

River transport has long offered a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for moving cargo. Inland waterways present an alternative route that could unlock new logistics pathways for Kazakhstan and the broader Central Asian region. Yet the development of river navigation remains hindered by several challenges.

Kazakhstan’s inland waterway system faces numerous obstacles: insufficient investment, underdeveloped port infrastructure, an aging fleet, and bureaucratic red tape. Despite these issues, reviving river navigation could significantly boost mutual trade, increase cargo volumes, and ease pressure on overburdened road and rail networks. The government has initiated several projects aimed at doing just that.

One notable initiative is the proposed route along the transboundary Ili River in the Almaty Region, connecting the city of Konaev with Yining in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Originating in the Tien Shan mountains, where the Kunges and Tekes rivers merge, the Ili River stretches 1,439 km, with 620 km or 43% within Kazakhstan’s borders.

Image: Ili River Port LLP

The project is a joint venture between Kazakhstan’s Ili River Port LLP and China International Water & Electric Corp. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Marat Julaev, CEO of Ili River Port LLP, stated that the navigable section of the route spans 450 km. Historically, the Ili served as a key transport artery, facilitating trade and connectivity with remote regions.

“This route was navigable and operational until 1980. It was used to transport dry goods, ores, petroleum products, and consumer goods from China,” Julaev explained.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, navigation along the Ili declined sharply. Extensive water usage in China caused water levels to fall, compounding the route’s inability to compete with road and rail alternatives. However, with mounting congestion and capacity constraints in land-based infrastructure, the river’s strategic role is being reconsidered.

“In the Almaty Region, we’ve been allocated a 100-hectare plot on the coast of the Kapshagai Reservoir, providing a strategic advantage in reducing delivery time and costs,” Julaev told TCA. “Our Chinese partners, operating in Kazakhstan since 2006, are developing the route between Yining and Konaev.”

Image: Ili River Port LLP

A central component of the project is the creation of a transport and logistics hub to consolidate and distribute cargo across Central Asia. The river port will offer terminal services, storage, sorting, equipment maintenance, and passenger transport. Plans also include developing production facilities and cargo terminals on-site.

Commissioning is expected in 2027, with an initial cargo turnover capacity of one million tons annually, potentially rising to three million. According to Julaev, this development will enhance Kazakhstan’s foreign trade with China.

Julaev emphasized one of the route’s key advantages: the ability to transport oversized cargo, including materials for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant under construction in the village of Ulken on Lake Balkhash, which is fed primarily by the Ili.

An equally critical issue is water availability. According to the UN Development Programme in Kazakhstan, over 44% of the country’s river flow originates in neighboring states, with intensive upstream water use leading to scarcity. The Ili River, flowing from northwestern China, has seen declining volumes since the 1970s, worsened by a 30% expansion of agricultural land along its banks in China over the past two decades. Further strain could disrupt the region’s ecological balance and threaten the viability of navigation.

Hence, maintaining the Ili’s water balance and that of Lake Balkhash is crucial. Kazakhstan has a strategic interest in ensuring bilateral cooperation with China, not only for logistics development but also for sustainable water resource management.

“Together with our Chinese partners, we’ve identified bottlenecks and developed measures such as dredging and shore reinforcement,” Julaev stated, noting that the project could also increase cargo traffic on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor and enhance trade between Asia and Europe.

According to government targets, Kazakhstan aims to triple inland waterway freight volumes by 2027. The national strategy for developing transport and logistics potential through 2030 promotes shifting cargo from roads and rails to cleaner river-based alternatives. If successful, the Ili River project could provide a model for building out regional transit corridors, not only eastward toward China but westward via the Ural River to Russia, and northward via the Irtysh to the Northern Sea Route.