Page 687 – The Times Of Central Asia

12 Jun 2024

Turkmenistan, Education, Turkmenistan Home, Turkmenistan Life & Culture, Turkmenistan Business & Economy

U.S. Program Promotes Women Entrepreneurship in Turkmenistan

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On June 8, participants in the first Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program in Turkmenistan submitted their business proposals to a panel of experts in Ashgabat. The event marked the conclusion of the AWE program launched by the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan in partnership with the Union of Economists of Turkmenistan in March this year.

As reported by the U.S. Embassy, the ‘graduation’ ceremony was the culmination of three months’ work, consisting of an online business course developed by Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, weekly face-to-face sessions, and the development of a business plan.

AWE is a U.S. State Department program that provides women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks and access required to start and grow successful businesses. The first 50 Turkmen graduates of the program now join a global community of over 25,000 AWE alumnae.

Opening the event, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Vaida Vidugiris said: “We are so pleased that this year, Turkmenistan joined more than 100 participating countries of AWE. I am especially proud that this program took place not only in Ashgabat, but also in Dashoguz, Mary, and Turkmenabat where we have our American Corners. It underscores our belief in the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs who, with the right support and resources, can transform economies, uplift communities, and inspire future generations.”

12 Jun 2024

Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs

New U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers Arrive in Kyrgyzstan

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On 11 June, the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek announced the arrival of 22 U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer Trainees in Kyrgyzstan to support English language education in secondary schools in the country’s Chui, Naryn, Issyk-Kul, Talas, Osh, and Jalal-Abad regions.

Invited by the Kyrgyz Republic’s Ministry of Education and Science, the trainees are the 30th Peace Corps cohort to serve in Kyrgyzstan since the launch of the initiative in 1993.

The new group brings the number of Peace Corps Volunteers and Trainees in the country to 53.

Prior to starting work, the trainees must embark on an eleven-week course to familiarize themselves with Kyrgyzstan’s educational system, Kyrgyz language and culture, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), and providing lessons with local teachers.

On completion of the course in August, the participants will be sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers and begin their two years’ service enhancing the teaching of English alongside local teachers across the country.

11 Jun 2024

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

Uzbekistan’s Reserves Reached $36.6 Billion in May.

June 17, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has stated that its gold and hard currency reserves reached in excess of $36 billion in May, an increase of over $1.5 billion compared to the previous month. However, the physical volume of gold in reserves decreased by 11.4 million troy ounces.

Furthermore, the volume of the regulator’s deposits with the central banks of other countries and the International Monetary Fund increased significantly and amounted to $422.7 million. The amount of funds in the accounts of other foreign financial institutions also increased by $1.2 billion.

The Times of Central Asia previously reported that as of March 1st, 2024, Uzbekistan’s official reserves amounted to $32.19 billion, having decreased by $2.37 billion in January and February.

11 Jun 2024

Central Asia, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Local Politics, Local Politics

Turkmenistan President’s Visit Causes Havoc in Dashoguz

June 17, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

According to reports published by Turkmen.news, traffic was restricted in the Dashoguz region from June 2nd due to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s arrival to open new power plants. The head of state came to the region on June 5th, but residents endured inconvenience for three days due to safety precautions. The restrictions also affected pedestrians. On the eve of the president’s visit, houses were painted, and extra police officers were placed on duty.

As stated in the report, “From June 2nd, access to Tashkhovuz from distant districts was closed. On June 3rd, the ban also affected the residents of the areas directly adjacent to the city. No one was allowed into the regional center: it doesn’t matter if a person works there, studies, or needs treatment.” Also, residents’ cars in the regional center were only allowed on the road if they were painted white and were manufactured after 2015.

Pedestrians were forbidden to walk freely; on June 3rd, police officers from all etraps (territorial units) were called onto duty in Dashoguz and placed at posts on central roads every hundred meters. This lasted from 6 am until 10 pm.

All houses facing the main road, where the presidential motorcade passed, were hastily painted white or covered with whitewash. The work was carried out very carelessly, with no one protecting windows and doors from paint, and traces of paint were left smeared on the ground.

11 Jun 2024

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

Two Arrested Over Calls for Milk Riots in Kyrgyzstan

June 17, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

In the Issyk-Kul region, citizens suspected of calling for mass riots have been detained; this was reported by 24.kg citing the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) press center.

According to the GKNB, two citizens used WhatsApp messenger to agitate local farmers and organize riots in groups with over a thousand participants, calling for blockades and taking milk truck drivers hostage. These actions are related to the seasonal decrease in milk prices due to its low-fat content.

Experts confirmed the presence of calls to organize mass riots in the audio recordings. A criminal case has been opened, and an investigation is underway. The GKNB urged citizens to observe public order and not to give in to provocations spread through social networks.

11 Jun 2024

Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Home

Turkey Lifts Restrictions on Import of Livestock and Poultry Products from Kazakhstan

October 8, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced that from June 7, 2024, restrictions on the supply of Kazakh livestock and poultry products to the Turkish market have been lifted.

The restrictions were originally made to prevent the spread of avian influenza, in 2005, foot-and-mouth disease, in 2016, and lumpy skin disease, in 2022.

In March 2024, the Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, Aidarbek Saparov, raised the issue of export barriers during the meeting of ministers of agriculture of the Organization of Turkic States in Taraz, Kazakhstan.

At the time, Saparov explained that Kazakhstan was ready to supply high-quality meat products to Turkey as well as Turkmenistan and Hungary, but complained that the Turkish market was all but closed to Kazakh meat exporters due to veterinary concerns.

Pleading his case, he continued, “This year, similar restrictions on Kazakhstan have been lifted by China and Russia. So, we believe it is now possible to revisit this issue with the Turkish side.”

With the restrictions now lifted, the next step towards exporting Kazakhstan’s livestock products will involve the coordination of veterinary requirements with Turkish authorities.

The issue will be addressed during Minister Saparov’s next visit to Turkey in August.