Page 703 – The Times Of Central Asia

31 May 2024

Tajikistan, Tajikistan Life & Culture, Tajikistan Business Economy, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Tajikistan Environment

AIIB Forwards Construction of Strategic Bridge in Tajikistan

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a loan equivalent to US $75.5 million to Tajikistan for the construction of a 920-meter-long bridge and approach routes on the Obigarm-Nurobod section of M41 International Highway.

The bridge is the first of such magnitude in Tajikistan and a critical component of the county’s road network. Linking Corridors 2, 3 and 5 of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program, it will provide essential connections between Tajikistan’s landlocked terrain and neighbouring regional markets.

Designed to withstand all weathers, the bridge will connect over 350,000 residents of the northeast region of Tajikistan to the capital Dushanbe, as well as the border of Kyrgyzstan.

To align with Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy, the government has prioritized its timely completion and construction of the 75-kilometer Obigarm-Nurobod section has been divided into three phases to ensure synchronized implementation.

Illustrative of a collaborative approach to advancing sustainable development and enhancing connectivity in Tajikistan, AIIB has fostered close coordination with other financiers, including the Asian Development Bank, OPEC Fund for International Development and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Lauding the initiative, Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB’s Vice President for Investment Operations in Region 2, commented: “The project aligns with two core thematic priorities of AIIB. First, it contributes to cross-border connectivity by establishing vital cross-border links with improved road safety along Tajikistan’s essential corridor and ensuring connectivity between regions. Secondly, it embraces green-finance principles by integrating environmentally and socially responsible practices and promoting resilient sustainable mechanisms in the road infrastructure development.”

31 May 2024

Central Asia, Tajikistan International Affairs, Tajikistan, International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs

Almaty Hosts Russia’s Defense Head Belousov in First of a Series of CSTO Events

June 17, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is holding several events in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s biggest city, between 30 May and 6 June.

The CSTO is a regional organization in the field of collective security. It comprises six states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.

On May 30 a meeting was held between the defense ministers of Kazakhstan and Russia, Ruslan Zhaksylykov and Andrei Belousov. According to a statement from the Kazakh defense ministry, the parties discussed bilateral military cooperation, touching on training and joint activities, including exercises within the CSTO.

“Its practical realization is carried out, among other things, within the framework of multilateral exercises. Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov informed the interlocutor about holding the exercise “Birlestik” (Unity) in July this year in western Kazakhstan. According to its plan, military contingents of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan will jointly work out training and combat tasks related to the localization of armed conflict and countering illegal formations,” the ministry said.

Almaty’s police have warned that given the scale of the events and the number of participants, the city will be partially restricted to traffic until 6 June.

31 May 2024

Central Asia, International Affairs, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

First Meeting of Central Asia – GCC Investment Forum

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The Central Asia – GCC Investment Forum met for the first time in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh on 29 May.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

The forum provided opportunities for representatives of Central Asian governments and business sectors and GCC countries to present economic and investment proposals, exchange views on issues concerning bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and discuss the implementation of strategically important projects in various fields.

Delegates also participated in thematic panel sessions focusing on agriculture and food security, mining and metals industry, development and infrastructure, renewable and green energy.

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry, the Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Renat Bekturov, noted the strategic importance of intensifying cooperation between the public and private sectors of the two regions.

In his remarks, he emphasized the enormous potential of the Gulf market for strengthening trade and economic relations with Kazakhstan, as well as the unlimited prospects for expanding investment partnerships.

With regard to other sectors, Bekturov spoke of the significant opportunities for Central Asian and GCC countries to expand collaboration in green energy, food security, transport and logistics, mining, petrochemicals, agriculture, finance, and tourism.

31 May 2024

Central Asia, Turkmenistan Life & Culture, Turkmenistan

Turkmen Student Takes Gold at Innovation Competition in London

June 17, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Polat Bayramov, a student from the Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management, has won a gold medal at the International World Student Innovation Exhibition in London.

Bayramov won the prize for his project “Teaching Children Counting with Artificial Intelligence”. His presentation was given online, after which he answered questions from the jury.

The exhibition is a joint initiative of the British education companies Oscar Education Ltd UK and the University of Surrey.

The winners of the online round of the competition are invited to a grand final, which will be held in London. Finalists will be invited on field trips to leading British universities.

31 May 2024

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

Mixed Reaction to Uzbekistan’s New Fruit Export Policy

June 17, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Uzbekistan’s cabinet of ministers has introduced ‘recommended’ export prices for 60 types of fruits and vegetables, below which their distribution abroad is now prohibited.

While this move is intended to support exporters, analysts from the agency EastFruit say that it will harm exports, risk long-term cooperation, and that the new measures will not increase tax revenues or improve currency control.

A recent article by EastFruit states: “Notably, these prices are fixed for the produce irrespective of quality, variety, or other differentiating factors, which disregards the inherent diversity within the fruit and vegetable industry. Historical trends indicate that such regulatory decisions are detrimental across the board. They primarily affect producers and small-scale exporters by limiting their market opportunities. This restriction not only diminishes investment appeal in agricultural production but also detracts from Uzbekistan’s attractiveness as a trading partner for major, established importers. The introduction of such direct controls makes the prospect of long-term contractual partnerships exceedingly precarious”.

Uzbek economist Otabek Bakirov described this decision as “another bureaucratic hurdle for exporters”.

“These rules make doing business worse, so the new rules should come into force at least 3 months after they are announced. Or will the Government’s decision prevail over the Law once again?” wrote the economist on his Telegram channel.

Analysts also note that Uzbekistan’s exports have stagnated due to Russia’s ban on importing fruits and vegetables from most countries. Export figures have remained almost unchanged over the past five years, ranging from $700 million to $900 million.

Russia (26.3%), Pakistan (24.2%), Kazakhstan (13%) and China (9.3%) are the main export markets for fruit and vegetable products.

30 May 2024

Central Asia, Home, Kyrgyzstan Justice, Justice, International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Features, Kyrgyzstan Features

Foreign Ministries of Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan Discuss Safety Amid More Raids on Foreign Citizens

June 30, 2024
By Stephen M. Bland

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Almaz Imangaziev has met with a delegation from the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, led by Additional Secretary Muhammad Saleem. The meeting in Bishkek centered on addressing safety concerns following unrest on May 13, when medical students from Egypt were attacked, a video of which went viral. This then swelled into mass disorder on the night of May 17-18, when a crowd of approximately 1,000 protesters blocked several streets in the center of Bishkek.

During the meeting, the Kyrgyz side provided detailed information regarding the recent conflagration, with Imangaziev assuring the Pakistani delegation that all necessary measures to ensure the safety of foreign citizens have been taken, and that comprehensive efforts are underway to prevent such incidents in the future.

This meeting, however, came against the backdrop of the Bishkek Police and State National Security Committee carrying out more raids on foreign citizens, wherein 64 “illegal migrants” were rounded up. As part of a campaign launched in March, the authorities have deported some 1,500 Pakistanis and 1,000 Bangladeshis.

The unrest in Bishkek has served to underscore splits within the government’s ranks. Deputy Cabinet Chairman, Edil Baisalov described those who attacked the foreign students as a “bunch of hooligans,” whilst President Japarov stated that the “demands of our patriotic youth to stop the illegal migration of foreign citizens and to take tough measures against those who allow such activities are certainly correct.”