Page 782 – The Times Of Central Asia

15 Apr 2024

Uzbekistan Proposes Ban on E-Cigarettes

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Uzbekistan is drafting a law banning the import, sale and production of electronic cigarettes and tobacco heating systems. The bill has been published on the regulation.gov.uz portal and its discussion will last until April 18, The Times of Central Asia has learned.

The draft law mentions that over the past seven years, “modern” or “innovative” types of nicotine and tobacco products have appeared in Uzbekistan. The result is a dramatic increase in the number of smokers — especially among children and young adults.

According to an explanatory addendum to the bill, interest in e-cigarettes is skyrocketing among high school students. The number of devices seized from students during raids in schools and public places has increased every year since the government has been keeping track. There were six cases in 2019, 27 in 2020, 31 in 2021, 856 in 2022, and 1,040 in 2023.

Among the 18-29 year old population, the use of tobacco heating systems is more than 2.5 times higher than in the 30-69 year old population. Unless action is taken, the bill states that one in five young people will suffer from nicotine addiction in the future.

“This law prohibits the circulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems, liquids for them, and electronic cigarettes on the territory of the republic,” the bill says. Once passed, Uzbek e-cigarette smokers will face heavy fines and criminal liability for breaking the new law.

15 Apr 2024

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Uzbekistan to Hold CIS Anti-Terror Exercise for First Time in 2024

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Uzbekistan will host a joint anti-terrorism exercise of countries belonging to the Commonwealth of Independent States, or CIS, for the first time this year.

The decision comes at a time of heightened concern after gunmen killed more than 140 people at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22. The Islamic State group, which is said in some quarters to be seeking to recruit more people from Central Asia, claimed responsibility. The suspected gunmen were Tajik migrants in Russia.

Last week’s decision for Uzbekistan to host the drill coincided with a meeting on Friday in Minsk, Belarus, of foreign ministers of the CIS, a group of regional countries that was formed after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Russia and the Central Asian nations are among the members.

An advisory council of the anti-terrorism center of the CIS discussed countering the use of unmanned vehicles and artificial intelligence by extremists, as well as “prospects for the development and use of unmanned aircraft systems in the field of security,” the CIS stated.

The advisory council also discussed ways to combat “the use of modern digital tools by international terrorist organizations to finance terrorist and extremist activities,” it said.

15 Apr 2024

Home, Environment, Uzbekistan Environment, Uzbekistan

“Eco-Enthusiasts” – Tashkent Hosts Environmental Competition for Students

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On April 13, an environmental awareness competition, “Eco-Enthusiasts” was held in Tashkent’s Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur Central Ecopark. The event was organized in accordance with the decree of the President, “On measures for effective work of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change,” and was timed to coincide with the Day of Ecological Knowledge, which is celebrated on April 15.

Students from twelve higher educational institutions participated in the competition, demonstrating their knowledge and ability in answering a series of questions about the environment. The aim of the competition was to raise awareness of environmental issues, develop environmental culture, and disseminate information about contemporary environmental problems and the state of the environment.

According to the results, first place went to the team, “Kimyogarlar,” second place went to “Staticfacion,” and third place went to the team, “Ecofaollar,” who all received prizes.

15 Apr 2024

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

Kazakh Khorgos Still a Vital Trade Link Between China and Europe

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The Khorgos dry port in eastern Kazakhstan, on the border with China, has seen more than 2,000 container trains pass through it already this year, The Times of Central Asia has learned. Today 80% of all container trains taking Chinese goods to Europe pass through Khorgos.

Railroad tracks in Khorgos lead to 18 countries — and the volume of overland exports from China through Kazakhstan is growing. According to the customs service of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, more than 35,000 trains have passed through Khorgos since the China-Europe rail route was launched in 2016. About 20 railroad trains pass through there every day.

The operator of the Khorgos checkpoint control center, Ma Xiaogang, commented: “Thanks to Kazakh-Chinese interdepartmental meetings and agreements, we coordinate actions among ourselves. We have established ties with Kazakhstani railroad companies. We have simplified customs clearance procedures. In addition, it has become possible to increase the volume of freight traffic.”

To simplify customs procedures and increase throughput, all dry port services have switched to 24-hour operations. The clearance procedure for one train has been reduced by 30 minutes. Smart technologies have also been applied in the logistics sector.

According to the Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan, China is one of the country’s three main trade partners. Trade turnover between the countries increased by 30% and reached $31.4 billion in 2023. China increased its exports of cars (by fourfold), computers and laptops (by 1.8x), as well as plastics and plastic products (+8.4%). In turn, Kazakhstan increased exports of oil (+7.5%), oil & gas (+15.5%), uranium (+42.7%), ferroalloys (+6.7%), ores and concentrates (+30.5%), and oilseeds (up 1.5 times).

15 Apr 2024

Central Asia, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Environment

USAID Aids Access to Safe Drinking Water in Tajikistan

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

A new water supply system to provide safe drinking water for more than 3,000 people across 455 households has been inaugurated in the village of Rohati in Tajikistan’s Rudaki District.

Supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), it is but one of the 12 communities now furnished with rehabilitated water supply systems through public-private partnerships.

To ensure the project’s sustainability, USAID helped Rohati’s private water operator develop a sound business plan for its water system, introduced electronic billing, and assisted with the installation of water meters in households.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on April 12, USAID Tajikistan Mission Director Peter Riley stated, “The U.S. Government believes that everyone has the right to safe drinking water. USAID strives to increase access to safe drinking water across all regions of Tajikistan. Access to safe drinking water is of critical importance to protecting public health, dignity, equity, and our environment and USAID is committed to that goal.”

In the last five years, USAID has rehabilitated and constructed 30 drinking water supply systems throughout Tajikistan, providing more than 100,000 people with safe drinking water.

15 Apr 2024

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

Turkmenistan and USA Set to Strengthen Partnership

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On 14 April, delegations led by Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and John Pommersheim, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, attended an annual political consultation in Ashgabat.

The meeting focused on the current state and prospects for the development of Turkmen-American relations in political, trade, economic, ecology, culture, education, and humanitarian sectors.

According to the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, both parties confirmed their commitment to cultural and educational programs, through monthly meetings, and approved a joint road map in the field of education.

The American delegation welcomed Turkmenistan’s accession to the Global Methane Commitment which underlines both countries’ determination to resolve environmental problems and create sustainable socio-economic development.

The parties welcomed the establishment of inter-parliamentary cooperation as essential for maintaining contacts and coordinated approaches to resolving pressing issues.