Page 88 – The Times Of Central Asia

06 Oct 2025

Home, Uzbekistan, Life & Culture, Uzbekistan Features, Features, Uzbekistan Life & Culture

Uzbekistan Signs Fabio Cannavaro as Coach Ahead of World Cup

October 6, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

Fabio Cannavaro has signed a contract with the Uzbekistan Football Association to coach the national team, which qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in the country’s 34 years of independence.

“The Italian coach will prepare our team for the World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico,” the association said after the contract was signed on Monday at Uzbekistan’s National Football Center. It said Cannavaro had the experience and skills to deliver success for Uzbekistan, describing him as “a three-time World Cup participant, 2006 World Cup winner, one of the best defenders of the recent past, and a renowned expert.”

“We have seen that a defensive playing style brings results,” Ravshan Irmatov, the association’s first vice president, said at a news conference. “We believe that with his international experience, professional culture, and tactical strictness, he will bring new spirit and a new system to our national team.”

At the news conference, Cannavaro said he was thankful for the trust shown in him and outlined some plans to help Uzbekistan’s national team get comfortable with the pace and demands of the World Cup level.

“The intensity of the Super League needs to be increased; we will discuss this with the management. The more we move at a high tempo during the game, the better the results will start to be. Players’ recovery is also very important. We would also ask the coaches at clubs to send daily, weekly, or monthly performance data of the players so that we can know whether their results are improving or not,” Cannavaro said.

“I had offers from 7-8 places. First of all, the fact that the team qualified for the World Cup and the seriousness of the project here encouraged me to accept the offer. Is it difficult to play at the World Cup? Yes, very difficult, but we will try,” he said.

Cannavaro replaces Timur Kapadze, an Uzbekistani former pro football player who led the national team to its first-ever qualification for the World Cup with a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi in June. Cannavaro said he had discussed the team with his predecessor, noting that having “local specialists” on the staff will help him learn about the players’ mentality and the culture of Uzbekistan.

To that end, Kapadze will remain for now as an assistant coach.

The Uzbekistan Football Association said the coaching staff that will help Cannavaro includes assistant coach Eugenio Albarella, who has worked with Japan’s national team as well as Juventus, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb; fitness coach Francesco Troise, who has collaborated with Benevento, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb; and goalkeepers coach Antonio Kimienti, who has experience with Italy’s national youth team, and the Sampdoria and SPAL clubs.

06 Oct 2025

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

Kazakhstan Expands Apple Orchards, Prioritizing Legendary Aport Variety

October 6, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan’s apple orchards now span nearly 29,000 hectares, primarily in the southern regions of Almaty, Turkestan, Zhambyl, and Zhetisu. In the Almaty and Zhetisu regions alone, orchards cover more than 2,400 hectares, hosting over 416,000 apple trees. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Taszhurekov shared these figures during the Apple Festival held in Astana on October 4. The event also marked the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Day 2025.

“Horticulture is becoming a key sector in the agro-industrial complex. Since 2014, government support measures, including investment subsidies for orchard planting and intensive cultivation technologies, have led to a 43% increase in gross apple harvests and a 27% rise in yield,” Taszhurekov said.

The festival placed special emphasis on Kazakhstan’s iconic apple variety, the aport. Widely recognized as the birthplace of the apple, Kazakhstan and specifically the Almaty region, is home to the legendary aport variety.

Aport apples are known for their large size, fragrance, and juiciness, but they require very specific growing conditions. High-quality fruit can be cultivated only at altitudes between 850 and 1,250 meters above sea level, primarily in the Almaty foothills. Unlike other varieties that bear fruit within four to six years, aport trees take eight to nine years to produce their first harvest. Despite the longer wait, the fruit’s quality and heritage value make it highly prized.

To revive aport cultivation, the Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Center, has launched a program for 2024-2028 involving private investors and specialized nurseries. The initiative aims to produce certified saplings for full-scale commercial cultivation. In 2024, seeds from the Sievers apple tree, considered the ancestor of all domestic apples, were collected, and national standards for aport cultivation were established. In 2025, seedlings were planted on ten hectares to serve as a mother garden for nurseries. Over the next two years, the program plans to grow enough saplings to plant 100 hectares of orchards, eventually making aport saplings available to private gardeners for commercial use.

Historically, Kazakhstan had 3.8 million aport trees in 1970. By 1984, that number had declined to just 1.4 million.

Taszhurekov underscored that aport is not just a fruit, but a symbol of national identity. “We are taking specific measures to revive it as a national brand. Plans include expanding orchards, improving agricultural practices, and promoting this variety internationally. By 2027, we aim to establish 110 hectares of aport orchards,” he said.

06 Oct 2025

Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Kyrgyzstan and Binance Strengthen Partnership in Digital Economy Development

October 6, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kyrgyzstan and Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the development of a secure and innovative digital economy. On October 6, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov met in Bishkek with Binance Chief Marketing Officer Rachel Conlan to discuss ongoing and future collaboration.

Japarov emphasized the country’s strategic priorities, noting that the National Council for the Development of Virtual Assets and Blockchain Technologies is currently working on a new digital asset, the KGST, which will be pegged to the national currency, the som. Concurrently, the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan is developing the digital som, a national digital currency, with plans to integrate it with the KGST to expand both domestic and cross-border applications.

Conlan highlighted Binance’s global reach and extensive partner network as key assets in accelerating Kyrgyzstan’s digital transformation. She underscored the company’s long-term commitment to supporting digital projects and educational initiatives in the country. The recent visit by Binance founder Changpeng Zhao to Kyrgyzstan brought international attention to the growing partnership.

On May 3, Japarov and Zhao met to discuss the future of digital assets and blockchain in Kyrgyzstan. The agenda included the development of a national digital asset ecosystem, the integration of blockchain into public administration, and the strengthening of cybersecurity frameworks. During the meeting, Zhao agreed to support Kyrgyzstan’s digital transition by providing consultation and training for specialists working on the digital som project. He was also appointed public adviser to the President on digital asset development.

The following day, Japarov chaired the first session of the National Council for the Development of Virtual Assets and Blockchain Technologies, where Zhao was officially confirmed as a Council member. The Council was established to shape unified state policies on virtual assets and advance their integration into governance and key economic sectors.

In parallel, the National Investment Agency of Kyrgyzstan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Zhao. Under the agreement, Binance will support the development of blockchain infrastructure, the creation of a national cryptocurrency reserve, and training programs focused on blockchain technology, digital asset management, and cybersecurity.

This growing partnership positions Kyrgyzstan as a regional leader in digital economy innovation, leveraging blockchain and virtual asset technologies to enhance public administration, economic governance, and global competitiveness.

06 Oct 2025

Home, Turkmenistan Home, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy, Turkmenistan Features, Features

Hungary Eyes Turkmen Gas to Diversify Energy Imports

October 9, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Hungary, one of Gazprom’s largest remaining clients within the European Union, is exploring the prospect of importing natural gas from Turkmenistan, The Moscow Times reported.

During a recent visit to Ashgabat, Hungary’s Deputy State Secretary for Eastern Relations Development, Ádám Stifter, described Turkmenistan as a promising partner in the energy sector. “Hungary depends on gas imports from different countries, and we view Turkmenistan with great hope. We expect Turkmenistan to become a supplier of gas to Europe, and particularly to Hungary, in the near future,” Stifter said, as quoted by Interfax.

The announcement aligns with Budapest’s broader efforts to diversify its energy supply. On Thursday, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed that Hungary had signed its longest-ever liquefied natural gas (LNG) agreement, a 10-year deal with French company Engie. Starting in 2028, the contract will provide Hungary with 4 billion cubic meters of LNG, with deliveries continuing through 2038.

Earlier in September, Hungary also signed a contract with Shell to purchase 2 billion cubic meters of gas annually for ten years, beginning in 2026. That gas will be delivered via the Czech Republic and Germany.

Analysts view Hungary’s interest in Turkmen gas as a notable policy shift. Natalia Milchakova, a senior analyst at Freedom Finance Global, said the move signals a desire to reduce dependence on Russian energy. “Hungary and Slovakia have long relied on Russian oil and gas, but the change in tone from Budapest suggests a drive to diversify supply routes,” she noted.

However, the logistics remain complex. Milchakova pointed out that Turkmen gas would likely have to transit through Azerbaijan or Iran, routes complicated by infrastructure limitations and geopolitical challenges, or possibly via the TurkStream pipeline, which is operated in partnership with Gazprom.

Hungary currently imports about 4.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually under a long-term contract valid until 2036. According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) in Finland, Hungary spent approximately €500 million on energy imports from Russia in July 2025 alone, €285 million on gas and €200 million on oil.

Turkmenistan holds the world’s fourth-largest proven natural gas reserves. However, 80-90% of its gas exports are sent eastward to China via the Central Asia-China pipeline, highlighting the country’s long-standing reliance on a single buyer. Strengthening ties with Hungary could signal Ashgabat’s intent to diversify its export geography.

06 Oct 2025

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

Central Banks Add 15 Tons of Gold in August, Led by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

October 6, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Global central banks added a net 15 tons of gold to their reserves in August, according to the World Gold Council (WGC), citing data from the International Monetary Fund and national central banks. The figure matches the monthly average recorded between March and June, indicating a return to purchasing after a brief pause in July, when reserves remained unchanged due to Indonesia’s 11-ton sale.

The WGC observed that although record-high gold prices in 2025 may have tempered some central bank activity, demand remains resilient. “The recent slowdown in buying does not necessarily signal that central banks are losing interest in gold,” the report stated. A full third-quarter review of global gold demand will be published on October 30.

Countries expanding their gold holdings in August included Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, China, Bulgaria, Ghana, and the Czech Republic. The National Bank of Kazakhstan led the gains with an 8-ton increase, its sixth consecutive month of accumulation, raising its reserves to 316 tons. The Central Bank of Uzbekistan added 2 tons, lifting its total to 366 tons, although this remains 17 tons below its level at the end of 2024.

Turkey and China each purchased 2 tons, bringing Turkey’s total reserves to 639 tons and China’s to over 2,300 tons. Bulgaria’s 2-ton acquisition marked its largest monthly increase since 1997, bringing its holdings to 43 tons ahead of its planned eurozone accession in January 2026. The Czech National Bank also added 2 tons, continuing an uninterrupted buying streak for the 30th consecutive month and raising its reserves to 65 tons.

Only two countries, Russia and Indonesia, reduced their holdings in August. Russia sold 3 tons, reportedly for its coin-minting program, while Indonesia offloaded 2 tons.

Uzbekistan has remained one of the most active gold purchasers globally. In January 2025, it topped the WGC’s list by acquiring 8 tons, which brought its reserves to 391 tons, representing approximately 82% of its total international reserves.

06 Oct 2025

Central Asia, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Local Politics, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Home

Kazakhstan to Count Tourists Using Mobile Data

October 6, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics will begin tracking tourist flows in the country’s resort areas using anonymized mobile data, the agency’s head Maksat Turlubaev announced at the Digital Bridge 2025 international forum.

Turlubaev noted that recent amendments to the country’s laws “On State Statistics” and “On Communications” now provide a legal foundation for using anonymized mobile data for statistical purposes, aligning with international best practices. Among the key applications will be the generation of real-time information on domestic and international tourist flows.

Currently, Kazakhstan’s tourism statistics are compiled through surveys of accommodation facilities and households, as well as data from the Border Service of the National Security Committee and the Ministry of Ecology. These traditional methods, however, face limitations, including incomplete coverage, high respondent burden, and delays in data collection.

Following the implementation of the new legislation, a pilot project was launched this summer in partnership with Estonian firm Positium and with support from the World Bank. The initiative analyzed a 5% anonymized sample of data from mobile operator Kcell, covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024, to assess domestic tourist flows. The results far surpassed those of traditional survey methods.

“Mobile data analysis showed that the number of domestic tourists reached 107.6 million, compared to 7.8 million in official statistics,” said Turlubaev. “In the Alakol resort area in southeastern Kazakhstan, mobile data recorded 658,200 visitors, 2.4 times higher than official figures. Mobile data allows us not only to count tourists, but to capture a comprehensive, objective picture of internal mobility and real travel patterns. It accounts for short-term and informal visitors not reflected in traditional methods, highlights seasonal trends, and shows the impact of holidays on tourism activity. This gives us a valuable tool for management, infrastructure planning, and evaluating the economic impact of tourism.”

The methodology Kazakhstan plans to adopt aligns with recommendations from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It offers enhanced accuracy, near real-time analytics, reduced respondent burden, and the capacity to model tourist and migration flows using artificial intelligence.

“This marks a major step in building a modern, digital statistical agency,” Turlubaev added.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan recorded a 62% rise in tourists from five Arab countries in 2024, reflecting broader efforts to diversify and modernize its tourism sector.