Page 886 – The Times Of Central Asia

11 May 2024

Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Home

Kazakhstan and Netherlands Cooperate in Agriculture and Healthcare

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On 10 May in Astana, contracts were signed by Kazakhstan and the Netherlands to promote bilateral relations in both agriculture and healthcare, reported Kazakh Invest.

The Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan and the Dutch company VISCON signed a memorandum of understanding to implement the construction of an automated center for crop production. Employing artificial intelligence technologies and in vitro cultivation methods, the project will improve the sustainability, quality, and yield of crops in Kazakhstan. Running from 2024-2030, the initiative is set to produce 12 million seedlings annually.

The Ministry of Agriculture also signed a contract with Royal GD to modernize Kazakhstan’s current veterinary service. By upgrading quality control, the joint project will ensure that Kazakhstan’s livestock products meet international standards and hence, boost its exportation to Western markets.

With regard to the nation’s health, the Ministry of Healthcare of Kazakhstan and Royal Philips signed a memorandum of cooperation through which the Dutch company will localize the production of portable ultrasound devices in Kazakhstan.

10 May 2024

Central Asia, Home, Kyrgyzstan Justice, Life & Culture, Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics, Features

Case Documents for 11 Temirov Live Journalists Submitted to Court in Kyrgyzstan

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Legal documents regarding the cases of eleven current and former journalists of the Temirov Live project, who are accused of calling for mass riots, have been handed over to the court. According to the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek, the criminal case was received by the court office and will be handed over to the judge through the automatic distribution of cases of the AIS system, 24.kg news agency has stated.

As previously reported by the Times of Central Asia, on January 16, Interior Ministry officers searched the office of Temirov Live and confiscated its editorial equipment. The police also searched the journalists’ homes and detained eleven current and former employees of the publication. The motivation behind the case was one of Temirov’s projects called “Ait, Ait Dese,” which was published on YouTube in the fall of 2023, which the authorities claim called for mass disorder.

At the time, Kyrgyz Interior Minister Ulanbek Niyazbekov said the detainees weren’t journalists. “We cannot [help] but respond when they disseminate inaccurate information and engage in vilification. There are those who do not know the laws of journalism and do not have the relevant knowledge. They do not know and spread misleading information, sowing confusion among the people. I believe that we should not consider them as journalists,” news agencies quoted the Interior Minister as saying.

The detainees were Makhabat Tazhibek kyzy, Sapar Akunbekov, Azamat Ishenbekov, Saipidin Sultanaliyev, Aktilek Kaparov, Tynystan Asypbekov, Maksat Tazhibek uulu, Joodar Buzumov, Zhumabek Turdaliyev, Aike Beishekeeva and Akyl Orozbekov. They were all taken into custody in January for two months, until March 13. Later, the court released some of the detained journalists under house arrest and on their own recognizance.

Already facing a backlash over its so-called “foreign agents law,” Bishkek has pushed back against international criticism of the high-profile prosecution, saying the case is not politically motivated and that those facing charges are poorly educated people masquerading as journalists.

In late 2022, Kyrgyzstan deported Bolot Temirov, an investigative reporter with dual Kyrgyz and Russian nationality. “Temirov was sent to Russia by force with no belongings, no phone, no money or international passport, and in violation of deportation procedures,” the head of Reporters Without Bordfers Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, Jeanne Cavelier stated at the time.

10 May 2024

Central Asia, Tajikistan Local Politics, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Business Economy

Tajikistan Abolishes Electricity Rationing

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The end of a system of electrical power rationing was announced by Bakhtiyor Rakhmatzoda, deputy head of the Electric Distribution Networks Company in Tajikistan. In early March, after an abnormally warm winter, snow suddenly fell in the country, which almost immediately led to an accident at the Nurek Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP). As a result, the entire country was left without electricity, water and cell phone services for several hours, as reported by the Russian news portal, Sputnik.

After the restoration of the power supply, a rationing system to limit energy use was introduced. In most districts, power for lighting was supplied only for two hours in the morning, and two hours in the evening. The authorities explained the rationing by pointing to the high consumption of electricity – which was logical due to the cold weather at the beginning of spring. They also noted that there was not enough water in the Nurek Reservoir.

Now, all restrictions have been lifted, according to Rakhmatzoda. “The country’s population has access to electricity 24 hours a day, and the limit is no longer in effect,” he said.

Still, residents of Tajikistan are complaining on social media about power outages not only in the regions, but also in Dushanbe. The blackouts in some districts were due to technical problems or repair work, the deputy head of the Electric Distribution Networks stated.

10 May 2024

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

Son-in-Law of Former Kazakh President Nazarbayev Sells His London Mansion

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Kazakh billionaire, Timur Kulibayev has sold his mansion in the prestigious London neighborhood of Mayfair for £35 million pounds sterling. The son-in-law of Kazakhstan’s former president, Nursultan Nazarbayev is also looking for a buyer for a second house nearby, according to a report in City A.M.

The British publication claims that Kulibayev has struck a deal to sell the property to North Wind Capital, an investment company founded by former Deutsche Bank director, Ben Williams. The new owners are planning a large-scale reconstruction of the building.

According to City A.M., Kulibayev’s mansion on Upper Grosvenor Street was sold at an undervalued price due to the value of luxury real estate taking a significant drop since Brexit. Many London homeowners have already taken substantial losses on investment and residential properties.

“Kulibayev has owned two mansions next door to each other for almost 20 years. They are directly opposite the Embassy of Monaco, and just a short walk from Buckingham Palace. Almost all this time, the house which he sold was empty,” notes the City A.M. article.

In 2024, Timur Kulibayev and his wife Dinara Kulibayeva, daughter of Nursultan Nazarbayev, still sit atop the list of the richest Kazakhs. The combined fortune of the Nazarbayev family is estimated at almost $10 billion.

10 May 2024

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

Kyrgyzstan’s New 5,000 Som Banknotes Enter Circulation

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

A new banknote worth 5,000 som (U$56.60) has been put into circulation in Kyrgyzstan starting today, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic has announced. The 5,000 som banknote is part of the new fifth series of the national currency, produced from a 2023 sample, and went into circulation on May 10, 2024. The new banknote contains a portrait of the renowned Kyrgyz actor and artist, Suymenkul Chokmorov on the front side, and a depiction of the famed movie theater, Ala-Too, on the obeverse. The main color and size of the banknote has remained unchanged.

“The banknote of 5,000 som nominal value contains a three-level complex of modern security elements, providing reliable protection against counterfeiting. All banknotes of the national currency have the status of official means of payment in the Kyrgyz Republic and are subject to mandatory acceptance as a means of payment regardless of the year of issue,” the national bank’s press service stated.

The first series of banknotes of Kyrgyzstan’s national currency were introduced on May 10, 1993. The exchange rate then was set at 200 Soviet rubles to one Kyrgyz som.

10 May 2024

Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

UNDP Supports Export Promotion Center in Kyrgyzstan

October 8, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

A much welcomed export development and promotion center has been launched in Kyrgyzstan with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

According to a report by the UNDP in Kyrgyzstan on May 7, the key aim of the Kyrgyz Export Center is to offer advice and equip Kyrgyz companies with skills and knowledge to navigate and succeed in international trade.

Local businesses are promised access to a wide range of beneficial services including the provision of data and analysis of potential international markets and step-by-step guidance in entering foreign markets. Help will also be available to enable companies to fully exploit their export potential through programs tailored to maximize growth and competitiveness.

In addition, local companies will be encouraged and offered support to participate in trade missions and international exhibitions through which they can showcase their products to a global audience.

Emphasizing the organization’s commitment to best international practices, Urmat Takirov, director of the Kyrgyz Export Center, stated, “We strive to apply the best practices and approaches adopted in international business to ensure the best results in the development of export-oriented companies in Kyrgyzstan.”