Page 925 – The Times Of Central Asia

20 Dec 2023

Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Business & Economy, Turkmenistan Features

Turkmenistan and EU Discuss Energy, Transport and Environmental Issues

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On December 19th, Brussels hosted the 22nd joint committee meeting between Turkmenistan and the European Union. The Turkmenistan delegation, led by the minister of finance and economy, included a deputy minister of education, along with representatives from State Concerns such as Turkmengas and Turkmenhowayollary (Turkmenistan Airlines).

The EU delegation was represented by the deputy managing director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and delegates from various European Commission directorates overseeing international partnerships, trade, energy, transport, climate change, environment, research, and innovation.

Discussions revolved around Turkmenistan’s macroeconomic status and its efforts toward global economic integration, notably focusing on its ambition for World Trade Organization (WTO) membership.

The agenda encompassed energy and environmental concerns, including strategies for gas exports, initiatives targeting methane emission reduction, and the advancement of renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen.

Both parties engaged in dialogue concerning collaboration in transport, education, youth policy, as well as research and innovation.

20 Dec 2023

Tajikistan Life & Culture, Tajikistan International Affairs, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan Life & Culture, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Iran Cancels Visa Requirement for Citizens of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Iran has lifted visa requirements for visitors from 33 countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Russia, in an attempt to attract visitors from across the globe and boost its sanctions-hit economy, Iranian news agencies report.

Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Ezzatollah Zarghami, said the cancellation of the visa requirements was approved in a government meeting last week. “The government intends to open the country’s doors to the world,” Zarghami told reporters after a cabinet meeting on December 13^th.

According to the Ministry of Tourism of Iran, the number of foreign visitors in Iran reached 4.4 million during the first eight months of the current Iranian year, which ends in March 2024, representing a 50%increase compared to the same period last year.

The ministry expects six million foreign tourists to visit the country by the end of the year.

20 Dec 2023

Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan’s Investment Opportunities Presented in Indonesia

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Kazakhstan’s Investment Opportunities Presented in Indonesia

An event was held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of East Java (Surabaya) on December 18^th dedicated to presenting Kazakhstan’s attractive investment climate and its transport and logistics strategy. Officials from government bodies and business circles of Indonesia’s largest industrial region participated, representing sectors such as oil and gas, mining, chemicals, healthcare, wood processing, textiles, and agriculture.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Serzhan Abdykarimov, provided detailed insights into the successful socio-economic development of Kazakhstan. He spoke about the government’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment, legislative support for investors, the activities of the Foreign Investors Council, the Kazakh Invest national company, and the involvement of major international corporations in Kazakhstan. He also focused on the expansion of the country’s transport and logistics potential.

The Ambassador stressed the effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s investment climate, including various tax incentives, preferences, and accompanying infrastructure provided by the state.

A separate presentation on the transit and transport strategy of Kazakhstan was made during the meeting. This included information on the activities of 13 international corridors, sea and dry ports, railway and road networks that Indonesian entrepreneurs can utilize for trade with Kazakhstan, as well as for shipments and transit of goods between Asia and Europe.

Acknowledging significant progress in the 30 years of bilateral relations between Astana and Jakarta, the Ambassador highlighted the substantial growth in bilateral trade, tourism, business contacts, and human interactions. He called on business circles in East Java to actively engage in investment and trade and economic cooperation with Kazakhstan, encouraging participation in the establishment of a Kazakhstan-Indonesia Business Council.

Adik Putranto, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of East Java, praised the business climate in Kazakhstan. He relayed the region’s significant interest in expanding industrial and economic partnerships with Kazakhstan, considering the presence of Indonesia’s second-largest international seaport in Surabaya. In his words, Kazakhstan can serve as a transport and logistics hub and a financial center for Indonesia in Central Asia, making it highly attractive for the business community of Indonesia’s largest industrial region.

20 Dec 2023

Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy

Import of Chinese Cars to Kyrgyzstan Surges, with Russia as Final Destination

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

A total of 57,000 cars were imported into Kyrgyzstan from China from January-November 2023, according to China’s customs statistics, more than a 49-fold increase compared to the 1,200 vehicles imported from January-November 2022. In monetary terms, imports increased 62-fold, and the average car price increased by over 25% – up to $29,700.

In November, the official website of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China reported that exports of cars through the land port in the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture in western Xinjiang (bordering Kyrgyzstan) has surged about fourfold this year to reach 35,000. According to the port management committee, nearly 80% of those cars were new energy vehicles.

Chinese vehicles are mainly exported to Russia via Central Asian countries, Chinese officials say. Since the introduction of Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, China has become the main supplier of new cars to the Russian Federation, accounting for about 80% of all imports.

19 Dec 2023

Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan

UN Declares 2026 as International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development on Kazakhstan’s Initiative

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On December 19th, the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan announced that the United Nations General Assembly had adopted a resolution declaring 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. This proposal was first introduced by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the general debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly in 2020.

Kazakhstan proposed the resolution in collaboration with several like-minded countries from various regions, including Armenia, Bolivia, Germany, Kenya, and Kiribati. In total, 54 UN member states joined the co-sponsorship of the document.

The activities planned throughout the International Year are expected to significantly boost volunteer movements at national, regional, and global levels. They aim to further strengthen international cooperation on volunteering and shape key directions for future development.

President Tokayev places significant emphasis on the development of volunteering in Kazakhstan, considering it a crucial component in building a “Just Kazakhstan”. According to the President, volunteers play an exceptional role in strengthening a reliable partnership between the state and society.

In line with the Head of State’s initiative, 2020 was declared as the Year of the Volunteer in Kazakhstan, and a Road Map for the Development of Volunteering in Kazakhstan for 2021-2023 was adopted. As a result of these measures, the number of volunteers in the country has surged to 200,000 people. Additionally, Kazakhstani youth serve as UN volunteers in several countries.

On July 20-21, 2023, Astana hosted the International Volunteer Forum with the participation of the Head of State, senior UN representatives, and volunteers from over 30 countries. This event underscored Kazakhstan’s significant role in the global volunteer movement.

19 Dec 2023

Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Justice

Monument Symbolizing Fight Against Corruption Unveiled in Tashkent

October 8, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

As reported by the President Mirziyoyev’s official website, on December 19th, the opening ceremony of a monument symbolizing the efforts of the international community to combat corruption was held at the Tashkent City International Business Center. The ceremony was attended by the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as Assistant Secretary General of the UN, Alexander Zuev.

The twelve-meter transparent metal composition in the form of a hand pointing upward with open fingers represents honesty and purity of actions and thoughts, absolute rejection of corruption, and a call to countries around the world to unite in the fight against it.

On the same day, President Mirziyoyev spoke at a ceremony presenting the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award in Tashkent. Mirziyoyev expressed his gratitude to the founder of this prestigious award, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for their proposal to hold this event in Uzbekistan.

In his speech, President Mirziyoyev said that “in New Uzbekistan, where democratic reforms have become irreversible, we have also set ambitious plans and tasks to combat corruption.”

Mirziyoyev stated that Uzbekistan is committed to mobilize all possible efforts with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and international partners. He also said that Uzbekistan will develop and implement the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2030.

“We appreciate the role of the mass media, who are on the front-lines in the fight against corruption,” Mirziyoyev added. “In this regard, we believe that you will support our proposal to hold a Global Media Forum that aims to effectively harness the power of journalists in the fight against corruption and to increase their influence.”