Page 927 – The Times Of Central Asia

18 Dec 2023

EBRD to Allocate €200 Million for Development of Youth Businesses in Central Asia

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

EBRD to Allocate €200 Million for Development of Youth Businesses in Central Asia

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched a program aimed at developing youth businesses in Central Asia and Mongolia, and will allocate $218 million over seven years to ensure access to financing and training for young entrepreneurs. The program is aimed at the development of micro, small and medium-sized businesses under the guidance of young people aged 18 to 35 years.

Companies will receive financing through 20 partner financial institutions, whilst participants will also be able to receive trainings, access various events, and use consulting services. The investments is set to be complemented by a package of up to €30 million in grants and concessional co-financing.

The EBRD notes that many young people in Central Asia have entrepreneurial skills, but do not have economic opportunities. According to the bank’s estimates, only 10% of young people have the necessary education and work skills.

“Solving this problem is important for Central Asia, where small and medium—sized enterprises account for almost half of total employment and almost 40% of regional GDP,” the EBRD emphasized.

The program is funded by the Government of Kazakhstan, the Small Business Foundation, and the European Union.

18 Dec 2023

Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan International Affairs, Turkmenistan Business & Economy

Turkmenistan – EU: Transport and Energy on Agenda of Upcoming Forums

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The fifteenth meeting in the format of the Turkmenistan-European Union Human Rights Dialogue will be held in Brussels on December 18^th, followed by the 22nd meeting of the Turkmenistan-EU joint committee on the 19^th, during which key aspects of bilateral relations, including trade and the economy will be discussed.

The Turkmen delegation will also take part in the Transport Investment Forum, which is scheduled for January 29-30, 2024 in Brussels. The forum, organized by the European Commission, will bring together representatives of the public and private sector, and investors interested in improving sustainable transport links between the two regions.

The event will be a follow-up to an earlier EC study on sustainable transport links between Europe and Central Asia, which was implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and published on June 30^th 2023.

As a continuation of this dialogue, it is planned that a meeting of experts in the field of transport from government agencies and private transport and logistics companies be organized in the second quarter of next year. The proposal to hold this symposium in Ashgabat was announced at the 19th meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Central Asian countries and the European Union in Luxembourg on October 23^rd in a joint communique.

Reporting on these activities in a government meeting on Friday, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan submitted for consideration to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov a proposal to organize a meeting with relevant EU structures in the first quarter of 2024 in order to discuss partnership opportunities and exchange experience in the field of energy. It is also planned to hold the next meeting of the foreign ministers of the Central Asian countries and the European Union in Turkmenistan in 2024.

18 Dec 2023

Tajikistan Life & Culture, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Business Economy

“Updates and Reforms”: Communications Service Expands Cooperation with Russian Federation

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The establishment of cooperation with Russian companies gives a new impetus to the process of reforming and updating mobile communication networks in Tajikistan, the Communications Service of Tajikistan has stated, adding that a memorandum of cooperation has been signed with the Russian company, PITER IX in Dushanbe. The main purpose of the memorandum is to facilitate the process of modernization and reform in the telecommunications sector in the country.

The Communications Service stated that the agreement provides for the introduction of information and communication technologies, the development of an electronic business system, access to broadband internet, and the distribution of 4G LTE and 5G-ce throughout the republic Earlier, the Communications Service signed a memorandum of understanding with the Moscow company, Digit, in the field of network security, which provides for the holding of joint seminars and events to strengthen cooperation in the information sphere, as well as communication technologies.

18 Dec 2023

Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Features

Length of U.S. Visas for Kyrgyz Citizens Set to Increase

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The duration of American visas for citizens of Kyrgyzstan is set to increase from five to ten years, marking a significant development reported by the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the USA.

The Embassy disclosed that Baktybek Amanbayev, the head of the Kyrgyz diplomatic mission, conducted a meeting on December 13^th with Brandon McNerney, the director of the Office of Visa Affairs at the Consular Bureau of the US Department of State. The primary agenda revolved around discussions aimed at enhancing visa relations between the two nations.

During the meeting, Ambassador Amanbayev reiterated the appeal to expedite considerations for extending the validity period of tourist and business visas from five to ten years, alongside reducing consular fees for Kyrgyz Republic citizens. This plea, previously discussed with US authorities, was reinforced by Amanbayev during this encounter.

Brandon McNerney provided an optimistic outlook, stating that the issue is in its final stages of evaluation within relevant US authorities, with a positive decision anticipated imminently. The American side pledged to officially notify the Kyrgyz authorities of their decision in the near future.

Additionally, Amanbayev pressed for simplified visa acquisition processes for Kyrgyzstani students enrolled in US educational institutions. Moreover, he proposed exploring opportunities for legal employment of Kyrgyz citizens in sectors facing labor shortages within the United States. The American representatives agreed to delve into these matters during the annual bilateral consultations.

This push for extended visa durations follows earlier discussions on the topic. Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary deputies Akylbek Tumonbayev, Balbak Tulobayev, Karim Khanjeza, and Emil Toktoshev engaged in talks with Ambassador Leslie Viguery regarding visa extensions to the United States.

Ambassador Amanbayev also held discussions with John Pommersheim, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asian Affairs, seeking to expedite this visa extension process. These concerted efforts signal a potential boon for Kyrgyz citizens aspiring to visit or reside in the United States, fostering closer bilateral ties between the two nations.

18 Dec 2023

Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Home

Over 10,000 Schoolchildren in Kazakhstan Learning French

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan has reported statistical data on the study of the French language in Kazakh schools. Currently, 380 students in eight schools are studying French as their first foreign language, and 9,948 students in 38 schools are studying it as a second foreign language, the ministry said. The choice of subject made taking into account the needs of students, the availability of teachers, and the opinions of parents.

On November 1^st of this year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced plans to open French schools in Kazakhstan. As previously reported, the Ministry of Education is currently working on the formation of a working group to implement the agreement on the opening of international schools. In accordance with this agreement, the opening of a French language school is planned to take place in the cities of Astana and Almaty in 2025.

16 Dec 2023

Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Uzbekistan Local Politics

USAID Launches New Project to Empower Communities in Uzbekistan

October 8, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched the Local Governance Activity in Uzbekistan, the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan has stated. Implemented by Chemonics International, the project will work closely with national government counterparts to improve the responsiveness and accountability of local governments, enhance citizen engagement, and promote a more inclusive and equitable decision-making processes.

As a significant step towards strengthening collaboration and advancing local governance goals, the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan and USAID signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the project launch ceremony on December 14^th. The MOU outlines the framework for collaboration between the two parties, focusing on enhancing the legal and regulatory environment for effective local governance, promoting citizen participation, and strengthening the capacity of local government institutions.

“Empowering local communities to participate actively in governance is essential for building a more responsive and accountable government,” said USAID Mission Director in Uzbekistan, David Hoffman. “This activity will work to strengthen the voices of citizens, particularly women, youth, people with disabilities, and minority groups, ensuring that their needs are heard and addressed at a local level.”

The Local Governance Activity will identify and address the diverse needs of various stakeholders, including citizens, entrepreneurs, marginalized populations, activists, influencers, media, and other government entities. Through this inclusive approach, the activity will ensure local governance reforms are tailored to the specific needs and realities of Uzbek communities.

Additionally, it aims to strengthen collaboration with national counterparts, ensure that the project’s activities are aligned with the Uzbekistan Strategy 2030, and that outcomes are sustainable beyond the project’s lifespan.

Through collaboration, innovation, technical expertise, and a focus on user-centered approaches, the Local Governance Activity will work to address the diverse needs of Uzbek communities and contribute to a more inclusive, responsive, and accountable government.