Page 935 – The Times Of Central Asia

13 Dec 2023

Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Home

EDB and Kazakhstan Join Efforts for Water Investment

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

EDB and Kazakhstan Join Efforts for Water Investment

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI). Ruslan Dalenov, Vice Chairman of the EDB Management Board, and Bekniyaz Bolat, MWRI First Deputy Minister, formalized this partnership during a ceremony in Astana on December 13^th.

The memorandum aims to establish long-term, mutually beneficial collaboration focused on mobilizing investment and grants for joint water and irrigation projects.

“We are committed to jointly developing sustainable infrastructure solutions that will support important water-related projects and contribute to overall economic growth,” said Dalenov.

The parties intend to actively cooperate in financing investment projects and exchange expertise through participation in workshops, conferences, and other events.

The EDB is currently implementing the Central Asian Water and Energy Complex mega-project based on research and projections on the most effective ways to comprehensively develop the sector. Bank analysts have conducted studies such as Investment in the Water and Energy Complex of Central Asia, Regulation of the Water and Energy Complex of Central Asia, and Efficient Irrigation and Water Conservation in Central Asia. The latter outlines ten practical steps for preserving irrigated land potential and promoting water conservation, including four recommendations for adoption at a regional level and six at a national level. These measures are designed to conserve enough water annually to support sustainable development.

The EDB has also identified projects to cater to the region’s electricity and water needs. The Bank is financing the construction of the 100 MW Kulanak HPP in the Kyrgyz Republic. Additionally, the Bank is evaluating several projects aimed at enhancing the region’s water and energy infrastructure.

13 Dec 2023

Kyrgyzstan Environment, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Home

World Bank to Help Kyrgyzstan Reduce Air Pollution

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The World Bank and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision (MNRETS) of the Kyrgyz Republic on December 12^th hosted a stakeholder meeting to launch the World Bank’s new report, Air Quality Analysis for Bishkek: PM2.5 Source Apportionment and Emission Reduction Measures, according to a statement on the World Bank website.

The World Bank conducted this study in close coordination with MNRETS Hydrometeorological Service (Kyrgyzhydromet) under the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Bishkek Municipality to evaluate the air quality in Bishkek, focusing on PM2.5 pollution.

Exposure to fine inhalable particles (PM2.5 with a diameter of 2.5 micro-meters or less) poses serious health risks, including respiratory infections, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and premature deaths. In Bishkek, the average annual PM2.5 concentrations in 2022 surpassed the WHO guideline value of 5 µg/m3 by nearly sevenfold. During the last several winters, average daily concentrations of PM2.5 were often above 200 µg/m3, surpassing the WHO guideline of 15 µg/m3 by more than 13 times and placing Bishkek among the world’s most polluted cities. The losses caused by air pollution in Bishkek are estimated to be equivalent to 1.2% of the Kyrgyz Republic’s GDP, while air pollution at country level is estimated cost 5.1% of the GDP.

In line with priorities and recommendations identified in the study, the World Bank jointly with MNRETS, KyrgyzHydromet and Bishkek Municipality has prepared a $50 million Kyrgyz Republic Air Quality Improvement Project to help the country reduce air pollution and the adverse effects it has on public health and the economy. This project is expected to not only directly benefit residents of Bishkek by improving the city’s air quality, but will also support the establishment of a sound Air Quality Management System that will drive policy actions for air quality improvement, aiming to mitigate the impact of air pollution on public health and economic development across the country.

13 Dec 2023

Central Asia, Tajikistan Life & Culture, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan Life & Culture, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Life & Culture

U.S. and Central Asian Countries Focus on Protecting Rights of People with Disabilities

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On December 11^th, the U.S. Department of State hosted a meeting of representatives of C5+1 countries dedicated to protecting the rights of people with disabilities and finding practical solutions to their problems.

The C5+1 diplomatic platform represents the U.S. Government’s holisitc approach to Central Asia, jointly engaging all five Central Asian nations.

The meeting was attended by Sara Minkara, Special Adviser to the President of the United States on the International Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State, Deputy Assistant Secretary John Mark Pommersheim, and representatives of government agencies of the USA. The Ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to the United States also spoke during the meeting, which was moderated by Minkara, who shared her experience and recommendations on ensuring protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Donald Lu stressed the importance of increasing cooperation within the C5+1 format on the rights of persons with disabilities in a multilateral format. Following the meeting, the participants agreed on joint actions in this direction.

13 Dec 2023

Tajikistan Life & Culture, Tajikistan International Affairs, Tajikistan Local Politics, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Tajikistan Features, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics, Tajikistan Home, Kyrgyzstan Features

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Demarcate More Than 90% of Border

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Following a meeting between government delegations, Chairmen of the National Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan, Kamchybek Tashiyev, and Tajikistan, Saimumin Yatimov, released a statement announcing that over 90% of the border between the two countries has now been agreed upon.

“As a result of the work of the intergovernmental commission, agreements were reached on the harmonization of most of the state border – more than 90%,” Tashiyev said. “Work on the remaining sections will be completed soon, starting with Kayragach, Kulundu, Maksat, Arka, Arka-1, Arka-2, Zhany-Zher and up to Zhiydelik. The Working Group has fully completed the coordination. At the moment, we have almost completed work on the disputed areas about which there were questions.”

According to Tashiyev, several more meetings will be necessary to complete the demarcation and delimitation of the state border.

In turn, Yatimov noted that vital issues were discussed at the meeting of the delegations. “There is a common interest, common goals, and common causes between the two states,” he said. “This is the security and socio-economic development of our states. A lot of work has been done today – we have advanced more than 120 kilometers, and have agreed on these issues in principle. If we take the total length of the state border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Kamchybek Kydyrshayevich and I can confirm that over 90% of the state border has been agreed. We are really close to solving these issues.”

13 Dec 2023

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

Tajikistan to Connect to Chinese Internet

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

A new agreement has been reached between Tajikistan and China, which will bring the republic closer to having high-speed internet throughout the country after Tajikistan’s Communications Service and a subsidiary of HUAWEI signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of digital technologies. This will lead to the supply and installation of 7,600 base stations with GSM/UMS/LTD/5G as standard, it was reported.

“This will contribute to the development of mobile communications and fixed broadband networks in Tajikistan,” the regulator said in a statement. “At the same time, given the rapid development of information technology, this will allow operators to have instant access to the latest equipment.”

The agreement also provides for cooperation and the involvement of personnel in the field of communications, mobile operators and Huawei Technology Tajikistan specialists in the development of a single modernization project. The agreement was signed by the Head of the Communications Service, Bek Saburov, and the CEO of Huawei’s subsidiary, Ma Chan, as part of the State Program for the Improvement and Development of Mobile Communications in 2024-2028.

Earlier, the Communications Service made the unexpected decision to allow two private companies to supply internet to the country through international channels. According to a Sputnik Tajikistan source, the companies are TT Mobile (MegaFon), and Indigo Tajikistan (Tcell).

12 Dec 2023

Turkmenistan Life & Culture, Turkmenistan International Affairs, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Local Politics

Turkmenistan to Open Specialized Training Center “Diplomatic Protocol” at the Institute of International Relations

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Turkmenistan is taking strides in reforming its education sector with a particular focus on training diplomatic personnel. In line with this objective, the President of Turkmenistan has signed a resolution for the establishment of a Specialized Training Center “Diplomatic Protocol” at the Institute of International Relations (IIR) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to raising the standard of its diplomatic corps in accordance with international guidelines. The new training center will equip diplomats with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate complex diplomatic protocols and effectively represent Turkmenistan in the global arena.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Adalat, has been tasked to prepare and present proposals within a month. These proposals will outline the necessary changes and additions to the existing legislation of Turkmenistan that are required to implement the President’s resolution.

The establishment of the Specialized Training Center “Diplomatic Protocol” is expected to further enhance the professional capabilities of Turkmen diplomats, fostering stronger international relations and facilitating more effective communication with their counterparts around the world.