Page 937 – The Times Of Central Asia

06 Dec 2023

Dedicated Space for Children Established in Police Department of Turkmenabad

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The Police Department in Turkmenabad City has unveiled its second child-friendly room, aligning with global best practices aimed at enhancing protective measures for young girls and boys who may be victims or witnesses of potential crimes.

Inaugurated by representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan, the UNICEF Representative, and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Turkmenistan, this facility offers a secure and comforting space designed specifically for children. The room prioritizes their age, maturity, and psychological well-being, ensuring a non-threatening atmosphere. Collaborating closely with the Ministry, UNICEF has played a pivotal role in aligning special child protection measures with internationally recognized standards for juvenile justice.

“Turkmenistan, as a state party to major international human rights and children’s rights treaties, pays special attention to strengthening the provision and protection of the rights of all children in contact with the law, including child victims and witnesses of crime,” said Geldimyrat Haldurdiyev, Head of the Department of Law and International Relations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. “The application of special measures provided protection and assistance to minors and improved the quality of the evidence obtained from them, which served to safeguard their interests.”

06 Dec 2023

Opinion Head, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan International Affairs, Turkmenistan Business & Economy, Turkmenistan Opinions, Business & Economy, Opinions, Turkmenistan Features, Features

Turkmenistan-Iraq Natural Gas Deal: A Complex Balancing Act

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The recent natural gas deal between Turkmenistan and Iraq has sparked both excitement and concern in the energy world. On November 8, representatives from the State Concern Türkmengaz met with a delegation from Iraq, led by the Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali Fadel, to discuss the export of natural gas from Turkmenistan to Iraq. As with any major energy agreement, this deal carries significant implications for both countries and the region as a whole. This opinion piece explores the positive aspects, potential challenges, and wider implications of the Turkmenistan-Iraq natural gas deal.

The Turkmenistan-Iraq natural gas deal presents several positive aspects for both countries. Economically, the agreement opens up new opportunities for trade and investment, providing a boost to the economies of both nations. Additionally, it strengthens diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Iraq, fostering closer ties and collaboration in other areas. Moreover, the deal has the potential to enhance energy security in Iraq, diversifying its energy sources and reducing dependence on a single supplier. For Turkmenistan, this agreement represents an opportunity to tap into new markets and expand its natural gas exports.

While the deal offers numerous benefits, it also comes with potential challenges and drawbacks. From Iraq’s perspective, one concern is the possibility that it becomes overly dependent on Turkmenistan for its energy needs. This could create vulnerabilities and limit Iraq’s flexibility in the energy market. Disputes over pricing and payment terms may also arise as aligning the expectations of both parties can be a complex process. Additionally, the agreement may face infrastructure and logistical challenges, such as ensuring efficient transportation and distribution of the natural gas. The influence of regional politics on the deal is another factor to consider, as geopolitical dynamics may impact its implementation.

The Turkmenistan-Iraq natural gas agreement has the potential to significantly impact the regional energy market. It may alter the dynamics of gas supply and demand in the region, affecting other players and stakeholders. The agreement could prompt neighboring countries to evaluate their own energy strategies and explore new partnerships. Additionally, the deal could contribute to greater energy cooperation and integration in the region, paving the way for future collaborations and joint projects.

As we consider the implications of this gas deal, it is crucial to examine its environmental impact and public opinion. The environmental consequences of increased natural gas extraction and consumption should be carefully assessed to ensure sustainable practices. Additionally, public opinion in both countries will play a significant role in shaping the perceptions and outcomes of the deal. Public engagement and transparency are vital to ensure that the interests and concerns of the citizens are taken into account.

The Turkmenistan-Iraq natural gas deal represents a complex balancing act. It ultimately offers economic benefits, strengthens diplomatic relations, and enhances energy security while also raising concerns about energy dependency, pricing disputes, and logistical hurdles. The agreement will have implications for the regional energy market, influencing the strategies of neighboring countries and reshaping energy dynamics. As the process unfolds, it is crucial to monitor the environmental impact and consider public opinion. The long-term consequences of this deal will shape the energy landscape in the region for years to come.

06 Dec 2023

Tajikistan Life & Culture, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Features, Tajikistan Home, Tajikistan Environment

Tajikistan: Atlas and Adras Weaving Included in UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

A nomination from Tajikistan for the art of atlas and adras weaving was included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan reported. This decision was made within the framework of the 18th session of the Interstate Committee on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, which began on December 4^thin the city of Kasane (Botswana), where representatives of the countries for the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage are taking part. Meetings will continue until December 9^th.

Tajikistan has a particularly proud history of national clothing culture, and the secrets of weavers are passed down from generation to generation. In the Sughd region, the Atlas Khujand enterprise operates and enjoys benefits and constant support from President Emomali Rahmon. The company’s silks, satin and adras – which combines both silk and cotton – are in great demand globally. Their production, which comprises many stages, requires special skills and training.

Traditionally, national costumes for performances and wedding dresses are made of satin. The republic annually celebrates the holiday, “Tajik Atlas and Adras.”

06 Dec 2023

Turkmenistan International Affairs, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy, Turkmenistan Features

Turkmen-U.S. Business Forum Held in Ashgabat

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On December 5^th, the tenth Turkmen-American business forum was held in Ashgabat, which was attended by the heads and representatives of relevant government and business structures of Turkmenistan and the United States, Turkmenistan’s Government website stated. According to the post, the forum demonstrated the focus of Turkmenistan and the United States on the further progressive development of mutually beneficial cooperation which meets common interests, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said.

The US delegation, headed by Executive Director of the Turkmenistan-US Business Council, Eric Stewart, included executives and representatives of well-known companies, including Case New Holland Industrial, Climate Compass LLC, Honeywell, John Deere, Palo Alto Networks, Visa, and Westport Trading Europe Ltd.

The participants noted that the foreign policy course implemented by Turkmenistan under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, based on the principles of positive neutrality, increases the attractiveness of the Turkmen market for foreign investors. The priority areas of the Turkmen-US partnership include the energy sector, transport and communications, the agro-industrial sector, high technology, and the investment sector. At the same time, approaches to realizing the potential of trade and economic partnership were reviewed and identified, and plans for joint work in key areas were outlined.

Special emphasis was placed on intensifying business ties. One of the results of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Case New Holland Industrial and Turkmen entrepreneurs.

06 Dec 2023

Kyrgyzstan, Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Business & Economy, Kyrgyzstan Home

Kyrgyzstan’s Economy Grew Strongly in 2022 and So Far in 2023, Says IMF

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan’s Economy Grew Strongly in 2022 and So Far in 2023, Says IMF

The economy of Kyrgyzstan performed strongly in 2022, expanding at 6.3% despite the headwinds from the difficult regional environment. Tax revenue improved sharply, and public debt declined to 49% of GDP. Headline inflation fell from 14.7% in December 2022 to 9.2% in October 2023, Nikoloz Gigineishvili, head of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission that held consultations with the Kyrgyz Republic during November in Bishkek said in a statement on December 4^th.

The current account deficit widened significantly to 43.6% of GDP in 2022 as non-oil imports increased by 26% of GDP and gold exports were suspended, while re-exports to Russia were not captured in official statistics, the statement said. Growth is expected to remain at around 4% in the medium term, and inflation to decline to mid-single digits. However, further escalation of the war in Ukraine and secondary sanctions which could further weaken the Russian economy and result in the return to Kyrgyzstan of migrant workers could reduce trade and growth, the IMF statement concludes.

06 Dec 2023

Home, Kazakhstan Supplementary Stories, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan’s Road Freight Transportation Sees 22% Growth: A Boon for the Economy

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

In a recent government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, it was reported that Kazakhstan has seen a significant surge in road freight transportation during the first three quarters of this year. The volume of goods transported by road reached 5.5 million tons, marking a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth trend is also reflected in transit transportation, which has risen by a whopping 44%, climbing from 2.5 to 3.6 million tons.

The driving force behind this uptick is the marked increase in cargo transportation to China. Transport volumes have doubled, reaching 1.5 million tons. This surge illustrates the vast potential for further amplifying the volume of transit cargo moving from China to Europe. If the current dynamics persist, transit through Kazakhstan could multiply five-fold by 2029, providing a substantial boost to the country’s economic development.

Prime Minister Smailov underscored the vital role of developed road freight transportation in shaping the economy. It has direct impacts across all sectors, making it a key factor in the nation’s economic landscape. Currently, eight international highway corridors traverse the territory of Kazakhstan, spanning a total length of approximately 13,000 km. These include the Western Europe – Western China route.

This promising growth trajectory in road freight transportation positions Kazakhstan as a strategic player in the international logistics and transportation arena. It also underpins the country’s commitment to bolstering its economic infrastructure and enhancing its trade relationships, particularly with neighboring China. As we move into 2024, Kazakhstan’s transportation sector seems poised for further expansion and success.