Page 978 – The Times Of Central Asia

07 Mar 2024

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

Germany Asks Kazakhstan to Double Oil Supplies Via Pipeline

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

German companies want to receive more oil from Kazakhstan through the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline. The discussion focuses on increasing supplies almost twofold, according to Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy Almasadam Satkaliyev. According to him, Kazakhstan has already received a request from the German side to increase supplies to two million tons per year.

“We have already started preliminary consultations with our colleagues on the implementation of this transit this year,” said Satkaliyev.

Earlier, state pipeline operator KazTransOil reported that, according to last year’s results, 993,000 tons of crude were delivered through the Druzhba pipeline. This year, flow volumes are planned to increase to 1.2 million. At the same time, Germany is still asking for an increase in oil-product export volumes.

Until recently, the majority of oil exported from Kazakhstan to Germany was delivered by sea. Vessels were loaded with fuel at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal near Novorossiysk. The tankers were then sent to Trieste, Italy, where there is a terminal for receiving crude oil into the Transalpine (TAL) pipeline, from where the black gold is shipped to Germany. Every day, about 1.3-1.4 million barrels of oil per day flow through the CPC.

DE International Kasachstan reports that Kazakhstan supplied Germany with 10% more oil in 2022 year-on-year, supplying it with 8.3 million tons of crude. The European Union (EU) has not imposed restrictions on the supply of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, but the German side itself refused to import fuel from Russia early last year. Currently, Russian oil received through the Druzhba pipeline is delivered only in the southern direction to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

As the Times of Central Asia reported earlier this week, Kazakhstan has extended its voluntary reduction in overall oil production by 82,000 barrels per day until the end of June 2024.

07 Mar 2024

Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Flower Importation Blooms in Kazakhstan

October 8, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

As reported by the Ministry of Trade and Integration, in 2023, Kazakhstan imported no fewer than 149.8 million flowers worth $61.1 million; 29% more than those valued at $47.3 million in 2022.

The country’s largest suppliers were Ecuador ($37.5 million); the Netherlands ($13.1 million); Kenya ($4.8 million), and Colombia ($3.4 million).

Significantly lower volumes of flower were imported from China ($592.3 thousand), Israel ($467.4 thousand), Uzbekistan ($393.2 thousand), and Russia ($356.7 thousand).

The greatest demand by far, was for roses, the most romantic of blooms, with the import of 112 million pieces worth $40.2 million. Chrysanthemums also proved popular with 15.8 million stems purchased for $7.6 million. Further down the line, were imports of around 3.3 million lilies for $1.5 million; 6 million carnations for $1.2 million, and 116.6 thousand orchids for $210.2 thousand.

Kazakhstan also exports flowers and in 2023, recorded a revenue of $2.7 million, comprising $2.5 million from Russia; $80.8 thousand from Kyrgyzstan; $55.5 thousand from Uzbekistan, and $3.3 thousand from China.

07 Mar 2024

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

Kazakhstan Seeks to Increase Oil Transit Through Azerbaijan

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

With the production of crude oil set to rise in Kazakhstan, the country plans to increase shipments across the Caspian Sea and through Azerbaijan.

On March 6th, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy Almasadam Satkaliev met his Azerbaijan counterpart, Parviz Shahbazov, to discuss cooperation between their countries regarding the transit of Kazakh oil and the implementation of large-scale renewable energy projects.

Back in 2022, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered an increase in the volume of oil transported across the Caspian Sea. In response, Kazakhstan’s national oil and gas company KazMunayGas and the state oil company of Azerbaijan, SOCAR, entered into an agreement to transport up to 1.5 million tons of oil per year from Kazakhstan’s Aktau port through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline.

In 2023 Kazakhstan’s shipment of crude oil from the Caspian port of Aktau grew to almost 1.4 million tons and this year, is expected to rise to 1.5 million tons.

Major expansion projects are currently underway at Kazakhstan’s Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan oil fields to increase the future output of crude oil.

Today, most of the country’s oil is exported via the pipeline managed by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) which runs to the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. The throughput capacity of the Kazakh section of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) pipeline has increased from 54 million to 72.5 million tons per year.

The Kazakh and Azeri energy ministers also discussed a forthcoming project to connect the Caucasus region and Central Asia’s energy systems through the installation of a deep-sea cable in the Caspian Sea.

07 Mar 2024

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

Chinese Company to Establish a Bank in Kyrgyzstan

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On March 6th, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Akylbek Japarov and leadership of the Chinese company Sichuan Hongxinde Equity Investment Fund Management Co. Ltd, met in Bishkek to discuss the establishment of the Post Bank in Kyrgyzstan.

In August 2023, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by the open joint-stock company Kyrgyz Pochtasy (Kyrgyz Post) and the Chinese company, followed in January 2024 by both parties signing a framework agreement on the joint investment project.

The opening of the Post Bank will allow for the modernization of facilities owned by Kyrgyz Pochtasy in tandem with the construction of new facilities. The project includes the introduction of automated and digitalized processing for businesses as well as the creation of socially-oriented multifunctional service centers for both the public and entrepreneurs.

07 Mar 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Business & Economy, Business & Economy

USAID Launches New Project to Support Businesses in Uzbekistan

June 28, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced an investment of $17.7 million in a five-year Business Support Project in Uzbekistan.

The project aims to enhance competitiveness in small and medium enterprises across four key sectors: information and communications technology (ICT), tourism, textiles, and the green economy.

Created in partnership with the government of Uzbekistan and the private sector, the project’s two primary goals are to break down barriers affecting growth and increase investment in the private sector. By focusing on these objectives, the project seeks to create a more enabling environment for business expansion and innovation, thereby contributing to the overall economic prosperity of Uzbekistan.

Speaking at the launch on March 5th, USAID Mission Director to Uzbekistan David Hoffman declared, “Today, we embark on a transformative journey with the Business Support Project. This initiative represents a pivotal moment in our shared pursuit of a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for Uzbekistan. By addressing critical barriers to growth and leveraging the dynamism of the private sector, we aim to unlock new opportunities for businesses, especially those led by women and youth. Our collective efforts through our Business Support Project will pave the way for a more resilient and competitive economy, benefiting not just Uzbekistan but the entire region.”

07 Mar 2024

Central Asia, Home, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Features, Features

Great Women in the History of Turkmenistan

June 27, 2024
By Times of Central Asia

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we remember outstanding Turkmen women, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the history of the country.

Sabira Atayeva

Photo: kino-teatr.ru

A famous theater and film actress, Sabira Atayeva devoted over 55 years of her life to her performances. Born in Ashgabat in 1917, Atayeva grew up in an orphanage, but was selected for her talent by a special commission to study in Moscow at VGITIS. During her career, Atayeva played a huge number of roles, not only in Turkmenistan, but also in films made by studios in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. Named as both a laureate of the State Prize named after Magtymguly and a People’s Artist of the USSR, she is fondly remembered for her parts in the films, “Daughter-in-Law” (1972), “The Kugitang Tragedy” (1978), and the famed historical epic set in the time of Genghis Khan, “The Fall of Otrar” (1991).

Maya (Mamajan) Kuliyeva

Photo: famousfix.com

Raised in an orphanage from the age of eight, Kuliyeva attended the Turkmenistan branch of the Moscow Conservatory before joining the Turkmen Theater of Opera and Ballet. A lyric soprano, she became the first to perform roles from Western operas on stage in Turkmenistan. Her repertoire included roles in The Tsar’s Bride by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Faust by Charles Gounod, and Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini. Beyond the stage, she also appeared in several films.

Kuliyeva received a host of awards throughout her career, including the titles of Honored Artist of the Turkmen SSR, People’s Artist of the Turkmen SSR, People’s Artist of the USSR, and Hero of Turkmenistan. Additionally, she served as a deputy of the Supreme Council of the Turkmen SSR during its second and fourth sessions.

A Communist Party organizer during the Soviet-era, she continued to receive recognition after the dissolution of the USSR. In 2010, it was reported that she still had final say over all operas performed in Turkmenistan.

Kuliyeva passed away in 2018, shortly before her 98th birthday, but her legacy lives on. In 2019, the Turkmen National Conservatory was renamed in her honor and the Museum of Maya Kuliyeva opened, and in 2020 a concert was staged in Ashgabat to commemorate the centenary of her birth.

Aksoltan Atayeva

Photo: UNICEF.org

A diplomat and politician, Aksoltan Atayeva has been the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations since February 23^rd 1995, making her the most senior Permanent Representative from any nation currently serving. A graduate of Medical Sciences, Atayeva has held numerous other posts, including Minister of Public Health, Minister of Social Security, President of the Trade Unions of Turkmenistan, and has been a member of the People’s Council since 1993. Atayeva is currently the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Cuba, Brazil, and Venezuela. In 2019, she was named a Hero of Turkmenistan.

Maya-Gozel Aimedova

Photo: famousfix.com

Maya-Gozel Aimedova is a celebrated actor who first graced the screen in “Incident in Dash-Kala” (1961). In this film, she portrayed a teacher battling against antiquated marriage customs. Her performance in “Daughter-in-Law” (1972) earned her the prestigious USSR State Prize.

Aimedova showcased her talents beyond acting by co-writing and starring in two films: “When a Woman Saddles a Horse” (1975) and “Djamal’s Tree” (1980). Her multifaceted contributions to these films underscore her versatility as an artist.

Her remarkable work in the industry led to her being recognized as the People’s Artist of Turkmen SSR in 1982. Five years later, in 1987, she was bestowed with the title of People’s Artist of the USSR, further cementing her legacy in the field of performing arts.

Aknur Saparovna Hodjagurbanova

Photo: afghanistan.tmembassy.gov.tm

Aknur Saparovna Hodjagurbanova has greatly influenced Turkmenistan’s culture and education. A distinguished conductor, choirmaster and teacher, Hodjagurbanova leads the Gunesh Choir at the special music boarding school within the Turkmen National Conservatory named after Maya Kuliyeva. An Honored Artist of Turkmenistan and a laureate of the Türkmeniň Altyn Asyry contest, she has repeatedly won the Presidential Award of Turkmenistan. Nurturing young talent and helping children grasp and perform musical pieces, Hodjagurbanova has been teaching for 64 years.