Tajikistan Launches National Food Reform to Boost Nutrition

A large-scale food reform program titled “Changing the Food System to Improve Nutrition” has been launched in Tajikistan, aiming to improve dietary practices and enhance national food security. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Tajik government and several United Nations agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Food Programme (WFP). Sustainability and Coordination at the Core With a budget of $2 million, the program targets over 2.8 million people across both urban and rural areas. The central goals include fostering sustainable agricultural practices, promoting healthy eating habits, and strengthening food governance systems. Parvati Ramaswamy, the UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan, described the project as a unifying platform for agencies, donors, and international partners. “Changing the food system is one of the government's priorities for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” she stated. The program is implemented in coordination with the Tajikistan Food Security Committee and various national ministries. “By transforming food systems through innovation, inclusiveness, and sustainability, we can raise a healthy generation,” added Mahmoud Shirindjonzoda, First Deputy Chairman of the Food Security Committee. Four Pillars of the Program The initiative is structured around four main components: National Nutrition Standards ($650,000): This includes training seminars, updated dietary guidelines for schools and hospitals, and the introduction of comprehensive nutrition standards. Building a Culture of Nutrition ($300,000): Funds will support mass awareness campaigns, educational programs, and regional outreach to encourage healthy dietary habits. Sustainable Agriculture and Green Products ($850,000): Efforts will focus on training farmers, developing school gardens, and promoting eco-friendly local products. Support will also be extended to women and youth in agribusiness, with a new certification system for environmentally sustainable goods. Monitoring and Strategic Planning ($200,000): This component will develop a national nutrition assessment system and data-driven policy frameworks. Support for Vulnerable Populations and Local Production A key objective of the program is to strengthen state mechanisms for supplying nutritious food to vulnerable population groups. It also includes the preparation of policy recommendations and methodologies to enhance national food security. Promoting local, eco-friendly alternatives to imported goods is another major element of the project, aimed at reducing reliance on external supplies while supporting domestic producers. With its comprehensive approach, the program aspires not only to improve nutrition but also to establish a long-term foundation for sustainable development in Tajikistan, where food security and public health remain pressing concerns.

Kazakhstan’s Automotive Industry to Produce Nearly 150,000 Vehicles in 2025

Kazakhstan's automotive industry is projected to manufacture approximately 149,000 vehicles in 2025, according to government forecasts. This figure represents a 5% increase over 2024, when the country produced 134,000 vehicles. "This year, the automotive industry is expected to increase domestic car production to 149,000 units, or 5% more than in 2024," the government stated. The growth is being driven by several new car assembly projects initiated in 2025, including the construction of the Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan multi-brand plant in Almaty. Located in Kazakhstan’s largest city, the Almaty facility will begin assembling Chinese automotive brands such as Chery, Haval, and Changan. The project has attracted investments totaling KZT 202 billion (approximately USD 397.3 million) and is expected to produce up to 120,000 cars annually while creating more than 3,600 jobs. The development is also expected to stimulate related industries, particularly in auto parts manufacturing. Meanwhile, in Kostanay, the construction of a new KIA Kazakhstan plant is underway. With a projected capacity of 70,000 vehicles per year, the project has received KZT 90 billion (USD 177 million) in investment and will employ around 1,500 workers. According to the Kazakhstan Automobile Union, 33,100 new vehicles were produced nationwide in the first quarter of 2025. Of these, 18,000 were assembled in Kostanay, 12,900 in Almaty, and the remainder in Semey, the Karaganda Region, Kokshetau, and other locations. In a sign of the sector’s vertical development, the Almaty Autoparts Production enterprise has commenced operations in the city’s industrial zone. It will manufacture up to 100,000 car seat sets annually for Hyundai vehicles. The government's report underscores the role of state policy in advancing Kazakhstan’s machine-building industry, particularly through the formation of investment clusters. “Of the 17 major projects that form the industrial backbone of the economy, nine are overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Construction,” the report noted. The government’s focus on investment and localization is bearing fruit. In 2023, KZT 115 billion (USD 226 million) was invested in machine building, a figure that more than doubled in 2024 to KZT 282 billion (USD 554 million). Currently, over 4,000 enterprises are active in Kazakhstan’s machine-building sector. These include 66 large companies, 105 medium-sized firms, and 3,998 small businesses. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the country set a new record for new car sales in 2024.