Economic Cooperation - The Times Of Central Asia

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Afghanistan Extends Electricity Import Agreement with Uzbekistan Until 2025

Afghanistan’s state-owned power company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), has extended its electricity import agreement with Uzbekistan through the end of 2025. The agreement was signed in Uzbekistan by Abdul Bari Umar, the Taliban’s acting head of DABS, and representatives from the National Electricity Company of Uzbekistan. This extension is vital for Afghanistan, where unreliable electricity continues to affect millions of people. According to the Ministry of Energy and Water under Taliban control, the country requires 1,500 megawatts of electricity. Of this, approximately 720 megawatts are imported, while the remainder is generated domestically. Afghanistan remains heavily reliant on neighboring countries for power due to its limited domestic production capacity. Residents of Kabul and other regions frequently endure prolonged outages, fueling public frustration over the lack of a consistent power supply. In recent months, DABS reported disruptions in electricity imports from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, leaving many areas without power. The outages were attributed to technical issues on the Uzbek side and storm-related problems in Turkmenistan. Both issues have since been resolved, and electricity transmission to Afghanistan has been restored. The extended agreement with Uzbekistan represents a critical step in addressing Afghanistan’s energy needs, though long-term solutions to bolster domestic electricity production remain essential.

United States International Cooperation Business Support Economic Cooperation

Turkmenistan and U.S. Representatives Explore Prospects for Economic Partnership

A Turkmen-American business forum was held in Ashgabat to discuss opportunities for expanding economic cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United States. The event brought together a delegation of American business leaders led by Eric Stewart, Executive Director of the Turkmen-American Business Council. In their remarks, representatives from both sides emphasized the friendly and cooperative nature of Turkmen-American relations, reaffirming their commitment to deepening ties based on mutual benefit. Turkmenistan, focused on economic diversification and the adoption of advanced technologies, expressed readiness to support U.S. companies in establishing and expanding operations in the Turkmen market. It was highlighted that Turkmenistan offers favorable conditions for investors, including legal and organizational mechanisms to facilitate business activities. The U.S. delegation underscored the strong interest of leading American companies in the Turkmen market and their willingness to contribute to strategic programs aimed at regional development. Companies such as John Deere, Case, General Electric, Boeing, and others are already operating successfully in key sectors of the Turkmen economy. Discussions during the forum centered on priority areas of collaboration, including: Industry, agriculture, and water resources: Supplies of advanced equipment to boost productivity. Fuel and energy sector: Joint projects to advance energy infrastructure. Transportation and construction: Enhancing connectivity and infrastructure development. Innovative technologies, healthcare, and ecology: Promoting sustainable solutions and technological progress. Special attention was given to the role of the Turkmen-American Business Council as a key platform for fostering partnerships between public and private sectors in both countries. Meetings between Turkmen ministries and agencies and representatives of the U.S. business community took place as part of the forum. Discussions focused on opportunities to increase bilateral trade, expand investment activities, and enhance cooperation in high-tech industries. Participants outlined practical steps for implementing joint projects to further strengthen economic ties. Turkmen-American cooperation continues to develop across multiple sectors. Notable recent engagements include: February 2024: The U.S. State Department hosted talks with a Turkmen delegation led by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Asia, John Pommersheim, covering political, economic, and cultural cooperation. April 2024: Political consultations in Ashgabat reaffirmed mutual commitments to enhancing bilateral ties. August 2024: Turkmen Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmed Gurbanov met with U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Rood to discuss future collaboration prospects. Both sides highlighted the importance of regular political consultations and multilateral platforms such as the C5+1 format for coordinating joint actions and fostering regional development.

International Diplomacy Economic Cooperation International investment Export International Cooperation European Union

Uzbekistan Proposes 10-Year Extension of Duty Free Export Benefits to the EU

On December 4-5, Uzbekistan participated for the first time in the meeting of the General Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) working group of the European Union in Brussels. The meeting included representatives from 28 EU member states and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade (MIIT). Uzbekistan’s delegation highlighted the progress made since becoming a GSP+ beneficiary in 2021. During this time, the country’s exports to the EU nearly tripled, reaching $1.15 billion. Of the 6,200 products eligible for duty-free export, approximately 1,100 - primarily agricultural, textile, and chemical goods - are exported regularly. To further enhance market stability and competitiveness, the delegation proposed adding new fruits and vegetables to the list of preferred goods and revising seasonal export quotas. They also recommended extending the GSP+ preferential trade regime for an additional ten years to foster long-term economic ties with the EU. During the visit, Uzbek representatives held talks with European Commission officials to improve access to Uzbek products, adjust quotas for rolling metals, and secure technical assistance to align with EU standards. These discussions mark a significant step in expanding trade and economic cooperation under the GSP+ framework.

International trade Economic Cooperation Silk Road Economic Belt Xinjiang Export/Import China

Kazakhstan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong Forge Trilateral Partnership to Boost Trade, Investment, and Connectivity

Kazakhstan, China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have agreed to establish a joint mechanism for trilateral cooperation. The agreement was reached on December 5 during a meeting in Urumqi, Xinjiang, attended by Kazakhstan's Vice Prime Minister Serik Jumangarin, XUAR Party Committee Secretary Ma Xingrui, and Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau. At the meeting, Ma Xingrui underscored Xinjiang’s strategic role as a bridge connecting Kazakhstan with Hong Kong and the broader Belt and Road Initiative. Highlighting Kazakhstan as a critical transport hub linking Europe and Asia, and Hong Kong as a global trade and logistics center, Ma proposed developing a framework for collaboration. The suggested mechanism would focus on boosting investment and strengthening cooperation in key sectors, including finance, energy, agriculture, logistics, and cultural exchanges such as education, healthcare, tourism, and scientific research. Vice Prime Minister Jumangarin proposed establishing a Kazakhstan-Xinjiang-Hong Kong Cooperation Council to create actionable strategies for enhancing investment, trade, and economic ties. He suggested hosting the council’s inaugural meeting in Kazakhstan next year. Jumangarin also highlighted China’s significant investment in Kazakhstan, noting 145 joint projects worth $38 billion and 5,000 joint ventures currently operating in the country. He invited businesses from Hong Kong and Xinjiang to collaborate on establishing production facilities in Kazakhstan, particularly for the deep processing of agricultural raw materials. “Kazakhstan is a major exporter of grain and oilseed products, with growing livestock exports,” Jumangarin said. “We encourage businesses from Hong Kong and Xinjiang to partner with us in producing value-added food products.” Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce, Algernon Yau, emphasized the city’s status as the world’s third-largest financial center and a global aviation hub connecting over 200 destinations. He welcomed Kazakh enterprises to register in Hong Kong, highlighting the city’s strong ties with ASEAN countries, which could provide Kazakh companies with expanded access to those markets. In a separate meeting, Jumangarin and Ma Xingrui discussed plans to double trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Xinjiang. XUAR is Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner among Chinese regions, accounting for nearly half of the bilateral trade volume. In 2023, trade between Kazakhstan and XUAR grew by 62%, reaching $20.3 billion. During the first nine months of 2024, trade increased by another 22.46%, reaching $17.67 billion. Both sides are working toward the goal set by the presidents of Kazakhstan and China to raise overall trade turnover to $100 billion. Another key topic was the development of river transportation as an alternative to road and rail routes. Kazakhstan proposed creating a multimodal transit corridor through Russia, Kazakhstan, and China using the transboundary Irtysh River, with initial freight traffic volumes projected at 2–2.5 million tons. Additionally, a potential route along the transboundary Ili River was discussed, linking the Kazakh city of Konayev with the Chinese city of Yining. The agreements reached at the trilateral meeting represent a significant step toward closer collaboration between Kazakhstan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong. With plans to enhance trade, investment, and infrastructure development, the partnership holds great...

Foreign trade turnover Economic Cooperation Export of Natural Gas Bilateral Cooperation Middle Corridor Trade Turkey

Turkmenistan and Turkey Aim to Double Trade Turnover

Turkmenistan and Turkey have announced plans to double their annual trade turnover from $2.5 billion to $5 billion in the coming years. Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat shared the goal during an exhibition in Ashgabat, where more than 70 Turkish companies were represented. He emphasized that the current trade volume is insufficient and that achieving this milestone would significantly strengthen economic ties between the two nations. Roadmap for Economic Cooperation A key step toward this goal will be the 8th meeting of the intergovernmental commission, scheduled for February or March next year in Ankara. According to Bolat, the meeting will approve a new roadmap for trade and economic cooperation. “We will develop our cooperation in various fields, following the vision of the leaders of our brotherly countries,” Bolat stated, highlighting the deep cultural and historical ties between Turkey and Turkmenistan. Priority Sectors The partnership will focus on several priority areas: • Energy: Discussions are underway to facilitate the transportation of Turkmen natural gas to Europe, which could lead to strategically important agreements. • Chemical Industry: Both countries aim to collaborate on projects that enhance the sector's development. • Trade Facilitation: Improvements in customs procedures and visa regime simplifications are expected to ease business interactions for citizens of both nations. Bolat also underscored the importance of Turkish construction projects in Turkmenistan, as well as the role of the Middle Corridor in boosting trade opportunities by improving goods transportation. Strengthening Economic Ties Turkey and Turkmenistan already maintain robust economic relations, with Turkey ranking as one of Turkmenistan’s leading trade partners. More than 600 Turkish companies operate in sectors such as trade, investment, construction, energy, transportation, communications, textiles, and processing industries. This strategic collaboration reflects shared cultural and historical roots, with both countries committed to furthering economic cooperation across various fields. The ambitious $5 billion trade goal demonstrates a mutual effort to deepen ties and expand opportunities in the region.

railroads Foreign Cooperation Economic Cooperation Belt and Road Initiative Khorgos Pakistan Trade Uyghur Xinjiang China

Amid Sanctions, China’s Xinjiang Strengthens Ties with Central Asia

China’s Xinjiang region is deepening its engagement with Pakistan and Central Asia as part of efforts to counter Western sanctions and bolster its role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). On November 26, officials from Xinjiang met with their counterparts from Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu region for the first meeting under a new cross-border coordination mechanism. The discussions focused on cross-border tourism, infrastructure, market regulation, quarantine measures, and joint crime prevention. The meeting culminated in the signing of a memorandum on cross-border tourism. The discussions took place near the port of Khorgos, a critical hub for the China Railway Express, which connects China with Europe. Khorgos is home to China’s first cross-border cooperation center, where residents of neighboring countries can engage in business and shop visa-free. The center allows duty-free purchases of up to 8,000 yuan ($1,104) per day. Xinjiang Governor Erkin Tunyoz stressed the importance of strengthening ties with Zhetysu in areas such as trade, tourism, security, and agriculture. This cooperation is becoming increasingly crucial for Beijing as Xinjiang grapples with sanctions from the United States and other Western countries over alleged human rights abuses—a claim that China denies. Sanctions include the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which prohibits imports from Xinjiang suspected of being produced using forced labor. Similar measures have been implemented by Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. In addition to its collaboration with Kazakhstan, China has established a dialogue mechanism with the five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Since 2020, foreign ministers from these nations have met annually to discuss logistics, trade, investment, agriculture, mining, and security. Li Lifan, a Central Asia scholar at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, described Xinjiang as a “bridgehead” for the BRI. He highlighted the region’s rich natural resources and its role as a base for major industries, including automobile manufacturing. In 2023, trade between Xinjiang and Central Asian countries surged by 50%, reaching 283 billion yuan ($39 billion). Despite these successes, Li cautioned about future challenges. He noted uncertainties surrounding potential Western secondary sanctions, geopolitical tensions, and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Additionally, U.S.-China relations remain fraught, with further unpredictability anticipated under the leadership of Donald Trump. “Full economic development may only be achievable once global tensions ease,” he said.