Export/Import - The Times Of Central Asia

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Tomato Surplus in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Amid Low Russian Demand

Greenhouse vegetable farmers in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are grappling with a significant oversupply of tomatoes due to a decline in demand from Russian buyers, according to analysts at EastFruit. Turkmenistan's greenhouse farmers are reporting extreme difficulties in selling their produce, with prices falling below $1 per kilogram. “Demand in the Russian market has dropped sharply, continuously exerting downward pressure on prices,” noted the EastFruit report. Turkmenistan has rapidly expanded its greenhouse farming sector in recent years, increasing production volumes of tomatoes. However, the sharp decline in Russian purchasing power is presenting a major challenge. Similarly, tomato prices in Uzbekistan have plummeted, averaging 32% lower than last year. Wholesale prices for red, round greenhouse tomatoes stand at $1.17 per kilogram for smaller quantities, with export prices similar to those in Turkmenistan. Despite these low prices, Uzbekistan often prioritizes exporting premium-quality tomatoes, which can fetch higher prices internationally than in the domestic market. Uzbek exporters have highlighted the negative impact of the depreciation of the Russian ruble and financial instability in Russia. These factors have complicated the export of greenhouse vegetables to one of the region's largest markets, exacerbating the difficulties faced by growers.

Afghanistan Export/Import Electricity supply Energy Infrastructure Energy Security

Afghanistan’s Electricity Restored Following Supply Issues from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

The Afghan Power Supply Company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), recently announced disruptions in electricity imports from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This has left many regions in darkness and sparked public dissatisfaction over the lack of a reliable power supply. The interruptions stemmed from technical problems on the Uzbek side and hurricane-related issues in Turkmenistan. Uzbek authorities confirmed that they were working to resolve the issue swiftly. On December 15, DABS confirmed that the technical issues had been resolved and normal electricity supply from both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan had been fully restored. Afghanistan relies heavily on electricity imports from neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan. In 2023, Uzbekistan extended its contract to export electricity to Afghanistan, underscoring the continued energy partnership between the two nations. In earlier discussions, Afghanistan offered Uzbekistan opportunities to invest in its natural resources, including oil, gas, and copper deposits in the provinces of Ghazni and Herat, along with the potential to establish mineral processing plants.

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

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...

Export/Import TAPI Economic Growth Export of Natural Gas Gas Pipelines

Construction of TAPI Gas Pipeline Begins in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has commenced the practical phase of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, one of the region’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives. Local media report that essential materials and equipment have been delivered to the border areas between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, enabling work to start on the Afghan section of the pipeline. The TAPI gas pipeline will span 1,814 kilometers, with 774 kilometers crossing Afghanistan. Once operational, the pipeline will transport 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, significantly boosting economic development across the region. Afghanistan is set to receive 5 billion cubic meters of gas each year from the pipeline and create over 12,000 jobs for its citizens. Economists estimate that the project could generate approximately $1 billion annually in revenue for Afghanistan. Discussions around the TAPI pipeline began in the early 2000s, and in 2013, an agreement was signed to form a consortium. The Turkmen state-owned company Turkmengaz holds an 85% stake, while Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India each hold 5% shares. Construction on the Turkmenistan section of the pipeline began in 2015 and has since been completed. Afghanistan is the next country to advance the project, with work on the section from Serhetabat to Herat initiated in September this year.

China Export/Import Agriculture Bilateral Cooperation Economic Cooperation Food industry Grain export

Kazakh Agricultural Producers Sign $1 Billion in Deals with China

Kazakhstan and China have strengthened their agricultural partnership with $1 billion in new export agreements signed on November 30 during negotiations in Beijing. The deals include a $100 million contract for Kazakh poultry products. Kazakhstan’s Agriculture Minister, Aidarbek Saparov, emphasized that grain, oilseeds, and vegetable oil form the bulk of the country’s agricultural exports to China. Grain exports, in particular, remain a key focus. In 2023, Kazakhstan’s grain exports to China surged 5.5-fold to 1.4 million tons. From January to September 2024, the country exported 1.1 million tons of grain to China. Both governments have agreed to raise grain exports to 2 million tons shortly. Kazakhstan has invited Chinese investors to collaborate in its agro-industrial sector, particularly in producing organic products, which command higher prices and are increasingly sought after in global markets. The country is also well-positioned to expand the production and export of high-quality livestock products, including beef, lamb, poultry, canned meat, dairy products, and honey. According to the Agriculture Ministry, Kazakhstan produces about $20 billion in agricultural goods annually. Over the past five years, agricultural exports have nearly doubled, reaching $5.4 billion. The ministry projects this figure will climb to $10 billion within the next five years.

Export/Import Agriculture Technology small and medium businesses Agricultural Produce

Kazakhstan’s Greenhouse Bananas: A Southern Success Story

A pioneering greenhouse in Kazakhstan's Turkestan region has begun producing 1,000 tons of bananas annually, marking a significant milestone in the country's agricultural diversification efforts. The project, led by GenGroupKazakhstan, combines innovative technology and tropical crop expertise to make banana cultivation viable in the region. GenGroupKazakhstan, known for its modern greenhouse construction, launched its first banana greenhouse on a five-hectare plot in June 2023. Drawing on techniques used in Turkey, the company harvested its first crop in May 2024. Building on this success, the company plans to expand its operations significantly. A new greenhouse complex spanning six hectares will focus on producing 3,000 tons of tomatoes and 130 tons of strawberries annually. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. In addition, GenGroupKazakhstan aims to cultivate mangoes, avocados, and blueberries across 10 hectares of open ground, further diversifying its portfolio of high-value crops. Vice Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov noted that growing bananas in Kazakhstan, while potentially profitable, presents unique challenges. Unlike tropical countries like Ecuador or Brazil, where bananas grow naturally with minimal input costs, Kazakhstan’s climate necessitates substantial investments in greenhouses, electricity, heating, fertilizers, and plant protection products. These requirements make banana production here a more resource-intensive endeavor.