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Legislation

Kazakhstan Updates Rules for Installing Monuments and Memorials

New regulations governing the installation of monumental art structures have come into effect in Kazakhstan, following an order issued by the Ministry of Culture and Information. The updated rules delegate the responsibility for organizing monument installations to local executive bodies in oblasts, cities of republican significance, and the capital. Funding for these projects may come from local budgets or other sources permitted under Kazakh law. Monuments and busts can only be erected in honor of exceptional individuals or to commemorate significant historical events. Such proposals must be approved by a resolution from the Government of Kazakhstan. The regulations also specify that monuments can be erected during a person’s lifetime in exceptional cases. “The monument may be established not earlier than five years after the death of an outstanding personality, except in cases of heroism, contribution to strengthening independence, or other significant events,” the document states. Additionally, each locality may commemorate a historical event or prominent individual with only one monument. Installation sites must be located on state property or public facilities. Monument projects will be selected through a national creative competition among sculptors to minimize corruption risks. These competitions are organized based on annual plans, with regional proposals submitted by December 1 each year. Kazakhstan has only erected lifetime monuments for one individual: former President Nursultan Nazarbayev. However, several of these monuments were dismantled following the events of January 2022. During the unrest, rioters destroyed a four-meter-high sculpture of Nazarbayev in Taldykorgan. In subsequent months, other monuments to Nazarbayev were removed from public spaces. For instance, his monument was taken down at the National Defense University in Astana, his portrait was removed from Almaly station in the Almaty subway, and in February, his sculpture was removed from the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana.

Economic Growth

Uzbekistan’s Economic Transformation and Future Goals Take Center Stage

Uzbekistan’s economic progress and future ambitions are in focus as the Indian magazine Business Central Asia dedicates its latest issue to the country’s development. Highlighting key points from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the feature showcases Uzbekistan’s achievements and ambitious goals for the years ahead. The article highlights Uzbekistan’s remarkable economic transformation. Since the early 2000s, the country’s economy has doubled, surpassing the $100 billion mark. By 2024, per capita income is expected to reach $3,000, while exports have grown to exceed $25 billion for the first time. Gold and foreign exchange reserves have also seen substantial growth, surpassing $40 billion. Looking to the future, the Uzbekistan-2030 strategy outlines ambitious targets to further accelerate economic growth. The plan envisions increasing GDP to $160 billion, with a projected $110 billion milestone this year. If current growth rates are sustained, Uzbekistan’s economy could reach $200 billion by 2030, significantly improving living standards and the overall quality of life for its citizens. Ensuring macroeconomic stability is a key priority in the government’s roadmap. Over the next five years, Uzbekistan aims to sustain annual growth of 6-7%, expand the private sector’s share of the economy to 85%, and launch large-scale public-private partnership projects. The feature also emphasizes Uzbekistan’s long-term economic resilience. According to the World Bank, the country is poised to rank among the top three fastest-growing economies in Europe and Central Asia in 2024, further validating its development strategy. Uzbekistan’s leadership remains committed to maintaining growth momentum while addressing structural reforms. With a strong focus on sustainable development, the government’s policies aim to enhance economic opportunities and ensure inclusive growth for all segments of the population.

Energy

Uzbekistan Energizes Growth with $7 Billion in New Energy Projects

On December 13, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inaugurated operations for 18 new energy facilities and launched the construction of six additional projects. Together, the 24 initiatives represent an investment of over $7 billion. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for Uzbekistan’s energy sector, connecting the national power grid to five solar and wind power plants with a combined capacity of approximately 2,300 megawatts. Additionally, five high-voltage substations were commissioned in the Bukhara, Navoi, Namangan, and Tashkent regions. The country’s first energy storage system, with a capacity of 300 megawatts, began operations in the Andijan and Fergana regions. New power facilities launched include a 400-megawatt plant in Kashkadarya, a modern cogeneration plant in Tashkent, and four small hydroelectric power plants in Andijan, Surkhandarya, and Tashkent regions. Mirziyoyev also initiated construction on six power-generating facilities with a total capacity of 2.5 gigawatts in the Fergana, Samarkand, Navoi, and Tashkent regions, as well as in the city of Tashkent. These projects will collectively produce an additional 9.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, sufficient to power more than 4 million households. They are also expected to save 2.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas and reduce emissions by 4.6 million tons annually. Foreign Investment Fuels Energy Transformation Mirziyoyev highlighted the pivotal role of foreign investment in these initiatives. Companies from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, China, and Germany are leading the projects, supported by international financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the World Bank. Uzbekistan aims to produce 84 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2025—an increase of 25 billion kilowatt-hours compared to 2016. Over the past five years, the energy sector has attracted $20 billion in foreign direct investment. Solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 3,500 megawatts have already been launched, producing 10 billion kilowatt-hours annually and raising the share of "green" energy to 16% of the total energy mix. The country’s GDP reached a historic $100 billion last year, and plans are underway to double this to $200 billion by 2030. Such economic growth will drive a 1.5-fold increase in electricity demand over the next five years. Key Priorities for Uzbekistan’s Energy Sector Mirziyoyev outlined three strategic priorities for the energy sector: Expansion of Renewable Energy By 2030, Uzbekistan plans to add 19,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity, increasing the share of "green" energy to 54%. In 2025, the country will commission 18 solar and wind power plants with a combined capacity of 3,400 megawatts, along with energy storage systems totaling 1,800 megawatts. This is expected to boost "green" energy production to 12 billion kilowatt-hours annually. Liberalization of the Electricity Market Uzbekistan will continue to liberalize its electricity market, with plans to establish a competitive wholesale electricity market by the end of 2025. Public-private partnerships will be introduced in energy distribution, and $4 billion will be invested to modernize power grids across the country. Expanding International Cooperation The government will enhance international collaboration in...

Government

Akylbek Japarov Dismissed as Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet Chief

On December 16, Kyrgyzstan’s head of the Cabinet of Ministers and Presidential Administration, Akylbek Japarov was dismissed from his position. Sources within the presidential administration confirmed the news to The Times of Central Asia. According to reports, President Sadyr Japarov has signed a decree formalizing the resignation. Akylbek Japarov is expected to be appointed as an advisor to the president. In the interim, Adylbek Kasymaliev, the first deputy head of the Cabinet of Ministers, will serve as acting prime minister. The appointment of a permanent successor has yet to be announced. After a long political career including, holding posts under former president's Akayev an Bakiev, Akylbek Japarov’s return to the forefront of Kyrgyz politics under President Japarov began in 2021, when he was appointed as an advisor on financial and economic issues. He later served as Minister of the Economy and Commerce, and as Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. On October 13, 2021, he assumed the dual role of head of the Cabinet of Ministers and head of the Presidential Administration, a position he held until his dismissal. Akylbek Japarov’s tenure as head of government stands out for its longevity. Since Kyrgyzstan gained independence in 1991, the country has seen 33 prime ministers, many of whom served for less than a year, whilst some held office for only a few days. In this context, Akylbek Japarov’s relatively long tenure of more than three years marks a significant achievement in Kyrgyz political history. From 2000 to 2005, Akylbek Japarov served as a deputy in the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament). Over the years, he held various key positions, including first deputy prime minister, deputy, and chair of the Committee on Budget and Finance. Akylbek Japarov gained particular recognition during his tenure as Minister of Economy and Finance for championing the controversial idea of passports for livestock. This initiative aimed to help farms export meat by providing identification for livestock, thereby improving traceability and quality standards.

Government

Government Approval Becomes Mandatory for New Mosques in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz government has introduced a new regulation requiring government approval for the construction of mosques. Azamat Yusupov, the director of the State Commission on Religious Affairs (SCRA), announced the policy during a meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament. Yusupov revealed that over 1,000 religious institutions in the country are currently operating without proper authorization. Of these, around 800 have been officially registered, while approximately 120 mosques remain unregistered. “In the past, mosques were often built first and registered later. Going forward, construction must be pre-approved by state authorities to ensure legal compliance. We will evaluate the necessity of building a mosque in any given area before granting permission,” Yusupov stated. The Kyrgyz parliament is also deliberating a draft law entitled “On Freedom of Religion and Religious Associations.” Prepared by the SCRA, the bill aims to address inconsistencies in existing legislation. The proposed law consists of six chapters and 40 articles, covering a range of issues related to religious freedom and regulation. Key provisions of the draft law include: Mandatory registration of religious sites. A prohibition on combining public service with religious activities. Restrictions on wearing clothing that hinders personal identification. Regulations governing the operations of religious organizations. A ban on interference by religious groups in state affairs. President Sadyr Japarov has engaged with government officials and religious leaders to discuss the draft law, stressing the importance of balancing the interests of all societal groups while safeguarding national security and citizens’ rights. The finalized version of the draft law will soon be presented to the Jogorku Kenesh for consideration and approval. If enacted, these changes are expected to significantly reshape how religious organizations operate in Kyrgyzstan It is not yet clear how ordinary believers will react to the innovations. For example, last year, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan, which is in line with state policy, reacted sharply to an attempt to initiate a bill banning burkas and beards. Since 2021, the country's authorities have been attempting to strengthen the secular foundations of the state by trying to establish control over various religious organizations. However, this has not prevented certain politicians from harnessing the growing religiosity of the population for their own purposes. In terms of the number of mosques per believer, Kyrgyzstan is ahead of all Central Asian countries, with 3,593 throughout the country. The largest number of mosques is in Osh Province (1,063), the smallest in Naryn Province (194). There are 46 mosques registered in Bishkek and 89 in Osh. Kyrgyzstan also has 220 religious educational institutions, most of which operate in Osh Oblast. Such data is provided by the State Commission on Religious Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Agriculture

Kazakhstan Boosts Subsidies for Farmers Using Water-Saving Technologies

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has announced an increase in state subsidies for farmers employing water-saving technologies, raising support to 85% for irrigation water costs. This move aims to encourage the widespread adoption of modern water-saving methods, which are expected to reduce water consumption and expand agricultural land. Berikbol Mandibayev, Director of the Ministry’s Department for the Development of Water-Saving Technologies, highlighted the initiative’s potential impact. “The increased subsidies will motivate farmers to adopt modern water-saving technologies, saving 20–30% of irrigation water and enabling the expansion of the country’s agricultural land by 1.3 million hectares by 2030,” Mandibayev said. Subsidies for the purchase and installation of water-saving systems were also raised this year, increasing from 50% to 80%. The Ministry has outlined a Roadmap for Water Conservation for 2024-2026, which includes measures to improve water legislation, digitalize the water sector, and implement advanced water metering and conservation technologies. Additionally, master plans for introducing water-saving systems through 2030 have been approved. Kazakhstan’s agricultural land spans 23.3 million hectares, of which 1.9 million hectares are irrigated, primarily in the country’s arid southern regions. However, the adoption of water-saving technologies remains limited. In 2023, only 17% of irrigated land (312,000 hectares) utilized such technologies, with drip irrigation employed on just 84,000 hectares. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has criticized the slow pace of progress in adopting water-saving practices, citing annual water losses of up to 40% in some regions. The agricultural sector’s inefficiency prompted calls for urgent reforms earlier this year.