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Imports

Kyrgyzstan Temporarily Bans Import of Fruit and Berry Seedlings from Non-EAEU Countries

From March 1, Kyrgyzstan will introduce a temporary ban on the import of fruit and berry seedlings from countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The restriction will remain in effect for six months and will not apply to re-export or transit operations, according to a resolution adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers. The government states that the measure is intended to ensure food security, improve the efficiency of agricultural production, and strengthen quality control over imported planting materials. The Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan notes that the range of fruit and berry crops cultivated in the country has expanded significantly in recent years, necessitating clearer market regulation and the development of modern varieties that meet export standards as well as domestic demand. Officials expect the temporary ban to reduce import dependence and stimulate the development of domestic nurseries. According to government estimates, the measure will improve farmers’ access to high-quality locally produced seedlings and support the long-term development of the sector. Ahead of the announcement, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev stated that funding for the agricultural sector in 2026 will increase to $468.6 million, representing a $114 million rise compared to the previous year. Priority areas include product processing, value-added production, and food security. The authorities emphasize that temporary restrictions on the import and export of agricultural products are viewed as policy instruments to advance these strategic objectives.

public transport

Kazakhstan’s Falcon EuroBus to Supply 600 Electric Buses to Pakistan

Falcon EuroBus, founded in 2018 in Almaty, has signed an agreement with Pakistan to supply 600 electric buses. The deal is one of the largest export contracts for Kazakhstan’s engineering industry in the public transport sector. Falcon EuroBus produces a range of buses that meet European quality standards. The company’s current production capacity stands at 1,500 buses per year, with plans to expand it to 3,000 units. Uzbekistan and Mongolia have already expressed interest in its products, and Pakistan has now joined that list. A memorandum on the supply of electric buses was signed between Falcon EuroBus and Pakistani carrier OGCC International at the Kazakhstan–Pakistan business forum in Islamabad, held during the state visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The first deliveries are scheduled to begin in April. The contract covers 600 electric buses and is valued at $108 million. By 2027–2028, the company plans to increase exports to Pakistan to 2,000 buses, including vehicles designed for transporting schoolchildren. “We carry out the full production cycle for buses. For us, this is an entry into a large market. In addition to the current contract, agreements have been reached on the prospects of supplying 2,000 school buses,” said Murat Adilkhanov, chairman of the board of directors of Falcon EuroBus. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration described the agreement as strategically important for promoting the Made in Kazakhstan brand and expanding exports of high-tech products. A total of 32 commercial documents were signed at the forum. Samruk-Kazyna JSC and Pakistan’s Fauji Group agreed to establish a joint investment platform. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation reached an agreement on cooperation in multimodal transport. Kazposhta signed memoranda with Pakistan Post and TCS Private Limited. The Aktau Seaport and the Port of Karachi also agreed to expand cooperation. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that more than 171,000 vehicles were produced in Kazakhstan in 2025, a record for the industry. Output of commercial vehicles, including buses, reached 12,200 units, up 8% year on year.

EU Sanctions

Kyrgyzstan’s Sanctions Dilemma: Drifting from the Central Asian Consensus?

While Kyrgyzstan is improving relations with the United States by hosting the second B5+1 forum in its capital, with the participation of U.S. Special Representative for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, Bishkek’s relations with Brussels appear to be deteriorating. The European Union is discussing possible sanctions against Kyrgyzstan, and is reportedly considering a ban on the import of certain categories of goods into the country. According to Bloomberg, which was the first to disclose details of the EU’s upcoming 20th package of sanctions against Russia, Brussels is prepared to restrict Kyrgyzstan’s trade in machine tools and radio equipment over allegations of helping the Kremlin circumvent existing bans. The Kyrgyz government has already responded to the report. On February 3, Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev held a video conference with EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan, during which the sides agreed to engage in “constructive and substantive dialogue on issues related to sanctions.” Further discussions are expected during O’Sullivan’s visit to Bishkek at the end of the month, scheduled for February 26. Even before the EU representative’s visit, Kyrgyz officials have publicly commented on the prospect of sanctions, offering a clear sense of the tone likely to shape the dialogue. In an interview with Azattyk, Amangeldiev stressed that Kyrgyzstan has imposed restrictions on the export of dual-use goods, including weapons, and therefore sees no grounds for measures against the state. He also suggested that any potential restrictions might not take the form of sanctions against Kyrgyzstan itself, but rather recommendations to individual EU member states not to supply certain goods to the republic. Deputy Chairman of Kyrgyzstan's Cabinet of Ministers, Edil Baisalov, emphasized that Bishkek consistently communicates its position to European officials, arguing that its “trade relations with Russia do not cause any damage to third countries.” As a negotiating advantage, Baisalov pointed to what he described as growing international attention toward Kyrgyzstan. “Compared to the past, interest in our country and in the history of its socio-economic strengthening has grown significantly,” Baisalov said. “I believe the European authorities have enough patience, wisdom, and understanding not to damage relations with the Kyrgyz Republic. There is no need to create the impression that they intend to restrict us in any way or undermine our policy of national development and economic strengthening.” At the same time, small and medium-sized businesses in Kyrgyzstan are already facing serious difficulties due to the existing sanctions regime, even though these measures do not directly target the country’s key economic sectors. The logistics sector has been hit hardest. Delivery times have increased, costs have risen, visa requirements for drivers have tightened, and the volume of required documentation has expanded significantly. International payments have emerged as a separate challenge. Transfers in dollars, euros, and other currencies are increasingly delayed. Banks demand additional explanations, scrutinize the origin of funds, and in some cases suspend transactions indefinitely, creating cash-flow gaps. To reduce risks, companies are spreading payments across multiple banks: one for ruble transactions, another for Europe, and a third for...

Nipah Virus

Kyrgyzstan Bans Animal Imports from India to Prevent Nipah Virus Spread

On January 28, Kyrgyzstan’s Veterinary Service imposed temporary restrictions on the import of live animals and animal products from India in response to confirmed cases of Nipah virus infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus is a severe zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as fruit bats or pigs, or through consumption of food contaminated by bat secretions. Human-to-human transmission is also possible through close contact. The virus has an estimated case-fatality rate of 40% to 75%. Two confirmed cases of Nipah virus were reported in late December in India’s eastern state of West Bengal. Both infected individuals were healthcare workers. Following these reports, authorities in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia intensified airport screenings to contain the risk of cross-border transmission. Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Health has issued a statement urging the public to remain calm, noting that no cases of Nipah virus have been registered in the country. The ministry assured that the healthcare system is prepared to respond swiftly to potential epidemiological threats. As a preventive measure, sanitary and quarantine controls have been tightened at Kyrgyzstan’s border crossings. The ministry continues to collaborate with the WHO and other international partners to monitor developments and coordinate containment efforts. In neighboring Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Health issued a similar statement confirming that no cases of Nipah virus infection have been detected and that the epidemiological situation remains under control. As a precaution, Kazakhstan has also enhanced screening procedures at all border checkpoints, with special attention to travelers arriving from India and Southeast Asia.

Fish Farming

Mangistau Region Aims to Replace Up to 60% of Kazakhstan’s Salmon Imports

Authorities in Kazakhstan’s Mangistau region, located on the Caspian Sea coast, have announced plans to significantly expand domestic salmon farming, with the aim of replacing up to 60% of the country's salmon imports within five years. At a press conference in Astana, regional governor Nurdaulet Kilybay said fisheries are emerging as a key pillar in efforts to diversify the regional economy. Between 2025 and 2027, four major aquaculture projects are planned, including the industrial farming of marine salmon species in offshore cage systems. Currently, Kazakhstan imports over 8,000 tons of salmon annually, primarily from European suppliers. “Next year, by producing 1,300 tons of salmon, we will reduce imports by about 16%. By 2029, we aim to increase production to 5,000 tons, which will replace about 60% of the country’s imports,” Kilybay said. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture has previously highlighted cage fish farming, raising fish in controlled, semi-open water environments, as one of the most promising aquaculture formats in the country. A flagship project in Mangistau is being implemented by Organic Fish LLP, with a planned capacity of 5,000 tons of sea trout per year. The company has received preferential financing for equipment and sea cage installation. In autumn, approximately 10,000 juvenile trout were released into the Caspian Sea, with some expected to reach market size by next year. Since 2021, 44 cage farms have been launched across Kazakhstan, concentrated in the East Kazakhstan, Almaty, and Turkestan regions. Of the country’s total annual fish production, estimated at 20,000 tons, about 3,500 tons now come from cage farming. By 2027, 39 new aquaculture projects are planned under the national fisheries development strategy. In total, roughly 600 fish farms of various types currently operate across the country. According to official data, Kazakhstan’s fish market grew by 9.3% in 2024, reaching 96,600 tons, up from 88,300 tons the previous year. However, exports declined by 11% to 23,400 tons, despite consistent demand for Kazakhstani fish in over 20 countries. The drop has been attributed to changes in logistics and rising delivery costs to the European Union. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, a new fish processing facility opened in the Kyzylorda region in October, marking another milestone in the recovery of Kazakhstan’s fishing industry, including in the Aral Sea basin.

Agriculture

Uzbekistan to Import 300,000 Animals, Launch $367 Million in Livestock Projects

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced a sweeping expansion of the country’s livestock sector as part of broader agricultural reforms. Speaking on December 10 at a meeting with industry specialists to mark Agriculture Workers’ Day, the president outlined key initiatives aimed at boosting domestic production of meat and dairy products. According to the president’s press secretary, the government will import 100,000 head of cattle and 200,000 sheep and goats in 2026. Farmers working within cotton and grain clusters will be permitted to construct lightweight livestock facilities of up to 20 sotok (approximately 0.2 hectares) on their existing plots, a move designed to better integrate crop and livestock operations. Uzbekistan will also extend its subsidy program for imported breeding cattle and day-old chicks for an additional five years. To support the livestock sector’s growth, the government plans to allocate $157 million from funding provided by the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. These loans will be issued to farmers at an interest rate of 17% for a term of up to 10 years, including a three-year grace period. Additional financing will include $150 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and $60 million from the Asian Development Bank. Authorities say the efficient use of these resources could support the launch of 1,000 projects valued at 5 trillion UZS, including the establishment of 340 small livestock farms across 167 districts, modeled after a French framework. Last year, the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan and the French Development Agency (AFD) signed agreements to support sustainable livestock development. The EU committed €4.7 million in grants for technical assistance and an additional €7.9 million to support Uzbekistan’s drinking water program, helping lay the groundwork for these agricultural reforms.