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Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Intensify Efforts to Combat Disinformation

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have agreed to deepen their collaboration in the information sector, focusing on combating disinformation and fake news. The agreement was formalized during a meeting between representatives from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information and Uzbekistan’s Agency of Information and Mass Communications under the President’s Administration in Tashkent. A cooperation plan for 2025 was signed, covering several initiatives, including media content exchange, training programs for journalists and press secretaries, and support for young media professionals. This agreement builds on commitments made during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Kazakhstan on August 8, when both nations adopted a joint statement on mass communication cooperation. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information emphasized the importance of establishing robust mechanisms to counter fake news and fostering media integration through collaborative projects. The meeting also highlighted plans to organize press tours aimed at enhancing journalistic expertise and strengthening professional ties. A key focus was the development of the Silk Way TV channel, presented by Robert Muradyan, Managing Director of Kazakhstan’s Presidential TV and Radio Complex. The channel is envisioned as a platform for expanding content exchange among Central Asian nations. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s delegation is participating in the VI meeting of ministers and officials responsible for media, hosted by the Organization of Turkic States from December 17 to 19. Both sides expressed their readiness to bolster cooperation, which they see as integral to achieving strategic goals in media development and countering information threats. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are proactively addressing the issue of disinformation through legislative and educational measures. In Kazakhstan, the dissemination of false information is punishable by administrative and criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment of up to seven years, with the severity of the punishment determined by the level of harm caused. Uzbekistan has also taken significant steps. In September 2024, the First Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Media Forum was held in Tashkent, where participants discussed cooperative efforts to combat disinformation and improve media literacy. Uzbekistan is also implementing projects to establish cooperative mechanisms in the media sphere and organize press tours for journalists to enhance their skills. Both nations recognize the critical importance of combating disinformation to maintain the integrity of their media landscapes. By prioritizing educational initiatives, international collaboration, and media literacy, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are taking meaningful steps to ensure a more informed and resilient public.

international tourism tourism industry GDP Economy Tourism

Uzbekistan Named Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024

Uzbekistan emerged as the Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024. For the 23rd year, Wanderlust Travel magazine has invited readers to select their favorite destinations for its annual Reader Travel Awards. This year, 168,000 readers cast more than three million votes across 22 categories recognizing top destinations, tour operators, and tourism brands. Renowned for its Silk Road heritage, Uzbekistan offers a unique blend of historical and natural attractions. The Wanderlust report highlighted the country’s ancient cities, including Samarkand and Bukhara, as “remarkable time capsules” with Islamic architecture and bustling bazaars. Samarkand’s Registan Square was described as "unmissable." The report also praised Uzbekistan's natural landscapes, such as the Kyzylkum Desert and the Aral Sea, which remain lesser-known but equally impressive highlights. Uzbekistan’s tourism sector is rapidly expanding. Between January and October 2024, the country welcomed 6.5 million foreign visitors, a 17.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth equates to an additional 951,300 tourists. In June, a group led by Professor Gil Stein from the University of Chicago toured Uzbekistan for two weeks, visiting cultural hubs such as Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, and the Fergana Valley. Professor Stein commended Uzbekistan’s efforts to preserve its rich cultural heritage, noting that the country attracts a diverse range of visitors, including Islamic pilgrims, Buddhist heritage enthusiasts, and cultural heritage tourists. In 2023, Uzbekistan’s tourism industry generated $2.14 billion, contributing 2.35% of the nation’s GDP. The government is implementing measures to further bolster the sector. These include a $50 million credit line for local tourism businesses, tax exemptions for selected operators, specialized hotel management courses, and an online platform designed to assist tourists in planning their trips.

Investment Projects tourism industry international tourism Economy Tourism

Former Son-in-Law of Azerbaijan’s President to Build Tourist Center in Uzbekistan

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed plans for an international tourism center to be constructed in the Bostanlyk district of the Tashkent region, signaling continued investment in the area’s tourism infrastructure. In recent years, Bostanlyk district has seen significant state-supported development. Resorts such as Amirsay and “Beldersay-Chimgan-Nanay” have been established, bolstered by investments exceeding 2 trillion UZS (approximately $155.57 million). Over the past five years, 59 new tourist facilities offering 13,000 accommodations have opened in the district. Azerbaijani businessman Emin Agalarov has proposed the creation of “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan,” an international tourism center near the Charvak reservoir. The ambitious project is set to involve collaboration with several major foreign companies. The “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan” project envisions a comprehensive facility featuring recreation areas, swimming pools, and sports facilities. Plans include hotels, cottages, and residential spaces, as well as retail outlets, restaurants, and services offered by international brands. The center will also host festivals, concerts, and cultural events, while a bridge connecting the reservoir's two banks will improve accessibility for visitors. Mirziyoyev has endorsed the proposal, emphasizing a phased approach to design and construction that incorporates international expertise. Emin Agalarov, the former son-in-law of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, married Aliyev’s eldest daughter, Leyla Aliyeva, in 2006 before divorcing in 2015. In addition to his business ventures, Agalarov is a singer and the son of Azerbaijani-Russian oligarch Aras Agalarov. The Agalarov family owns Crocus City Hall, a prominent venue in Moscow that hosted the 2013 Miss Universe pageant, once owned by Donald Trump. During Trump’s visit to Moscow that same year, Emin filmed a music video featuring Trump and the pageant contestants.

tourism industry international tourism Trains Regional Cooperation Tourism

Second Train Tour Launched Between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan’s national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), has announced the launch of its second train tour, Jibek Joly (Silk Road) 2.0, connecting major cities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The inaugural journey on this new route will depart from Almaty on January 2, 2025, and return on January 7. The itinerary includes stops at some of the most iconic and culturally rich destinations in the region: Turkestan, Kazakhstan: Passengers will spend a full day exploring this ancient city, including a visit to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique architecture. Tashkent, Uzbekistan: The tour will highlight the historical landmarks of the Uzbek capital, along with modern attractions such as the Magic City theme park. Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Travelers will visit landmarks including the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, and the Ulugbek Madrasah. Shymkent, Kazakhstan: The final stop on the tour is Kazakhstan’s third-largest city, known for its dynamic urban culture. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, this initiative follows the success of the first four-day train tour launched in November, which connected Almaty, Turkestan, and Tashkent. The Jibek Joly 2.0 train route underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to enhancing regional tourism and strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.

Air Transport Issyk-Kul Economy Infrastructure Development Airports international tourism

Kyrgyzstan Opens Airport in Karakol – More New Routes Coming Soon

On December 11, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov inaugurated the reconstructed international airport in Karakol, the main city of the Issyk-Kul region. Situated southeast of Lake Issyk-Kul, Karakol is Kyrgyzstan’s winter tourism hub and home to the nation’s largest and most popular mountain ski resort. President Japarov highlighted the reopening of the Karakol International Airport as a pivotal move toward strengthening regional connectivity, boosting tourism, and enhancing Kyrgyzstan’s international profile. “This is just the beginning,” Japarov remarked, announcing plans for a major new development: a “Kyrgyz Courchevel,” envisioned as Central Asia’s largest and most modern ski resort. Located 70 kilometers from the airport, the year-round facility is planned to accommodate up to a million tourists per season. Kyrgyzstan’s government is also prioritizing the modernization of regional airports to improve domestic air connectivity. Renovation projects are underway in Naryn, Kazarman, Kerben, and Batken, while construction of a new airport in the southern city of Jalal-Abad is set to begin soon. Starting in May, the government plans to launch domestic flights on routes including Kazarman-Bishkek, Naryn-Bishkek, Kerben-Bishkek, Karakol-Osh, and Talas-Osh. These flights will be operated by the state-owned Asman Airlines. This follows the reopening of the Talas airport in May, as previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, marking its return to operation after decades of inactivity since the Soviet-era. Originally built in 1979 to accommodate planes and helicopters, the airport had long been out of service until its recent renovation. To support the enhanced domestic air network, Kyrgyzstan’s Manas International Airport Open Joint Stock Company has procured two Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft for Asman Airlines. Manufactured in Canada, the Dash 8 Q400 is a short-haul plane capable of carrying up to 80 passengers over distances of up to 2,000 kilometers.

Tourism Legislation Visa Digital Nomads international tourism visas

British Citizen Becomes First Holder of Kazakhstan’s New Neo Nomad Visa

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced that Sertac Yener, a British citizen, has become the first foreign national to receive the new Neo Nomad Visa. Kazakhstan introduced updated visa regulations on November 18, 2024, to attract business immigrants, skilled professionals, and tourists. Among the new offerings is the Digital Nomad Visa, which provides long-term residence options for IT specialists, and the Neo Nomad Visa, designed for “neo-nomads” with a verified monthly income of at least $3,000. Applicants for the Neo Nomad Visa are required to provide health insurance and a clean criminal record. The first Neo Nomad Visa was issued at Kazakhstan’s embassy in the UAE. Sertac Yener brings 30 years of experience in the energy sector, focusing on project development, financing, and corporate partnerships. In addition to his professional pursuits, Yener has a deep interest in Kazakhstan’s language, culture, natural landscapes, and gastronomy. His daughter completed studies in Kazakh language and Central Asian studies at the University of Chicago. “Kazakhstan is an amazing country!” Yener said. “With the Neo Nomad Visa program, I have the opportunity to stay in this country for up to one year. The visa will allow me to work remotely in my company and get to know Kazakhstan, immersing myself in nature, a friendly atmosphere, cuisine, music, traditions, and language. Thanks to my daughter, I 've been enjoying the melody and richness of the Kazakh language for some time now.”