Italy - The Times Of Central Asia

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Italian University to Send its Professors to Turkmenistan

The Turkmen State University and the University of Perugia for Foreigners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The main areas of cooperation include introducing modern methods of teaching foreign languages and exchanging advanced pedagogical experience. Special attention will be paid to developing university relations, which involves exchanging curricula, programs, and methodological materials. Scientific publications and textbooks will also be exchanged, improving the quality of foreign language teaching in both educational institutions. A notable aspect of the agreement is the deployment of Italian language instructors from the University of Perugia to Turkmen State University. This initiative provides students with a unique opportunity to learn Italian directly from native speakers. The University of Perugia for Foreigners, founded in 1921, is one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious universities. It is the only institution of higher education in the country that specializes in teaching the Italian language and culture to international students. Located in the picturesque city of Perugia, the university offers a wide range of programs, from language courses to full degree programs in Italian language and culture.

Export/Import Italy Bilateral Trade International investment Economic Cooperation International Relations

Kazakhstan Seeks Co-Production Venture with Italy

Following the Kazakh-Italian forum, "Kazakhstan–Italy: Trade and Investment Opportunities on the Way to Kazakhstan," on October 8 in Milan, the Kazakh Ministry of Trade and Integration reported that discussions had focused on renewable energy, the agro-industrial sector, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and technological innovations, with an emphasis on Kazakhstan's strategic importance in economic cooperation between Europe and Central Asia. The event came in the wake of Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev official visit to Italy in January 2024, which marked a significant step in strengthening Kazakh-Italian relations. The Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev noted that Italy is one of Kazakhstan's key trading partners in the European Union with one of the three largest trade turnovers, and proposed the introduction of "Made with Italy"; a concept aimed to promote products created in collaboration with Italian companies. Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister at the Italian Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy supported the notion and stressed that joint projects would stimulate the development of small and medium-sized businesses in both countries. Essential to the initiative, would be the creation of centers of excellence for the transition to European quality standards in Kazakhstan. To ensure the rapid entry of Kazakh products into the EU and Italian markets, such centers would issue certificates of equivalence of manufactured products to EU regulations. The forum also discussed prospects in the tourism sector, with Italian Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanke noting the significant potential for the growth of tourist exchange, facilitated by the launch of direct flights between Astana and Milan. The forum launched Kazakh companies' first trade and economic mission to Italy, involving over 50 enterprises representing agriculture, oilfield services, textile industry, tourism, and IT sectors. According to Kazakh statistics, in 2023, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Italy amounted to $16.1 billion, an increase of 7.8% since the previous year, with exports from Kazakhstan reaching $14.8 billion. In January-August 2024, bilateral trade increased by 33% to $13.8 billion, with Kazakh exports rising by 36% to $12.9 billion. Kazakhstan's main exports to Italy comprise crude oil (+38.1%), coal (309-fold increase), flax seeds ($4.1 million increase), and propylene polymers (71-fold increase).

Italy Migration

Kyrgyz Labor Migrants Now Welcome in Sardinia

The Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad has signed a partnership agreement with the Italian association of farmers, Coldiretti Sardegna, which stipulates that labor migrants from Kyrgyzstan can work in Sardinia. The Italian association is interested in attracting Kyrgyz citizens to work in agriculture, with preference being given to married couples. A representative from the Center for Employment of Citizens Abroad stated that “social packages were discussed, including housing, legal presence, and health insurance. Moreover, after moving to Italy, employers expressed that training in the Italian language will be provided.” Baktybek Kudaberdiyev, director of the Center, said this is the first agreement with Italian companies on hiring Kyrgyz people. “We are confident that this agreement will become the basis for successful and long-term cooperation, benefiting both sides,” Kudaberdiyev stated. The cooperation agreement was organized by the Kyrgyz ambassador to Italy, Taalai Bazarbayev. Coldiretti Sardegna is a trade union representing Italian enterprises working in Sardinia's agriculture and agri-food sectors.

Export/Import hybrid Italy Economy Oil & Gas Investments

Construction begins on Kazakhstan’s First Hybrid Power Plant

On July 16, Kazakhstan celebrated the launch of construction on a hybrid power plant in Zhanaozen, funded by national oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG) and Italian energy company Eni S.p.A., in its western region of Mangystau. According to KMG, the 247 MW hybrid project developed by Eni Plenitude will combine renewable energy sources -wind and solar - and a gas power plant to generate, balance and stabilize electricity production. The solar power plant will have a capacity of 50 MW; the wind power component, 77 MW, and the gas power plant,120 MW. By combing all three, the hybrid power plant will ensure a stable and reliable supply of electricity to KMG's regional subsidiary companies, including Ozenmunaygas and the Kazakh gas processing plant, and eliminate risks of shutdowns resulting from frequent interruptions to power supplies. Since approximately 40% of all electricity produced by the hybrid plant will be "green," the project will make a significant contribution to the implementation of KMG's decarbonization strategy by reducing its carbon footprint. Askhat Khassenov, Chairman of the Management Board of KazMunayGas, welcomed the initiative to provide Kazakhstan with its first hybrid plant and stated, "The project leverages Eni's international industrial experience and represents an innovative combination of various technologies. It also aims to diversify and decarbonize the energy supply in the Mangystau region. Additionally, the project will create new employment opportunities for highly skilled professionals in the region.” Present in Kazakhstan since 1992, Eni is a joint operator of the Karachaganak field, an equity partner in various projects in the Northern Caspian Sea, including the Kashagan offshore field, and KMG's partner in the exploration block Abay.

Business Support Bilateral Cooperation Italy Tajikistan

Tajikistan and Italy Engage in Dialogue to Enhance Collaboration

On April 23, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni met in Rome to discuss expanding bilateral relations regarding political, economic, trade, cultural, humanitarian, and security issues. According to Tajikistan’s president’s press service, both sides expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the fields of hydropower, light, food, metallurgical, mining, and chemical industries, as well as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. Seeking to attract Italian capital for the development of his country’s industrial sector, President Rahmon emphasized that Tajikistan has all the necessary components for creating joint ventures in processing agricultural and industrial products and increasing their export to European countries. The leaders also discussed opening direct flights between Tajikistan and Italy, cooperation in education and healthcare, and the allocation of quotas for Tajik students wishing to study at Italian universities. As reported by the Italian prime minister’s office, the meeting resulted in the signing of several bilateral agreements aimed to strengthen Italy’s relationship with Central Asia through enhanced dialogue and collaboration in all sectors of common interest including security, drug control and tourism, as well as cultural, scientific and technological cooperation, and sustainable development.

Transport cooperation Turkmenistan Italy

Turkmenistan and Italy Expand Transport Cooperation

A Turkmen delegation led by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov visited Italy on March 20th for negotiations with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Antonio Tajani. The foreign ministers discussed bilateral relations in political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian sectors. The Turkmen Foreign Minister also held talks with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of Italy, Matteo Salvini and top representatives of the Italian transport sector. The parties discussed expanding cooperation in the field of railway and maritime transport, and signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the ports of Turkmenbashy (Turkmenistan) and Naples (Italy).