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Armed Forces

Tokayev Sets Two-Year Deadline for Military Reform in Kazakhstan

Speaking at a traditional ceremony ahead of Defender of the Fatherland Day, celebrated in Kazakhstan on May 7, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the country must reform its armed forces within the next two years. “Our country must be prepared to prevent various challenges and respond to any threats. Therefore, we need to strengthen our defense potential and continue, above all, the technological modernization of the Armed Forces. This is a requirement of today’s unstable and turbulent times. In this regard, it is first necessary to carry out deep reforms in our Armed Forces and militarized structures. This is a strategically important task that must be resolved in a short period within two years,” Tokayev said during a ceremony awarding state honors and military ranks ahead of Defender of the Fatherland Day and Victory Day, celebrated on May 9. Russian analysts responded to the statement before many Kazakh commentators, largely arguing that Kazakhstan faces no major external threats and therefore has little need for sweeping military reform. One of them, Stanislav Pritchin, head of the Central Asia sector at the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations in Moscow, said Kazakhstan had no serious territorial disputes or significant tensions with neighboring countries. “There are some political disagreements, but overall, the country exists in a fairly calm environment. There are simply no conflict points that would require Kazakhstan to fundamentally revise its military doctrine or significantly strengthen its army,” he told the publication, Expert. Pritchin also suggested that Russian concern stemmed from uncertainty over how Tokayev’s accelerated military reform agenda fits with Kazakhstan’s commitments to Moscow-led organizations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In Kazakhstan, however, the reform agenda fits a familiar pattern: by the time Tokayev publicly announces a deadline, work in that direction is often already well underway. In December 2025, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov outlined major military reforms while responding to parliamentary questions about discipline in the armed forces. Following presidential instructions, the government submitted three draft laws to parliament intended to form the foundation of the reform process. The legislation addresses crime prevention and revises administrative regulations within the military system. One of the main goals is to clearly divide responsibilities among commanders, military police, and other authorized bodies while introducing technology-based disciplinary oversight mechanisms. At the same time, the Health Ministry has developed a 2026-2028 roadmap for suicide prevention in Kazakhstan, with separate provisions focused on military personnel. As part of the broader reform effort, the authorities have also approved the interagency “Digital Prevention” program for 2025-2028. The initiative includes integrating video surveillance systems, artificial intelligence, and a unified database to monitor discipline and public order within the military. In parallel, the “Law and Order in the Army” program aims to strengthen military discipline and prevent offenses among service members. Tokayev also addressed military reform in an interview with the newspaper Turkistan earlier this year. The interviewer noted that repeated deaths among soldiers during military service were damaging...

Oil Industry

Junda Oil Refinery Modernization in Kyrgyzstan Set for Completion by August 2026

Kyrgyzstan’s largest oil refining facility, the Junda (Zhongda) refinery in the town of Kara-Balta, approximately 60 kilometers west of Bishkek, is undergoing a major modernization project scheduled for completion by July 31, 2026. The $193.75 million upgrade is expected to increase domestic fuel production and strengthen the country’s energy security. On March 2, a delegation from the National Investment Agency of Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, and the Kara-Balta municipality visited the refinery to monitor implementation of the investment agreement signed in July 2024 with China Petrol Company Zhongda LLC. Owned by a Chinese investor, the refinery has an annual crude processing capacity of 800,000 tons, producing gasoline, diesel fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas. The modernization is intended to upgrade technical infrastructure and improve operational efficiency. Government representatives have emphasized the project’s importance for industrial development, job creation, and reducing Kyrgyzstan’s reliance on imported fuel. If completed on schedule, the refinery could potentially cover between 50% and 70% of Kyrgyzstan’s domestic demand for motor fuel. This would represent a significant shift for a country that currently depends heavily on imports. At present, local refining capacity reportedly meets only about 5% of domestic fuel demand. Kyrgyzstan consumes approximately 1.6 million tons of motor fuel annually, more than 90% of which is imported from Russia. A key constraint remains the refinery’s dependence on imported crude oil. Authorities are seeking to diversify supply routes, including potential deliveries from Azerbaijan and other oil-producing countries. Originally commissioned in 2014, the refinery was shut down in February 2020 for extensive repairs and modernization that lasted four years. Operations resumed in August 2024. The facility has faced public scrutiny over environmental concerns. Residents of Kara-Balta have complained about air pollution, resulting in fines for emissions violations. The refinery has also been accused of damaging ancient burial mounds, prompting criticism from cultural heritage advocates. The modernization positions the Kara-Balta refinery as a strategic industrial asset in Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to enhance energy security. However, its long-term viability will depend on securing stable crude oil supplies and addressing environmental risks. If successful, the project could reduce Kyrgyzstan’s fuel import bill and mark a significant step toward greater energy independence.

Agriculture

Farmers, Courts, and Investors: Examining Recent Land Disputes in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector is once again in the spotlight following a recent report by Human Rights Watch and the Uzbek Forum for Human Rights, which raised concerns about the treatment of cotton and wheat farmers under what it describes as a coercive state production system. At the same time, local agricultural representatives argue that the situation is more complex and that recent legal and institutional changes have improved farmers’ ability to defend their rights. The debate intensified earlier this year after complaints from farmers in parts of the Syrdarya region, particularly in the Xovos district, regarding land seizures linked to failure to meet so-called “normative yield” requirements. Komoliddin Ikromov, head of the Agrobiznes Association, has been among the most vocal local figures commenting on these developments. State Plan Abolished, but Normative Yields Remain According to Ikromov, it is important to distinguish between the former state production plan and the current regulatory framework. “There is no state plan now,” he said. “The state order was abolished in 2020. What exists today is the concept of rational land use. If a farm’s yield falls below the normative level for three consecutive years, then the land may be withdrawn, but only through a court decision.” While cotton state procurement was abolished beginning with the 2020 harvest, reforms affecting wheat and grain procurement were phased in and linked to the 2021 harvest. Ikromov referred to Article 36 of the Land Code, which sets out the procedure for termination of land-use rights where land is used irrationally or in violation of law. Detailed criteria — such as persistent underperformance relative to normative yield levels — are established in related regulatory acts rather than in the Land Code text itself. “Under current legislation, the khokim (local governor) cannot independently seize land,” Ikromov said. “The case must be submitted to the court. Only a court can decide.” Ikromov cited reforms adopted beginning in 2022 and subsequently strengthened by presidential measures in 2024, which expanded electronic auction procedures and curtailed direct administrative land allocation. Complaints from Farmers Beginning in January, the Agrobiznes Association started receiving complaints from farmers, mainly in Syrdarya. “I personally received about 50 to 60 appeals,” Ikromov said. “In total, there were more than 100 messages, mostly through Telegram.” According to him, many complaints concerned pressure to voluntarily surrender land leases through notarized statements. Farmers alleged that they were being encouraged or pressured to go to a notary and sign documents relinquishing their land. “These were not isolated cases,” he said. “In some districts, it was widespread. But after the issue was raised publicly, the process shifted. Now cases are going through courts.” Ikromov noted that unusual weather conditions contributed to the problem. Heatwaves and water shortages in 2024 made it difficult for some farmers to meet normative yield levels. In areas like Xovos, where soil fertility is relatively low, he said, agricultural production is already more challenging. Legal Process and Court Outcomes Following public attention, including Ikromov’s interview with the Uzbek outlet Kun.uz, land disputes increasingly...

Opinion: Kazakhstan Bets Big on AI to Power Local and Global Growth

A bold vision for Kazakhstan’s future In his recent State of the Nation address, the President of Kazakhstan articulated a bold and ambitious future for the country. He presented a new vision, central to which was the announcement of artificial intelligence adoption and digitization as new national priorities, positioning them as essential for the country’s economic modernization and long-term competitiveness. The speech marked a significant moment for the government. Historically, much of its policy focus has been on managing risk and navigating regulatory uncertainty. Now, the administration is pivoting to focus instead on high-growth, innovation-led initiatives to build a more competitive and resilient Kazakhstan that can thrive in a rapidly changing global economy. In his address, President Tokayev announced the creation of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. Its initial mandate is to develop the Digital Code, a comprehensive framework that will set out how every sector of the economy, from finance and energy to education and healthcare, will integrate AI and digital tools in a structured and sustainable way. Leapfrogging into the digital economy Kazakhstan is embracing leapfrog innovation to harness tools such as AI and blockchain technologies to help accelerate economic growth and diversify its economy. This bet will ensure that the nation remains competitive for generations to come in a digital-led global landscape where technology leadership increasingly defines prosperity. Central to the project’s long-term success is the evolution of Kazakhstan’s educational system, and the country has recently approved its first national framework for integrating AI into its curriculum, signaling a major shift toward future-ready learning. This initiative covers areas including ethics, legal regulation, personal data protection, and academic integrity. Kazakhstan is now one of the first countries to adopt its own national approach in this field, having drawn on the recommendations of UNESCO, OECD, and the EU’s work to ensure global best practices. Building tomorrow’s AI leaders today From the 2025–2026 academic year, AI is being integrated throughout the curriculum with the aim of converting classrooms into technology-literate talent pipelines. Students will benefit from new online courses, while teachers will be supported with professional development programs (with over 11,000 teachers already trained and more to follow). Globally, the adoption of AI in education is surging. According to AllAboutAI, in 2025, 86% of students worldwide use AI in their studies, and half of all teachers will leverage AI for lesson planning. The market for AI in education is projected to reach over $2.7 trillion by 2033, having been valued at $177 billion in 2023. With nearly 30% of Kazakhstan’s population under the age of 15 and a median age of just 29, the country is well placed to transform its students into a new generation of professionals ready to contribute to the country’s technological evolution and global competitiveness. Universities such as the Astana IT University (AITU), International Information Technology University, and the Kazakh-British Technical University, all part of the NNEF ecosystem, are at the forefront of integrating AI across their curricula, ensuring that students gain the skills they need for the digital economy and innovation-driven...

Railway Development

Kazakhstan Accelerates Railway Modernization to Boost Transit Capacity

Kazakhstan is embarking on a large-scale modernization of its 16,000 kilometer railway network to significantly increase transit capacity, despite 57% of its infrastructure being worn out, Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev announced at a recent government meeting. Sauranbayev acknowledged that the aging network affects both the speed and safety of freight, including transit trains. “The infrastructure is operating at full capacity,” he said. “To improve efficiency and sustainability by 2030, we plan to build new lines, modernize 5,000 kilometers of existing track, and repair another 11,000 kilometers.” Five new railway lines are currently under construction: Dostyk-Moyinty (linking the Chinese border to central Kazakhstan) Almaty bypass line (southern Kazakhstan) Darbaza-Maktaaral (Turkestan region) Moyinty-Kyzylzhar (connecting the west and center) Bakhta-Ayagoz (eastern Kazakhstan, to enhance trade with China) Two projects Dostyk-Moyinty and the Almaty bypass, are scheduled for early completion this year. The remaining lines will be finished by 2026. This year also marks the launch of a large-scale modernization of 3,000 kilometers of track, which the minister described as equivalent to constructing entirely new lines. “These projects are shaping a full-fledged railway framework for Kazakhstan,” Sauranbayev stated. Additionally, rail traffic to China has resumed through the Dostyk station. Kazakhstan currently hosts five international railway corridors. Transit volume is expected to rise sharply, from 33 million tons in 2025, to 54 million tons in 2026, and 67 million tons by 2029. Forecasts suggest volumes could reach 100 million tons by 2035, worth an estimated 4.4 trillion tenge (approximately $9.1 billion). “Our goal is to reach this figure even sooner,” the minister noted. Transit traffic has already doubled over the past decade, reaching 27.4 million tons in 2024. Seven cargo handling terminals now operate at Kazakhstan’s borders, with two more to open soon and five additional facilities planned. “This will establish a terminal network along the East-West route. We offer a transit product based on three pillars: delivery time, tariffs, and service,” Sauranbayev said. He also highlighted the stability of tariffs along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), or “Middle Corridor,” which connects Kazakhstan to Europe while bypassing Russia. Tariffs have remained unchanged for three years. Preparations for an intergovernmental agreement on further development of the route are set to begin shortly. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the national railway company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) announced in December that customs declaration procedures for transit cargo along the Middle Corridor have been digitalized.

Water Supply

Kyrgyzstan Reports Increase in Irrigation Water Supply

As Kyrgyzstan seeks to expand the production and export of environmentally friendly organic agricultural products, ensuring a stable supply of irrigation water remains a crucial issue for both local farmers and government authorities responsible for the country’s irrigation infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, Kyrgyzstan has 498 reservoirs with a total storage capacity of 1.8 billion cubic meters of irrigation water. During the 2025 growing season, this water will be used to irrigate 1.022 million hectares of farmland across the country. Infrastructure Improvements and Modernization To prevent water shortages in 2025, the ministry undertook extensive improvements to irrigation infrastructure in 2024. A total of 626 kilometers of irrigation canals were improved, including: 93 km repaired 32 km lined with concrete 500 km cleaned Additionally, repairs were carried out on key pumping stations, and efforts to introduce drip and sprinkler irrigation methods are underway on 1,484 hectares of farmland. Innovative Irrigation Solutions Kyrgyzstan is also adopting new technologies to improve water management. British company Concrete Canvas is set to build a plant in the country to produce flexible concrete material designed to line irrigation canals, preventing erosion and reducing water seepage. Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobayev emphasized the significance of this innovation. He noted that Kyrgyzstan has 30,000 kilometers of irrigation canals, including 11,000 km of unsurfaced canals, and that applying concrete lining will help reduce water losses and improve efficiency. Water Cooperation with Kazakhstan While Kyrgyzstan continues efforts to meet domestic irrigation needs, it also plays a key role in supplying water to downstream Kazakhstan, particularly its arid southern regions, where irrigation is vital for agriculture.