Uzbekistan Tops Central Asia in 2024 Healthcare Ranking

Uzbekistan has been ranked as having the best healthcare system in Central Asia, according to the 2024 Health Care Index published by CEOWORLD magazine. The country placed 64th globally with a score of 36.26. Kazakhstan followed in 78th place with 34.28 points, while Turkmenistan ranked 95th with 27.3 points. The index evaluates 110 countries based on the quality of healthcare services, including infrastructure, the competency of medical professionals, and access to care. Taiwan topped the global list with a score of 78.72, while El Salvador came in last with 18.6 points. Other countries ranking in the top 10 include South Korea (2nd), Sweden (5th), and Germany (8th). Healthcare and Tourism Growth The report coincides with a notable increase in foreign tourism to Uzbekistan. In January–February 2025, the country welcomed 1.3 million international visitors, a 37.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Officials suggest that improved healthcare services could further enhance the country's appeal as a travel destination, potentially boosting medical and wellness tourism. Uzbeks Rank High in Global Happiness Index In another recent international ranking, Uzbekistan also stood out for overall wellbeing. The Centre for the Study of Wellbeing at the University of Oxford and the Gallup Institute placed Uzbekistan 53rd in its global happiness index, above Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The study includes two key components. The first is based on respondents' self-assessment of life satisfaction on a scale from 0 to 10; in Uzbekistan, the average score was 6.2. The second examines responses related to charitable giving, lawfulness, helping strangers, and reactions to emotional experiences, both positive and negative.

Kazakhstan Strengthens Position in Global Critical Minerals Market

Kazakhstan has the potential to ensure a stable supply of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition and the expansion of the electric vehicle market, according to analysts at the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC)​. An AIFC study highlights Kazakhstan’s competitive advantages in exporting copper, zinc, aluminum, silver, and lead. Additionally, nickel, gold, lithium, and rare earth metals are seen as promising sectors for export expansion​. Kazakhstan holds a 5% share of the global zinc market, ranking seventh in reserves with 6.7 million tons. In 2022, Turkey, Russia, and China accounted for 70% of Kazakhstani zinc exports. The country also controls about 4% of the global copper market, with 20 million tons in reserves, placing it 11th worldwide. Its main copper buyers in 2022 were China, Turkey, and the UAE​. Kazakhstan ranks eighth globally in lead reserves (2 million tons) and 12th in production, with 40,000 tons mined in 2021. Global lead demand is projected to rise from 11.6 million tons in 2022 to 13.4 million tons by 2031. In the silver market, Kazakhstan holds the third-largest reserves, accounting for 2.7% of global supply​. In 2023, Kazakhstan ranked 11th in global bauxite reserves (160 million tons) and 10th in production (4.3 million tons), though its aluminum market share remains below 1%. The primary destinations for aluminum exports are Turkey, Italy, and Greece. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is among the world’s top 20 nickel-producing countries, holding reserves of approximately 1.5 million tons, or 2% of global reserves, though its market share remains small​. The country is also actively exploring lithium deposits in collaboration with companies from Germany, the UK, and South Korea. In March 2024, South Korean specialists discovered a lithium deposit in East Kazakhstan with a content of 5.3%, valued at an estimated $15.7 billion. Kazakhstan has also strengthened its position in the critical minerals market through international agreements. It recently signed a contract with the European Union worth €3 million for the supply of essential raw materials​.