USAID - The Times Of Central Asia

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USAID Pullback in Kazakhstan Creates Space for China and Raises Security Concerns – Expert

President Trump’s executive order restricting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) globally has led to a reduction in Western-funded projects in Kazakhstan. USAID previously funded initiatives in humanitarian aid, media, blogging, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). As a result of the new U.S. administration's actions, experts suggest that China is expanding its influence. Gulmira Ileuova, head of the Strategy Foundation and a member of the advisory public organization, the National Kurultai, told TCA that the Kazakh government had already taken measures to limit foreign financial influence. "Kazakhstan was among the first post-Soviet countries to regulate foreign funding, requiring grant providers to be registered. Most of these organizations, including Soros-Kazakhstan and the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, operate within legal frameworks," she stated. Ileuova noted that German political foundations maintain a presence in Kazakhstan, while French grant-making organizations are largely absent. Beyond civil society projects, USAID also funded state-involved initiatives in education, healthcare, and energy. According to Ileuova, the withdrawal of USAID could lead to a shortfall in funding for NGOs, though state-backed projects are unlikely to be significantly affected. China’s Expanding Role Ileuova believes that China’s influence in Kazakhstan is growing faster than Russia’s, as Beijing has moved beyond economic partnerships to broader engagement." Russia relies on language and media ties to sustain its influence, while China is actively reshaping its approach," she said. Ileuova highlighted China’s soft power initiatives, including the Community of a Common Destiny for Mankind, which promotes cooperation and mutual development among nations. She also pointed to growing cultural and educational exchanges, suggesting that China’s approach mirrors past Western strategies of funding local partnerships and academic institutions. While China does not emphasize democracy or human rights in its outreach, its economic initiatives prioritize infrastructure development and poverty alleviation, often accompanied by media campaigns highlighting the benefits of Chinese investment. In recent years, Kazakhstan and China have strengthened cultural and educational ties. In August 2024, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese President Xi Jinping inaugurated Chinese cultural centers in Astana and Beijing via video link. The Beijing Language and Culture University also opened a branch in Astana, marking the first Chinese university in Central Asia. Additionally, in February 2025, China’s Consul General in Almaty, Jiang Wei, attended the opening of the Belt and Road scientific and educational center in Almaty. Religious Extremism and Security Considerations Ileuova also stated that the withdrawal of USAID and Western funds is unlikely to directly impact radical religious groups, as Western organizations primarily engage with urban, educated populations rather than communities at risk of radicalization. In a recent interview, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Russia, Dauren Abayev, said that there is no immediate security risk from the return of Kazakh nationals who fought in Syria. According to official estimates, more than 30 Kazakhs remain in militant groups in Syria. From 2019 to 2021, the government carried out the Zhusan humanitarian operation, repatriating 600 individuals, including 413 children. Most male returnees were prosecuted and sentenced in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan continues to monitor and prosecute individuals linked to...

Mass Media USAID Foreign Agents Law public opinion

Proposed Kazakh Foreign Agents Law Sparks Heated Debate

The potential adoption of a law on foreign agents has sparked heated discussions and even serious conflicts in Kazakhstan. However, some experts believe that labeling foreign agents will help the country's citizens understand whose interests certain sections of the media and bloggers are serving. Discussions about the possible adoption of a foreign agents law in Kazakhstan have been ongoing for several years. The sharp reduction in USAID activities worldwide, including in Kazakhstan, has given new momentum to the debate. A directive from U.S. President Donald Trump to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) brought shocking details to light. It was confirmed that over the years, USAID had spent millions of dollars funding various projects in Kazakhstan. Some of these projects, including those involving the Kazakh government, were related to energy, modernization, healthcare, and other progressive fields. However, a significant portion of the funds went toward media resources that promoted a specific point of view in Kazakhstan, often leading to conflicts, as extensively reported by The Times of Central Asia (TCA) in a series of articles. Following Trump’s directive, Mazhilis (Parliament) Deputy Magerram Magerramov accused USAID of lobbying for the LGBT community. According to him, Elon Musk and Trump had called USAID a criminal organization. The deputy claimed that foreign-funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were promoting an alien and harmful perspective in Kazakhstan. Sources indicate that the shutdown of USAID’s activities has already led to the closure or suspension of certain media outlets in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. For example, on February 17, Mediazona Central Asia announced it was temporarily ceasing operations. The issue of foreign funding for media and bloggers has caused an intense reaction in Kazakhstan’s information space. Amid the USAID shuttering, Mazhilis deputy from the People's Party of Kazakhstan, Irina Smirnova, proposed amending the legislation on foreign financing. Her proposal served to escalate tensions. On February 12, Smirnova submitted a parliamentary inquiry to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. According to Smirnova, around 200 NGOs in Kazakhstan receive foreign funding, with 70% financed through various U.S. sources. Official government data shows that the country has 165 different grant donors, including 53 international organizations, 31 foreign government organizations, and 81 foreign and Kazakh NGOs. "Even experts find it difficult to distinguish between friendly resources and those that require caution to avoid falling under the influence of destructive 'soft' power," Smirnova stated, representing this a challenge for Kazakh society. According to Smirnova, many countries counter such challenges by adopting foreign agent laws. For example, Israel has had such a law since 2016, China since 2017, Australia since 2018, the UK since 2023, and France since 2024. One of the original models for such laws is the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act, enacted in 1938 to counter Nazi propaganda. Smirnova suggested that Kazakhstan should develop national legislation on foreign agents similar to Western countries so that citizens can evaluate and compare information while understanding its source. Her statement triggered a massive backlash, however, with the most extreme reaction coming from Arman Shuraev, a former...

Public health health security USAID Healthcare

Tajikistan’s Health Ministry Seeks Alternative to USAID Assistance in Combating Deadly Diseases

Tajikistan’s Ministry of Health is exploring alternative funding sources following the suspension of USAID programs. The recent freeze on U.S. foreign aid has affected several health initiatives in Tajikistan, particularly those focused on combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. At a press conference, Health Minister Jamoliddin Abdullozoda stated that authorities are seeking new mechanisms to sustain these programs. “USAID has played a key role in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, as well as in maternal and child health. Until the agency’s future involvement is clarified, we intend to mobilize other resources,” Abdullozoda said. One of Tajikistan’s main partners remains the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, which continues to finance drug supplies and testing. The Health Ministry confirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Fund and engaging additional international organizations. Tajikistan's Republican Center for AIDS Prevention and Control clarified that USAID did not provide antiretroviral therapy (ARV) drugs or testing kits. Instead, the agency’s primary role was offering psychological and social support to HIV patients, mainly through nongovernmental organizations. According to official data, 12,480 people living with HIV are currently registered in Tajikistan’s healthcare system, including 1,022 children. In 2023, 293 new cases were detected among labor migrants. However, the overall number of registered HIV cases declined by 98 compared to previous years. Regarding tuberculosis, Tajikistan recorded 4,545 new cases in 2023 and 4,537 in 2024. The health minister attributed the slight increase to improved diagnostic capabilities. The country now has 77 tuberculosis diagnostic machines, 84 BAG laboratories, and 40 specialized devices for detecting infections.

Trump Administration Foreign Affairs Geopolitics USAID

USAID’s Retreat from Kazakhstan: Central Asia Braces for a New Power Struggle

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has long been a key player in funding various projects in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, supporting both development initiatives and media organizations. However, under the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the agency's activities have been significantly curtailed. With USAID scaling back its operations, the question arises: Who will step in to fill the gap? USAID’s Departure: A Near Total Withdrawal While USAID is reducing its presence, it is not shutting down entirely. The Trump administration has announced plans to retain a mere 294 of the agency’s more than 10,000 employees worldwide, according to a BBC report. Following these drastic cuts, only twelve staff members will remain in USAID’s Africa bureau and eight in its Asia bureau. USAID’s website states that nearly all of its employees will be furloughed, foreign aid programs have been suspended, and control over the agency has effectively shifted to the U.S. State Department. The agency’s annual budget previously exceeded $50 billion. In Kazakhstan, USAID’s official website is now inaccessible. The platform contained key data, including lists of grant recipients - journalists, media professionals, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that received funding for various projects. While some USAID-backed initiatives supported modernization efforts, healthcare, and education, others were seen as promoting U.S. political interests. According to available data, in 2024, USAID allocated $15.2 million to Kazakhstan, distributed as follows: Healthcare - $8.8 million Democracy, human rights, and governance – $3.7 million Support programs - $1.39 million Peace and security - $833,000 Economic development - $438,000 Humanitarian assistance - $23,000 Education and social services - $4,000 Despite these allocations, Kazakhstan does not rank among the top ten recipients of USAID funding. The Trump administration has also disclosed additional details regarding U.S. foreign aid spending. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stated that under President Joe Biden, $4.5 million was allocated to combat disinformation in Kazakhstan. Leavitt criticized such expenditures, claiming that alongside Kazakhstan’s disinformation initiatives, U.S. taxpayers had also funded projects such as gender reassignment programs in Guatemala ($2 million), tourism promotion in Egypt ($6 million), a new Sesame Street show in Iraq ($20 million). Reactions in Kazakhstan Public opinion in Kazakhstan regarding USAID's role is divided. Many officials and commentators have criticized what they perceive as foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs. Mazhilis Deputy Magerram Magerramov has accused USAID of lobbying for the interests of the LGBT community, citing U.S. officials, including Elon Musk and Donald Trump, who have labeled USAID a “criminal organization.” “Official White House statements claim that USAID has been unaccountable to U.S. taxpayers and has funneled huge sums into ‘absurd’ and ‘harmful’ projects. For example, between 2022 and 2025, USAID allocated $2 million to ‘strengthen human rights and equality’ in Central Asia. However, the program’s executor is the European International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association. We need full transparency regarding which funds are allocated, by whom, for what purposes, and who benefits from them. This must end in Kazakhstan,” Magerramov stated. The...

Legislation USAID US aid Trump Foreign Policy United States Trump Administration

USAID Freeze Leaves Kazakhstan’s NGOs in Limbo

On January 20, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending funding for most foreign aid programs for 90 days. The move has raised concerns among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, which has long benefited from U.S. assistance. The order reads: “All heads of departments and agencies responsible for United States foreign development assistance programs shall immediately suspend new commitments and disbursements of development assistance funds to foreign countries and non-governmental implementing organizations, international organizations, and contractors pending a review of such programs for effectiveness and consistency with United States foreign policy to be conducted within 90 days of this order.” Following this directive, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed all diplomatic and consular agencies to issue “stop-work orders” for nearly all active foreign assistance programs. Impact on Kazakhstan and Central Asia According to reports, the funding freeze is expected to affect university grant programs, entrepreneurial initiatives, gender diversity projects, and environmental efforts. The Trump administration has justified the decision by citing the need to reassess spending priorities. Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries have received U.S. aid for decades. USAID, in particular, has played a significant role in regional development. The agency’s website states: “In Kazakhstan, USAID promotes the U.S. government's Central Asia Strategy, which supports and strengthens the sovereignty and independence of Central Asian countries, both individually and collectively. It also promotes regional connectivity between Central Asia and Afghanistan, advances the rule of law and respect for human rights, and improves the climate for U.S. investment to foster greater regional stability and prosperity.” Since 1992, USAID has funded projects in Kazakhstan focusing on economic diversification, energy, environmental protection, healthcare, and support for media and NGOs. In addition to funding NGOs, USAID collaborates with KazAID, Kazakhstan’s foreign aid agency operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Reactions from NGO Leaders Denis Dzhivaga, director of the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law (KIBHR), told The Times of Central Asia that the aid suspension had been anticipated. “Such a measure was expected," said Dzhivaga. "Even during the election campaign and Trump’s previous presidency, it was clear that he prioritized domestic policy over foreign influence. All NGOs working with USAID and receiving State Department assistance have received letters to halt projects.” However, Dzhivaga noted that KIBHR has limited cooperation with U.S. agencies, so the impact on his organization will be minimal. “In any case, this will negatively affect the NGO sector. The suspension is for three months pending an audit, but even USAID does not seem to know what will happen afterward. I don’t think U.S. assistance to Kazakhstan and Central Asia will stop entirely, but certain projects may be reconsidered - especially those related to discrimination, gender issues, and LGBT rights, as President Trump has already expressed opposition to such initiatives.” Replacing U.S. funding with alternative grants will be challenging, he added. “European donors are already struggling to finance Ukraine, so they are unlikely to allocate substantial funds elsewhere. Many U.S.-backed...

Agriculture Agricultural Produce EAEU Agricultural Export USAID

Kyrgyzstan Boosts Exports of National Dairy Products

Exports of Kyrgyzstan's dairy products have seen significant growth, with member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) increasing their imports from the republic. Just six months ago, Kyrgyzstan lagged behind its EAEU counterparts in dairy production and exports. Impressive Growth in Exports According to the Ministry of Agriculture, milk sales by Kyrgyz farms rose by 124% in 2024, while dairy exports increased by as much as 167%. By the end of 2024, Kyrgyzstan had exported more than 33,000 tons of milk and dairy products, compared to just under 30,000 tons in 2023. The growth was driven not only by traditional products - such as cheese, butter, ice cream, cream, milk powder, and pasteurized milk - but also by national dairy specialties made from cow's milk. Notably, Kyrgyzstan exported over 120 tons of fermented milk products, such as the national beverages chalap and bozo, to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan in 2024. Additionally, exports of kurut, a traditional Kyrgyz snack made from dried curd balls, exceeded 3.3 tons last year, reflecting the growing demand for unique national products abroad. Context Within the EAEU This progress comes in the wake of criticism from the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) last summer, which ranked Kyrgyzstan among the lowest milk producers in the Union. According to EEC data, Armenia was at the bottom with an annual production of 123,000 tons of milk, while Kyrgyzstan was second-to-last with 620,000 tons. For comparison, neighboring Kazakhstan produces over 2 million tons annually, while Russia leads the EAEU with 13.5 million tons of milk produced per year. International Support Spurs Growth The Kyrgyz Ministry of Agriculture attributed the surge in dairy production and exports in part to foreign assistance programs, particularly a USAID initiative. This project has funded the construction of new dairy processing facilities for dozens of farmers in southern Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, more than 100 farmers continue to receive training and counseling on modern cow husbandry practices, which have improved productivity and product quality.