BISHKEK (TCA) — The Publisher’s note: Central Asia is an important geopolitical area between Europe, Russia and China. It is in Central Asia that world powers have confronted each other for centuries; it is here that China needs to succeed with its new Silk Road Belt for direct access to the Western markets; and it is here that a large wealth of raw materials has its origin. Every week thousands of news appears all over the world in printed and online media and it is quite understandable that many of them may escape the attention of busy readers. At The Times of Central Asia, we strongly believe that more information can better contribute to peaceful development and better knowledge of the region, and for this reason we are presenting this Weekly Digest of Central Asia which compiles what other media have reported during the past week.
KAZAKHSTAN
Modernization 3.0 in Kazakhstan: opportunities for Finland
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Finland reviews the results and prospects of political and economic relations between the two countries
Feb 7 — “Kazakh–Finnish friendship is based on solid pillars, encompassing a good political will, trust and openness, mutual respect, and interests. We have rich historical and cultural heritage, our substantive dialogue is motivated by long–term perspectives, and stems from similar approaches towards most acute issues of the international agenda.” READ MORE: http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/columns/columns/viewpoint/14525-modernization-3-0-in-kazakhstan-opportunities-for-finland.html
Malaysian Experts Consult Kazakhstan on Halal Food Production
Experts say Kazakhstan is capable of increasing exports of halal products, with cattle breeding being the most promising sector
Feb 7 — “Malaysian food industry experts recently visited production facilities and developed recommendations to improve the quality of halal (permissible to use by Islamic law) food produced in Kazakhstan. The Kazakh Committee for Technical Regulation and Metrology under the Ministry for Investment and Development has launched a three-year project titled Reverse Linkage, implemented in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank and German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).” READ MORE: http://astanatimes.com/2017/02/malaysian-experts-consult-kazakhstan-on-halal-food-production/
EIA ups oil output forecast for Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s President Nazarbayev has instructed the Energy Ministry to increase the country’s oil production and processing, as oil remains among the country’s main export commodities
Feb 8 — “The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has revised its forecasts for the oil output of the resource-rich Kazakhstan. In its February 2017 short-term energy outlook the institution raised the forecast for the 2017 and 2018 oil output in the country, increasing the projected volume up to 1.86 and 1.88 million barrels per day for 2017 and 2018 respectively.” READ MORE: http://www.azernews.az/oil_and_gas/108601.html
Absurd? China And Kazakhstan’s Remote Cross-Border FTZ May Finally Be Set To Boom
Observer reports on the progress of the Khorgos free trade zone located on the Kazakh-China border. The place has turned into a major hub for the transit of Chinese goods to Kazakhstan, other Central Asia countries, Russia, and Europe
Feb 9 — “The first time I visited the International Center for Boundary Cooperation “Khorgos” (ICBC) was in May of 2015. At that time, I found a bi-national free trade zone straddling the China / Kazakhstan border that was basically a Chinese “cheap stuff” market flung out on the Eurasian steppes that was mired in a stagnant position between conception and vitalization.” READ MORE: http://www.forbes.com/sites/wadeshepard/2017/02/09/absurd-china-and-kazakhstans-remote-cross-border-ftz-may-finally-be-set-to-boom/#3700e1692fe8
Kazakhstan Basks in Student Games Success
The Universiade 2017, which has just finished in Almaty, has given big international exposure to Kazakhstan as the country prepares for the EXPO 2017 international fair to take place in the capital, Astana, later this year
Feb 9 — “Kazakhstan is patting itself on the back after a successful conclusion to the Universiade 2017 winter student games in Almaty. “Universiade 2017 has proved to be a true festival of sport for all Kazakhstanis,” President Nursultan Nazarbayev said in a statement posted on his official website.” READ MORE: http://www.eurasianet.org/node/82326
KYRGYZSTAN
Kyrgyzstan: Former PM to Run for President
The presidential race has in fact started in Kyrgyzstan as the first candidate has announced he will run for the post, with other hopefuls to surely follow soon
Feb 5 — “A former prime minister in Kyrgyzstan has declared he plans to run for president in this year’s election, kicking off what could shape up to be an unpredictable race in Central Asia’s most vibrant political arena. Temir Sariyev said on January 4 that he will run on a platform of promoting economic development and upholding rule of law.” READ MORE: http://www.eurasianet.org/node/82241
Kyrgyzstan’s garment production volume rises
Despite the overall decrease in Kyrgyzstan’s trade with Eurasian Economic Union countries, Kyrgyz garment producers increased production last year to meet increasing demands from Russia and Kazakhstan
Feb 7 — “Garment production volume in Kyrgyzstan increased significantly in 2016 as compared to the years 2013 and 2015. This also resulted in an increase in the orders for garments from Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. The production in the garment enterprises are operating to their full potential, however, there seems to be a lack of skilled workers.” READ MORE: http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/kyrgyzstan-s-garment-production-volume-rises-203961-newsdetails.htm
Kyrgyzstan, EU plan to sign new co-op agreement
The European Union supports Kyrgyzstan in implementing education and judicial reforms, as well as granted trade incentives to Kyrgyz expoters to EU markets
Feb 9 — “Kyrgyzstan may sign a new agreement on cooperation with the European Union next week, head of the EU Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, Cesare de Montis said at the press-conference Feb. 9, TASS reported. The agreement is expected to be signed within Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev’s official visit to Brussels on February 16 and will replace a similar agreement signed 20 years ago, according to the EU representative.” READ MORE: http://en.trend.az/casia/kyrgyzstan/2719168.html
TAJIKISTAN
Tajikistan eyes Qatari investments in tourism, and hydropower sectors
With China being the largest foreign investor of Tajikistan, Tajik President Rahmon is also trying to attract investments from Arab countries
Feb 5 — “The Republic of Tajikistan is seeking to attract Qatari investments into the country’s five major sectors, including tourism and hydropower, said President Emomali Rahmon, who led a high-level business delegation to Qatar yesterday. Rahmon and his delegation met with officials and members of the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA), led by its chairman, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, “to activate business cooperation” between Tajikistan and Qatar.” READ MORE: http://www.gulf-times.com/story/531762/Tajikistan-eyes-Qatari-investments-in-tourism-and-
Militants from Central Asian nations defeated in Afghanistan demoralized, says Tajik expert
Expert says Tajik and Uzbek militants of IMU and Jamaat Ansarullah in Afghanistan have mainly been taken over by the Islamic State and Taliban
Feb 8 — “Militants of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and Jamaat Ansarullah that consist mainly of nationals of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have been completely demoralized after being beaten by NATO troops and Afghan security forces, Tajik expert Qosim Bekmuhammad told Asia-Plus in an interview.” READ MORE: https://www.news.tj/en/news/tajikistan/security/20170208/236426
Tajik capital to host Tajikistan-Turkey business forum and b2b meetings next week
In recent years, Turkish investments in Tajikistan have been on the rise and Turkey has become the largest importer of Tajikistan’s export products, mainly aluminum, cotton, and dried fruits
Feb 9 — “According to an official press release, Tajikistan-Turkey business forum and b2b meetings will take place in Dushanbe on February 16 on the occasion of an official visit of Deputy Prime Minister of Republic of Turkey, Mr. Tugrul Turkesh. Mr. Turkesh will be visiting Dushanbe for intergovernmental meetings, together with a number of high level government officials from different Turkish ministries.” READ MORE: https://www.news.tj/en/news/tajikistan/economic/20170209/236490
Plane Makes First Passenger Flight From Tajikistan To Uzbekistan In 25 Years
Uzbekistan’s new President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has made another step to improve ties with neighboring Tajikistan. The previous Uzbek leadership sought transport isolation of Tajikistan amid disagreements over Tajikistan’s Rogun dam project
Feb 10 — “A passenger jet has made the first commercial flight from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan in 25 years, months after the new Uzbek president vowed to improve ties with other Central Asian countries. The Boeing 737 owned by Tajik airline Somon Air carried 65 people from Dushanbe to Tashkent, including travelers, airline officials, and journalists covering the event on February 10.” READ MORE: http://www.rferl.org/a/tajikistan-uzbekistan-first-passenger-flight-25-years/28302584.html
TURKMENISTAN
Key directions of cooperation are discussed during the visit of the delegations of Bukhara and Khoresm Regions of Uzbekistan to Lebap and Dashoguz Velayats
With the new president in Uzbekistan, economic and political relations between Ashgabat and Tashkent have received a new impetus
Feb 6 — “This visit, organized by the requests of Presidents Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was another step toward progressive development of comprehensive cooperation between two neighbouring states. Recently, traditionally friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan experience new development and is characterised by growing dynamic of partnership aimed at specific result.” READ MORE: http://turkmenistan.gov.tm/_eng/?id=7622
Turkmenistan expects growth in its natural gas reserves
With potential hydrocarbon resources estimated at over 70 billion tons of oil equivalent, Turkmenistan continues exploration of new reserves of natural gas — the country’s main export item and hard-currency revenue source
Feb 8 — “Turkmenistan’s gas and gas condensate reserves can be substantially increased thanks to further geological, geophysical and drilling studies to be carried out on the country’s plain lands, as well as within the West-Turkmen cavity. This was announced by Taganguly Ilamanov, a candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Deputy Director of the Natural Gas Research Institute of the Turkmengas state concern, Neutral Turkmenistan reported.” READ MORE: http://www.azernews.az/region/108568.html
Turkmenistan: Election Spectacle Hides Disturbing Economic Decline
This Sunday Turkmenistan will hold the presidential election with quite a predictable outcome. This time, however, the poll is taking place at a time of an unprecedented economic crisis which the Turkmen authorities refuse to admit
Feb 8 — “Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov – Turkmenistan’s car-racing, horse-riding, operation-performing, book-publishing and singing-songwriting president – clearly likes to put on a show. But few spectacles would seem as pointless as the upcoming presidential election that would extend Berdymukhamedov’s time in office.” READ MORE:
http://www.eurasianet.org/node/82311
UZBEKISTAN
No Freedom For Uzbek Rights Defender Despite Prison Amnesty
Expectations of more political and rights freedoms in Uzbekistan are yet to materialize under the country’s new president, whose predecessor was known for tolerating no dissent
Feb 6 — “Imprisoned Uzbek rights activist and journalist Dilmurod Saidov is being kept behind bars despite a recent amnesty in the Central Asian country. Abdurahmon Tashanov of Tashkent-based Ezgulik (Compassion) human rights group said on February 5 that a parole commission rejected Saidov’s request for clemency under a mass amnesty for prisoners that was announced in October.” READ MORE: http://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-saidov-jailed-journalist-not-freed-despite-amnesty/28283568.html
EBRD delegation visits Uzbekistan to discuss cooperation
As the new Uzbek president has pledged to liberalize Uzbekistan’s tightly-controlled economic policy, the EBRD has shown interest in more cooperation with the country
Feb 6 — “A delegation of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) visited Uzbekistan on Monday to discuss cooperation following the change of leadership in Tashkent, the country’s foreign ministry said. The EBRD, which has invested billions of dollars in other former Soviet republics, has not signed any projects in Uzbekistan for almost a decade and does not have an office in the country.” READ MORE: http://www.reuters.com/article/uzbekistan-ebrd-idUSL5N1FR3A4
Uzbekistan Dreams of Its Own Silicon Valley
Uzbekistan is taking efforts to develop an Information Technology sector in the country by creating a hub for high-tech and locally developed IT products
Feb 8 — “Officials in Uzbekistan are reportedly looking into ways of developing a domestic innovation sector and create the country’s own Silicon Valley. Russian state-run news website Sputnik has cited an official with the IT and Communications Development Ministry as saying an innovation center could be set up within a free economic zone at the Inha University in Tashkent — an affiliate institution of South Korea’s Incheon-based Inha University.” READ MORE: http://www.eurasianet.org/node/82286
AFGHANISTAN
Report: Militant Groups in Afghanistan Get Rich Off Mineral Smuggling
Smuggling of minerals and precious stones has become another revenue source for Afghan militants, in addition to opium and narcotics trade
Feb 1 — “The smuggling of Afghan minerals supplies millions of dollars to armed groups, insurgents and strongmen in the country, an Afghan anti-corruption watchdog reported Wednesday. The Afghanistan Anti-Corruption Network said in a report that militant groups last year received at least $46 million from minerals and precious stones illegally exported from eastern Nangarhar province to neighboring Pakistan.” READ MORE: http://www.voanews.com/a/militant-groups-in-afghanistan-get-rich-off-mineral-smuggling-report-says/3702327.html
The mistakes Trump should not repeat in Afghanistan
Afghan analyst says the Trump administration should revise key assumptions about Washington’s approach to Afghanistan
Feb 7 — “Kabul has joined Moscow, Tel Aviv and a few other capitals in welcoming Donald Trump’s presidential administration. Although Trump has not yet elaborated on his policy towards Afghanistan, his harsh and blunt criticisms of Washington’s ills, of the opportunistic and duplicitous US allies and of the US’ failure to win wars resonate with many Afghans. Trump is the fifth US president to deal with Afghanistan as a central foreign policy issue and national security concern.” READ MORE: http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2017/02/mistakes-trump-repeat-afghanistan-170205115216293.html
Russia to Host Wider Regional Conference on Afghanistan
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has formally invited Kabul to a meeting on the peace process in Afghanistan that will take place in mid-February with the participation of China, Iran, India, and Pakistan
Feb 7 — “Russia will host a regional conference on Afghanistan later this month to discuss efforts aimed at settling the protracted Afghan conflict and containing “spillover effects” of Islamic State terrorists trying to get a foothold in the war-ravaged nation. Moscow organized a tripartite meeting on the subject late December where it only invited Pakistan and China. The dialogue prompted strong reaction and protest from the Afghan government for being left out of it.” READ MORE: http://www.voanews.com/a/russia-to-host-wider-regional-conference-on-afghanistan/3709818.html
Red Cross Suspends Operations In Afghanistan After Six Employees Killed
As the security situation has deteriorated in Afghanistan with increasing fighting between government troops and insurgents, militants have now attacked a Red Cross convoy in a terror act that will only hinder humanirarian aid delivery to the Afghan population
Feb 9 — “The International Committee of the Red Cross suspended operations in Afghanistan after gunmen killed six employees helping to deliver emergency relief to a remote northern region hit by heavy snowstorms. The governor of Jowzjan Province said the aid convoy was attacked by suspected Islamic State gunmen. The head of the Red Cross called the incident the “worst attack against us” in 20 years.” READ MORE: http://www.rferl.org/a/red-cross-suspends-operations-afghanistan-six-employees-killed-/28299234.html
WORLD
In Turkey, a show of solidarity with writers behind bars
Following last year’s failed coup in Turkey, President Erdogan is consolidating his grip on power, carrying out purges in the country’s armed forces, education and mass-media spheres
Feb 4 — “For the first time in two decades, Turkey is again the largest jailor of writers and publishers in the world. Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who came to power in 2002, civil institutions have been increasingly circumscribed. In the past six months more than 170 news outlets have been closed by the government. A third of Turkey’s judiciary – judges and prosecutors – have lost their jobs and/or been put in prison. University presidents have been fired; thousands of academics have been forced to resign, and more than 140,000 civil servants and military personnel have been purged…” READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/news/turkey-show-solidarity-writers-behind-bars-194020681.html
Focus on Central Asia: How US Will Pursue Its Foreign Policy Under Tillerson
Russian expert thinks that with the new State Department, the United States will return to Bush’s policies, moving from Ukraine and focusing on a breakthrough to the Caspian Sea and Central Asia
Feb 6 — “In an interview with RIA Novosti, Alexey Fenenko, an Associate Professor from Moscow State University’s World Politics Department, suggested that under Rex Tillerson, Washington will try to diminish Russia’s clout in Central Asia and play against the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).” READ MORE: https://sputniknews.com/us/201702061050390678-tillerson-washington-russia-foreign-policy/
Russia Introduces a Border Zone With Belarus
This move of Russia, coupled with Minsk’s dissatisfaction with economic results of Belarus’ membership of the Eurasian Economic Union, made some analysts suggest the EEU’s future may not be as bright as the Kremlin would like to see it
Feb 6 — “On February 1, Russian and then Belarusian media reported some unexpected news: Moscow decided to set up a border zone between its Smolensk, Bryansk and Pskov regions and Belarus (RIA Novosti, February 1). The decision was met with an immediate negative reaction in Minsk…” READ MORE: https://jamestown.org/program/russia-introduces-border-zone-belarus/?mc_cid=06ef9deaea&mc_eid=0cae9243a1
AIIB Helps Silk Road Plan, But May Fail to Protect China Against Trump
There are opinions that under Trump, the United States may join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), giving the Beijing-based institution some more credibility
Feb 8 — “Multilateral banks based in China have defied critics over the past year with strong performances that include financing projects across a dozen countries. The new banks, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and New Development Bank (NDB), have given added political legitimacy to China, and helped to push forward Beijing’s geopolitical interests by extending $3 billion for projects under its One Belt, One Road (OBOR) program, analysts said.” READ MORE: http://www.voanews.com/a/aiib-helps-silk-road-plan-but-may-fail-to-protect-china-against-trump/3714180.html
