The first Central Asia–Europe Creative Forum is taking place in Brussels this week. 12 designers, fashion and art figures from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan presented their unique works at the European External Action Service, as well as at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Belgium. Opening the meeting, Ambassador of Turkmenistan Sapar Palvanov stressed: […]
E-Commerce in Central Asia – Some latest developments
The e-commerce sector in Central Asia is almost self-propelled now. The stakeholders continue to add facilities and features to make it profitable and beneficial across the board. The Fund for Digital Initiatives of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU) held a working meeting earlier this month to discuss […]
Iran becomes a trade hub for agricultural exporters from Central Asia
In the medium term, we should expect Iran’s regional role to grow and cargo flows to increase. Today, Central Asian countries consider Iran as a trade hub that will increase exports to Africa and the Middle East. Berik Bulekbayev, an expert consultant to the UNECE, the World Bank, and an honorary railwayman, said this during […]
Central Asian countries strengthen commitment to school safety and resilience
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan convened this week a two-day ministerial meeting in Almaty Kazakhstan to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring safe and resilient schools for children. The ministerial meeting – co-organized by UNICEF, UNESCO, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Government of Japan, and the World Bank – brings together […]
Kazakhstan hosted second Central Asia–Germany Summit
The second Central Asia–Germany Summit was held in Astana on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. The meeting was attended by: • President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz • President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov • President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon • President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov • President of Uzbekistan Shavkat […]
Joint Declaration by the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Federal Chancellor of Germany
The text of the Joint Declaration adopted following the meeting of the heads of Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) with the Federal Chancellor of Germany is published on the official website of the Federal Government of Germany. Here is the full text of the Declaration: On 17 September 2024, President of the […]
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to take part in the Central Asia+ Germany Summit in Astana
Today, on 17 September 2024, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov left on a working visit to Kazakhstan to participate in the second meeting of the heads of Central Asian states with Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz in Astana. “By successfully implementing the peace-keeping foreign policy strategy initiated by the National Leader of the […]
Afghanistan: Nearly 700 Million in Trade Conducted With Central Asian Countries
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce said that in the first five months of the current solar year, Afghanistan has conducted trade worth nearly $700 million with Central Asian countries. Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the ministry, said that around $60 million of exports have been made, and the ministry is working to increase […]
Central Asia and Germany – A very special kind of relationship
Tariq Saeedi Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany will visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, 15-17 September 2024. This would be his first visit to the region. On 17 September 2024, the last day of his visit, Chancellor Scholz will participate in the C5+1 meeting in Kazakhstan. The trip comes a year after Scholz hosted the leaders of […]
Central Asia-Jiangsu Trade Center Opens in Nanjing, Boosting Regional Trade
On September 12, the opening of the Central Asia – Jiangsu Trade Center took place in the Chinese city of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. The multi-storey Center is a multifunctional platform for Central Asian businesses to enter the Chinese market, according to the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan. The Central Asia-Jiangsu Trade Center will […]
UNRCCA Co-Organizes Regional Conference and Training Course under the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia
On 10-12 September 2024, UNRCCA, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) with support of the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF) and the Governments of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan organized a regional conference on the Counter-Terrorism Early Warning Network for Central Asia and […]
Central Asian Parliaments Gather for Second Interparliamentary Forum in Uzbekistan
On September 12, 2024, the Second Interparliamentary Forum of Central Asian states kicked off in Khiva, Uzbekistan. Delegates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, including representatives of youth parliaments and local governments, are participating in the two-day event. In her opening remarks, Tanzila Narbayeva, Chair of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, emphasized that […]
TIF 2024: Uzbekistan proposes to create a unified transport system in Central Asia
Ilkhom Makhkamov, Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, outlined his country’s efforts to enhance regional and interregional transport connectivity at the TIF 2024 Investment Forum in Ashgabat. Makhkamov highlighted several key transport initiatives involving Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. In order to create the shortest route to the World Ocean for the countries of Central Asia, as […]
Preparations Underway for 17th Central Asia-Korea Cooperation Forum
On 6 September 2024, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan joined a videoconference to discuss preparations for the 17th Central Asia-Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum. Representatives from participating countries attended the meeting. Zu Zang Son, Deputy Chairman of the forum’s secretariat, delivered the opening remarks. During the videoconference, participants explored the agenda for […]
Ambassadors from Central Asia and the Gulf Arab countries met in Brussels
In Brussels, the capital of the European Union, the first meeting of ambassadors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Central Asia, and Mongolia took place. The event served as an important platform for discussing interregional cooperation and strengthening economic and political ties between these regions. One of the key agenda points was the discussion […]
5th World Nomad Games Astana 2024 – there is more than meets the eye
All of us were nomads at the dawn of our existence as a species of primate. Deep in our hearts, we are still nomads. Central Asia is among the few regions in the world where the people have embraced modernism and progress without deleting their nomadic past. Century after century, the nomads from Central Asia […]
Greater investment in social services needed to build resilient communities and end family separation and institutionalisation of children in Central Asia
Central Asian countries convened this week at a forum hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan to strengthen social services and promote the well-being of children, families, and vulnerable communities across the region TASHKENT/GENEVA, 5 September 2024 – Government officials, academia, and child rights organizations today called for greater investment in social services across Central Asia, […]
Federal Chancellor Scholz to visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan to host Central Asia + Germany summit
Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz will visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan from September 15 to 17 and take part in the Central Asia + Germany summit, says the statement, published on the official website of the Federal Government of Germany. According to the report, this will be Scholz’s first trip to Central Asia. The Federal […]
E-Commerce Development Programme of Tajikistan – 2025-2029
Tajikistan maintains sharp focus on the development of its e-commerce sector. This is a sound strategy. In an event anchored by the ministry of economic development and trade, the e-commerce programme in Tajikistan for the period 2025-2029 was presented on 27 August in Dushanbe. The programme was adopted by the government on 16 May 2024. […]
Turkmen-Swedish cooperation discussed in Stockholm
On 3 September 2024, Turkmen-Swedish political consultations were held in Stockholm. The Turkmen side was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova, the Swedish side was led by Tobias Thyberg, Head of the Department for Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden. During the inter-MFA […]
Downstream countries in Central Asia undertake mitigation efforts to prevent water scarcity
nCa Report Central Asia is facing a looming water crisis, driven by demographic growth and increasing agricultural demands. According to the World Bank, the region’s population is projected to reach 90 million by 2050, leading to water shortages of up to 25-30%. Simultaneously, agricultural water consumption is expected to rise by 30% within the next […]
Geo-Economic Centrality of Central Asia
Tariq Saeedi The geo-economic centrality in the Eurasian landmass belongs to Central Asia. This is not a theoretical surmise – it is an undeniable truth. It became necessary to underline this truth because certain quarters are still treating Central Asia as appendix to their own ambitions. As a matter fact, this short analytical piece is […]
Russia and Central Asian countries are preparing a second summit meeting, Lavrov says
Russia is working on preparations for the second Russia-Central Asia summit (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), which will take place in the foreseeable future. This was announced on Monday, 2 September, by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at a meeting with students and faculty of MGIMO. “There is also a “Central Asia+Russia” mechanism created […]
Armenia’s business mission to Almaty: Strengthening economic ties and new transport routes via Turkmenistan and Iran
Almaty recently hosted an important event for business cooperation between Kazakhstan and Armenia — 50 Armenian entrepreneurs visited Kazakhstan with a business mission. The event, organized by the Diplomatic Club “Astana” in collaboration with the embassies of both countries, was aimed at strengthening constructive dialogue between the countries, creating additional opportunities for building business ties, […]
Kazakhstan stays focused on E-Commerce
The QazTech Alliance of Technology Companies recently held a roundtable on the digitalization of small and medium businesses in Kazakhstan, reports TengriNews. The e-commerce in Kazakhstan almost doubles every two years and currently accounts for 12.5% of total purchases. The participants of the roundtable noted the buoying role played by the digitalization of consumer services […]
Greenifying Central Asia: From fossil fuel to renewable energy giants?
Mokhinur Sultanova Central Asia, a region rich in natural resources, has long relied on its vast reserves of fossil fuels to drive economic growth and development. However, the energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with new challenges emerging due to climate change, economic shifts, and the global transition towards renewable energy sources. With its rich history […]
Gazprom chairman comments on relations with China and Central Asia
The Chairman of the Management Committee of PJSC Gazprom, Alexey Miller, has commented on the relations of Gazprom with China and Central Asia. He was addressing a meeting on the eve of the ‘Oil and Gas Industry Workers Day’ on 29 August 2024. Here is the relevant portion from the press release by Gazprom: “Our […]
Kyrgyzstan explains its position on shared water resources
nCa Report Some of the shared water resources of Central Asia originate or pass through the territory of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. While Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are rich in the hydrocarbon resources, they are dependent on the upper riparian neighbours for their share of water. The question of the shared water resources, after meandering for […]
China sets 2050 target for world-class aviation hubs
China plans to establish a group of world-class aviation enterprises and hubs by 2050, according to a new guideline released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the National Development and Reform Commission. The guideline outlines a three-phase strategy for developing international aviation hubs with milestones set for 2025, 2035 and 2050. By 2025, […]
Warehouse space deficit in Central Asia estimated at 20 million m²
There is an acute shortage of warehouse space in Central Asia, which leads to a situation of zero vacancy in the market. According to Stanislav Akhmedzyanov, Managing Partner of IBC Global, the deficit of modern warehouse facilities in the region is measured in tens of millions of square meters. “If you need a high-quality modern […]
«Central Asia Could Become the New Star of the Global Dairy Industry» – Dou Ming, Chief Analyst at Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultant, Ltd., IFCN Expert from China
From November 26 to 27, 2024, the annual Central Asian Dairy Congress – AqAltyn will take place in Turkestan. This significant event will bring together leading specialists and experts from the dairy industry across Central Asia and beyond. One of the key speakers at the congress will be Dou Ming, Chief Analyst at the leading […]
As to why cotton is indispensable crop for Central Asia
nCa Report The cotton crop is among the things that attract criticism toward Central Asia. Despite that, the region would grow more rather than less cotton. Why? Here is why? The cotton crop is labour-intensive i.e. you need more people for the entire crop cycle, particularly at the harvest stage. This provides for employing more […]
World Water Week – 25-29 August 2024
The World Water Week, 25-29 August 2024, is being observed with the theme ‘Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future’. As a matter of fact, the scarcity of water in many countries has reached the level where we should mark every day is the World Water Day. — The choice is stark: Life, […]
Bizarre-browed dinosaur species ruled Central Asia 165 million years ago
Mrigakshi Dixit A new dinosaur fossil has been identified as the distant cousin of the fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex. This newly identified theropod dinosaur once roamed parts of Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia around 165 million years ago. The new fossil species has been named Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus. One of Alpkarakush’s most striking features is its unusual “eyebrow” bone, […]
The visit of Uzbek PM to Afghanistan – The Event and the Phenomenon
Tariq Saeedi Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov of Uzbekistan visited Afghanistan, 17-18 August 2024. It is the highest-level visit of a foreign head of government to Afghanistan since the Taliban came to power in 2021. It is significant as both an event and a phenomenon. The Event The visit was successful by all means. The outcomes […]
Central Asia has high level of self-sufficiency in food products
The latest data from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) shows that the Central Asian countries have a high level of self-sufficiency in most food products. Nevertheless, the bank notes that there is the shortage of certain types of products. A short report by Kazinform, citing the data from the EDB gives the following picture : […]
Rise of E-commerce in Central Asia creates more space for China
E-commerce is rising fast in Central Asia and this has created additional space for China. According to the People’s Daily of China, approximately nine million parcels are exchanged between China and countries around the world daily, making it easier and faster for consumers to “buy globally.” Over the past five years, the scale of China’s […]
UNICEF working to eliminate institutionalization of children in Central Asia by 2030
nCa Report UNICEF, always the pioneer of result-oriented initiatives, is working systematically to eliminate the institutionalization of children in Central Asia by 2030. A UNICEF report titled ‘Keeping families together in Central Asia’ says: “Every child has the right to grow up in a nurturing family environment. Yet nearly 60,000 children aged 0-17 years across […]
“Uzbekistan has objectively assumed a special responsibility for the future of Central Asia,” Abdulaziz Kamilov
Abdulaziz Kamilov, special representative of the president for foreign policy, emphasized Uzbekistan’s pivotal role in Central Asia’s future and outlined its new foreign policy doctrine under President Mirziyoyev in his article, “New Central Asia in Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy,” published in Yangi O’zbekiston (New Uzbekistan). Kamilov begins by highlighting the shift in Uzbekistan’s leadership with the […]
Air Cargo Review – Central Asia and Caucasus – Part One
Development of Air Cargo The Central Asia, the Caspian region, and the Caucasus regions are witnessing a significant transformation in their air cargo sectors, driven by strategic investments, infrastructure enhancements, and international collaborations. This rapid development is underscored by the bi-annual International Central Asia Aviation Summit, which in April 2024 brought together over 200 aviation professionals from […]
Central Asia wins 29 medals in Paris Olympics
Central Asia has won 29 medals in the Paris Olympics. Uzbekistan is at 13th place overall with 13 medals including 8 Gold. Country Gold Silver Bronze Total Uzbekistan 8 2 3 13 Kazakhstan 1 3 3 7 Kyrgyzstan 0 2 4 6 Tajikistan 0 0 3 3 Total 9 7 13 29 /// nCa, 13 […]
Central Asia-Japan Joint business forum held in Astana – Turkmenistan and Japan inked a package of deals
On 9 August 2024, a business forum of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue was held in Astana. The event was organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the Japanese Association for Trade with Russia and NIS (ROTOBO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazakh Invest, the […]
Korea and Central Asian countries discussed the plan of upcoming activities and events
On 8 August 2024, Foreign ministry of Korea hosted the 15th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Secretariat of the “Central Asia-Republic of Korea” Cooperation Forum. Turkmenistan was represented by Ambassador Begench Durdyyev. During the meeting, the members of the Executive Committee of the Secretariat, consisting of Ambassadors of the Central Asia countries and […]
Central Asian Transport Ministers Advance Cooperation
Ministers of Transport of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan convened in Astana on 8 August 2023, to discuss enhancing regional connectivity. The meeting, held ahead of the Sixth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, focused on expanding transit corridors, rail and road infrastructure, and air travel options, ministry of transport of Kazakhstan […]
Security, transport, energy and the climate agenda – the key statements of the President of Azerbaijan at the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Astana
“Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia represent a single historical, cultural, and geopolitical space, with growing strategic importance. Our peoples share a centuries-old history, culture, religion, and common values,” President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan stressed, speaking at the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Astana. In his speech, Aliyev […]
Speech by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the sixth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States
Dear Heads of State, Dear members of the delegations! First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, for the hospitality and excellent organization of the meeting. Our annual meetings have already become a tradition and, as practice shows, they are always […]
President Sadyr Japarov: Our main goal is to turn Central Asia into a stable, economically developed, prosperous region
The format of Consultative meetings of the leaders of the Central Asian countries is in high demand and gives the necessary additional impetus to strengthening regional cooperation, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan said, speaking at the summit of the heads of Central Asia in Astana, on Friday, 9 August. “The past five meetings have shown […]
President Emomali Rahmon: Rapid changes in the world necessitates developing a unified position on the future of Central Asia
Given the rapidly evolving global landscape, there is an urgent need for a unified position of Central Asian countries for the future, stated President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan during his remarks at the 6th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. The Head of Tajikistan drew the attention of counterparts from Central […]
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: The well-being of the Central Asian countries largely depends on common efforts and willingness to cooperate closely
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: The well-being of the Central Asian countries largely depends on common efforts and willingness to cooperate closelyCentral Asia, due to its geopolitical position, is fully experiencing all the negative consequences of the global crisis of confidence and escalation of conflicts, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed during his speech at the 6th […]
The President of Turkmenistan has left on a working visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan
Today, on 9 August, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov left on a working visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan to participate in the sixth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian states, as well as in the first Summit of the Central Asia–Japan Dialogue. Consistently implementing a foreign policy course based on the principles of positive […]