On 26 February 2025, political consultations were held in Bishkek between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. The Turkmen side was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, and the Kyrgyz side – by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubayev. During the meeting, the sides discussed topical issues of […]
Turkmenistan Extends Invitation to Kyrgyzstan President for Ashgabat Neutrality Forum
On 26 February 2025, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek. The parties discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation, including trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as cooperation in the field of energy and transport logistics. […]
Border of Peace: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Sign Final Border Delimitation Protocol
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic agreement, finalizing their state border alignment along its entire length and signing the final border delimitation protocol. Following governmental delegation negotiations on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border delimitation on 21 February 2025, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet – Head of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan Kamchybek Tashiev […]
United to advance the 2030 Agenda: Central Asia countries pledge to act for gender equality in the region
On February 6, 2025, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan collectively affirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as outlined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), during a high-level meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. The pledge was formalized through a joint statement. The event, titled […]
Kyrgyzstan and China Deepen Strategic Partnership: Outcomes of Sadyr Japarov’s State Visit to Beijing
From 5 to 7 February 2025, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov paid a state visit to the People’s Republic of China, during which he met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The visit was marked by the signing of important agreements and strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields. Perhaps the most significant moment […]
Ending poverty through E-Commerce in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan?
Yaroslav Eferin, Kate Gromova, Ana Cortes-Gonzalez Trade has fueled economic growth in Central Asia, despite geographic challenges. Goods from Central Asia, without seaports, must go the extra mile to reach their destination. Trade costs for landlocked developing countries–equivalent to a 540% tariff,–hinder the competitiveness of the region’s entrepreneurs and curb potential income growth. E-commerce may […]
Interview: Kyrgyz president expects Chinese modernization to bring new opportunities for Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has said that Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to the comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era with China, and the two countries have effectively enhanced mutual trust and benefits based on friendly relations and productive cooperation. At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japarov is to pay a state visit […]
Artificial Intelligence in Central Asia: strategies, initiatives, prospects
nCa Report The development of artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key priorities of the state policy of the Central Asian countries. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan demonstrate a systematic approach to the development of AI, forming the necessary infrastructure, training personnel and creating favorable conditions for innovation. Each country has identified its […]
Afghanistan’s Trade with Central Asia Reaches $1.6 Billion
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced that Afghanistan’s trade with five Central Asian countries has reached a total value of $1.696 billion during the current solar year (March 2024 to March 2025), TOLOnews reported. According to ministry spokesperson Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, exports accounted for $112 million of this trade volume, while imports […]
Comprehensive Report on E-Commerce Trends and Developments with Focus on Central Asia
E-commerce in 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Innovations The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving, with new trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the way we buy and sell online. Here’s a look at some of the key developments in the e-commerce world: 1. The Rise of AI-Powered Shopping Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the e-commerce experience. […]
Meeting in Brussels: The ambassadors of Central Asia and Mongolia discussed with the head of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee preparations for key events in 2025
On 27 January 2025, at the initiative of the Ambassadors of Central Asia countries and Mongolia accredited in Belgium, a meeting was held in Brussels with David McAllister, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Belgium reports. The meeting participants discussed preparations for key events, including: • […]
Japanese PM’s Envoy Embarks on Diplomatic Tour of Central Asia
Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Nagashima Akihisa, begins a diplomatic mission to Central Asia as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister. The 11-day tour will cover all five Central Asian nations in an effort to strengthen Japan’s ties with the region. The trip, scheduled from 29 January to 8 February, will include […]
(UPDATED) The National Leader of the Turkmen people and the President of Kyrgyzstan held telephone talks
On 29 January 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov had a telephone conversation, during which an interested exchange of views took place on a number of important issues of bilateral cooperation. Noting the dynamic nature of […]
The Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–EU transport corridor is fully operational, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Transport says
To date, the Kyrgyzstan– Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan –Azerbaijan–EU transport corridor is fully operational, the Kyrgyz agency Tazabek reports with reference to the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of the Kyrgyz Republic Beknazar Bazaraliev. According to the official, Kyrgyz cargo carriers are already using this route to supply goods to Europe. “Our cargo carriers deliver […]
EBRD sets an investment record in Central Asia
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has set a new operational record in Central Asia by investing €2.26 billion through 121 projects in six regional economies last year – almost doubling its annual investment in Central Asia compared with 2023. It also mobilised €784 million from co-financiers, thus bringing more than […]
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan account for 95% of Central Asia’s total GDP, EDB says
The three largest economies — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan — account for 95% of Central Asia’s total GDP and are net exporters of hydrocarbons, says Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) in the reports titled “Macroeconomic Forecasts 2025-2027”. In 2024, Central Asia’s nominal GDP could exceed $500bn. According to our estimates, it will increase by more than […]
Kyrgyzstan opens TIR windows for faster borders
TIR truck drivers now enjoy a smoother journey: dedicated TIR windows are operational at two key Kyrgyz border crossings. As part of ongoing efforts to streamline transport and trade through the landlocked Central Asian nation, TIR windows are now operational at the Turugart and Irkeshtam border crossings with China. TIR operators using TIR-EPD – TIR’s […]
PMs of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan met at Tri-Border Point, push for regional integration
On 8 January 2025, a trilateral meeting was held between Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic-Head of the Presidential Administration Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdullah Aripov and Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kohir Rasulzoda. The premiers met at the junction of the state borders of the three countries — in […]
Construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway starts in Kyrgyzstan
On 27 December 2024, construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway started in Kyrgyzstan, which in the future will play a strategic role in accelerating cargo traffic between China and Europe. The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, led by President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, took place in the village of Tosh-Kutchu in the […]
The President of Turkmenistan took part in the informal CIS summit in Russia
On Wednesday, 25 December 2024, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the informal summit of the CIS heads of state, which was held in the Leningrad Region, Russia. The summit was also attended by President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr […]
Central Asia commits to end statelessness with Ashgabat Declaration
ALMATY – Central Asian States have reaffirmed their commitment to eradicate statelessness, adopting the Ashgabat Declaration on Ending Statelessness in Central Asia, published today in Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Turkmen, Uzbek, Russian and English languages. Adopted by the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ashgabat Declaration highlights eight strategic directions to sustain and […]
What cross-border hubs is Kazakhstan developing?
Kazakhstan is actively developing cross-border hubs to enhance its position as a regional transport and logistics center in Central Asia and the Caspian region. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to establish fully-fledged transport and logistics hubs along Kazakhstan’s borders with China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia, as well as on the Caspian coast. These […]
Joint Statement of the Fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Full Text)
(unofficial translation) On 1 December 2024, Wang Yi, member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Jeenbek Kulubayev, Deputy Chairman of the […]
Strengthening multilateral cooperation: outcomes of the 5th meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China and Central Asian countries
On 1 December 2024, the fifth meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China and Central Asian countries took place in Chengdu. The meeting, which was chaired by Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi, was attended by: • Kazakhstan – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu. • Kyrgyzstan – Minister of Foreign Affairs […]
The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the ministerial meeting “Central Asia – China”
On 1 December 2024, a delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, participated in the 5th meeting of foreign ministers of the Central Asia-China format, held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Participants at the meeting emphasized the significant role of cooperation within the CA-China format in strengthening constructive partnerships and promoting common interests […]
Central Asian countries adopt Dushanbe Declaration to advance green development and internationally agreed goals
Representatives of Central Asian countries today acknowledged the urgent need for regional cooperation in green development and committed to strengthen collaboration across critical sectors, including energy, trade digitalization, trade integration, trade facilitation, investment promotion, SME development, water cooperation and innovation ecosystems. The Dushanbe Declaration was adopted at the end of the 2024 SPECA Economic Forum […]
Chinese foreign minister to chair fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, will chair the fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting from 30 November to 1 December in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Xinhua reports with reference to Chinese foreign ministry. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister […]
China Exim Bank opens a regional office in Uzbekistan
The Export-Import Bank of China (China Exim Bank) further strengthened its presence in Central Asia with the opening of a representative office in Tashkent on 22 November 2024. The China Exim Bank was founded in 1994. It is a state-owned political bank aimed to support China’s foreign trade, investment and international economic cooperation, and is […]
Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus concludes Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship with the final Conference and Expo aimed at strengthening women’s entrepreneurship in Central Asia
On 14-15 November, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze participated in the final Conference of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) under Kyrgyzstan’s presidency in Bishkek. The conference was preceded by the regional “Woman Entrepreneurship EXPO-2024,” which brought together women entrepreneurs and high-level representatives from […]
ADB Launches Major Initiative for Central Asia and South Caucasus to Build Resilience to Melting Glaciers
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a new regional program, Glaciers to Farms, that will promote sustainable water use and food security in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Pakistan amid the catastrophic impacts of accelerated glacial melt due to climate change, ADB said in a press-release on 14 November 2024. Supported by the Green […]
Accelerating Change: The Regional Platform for Fast-Tracking the Implementation of the UN Convention Against Corruption in Central Asia Contributes to Positive Developments!
At the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption held in December 2021, Resolution 9/4 on “Strengthening the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption at regional levels” was adopted, emphasizing the importance of developing technical assistance programs and adopting a regional approach in delivering anti-corruption technical assistance. This includes the […]
Kyrgyzstan calls on developed countries to bring climate finance to US $ 2 trillion
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, addressing the Summit of World Leaders on Climate Action in Baku, stressed the importance of coordinated actions to combat climate change in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. He called on developed countries to increase financial assistance to developing countries in the framework of climate finance. “We […]
Financial fortification: Central Asia’s approach to natural disaster readiness
Astana hosts the Central Asian forum on disaster financing and insurance, bringing together key stakeholders from across the region to address the urgent need for financial preparedness in battling natural disasters. Government leaders, insurance regulators, private sector representatives, and international experts looked into both the financial and logistical demands of responding to these crises and […]
CAREC Ministers launched the Regional Climate Fund and endorsed Climate Change Action Plan
Member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program have endorsed a new Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) and launched the CAREC Climate and Sustainability Project Preparatory Fund (CSPPF) to strengthen regional collaboration on climate resilience, low-carbon growth, and sustainable development. This endorsement took place at the 23rd CAREC Ministerial Conference, held on […]
Turkic States Deepen Cooperation at OTS Bishkek Summit: Green Vision, Charter of the Turkic World and New Flag Adopted
The Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States met on 6 November 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on the theme of “Empowering the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, Digital Future and Security for all”. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Türkiye […]
The Turkmen delegation attended the 17th “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” Cooperation Forum
On November 4, 2024 the 17th “Central Asia – Republic of Korea” Cooperation Forum took place in Seoul. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea Begench Durdyyev attended this Forum on behalf of the Turkmen side. The forum was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Cho Tae-yul. […]
17th Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum: preparations for the first summit in 2025 discussed
On Monday, 4 November, the 17th Central Asia-Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum was held under the chairmanship of South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, which was attended by foreign ministers, deputy foreign ministers and chief delegates from five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, according to Korean news outlets. The Forum was […]
E-Commerce in Central Asia benefits from Public-Private Partnership
The e-commerce in Central Asia is growing fast. The stakeholders in the public and private sector are learning from the experience and ironing out the snags. Tajikistan notes the need for better Internet service for efficient e-commerce The Tajik government has adopted the E-Commerce Program for 2025-2029, which aims to expand e-commerce, reduce trade costs, […]
Ashgabat hosted the second Central Asia–Korea parliamentary forum
On October 14, 2024, the second parliamentary meeting in the Central Asia-Korea format took place in Ashgabat. The event was attended by: Woo Won Shik, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Nurlanbek Shakiev, Chairman of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic Yerlan […]
The final document of the International Forum: “The interrelation of times and civilizations – the basis of peace and development”, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Fragi
(Unofficial translation) On 11 October 2024, the International Forum “The Interrelation of Times and Civilizations – the basis of peace and development” was held, which was attended by the President of Turkmenistan, the President of the Republic of Armenia, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the […]
International Forum: “The interconnection of times and civilizations – the basis of peace and development” – Leaders Call for Cooperation Across Cultures
Ten countries addressed at the plenary session of the International Conference “The Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the Basis of Peace and Development”, dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Fraga. Here are quotes from the speeches of high-ranking speakers: President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov: “The great and rich heritage of […]
President Japarov: Kyrgyzstan Open to Trade Talks, Joint Ventures with Turkmenistan
Kyrgyzstan is ready to discuss steps to increase trade turnover and implement joint infrastructure projects with Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov said at a meeting with the national Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The meeting took place in Ashgabat on October 11 on the sidelines of the international forum “Interrelation of Times and […]
Ashgabat hosted the International Conference “The Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the basis of Peace and Development” – The great rich heritage of Magtymguly predetermined the basis of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy, says President Serdar Berdimuhamedov
On 11 October 2024, an international conference “The interconnection of times and civilizations – the basis of peace and development” dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great Turkmen poet and classic Magtymguly Fragi was held in Ashgabat under the chairmanship of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. As speakers, the forum was […]
EBRD forecasts robust economic growth in Central Asia
Anton Usov According to the latest edition of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) Regional Economic Prospects report, the short-term regional economic outlook for Central Asia remains positive. Regional growth is set to reach 5.1 per cent in 2024 and accelerate to 5.9 per cent in 2025 on stronger commodity revenues, infrastructure investment and […]
Bridge of Cultures: Central Asian designers in the heart of Europe
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 […]
Kazakhstan Outlines Priorities for Aral Sea Conservation
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with representatives of Central Asian countries to discuss the priorities of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) during Kazakhstan’s chairmanship. At a meeting in Astana on 18 September, Bektenov presented the key objectives for IFAS, which include promoting integrated water resource management, addressing environmental and socio-economic […]
The first meeting of the Board of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea held in Astana
On 18 September 2024, Astana hosted the first meeting of the Board of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) within the framework of the Kazakhstan’s chairmanship. According to the Press Service of the Government of Kazakhstan, the event, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, was attended by Minister of Water Resources […]
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 […]