China is the largest exporter of investments in the Eurasian region. By mid-2024, China’s direct investment stock amounted to $58.6 billion, according to the Eurasian Development Bank’s study titled “Mutual Investments on the Eurasian Continent: New and Traditional Partners”. China’s investments are traditionally concentrated in the extractive industries ($36.2 billion). Over 18 months (2023 – […]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan environmentalists seek to include Markhur in UNESCO List
Arailym Temirgaliyeva The Surkhan State Nature Reserve, located in Surkhandarya region, cooperates with the Koytendag State Nature Reserve of Turkmenistan to protect the flora and fauna of the region, UzA reports. Nature reserves rich in flora and fauna are on both sides of the Kuhitang mountain range.Koytendag has an area of 27,140 hectares and is located at […]
The Role of Caspian Energy in Global Supply Chains
The Caspian Sea region continues to be a pivotal energy hub, contributing significantly to global oil and natural gas markets. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan account for a substantial share of hydrocarbon reserves, with petroleum production from offshore Caspian fields constituting 1% of global oil supply and natural gas output exceeding 4 trillion cubic feet […]
First EU-Central Asia summit to take place on 3-4 April 2025 in Uzbekistan
The President of the European Council, António Costa, along with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, will be travelling to Uzbekistan for the first-ever EU-Central Asia summit on 3-4 April 2025, the European Council said in a press release. The summit will be hosted by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with the […]
Turkmenistan’s Oil and Gas Production Detailed in New EIA Caspian Sea Report
U.S. Energy Information Administration has issued an updated report titled “Regional Analysis Brief: Caspian Sea”. The report analyzes energy in the Caspian Sea region, focusing both on energy production and resources offshore in the Caspian Sea itself. It also provides an energy overview of several coasta countries of the Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan). […]
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 […]
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 […]
Memory of Great Eastern Poet Alisher Navoi Honored in Ashgabat
The name of Alisher Navoi shines like a bright star across centuries, illuminating the path for descendants. His works, which have become the heritage not only of Turkic peoples but of the entire world, serve as a bridge connecting cultures and people’s hearts. On the eve of his 584th birth anniversary, a solemn flower-laying ceremony […]
Uzbekistan President’s Visit to Malaysia: Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur forge closer links, targeting strategic partnership
Malaysia and Uzbekistan have expressed their mutual desire to enhance their diplomatic relationship, with both nations agreeing to work toward establishing a strategic partnership in a joint statement released Wednesday (5 Feb) in Kuala Lumpur. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, who paid his first visit (4-5 Feb) to Malaysia since assuming office in December 2016, […]
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed the prospects of increasing the capacity of the Farap-Alat checkpoints
On 4 February 2025, representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Customs Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a videoconference meeting. The agenda included increasing the capacity of the Farap–Alat road checkpoints and discussing proposals from the parties on this issue. As noted, after […]
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 […]
EU Provides €8.8 Million Grant to Uzbekistan for Aral Sea Basin Land Restoration
The European Union has committed €8.8 million in grant funding to support land restoration efforts in Uzbekistan’s Aral Sea Basin, with a new environmental initiative set to launch in 2025. This investment falls under the EU’s broader “Green Central Asia” initiative, which tackles regional challenges related to water resources, energy, and climate change. The project […]
Mary International Airport permitted emergency landing for Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air flight
On 1 February 2025, the crew of Centrum Air flight C6 3336, en route from Medina to Fergana aboard an A321neo aircraft, detected an oil leak in one of the engines. The incident occurred while flying over Turkmenistan. In accordance with safety regulations, the captain decided to divert the aircraft to the nearest alternative airport […]
Koytendag Mountain Ecosystem – UNESCO World Heritage Candidate
Shirin Karryeva, CLLC Project Manager On January 30, 2025, an online meeting was held at the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan (MOEPT) with representatives from the Michael Succow Foundation for Nature Conservation (MSF, Germany), the Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC, USA), Slovak Speleological Society, French Côte d’Azur University, Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection […]
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 […]
Turkmen-Uzbek political consultations held in Tashkent
On 26-27 January 2025, the Turkmen delegation headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov was on a visit to Uzbekistan. During the visit, political consultations were held at the level of the foreign ministers. During the consultations, the development of the political and diplomatic dialogue between the two countries was discussed, […]
The President of Uzbekistan stressed the importance of expanding the agenda of the multifaceted partnership with Turkmenistan.
On 27 January 2025, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. The meeting took place within the framework of the visit of the Turkmen delegation to Uzbekistan with the purpose of holding the regular Uzbek-Turkmen political consultations. At the beginning of the […]
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 […]
The 33rd anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan celebrated in Ashgabat
On 15 January 2025, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan hosted a briefing in honor of Defender of the Motherland Day and the 33rd anniversary of the founding of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The official guest of the Government of Turkmenistan was the Deputy Minister of Defense, Chief of the General […]
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 […]
Uzbekistan Seeks Alternative Trade Corridors – Some will pass through Turkmenistan
The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan is actively working to diversify international routes and create alternative transport corridors for cargo transportation. This move aims to reduce reliance on transit countries facing challenges and ensure the stability of foreign trade operations. Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov emphasized this need, stating in an interview with Uzbekistan 24 TV […]
Uzbekistan – UAE: Partnership for a Green Future
Alisher Kadirov, Head of Department, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been experiencing a period of rapid development in recent years, characterized by deepening cooperation in many areas, especially sustainable development and the green […]
Uzbekistan to build first storage power plants in Central Asia jointly with China
An ambitious project for the construction of the first storage hydropower plants in Central Asia will be implemented in Uzbekistan. This event marks an important step towards the energy independence of the region and the transition to more sustainable energy sources. Last week, during a visit to China, the Uzbek hydropower company “Uzbekgidroenergo” and the […]
Central Asia is a Key Vector of Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy
Azamat Sulimanov, Head of Department, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Analyzing the events of recent years, as well as the processes taking place in Central Asia, the radical changes that have taken place in the region in a fairly short period of time become obvious. Many […]
Uzbekistan’s Eco-Course: Ban on AI-80, New Industrial Restrictions and Mandatory Plastic Recycling
By the end of 2025, Uzbekistan plans to completely abandon the use of AI-80 gasoline, which does not comply with the Euro-4 environmental standard and significantly pollutes the environment. This is reported by the Uz Daily agency. The ban stems from recommendations received from various sources, including the general public, international and local environmental organizations, […]
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 […]
Trading houses open up new opportunities for cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan
The UzbekPak International Trade Center, as well as the UzbekPak Cultural Center, have opened in Karachi, Pakistan, the Dunyo news agency reports. The opening took place with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan and the Pakistani company Diners Group. According to Sohail Moten, the head of the Diners Group, the trading house and cultural […]
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed topical issues of Turkmen-Uzbek cooperation
During a telephone conversation on 30 December, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated each other and the fraternal peoples of the two countries on the coming 2025, sincerely wishing health, happiness, well-being, peace and prosperity, reports the press […]
Turkmen experts visited the Surkhan State Nature Reserve in Uzbekistan – Transnational Nomination Koitendag and Surkhan nature reserves aim for UNESCO World Natural Heritage List
From December 16 to 20, 2024, specialists from Turkmenistan undertook a working trip to Uzbekistan as part of the Center for the Conservation of Large Landscapes (CLLC) project, “Improving the potential and connectivity between the reserves of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.” The trip included visits to Termez and the Surkhan State Nature Reserve. This project, implemented […]
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 […]
New Residential Building Opens for Turkmen Embassy Staff in Tashkent
On 27 December 2024, a grand opening ceremony was held in Tashkent for a new apartment building designed to accommodate employees of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The ceremony was attended by a high-level Turkmen delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs A.Gurbanov. The festive event was also attended by […]
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 […]
Uzbekistan is developing a program “From Poverty to Prosperity”
Mukhammadali Abdujabborov, leading research fellow of ISRS In recent years, Uzbekistan has achieved remarkable success in reducing poverty through a targeted government policy focused on improving the living conditions of its citizens in a comprehensive manner. The country’s policy involves a strategic combination of economic reforms, social support and improvements in public services. It is […]
How New Uzbekistan reduces state participation in the economy
Khalilillo Turakhujaev, Chairman of the Committee for the Development of Competition and Protection of Consumer Rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan A number of crucial institutional reforms have been introduced in last five years to further modernize and enhance Uzbekistan’s economic and competition policies. After a comparative study of international best practices, Uzbekistan has implemented […]
The President of Turkmenistan received credentials from the new Ambassador of Uzbekistan
On Friday, 13 December 2024, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received credentials from the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan Ravshanbek Alimov. During the meeting, the sides stressed the high level of bilateral cooperation and common interests. Ambassador Alimov conveyed greetings from the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the head of Turkmenistan, as […]
Inception of UNDP’s Regional Initiative to Enhance Urban Resilience in Central Asia
Central Asia is among the world’s most vulnerable regions to natural hazards and climate-induced challenges, including earthquakes, floods, droughts, avalanches, and landslides. Over the past decade, these disasters have claimed thousands of lives and impacted millions of people across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. With the added pressure of climate change disrupting ecosystems, water […]
Turkmen and Uzbek customs officers strengthen cooperation in the field of personnel training
On 10 December 2024, an online meeting was held between the staff of the Training Center at the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the teaching staff of the Customs Institute of the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan. The meeting was a part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two departments in the field of […]
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 […]
Uzbekistan supports exporters
Sadullo Salakhov, Deputy Head of the Department of the Ministry of Investments, industry and trade of Uzbekistan Export is a driver of the economy, enabling production growth, job creation, and GDP increase. Therefore, every country strives to support businesses seeking to expand their exports to foreign markets. This article discusses the comprehensive measures of direct […]
Water issues, gas supplies and upcoming high-level meetings – The President of Uzbekistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people discussed key issues of cooperation
On 5 December 2024, a telephone conversation took place between the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During the conversation, the sides discussed in detail topical issues of further strengthening the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership relations and expanding multifaceted cooperation. […]
The new Ambassador of Uzbekistan presented copies of credentials to the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
On 2 December 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan Ravshanbek Alimov, who presented copies of his credentials. Meredov congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment to a responsible post and expressed the readiness of the Turkmen side to provide assistance […]
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 trade and economic ties in the region: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are developing an AEO agreement
Recently, Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan Maksat Khudaikulyev met with Executive Secretary of the International Center for Transport Diplomacy Igor Runov. The meeting focused on the issue of concluding a trilateral Agreement on mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) with the participation of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The implementation of this […]
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 […]
Uzbekistan’s New Envoy Arrives in Ashgabat
Ravshanbek Alimov, Uzbekistan’s newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Turkmenistan, arrived in Ashgabat today, Uzbek news agency “Dunyo” reported. Alimov is 58 years old. He graduated from the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Uzbekistan, Georgetown University (USA). He began his career in 1990 at the […]