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 […]
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 […]
UNRCCA, UNOCT, OSCE and Government of Uzbekistan organize the Second Meeting of the Working Groups of the Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees
UNRCCA, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and the Government of Uzbekistan organized the second meeting of the working groups of the Central Asia Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees. The regional event, which took place in Tashkent […]
Head of UNRCCA visits Termez
On 24 November 2024, SRSG for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA, Kaha Imnadze, visited Termez, Uzbekistan, at the border with Afghanistan in order to get acquainted with the Regional UN Logistics Hub as well as the Free Economic Zone “Airitom” and the Education Centre for Afghan Nationals. The visit was facilitated by the Government […]
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 […]
From Bukhara to Turkmenabat: strengthening interregional ties between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan
On November 21, the II Turkmen-Uzbek Interregional Forum took place as part of the second day of the national exhibition of Uzbek goods. The event brought together heads of trade and financial institutions, regional administrations, and private sector representatives from both countries. As the speakers from the Turkmen side noted, the organization of such events, […]
Made in Uzbekistan Exhibition Opens in Turkmenistan
On 20 November 2024, the “Made in Uzbekistan” exhibition kicked off in Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan. The event coincides with the Second Turkmen-Uzbek Interregional Forum, showcasing a diverse range of Uzbek products and fostering collaboration between the two countries. The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent figures, including Dilshod Rasulov, Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Chamber of […]
Days of Culture of Uzbekistan in Ashgabat: a bright celebration of friendship and creativity
On 18 November, the Days of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan will start in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. This event, designed to strengthen the cultural bonds between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, promises to be a highlight of the country’s cultural calendar. The grand opening ceremony will take place at the Mukam Palace of the […]
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 […]
Saudi Arabia signs major green energy deals with Central Asian nations
Saudi Arabia has signed a joint executive program with Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to strengthen collaboration on renewable energy development and transmission. The deal was signed on the sidelines of the 29th UN Climate Summit in Baku by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and energy ministers of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. The executive […]
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 […]
Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan Sign Strategic Green Energy Partnership Agreement
At the COP 29 World Climate Summit, the heads of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan signed an agreement on strategic partnership in the field of green energy production and transmission. “The document opens up new opportunities for the integration of the energy systems of our states, as well as the creation of reliable corridors for the […]
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 […]
Uzbekistan calls for International Center on Climate Loss and Damage
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the plenary session of the Summit of World Leaders within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, stressing the country’s determination to combat global climate challenges. “Today, climate change has become a […]
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 […]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to Introduce Competitive Railway Tariffs
The railway administrations of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan held a meeting within the 81st Council for Railway Transport of the CIS member states in Tashkent on 5 November. The bilateral meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Temir Yullari JSC Z.Narzullaev and Chairman of the Agency of Railways of Turkmenistan Atamuradov Azat. […]
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 […]