A new six-year, €11 million initiative, “One Health in Central Asia,” was launched at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and funded by the German […]
UN Women Tashkent Consultations: Central Asia’s potential for achieving gender equality under the spotlight
The potential and opportunities for Central Asia to achieve gender equality were explored in-depth at consultations held in Tashkent on 12 February. The event, titled “Empowering women and girls, as well as ensuring gender equality by addressing poverty, strengthening mechanisms and gender-oriented financing,” was jointly organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of […]
Uzbekistan hosts the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
On 12 February 2024, the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) kicked off in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, under the slogan “Nature knows no borders”. The Forum brought together more than 1,800 participants from 130 countries to solve one of the […]
Uzbekistan, Belarus Summit talks paves way for enhanced industrial and trade partnerships
On 8 February 2024, summit talks were held in Tashkent between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus. The topic of trade, economic, industrial and technological cooperation has become a defining area of the talks. “We are pleased that our fraternal republic, Uzbekistan, is developing intensively. We are interested in the […]
Uzbekistan to suspend operation of polluting businesses with new law
Uzbekistan has strengthened its environmental protection efforts by introducing amendments to key laws. These changes empower authorities to suspend or restrict the operations of businesses that excessively pollute the environment, posing a threat to public health and safety. The President of Uzbekistan signed a law on amendments to the laws “On Nature Protection”, “On protection […]
Ambassador Akmaljon Kuchkarov hosted a press briefing – An overview of the current state of multidimensional Turkmen–Uzbek relations presented
On 5 February 2024, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, Akmaljon Kuchkarov, hosted a briefing for Turkmen journalists and representatives of foreign media accredited in Ashgabat. The event was dedicated to the 583rd anniversary of the great Uzbek writer and thinker Alisher Navoi, who made a huge contribution to the development of Turkic literature. In […]
Turkmenistan Delivers 2,000 Tons of Liquefied Gas to Kyrgyzstan as Humanitarian Aid
On February 5, 2024, a shipment of 2,000 tons of liquefied gas (57 tank wagons) arrived at the Shopokov railway station in Kyrgyzstan. This humanitarian aid, sent upon the initiative of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, was provided free of charge by Turkmenistan in response to the recent accident at the Bishkek CHP plant. Representatives from the […]
Afghanistan Eyes Balanced Trade with Central Asia
In 2023, Afghanistan imported about $1.4 billion worth of goods from Central Asian countries, while the country exported goods worth $100 million, TOLOnews reports, citing the Afghan Ministry of Industry and Trade. According to the ministry’s spokesman Akhundzada Abdul Salam Javad, the country’s main exports to Central Asia are fresh fruits, dried fruits, while attempts […]
Turkmenabad Eyes Hosting Next Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan Business Forum
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are exploring the possibility of hosting the next interregional business forum in Turkmenabad, according to a recent meeting between Ambassador Akmaljon Kochkarov of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan and Lebap province governor Shohrat Amangeldiyev, UzReport reports. Discussions focused on strengthening trade and economic ties between the bordering regions of Bukhara (Uzbekistan) and Lebap (Turkmenistan), […]
Strengthening Cross-Border Collaboration: Passenger and Cargo Border Team enhances subregional practical data exchange between Port Control Units of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan through UNODC-WCO Global Container Control Programme
The pre-arrival information exchange on shipments is crucial to early profiling and identifying high-risk consignments prior to their arrival to the Customs posts and is amongst key priority areas of the CCP strategic approach. In the light of the above, the respective pilot component on establishing the mechanism of direct pre-arrival data exchange on high-risk […]
European and international financial institutions announce €10 billion commitment to support sustainable connectivity in Central Asia
The Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity started today (29 January 2024) in Brussels. The event brings together government officials, financing institutions, businesses and civil society from Europe, all five Central Asian countries, and beyond. European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis announced that European and international financial institutions present at the […]
Uzbekistan offers China to join corridor linking Central Asia and Türkiye
Uzbekistan has offered China access to a crucial transport corridor linking Central Asia with Türkiye. During last week meeting in Beijing, Uzbekistan Railways chairman Zufar Narzullayev proposed including Chinese State Railways in the protocol governing the corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Türkiye. He also suggested collaborating to boost the corridor’s capacity. The talks further explored rail freight options between China and […]
EBRD posts strong operational results in Central Asia in 2023
Anton Usov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invested more than €1.2 billion (US$ 1.3 billion) in projects across Central Asia in 2023 to stimulate the region’s sustainable and inclusive growth, which is expected to continue at a pace of 5.9 per cent in 2024. Last year the Bank financed more than 100 […]
Turkmenistan Joins Regional Efforts to Expand Trans-Caspian Trade Route
Representatives from Turkmenistan, alongside officials from other Central Asian nations and international organizations, gathered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 25-26 January 2024, for the third meeting on expanding the Trans-Caspian Trade Route (TCTR). The Turkmen Logistics Association, Transport and Logistics Center of Turkmenistan (TULM), and several transport and logistics companies actively participated in the discussions. The […]
Italy Proposes Aral Sea Restoration Project to Central Asia
An Italian engineering company has unveiled a project to revive the Aral Sea basin, offering hope for environmental recovery in Central Asia where the sea’s shrinkage stands as a major crisis. President Roberto Mantovanelli and CEO Errico Stravato of SOGESID presented the initiative to ambassadors of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan at the Ministry for […]
Uzbekistan and China Elevate Ties with All-Weather Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
On 24 January 2024, a landmark summit in Beijing saw President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Xi Jinping of China elevate their bilateral relations to an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.” This historic statement marks a new stage era of cooperation between the Central Asian nation and the global powerhouse. The two leaders emphasized their […]
Uzbekistan-China: age-old foundations of modern successful cooperation
On January 23-25, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will visit China on a state visit. The modern stage of Uzbek-Chinese cooperation began on January 2, 1992, when, after gaining independence, Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations with the PRC as a full member of the international community. The historical roots of relations between the two states go […]
Central Asia not circumventing Western sanctions
Raza Syed The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is forcing the whole world to adapt to a new political and economic reality. Sanctions, counter-sanctions, and the breakdown of existing production and logistics chains are becoming a serious challenge for some, and a matter of survival for other states. The countries of Central Asia are […]
Uzbekistan Leads the Way in Central Asia Joining the UN Protocol on Water and Health
Uzbekistan has taken a significant step towards safeguarding its water resources and protecting public health by becoming the first Central Asian nation to join the UN Protocol on Water and Health, UN News reports. This initiative demonstrates the country’s commitment to tackling critical water and sanitation challenges amidst a growing population and the harsh realities […]
The Director of the International Institute of Central Asia and the Ambassador of Turkmenistan discussed issues of the Turkmen-Uzbek strategic partnership
Strengthening the bonds between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan took center stage in a recent meeting between Shadurdy Meredov, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, and Javlon Vakhabov, Director of the International Institute of Central Asia (IICA). The conversation focused on fostering the longstanding friendship, good neighborliness, and deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. Both parties reviewed progress […]
EU-Uzbekistan Trade Grows, and EU-Central Asia Summit in Sight
Uzbekistan and the European Union witnessed a 30% surge in trade volume during 2023, as announced by the Uzbek President’s press service following a meeting between President Mirziyoyev and EU Vice President Margaritis Schinas. Leading European companies are actively participating in major investment projects within Uzbekistan’s high-tech sectors, further solidifying the economic partnership. Additionally, the […]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan prepare an agreement to simplify visa rules for international cargo carriers
On 10 January 2024, a meeting of the Turkmen-Uzbek expert working group on fees and charges levied during international road transport by carriers of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan was held, the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan reports. At the videoconference meeting, the parties discussed the following issues: • Streamlining the fees levied on carriers from both […]
Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong Meets with Ambassadors of the Five Central Asian Countries to China
On January 11, 2024, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong held a group meeting with ambassadors of the five Central Asian countries to China. Sun Weidong said that the five Central Asian countries are China’s close neighbors and comprehensive strategic partners. Over the past decade, President Xi Jinping has maintained close exchanges with heads of state […]
Uzbekistan Innovates with Tomato-Based COVID Vaccine
Uzbek scientists have developed a new generation vaccine against COVID-19 coronavirus infection based on genetic vectors and tomato. The tomato variety or TOMAVAC tomato vaccine was created as a result of placing a fragment of the gene encoding the S1 protein antigen of the coronavirus in special vectors. Such a tomato regularly produces the S1 […]
China’s major manufacturing hub opens new TIR route with Uzbekistan
Shenzhen is accelerating the development of TIR transport corridors connecting China to Central Asia to facilitate growing trade volumes, slashing delivery times. Following the successful launch of the Shenzhen (China) and Almaty (Kazakhstan) TIR route in 2023, a new route connecting Shenzhen to Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, has been activated by IRU member ZZHY. A Chinese […]
Greening the Aral Sea: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Lead the Way
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, two Central Asian nations deeply affected by the Aral Sea’s environmental tragedy, are spearheading remarkable efforts to green the vast, exposed seabed. Their determined strides in reforestation hold immense promise for mitigating the ecological disaster’s negative impact on the region and beyond. Kazakhstan has set a target for 2024: sowing 275,000 hectares […]
Trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to exceed $1 billion in 2023
The trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will exceed $1 billion in 2023, according to a telephone conversation between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on Thursday, 28 Dec 2023. The sides noted with deep satisfaction the noticeable intensification […]
Central Asia Goes Green: Uzbekistan Opens Six Eco-Friendly Power Plants, Adding 2.4 GW to the Grid
Six large renewable energy facilities have been put into operation in Uzbekistan on Wednesday, 27 December 2023. They include 5 solar and 1 wind power plant with a total capacity of 2.4 gigawatts. Masdar (UAE) has completed the implementation of projects for the construction of three modern photovoltaic plants in the Jizzakh, Samarkand and Surkhandarya […]
Istanbul meeting paves the way for the development of the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Türkiye multimodal transport corridor
The first meeting of the railway administrations of the participating countries of the multimodal transport corridor Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan – Iran – Türkiye was held in Istanbul, where important issues related to the development of this transport route were discussed, the Information and Analytical Media Center of Uzbekistan Temir Yullari (Uzbek Railways) reports. The key […]
Trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan exceeds $970 million
According to the Agency of Statistics under the President of Uzbekistan, trade between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan amounted to $970.1 million in January-November 2023. Of this, exports of Uzbek products to Turkmenistan amounted to $106.5 million, while imports from Turkmenistan were $809.6 million. As the figures show, trade and economic relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are […]
Russia aims to strengthen partnership, alliance and good neighborliness with Central Asia
Russia sees its main task as pursuing a balanced policy aimed at strengthening partnership, alliance and good-neighborliness, and preserving its role as a key partner of the Central Asian states. The statement came from Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin during his remarks at parliament’s meeting devoted to the geopolitical importance of the Central Asian […]
Weaving a Brighter Future: Women Artisans of Central Asia Unveiled
The “Women Artisans of Central Asia: A Lookbook Journey,” a new publication launched by USAID features the exceptional work of 50 women artisans from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, each piece a testament to their vibrant cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. The Lookbook offers a gateway to amazing variety of hand-woven carpets, intricate wood carvings, gleaming metalwork, […]
Afghanistan and Uzbekistan renewed agreement on electricity purchase
On Friday, 15 December 2023, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan the renewed the annual electricity purchase agreement between two countries for 2024, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, main electric energy company in Afghanistan, reports. The renewed agreement was signed on the sidelines of the visit by Chief Executive Officer of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat Muhammad Hanif Hamza and […]
Russia’s FESCO and Uzbek Railways agreed to advance transit routes through Turkmenistan
Major Russian transport and logistics player FESCO and Uzbek Railways agreed to develop new transit routes through Turkmenistan, opening up corridors to Turkey, Africa, and the Mediterranean. This agreement was reached following a recent meeting in Tashkent between Andrey Severilov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the FESCO Transport Group, and Abdumalik Kamildzhanov, Deputy […]
Central Asia’s Consolidation opens New Era of Cooperation with South Korea
On 12 December, Tashkent hosted the third cultural and strategic forum, “The Korean Peninsula and the North: a joint journey to Uzbekistan,” welcoming a prominent delegation from South Korea and ambassadors from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Turkiye. Launched by Seoul in 2021, the forum aims to foster understanding and collaboration between South […]
EBRD launches Youth in Business programme in Central Asia
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is addressing the issue of youth entrepreneurship and employment in Central Asia by launching a seven-year €200 million (US$ 218 million) Youth in Business programme. It is designed to provide better access to finance and relevant training to young entrepreneurs in the region, where up to one […]
Addressing Environmental Challenges Requires Collective Effort, Say Representatives of Foreign Ministries and Lawmakers from Central Asian countries
On 3 December 2023, the 10th meeting of representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Parliamentarians of Central Asian countries was held in Dubai (UAE) at the COP28 platform, Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia reports. The session’s moderator and Center’s consultant, Ikrom Nazarov, outlined several tasks the countries have to solve. The first […]
The Central Asia Pavilion opens at COP28 in Dubai
On 1 December 2023, the grand opening of the Central Asia Pavilion at the 28th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP28) took place in Dubai, the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC) reports. The pavilion launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the Central Asian countries, development partners and representatives of civil society. Representative […]
Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan Explore Multimodal Transportation through Turkmenistan
Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan have initiated discussions on establishing a multimodal cargo transportation route via the International Port of Turkmenbashi, a Caspian Sea port in Turkmenistan. This development holds the potential to streamline the movement of goods between the two countries and enhance economic cooperation. Representatives of Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Transport and Communications, led by Deputy […]
CAREC Award: Turkmenistan’s Women’s Union Recognized for Advancing Gender Equality
At a landmark event, the first prize of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program for promoting gender equality was awarded. Eleven organizations and individuals from ten CAREC member countries were recognized at an awards ceremony in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 29 November 2023, on the sidelines of the 22nd CAREC Ministerial Conference. The CAREC […]
Tashkent hosted OSCE-organized conference to discuss regional security in a globalized world
The Academy of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan in Tashkent hosted the V International scientific and theoretical conference on “The main trends in ensuring regional security in the context of globalization,” as reported by the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan. The conference, organized in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), […]
Why is COP 28 a landmark event for the future of Central Asian countries?
On 30 November 2023, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28) started its work in the UAE, Dubai. At this global climate summit engaged almost all countries of the world, the states of Central Asia – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – will be […]
Media Forum sums up the outcomes of the Ashgabat World Kurash Championship
On Wednesday, 29 November 2023, a media forum was held in Ashgabat to celebrate the successful culmination of the 14th World Kurash Championship. The event, which concluded the previous day, witnessed the participation of 181 athletes from 45 countries across four continents, all vying for top honors in 15 medal categories. The media forum was […]
One Health Framework for Action Set to Enhance the Quality of Health Care Services Across Central Asia
Government officials of Central Asia gathered today at World Bank hosted regional conference to endorse the Central Asia One Health Framework for Action- a regional cooperation program designed to enhance the quality and productivity of health, agriculture, and environment sectors across the region. The framework serves as a strategic plan and investment structure, requiring collaboration […]
UNRCCA convened annual meeting with deputy foreign ministers of Central Asian states in Bishkek
The thirteenth annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states, convened by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), took place in Bishkek on 27-28 November. The meeting brought together the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Taking into consideration the importance of […]
Kazakhstan launches new railway project, improving regional connectivity and boosting trade
On Monday, 27 November, Kazakhstan started construction of a new railway line that will connect the southernmost regions of Kazakhstan with the rest of the country and improve transport connectivity with neighboring Uzbekistan. The project is expected to be completed in 2025. The 152 km long Darbaza – Maktaaral railway line will allow to reorient […]
DARYA project – Central Asia and the EU sum up the progress in flagship project focused on youth and education
Education and Labour Deputy Ministers from Central Asia gathered for two-day meeting (23-24 Nov 2023) in Torino, Italy, for a high-level meeting of DARYA (Dialogue and Action for Resourceful Youth in Central Asia), the first European Union’s regional project supporting education, youth employment and inclusive skills development in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. DARYA […]
Summit of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia in Azerbaijan – Outcomes
nCa Report On 24 November 2023, the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the participating countries of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) was held in Baku. The Summit was attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President […]
Turkmenistan Ambassador Meets with Uzbek Senate Speaker to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
On 21 November, Tanzila Narbayeva, the Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (upper house of Uzbek Parliament), met with Shadurdy Meredov, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan. The wide-ranging discussion delved into the multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, rooted in their shared history, traditions, and values. The focus centered on the current […]
Central Asian countries and Korea Launch Forum of Think Tanks
A roundtable of think tanks of Central Asian countries and the Republic of Korea was held in Seoul on 20 November 2023, the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan said in a press release. During the event, the participants discussed issues of cooperation within the framework of the Central Asia – Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum (CARK). […]