A new international tourism association, Umrah Plus, has been established in Uzbekistan. The main objective of the new international organization is to combine Umrah pilgrimage with Uzbekistan’s rich historical, cultural and religious heritage, increase the number of foreign pilgrims visiting the country, and promote Uzbekistan’s potential in pilgrimage tourism on international markets. Representatives of the
The Kazakhstan-Denmark Business Forum was held on October 1 in Konaev with the support of NC KAZAKH INVEST JSC and the Akimat of Almaty Region as part of the official visit of Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, to Kazakhstan. More than 100 representatives of government agencies, development
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) says it acts as a senior co-lender in the financing of Almaty International Airport as part of a syndicate arranged by Bank of America. The total financing will amount to $670 million, with the EDB contributing $100 million. Almaty International Airport is the largest aviation hub in Central Asia and
Kazakhstan’s national railway operator, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, has announced the launch of the Women’s Carriage service on an international train route for the first time. Starting October 1, 2026, the service will be available in the daily train operating on the Almaty–Tashkent route. “The international Almaty–Tashkent route is vital for developing passenger travel between Kazakhstan
Growth across Central Asia and Mongolia remained strong, at 5.9 per cent year on year, in the first half of 2026, according to the latest Regional Economic Prospects report published by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The Bank forecasts growth in Central Asia and Mongolia to remain robust at 5.8 per cent in 2026
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $43.27 million grant financing package to help Tajikistan build a more integrated health system that can better prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks, natural hazard-related health risks, and cross-border health threats. The project will also support primary health care reforms and introduce integrated health and social protection services
Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev on 22 September held a meeting with the UK Government’s Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan and Central Asia, Lord John Alderdice. The parties discussed bilateral trade, expansion of Kazakh exports, development of industrial cooperation, investment, and scientific-educational collaboration, according to the Ministry of Trade and Integration. By
According to the latest analytical data from UN Tourism, published in the World Tourism Barometer, Uzbekistan recorded the highest growth in international tourist arrivals among European destinations in January–June 2026, according to the country’s Tourism Committee. The number of international tourist arrivals to Uzbekistan increased by 25% compared with 2025, demonstrating the country’s continued strengthening
The Central Asia+Italy Business Platform Forum took place in Astana on September 18, where B5+ITALY was officially launched. The platform has already outlined specific areas for further cooperation: increasing non-commodity exports from Kazakhstan to Italy, launching joint production facilities, developing regional trade and logistics hubs, and expanding direct transport links, according to the Kazakh Ministry
A new virology laboratory of the National Center of Expertise under the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan was officially inaugurated on September 10 in the city of Turkistan. The lab was established by the Government of Kazakhstan as part of the country’s Pandemic Fund project, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and
According to the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan, over the past five years, 24 regulatory legal acts have been adopted and 20 information systems have been modernized to combat the shadow economy. As a result, the share of the non-observed economy in GDP decreased from 17.58% in 2023 to 15.69%
Diplomacy has long extended beyond embassy walls and formal negotiations. It also lives through personal encounters, the exchange of books and conversations that help countries understand one another more deeply. In London, our publisher and founder of Silk Road Media, Marat Akhmedjanov, met Dr Mohammad Faisal, an experienced Pakistani diplomat who served as High Commissioner
Buenos Aires, 15 September 2026. The second screening of the historical drama Kurmanjan Datka: Queen of the Mountains took place at the welcoming atmosphere of Chaijana Restaurant, bringing together an audience interested in history, culture and the remarkable diversity of Central Asia. The event was organised by the Eurasian Creative Guild (ECG), represented in Latin
On September 16, the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit took place in Seoul. The event, chaired by President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung, was attended by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and President of
On September 15 in Seoul, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung. Tokayev noted the progressive dynamics of the development of bilateral cooperation. “Last year, we had our first telephone conversation, during which we agreed to continue developing our strategic partnership based on mutual trust
On September 14 in Seoul, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea. The leaders discussed the further development and deepening of the Uzbek-Korean strategic partnership. Mirziyoyev emphasized that over the years, the Republic of Korea has become a reliable friend and one of Uzbekistan’s most important
In January–August 2026, 9.1 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan, representing a 21.1 percent increase compared with the same period last year, according to the country’s Tourism Committee. While 7.7 million tourists visited the country during the first seven months of the year, 1.4 million tourists arrived in Uzbekistan in August alone. The most significant increases in tourist arrivals
On 10 September, a special screening of “A New Look: Uzbek Fashion Following Independence,” a documentary by young British filmmaker Dan Akhm exploring the development of fashion in independent Uzbekistan, took place in London with the support of the Eurasian Creative Guild. The film was introduced by Silk Road Media Adviser Taina Kaunis. The screening
On September 10, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed investment projects aimed at improving the waste management system, waste processing, and electricity generation from solid waste in Uzbekistan. The meeting noted that consistent measures are being taken in Uzbekistan to ensure environmental sustainability, process household waste, and reduce the burden on landfills. An important role in this
Kazakhstan and China have launched a joint digital platform for trading grain and agricultural products. The new tool is expected to increase Kazakh agricultural exports to China, a key market for Kazakhstan. The platform was inaugurated on September 5 as part of the Kazakh delegation’s participation in the 8th China Grain Trade Conference, according to