According to the latest figures published by the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the country’s foreign trade continued to decline, with a decrease in both exports and imports. In January-July 2025, Kyrgyzstan’s foreign trade totaled $8.7 billion, 6.4% down compared to the same period in 2024. Exports decreased by 13.3%, amounting to $1.5 billion, and
To expand access to finance for underserved entrepreneurs, IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—and DAVR-BANK have signed a $40 million loan agreement to boost lending to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) across Uzbekistan, with a focus on women-led businesses. The initiative aims to promote inclusive economic growth, empower small entrepreneurs, and create jobs. The
Madiyar Sultanbek, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakh Invest national company held a meeting with Yeonsu Oh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the South Korean company Microbus Co., Ltd. The parties discussed opportunities for the establishment of a modern industrial park K-Smart, which will integrate manufacturing, logistics, and educational functions; the development of
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is contributing to the development of green energy infrastructure and Uzbekistan’s long-term decarbonisation goals by supporting the operations of Techno Cable Group (TCG), which specialises in the manufacturing of copper and aluminium electrical cables used in the electricity infrastructure and renewable energy projects. TCG, which currently produces
Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov has denounced the politicization of economic cooperation and trade and demanded the lifting of sanctions imposed on two Kyrgyz banks. Speaking at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 23, Japarov stated that Kyrgyzstan is also suffering from the consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and
On September 23, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City. The Uzbek leader stated: “Eight years ago, from this esteemed podium, we declared our strong determination to transform Central Asia into a region of peace, good neighborliness and partnership. Today,
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) expects the Central Asian economies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to grow by 6.1 per cent on average in 2025, according to its latest Regional Economic Prospects report, published on September 25. This solid growth is supported by strong industrial output, robust domestic demand, investment,
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $75 million equivalent loan and a $2 million grant from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR) to increase the quantity and improve the quality of nurses and midwives in Turkmenistan. The Improving Nursing Quality and Capacity Project is ADB’s first health sector project
The government of Kazakhstan and the Global Methane Hub on September 24 signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in reducing methane emissions through national planning, monitoring, and regulations. The agreement underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to identifying and mitigating methane emissions across all sectors, beginning with large-scale methane leaks in its oil and gas operations.
A ceremony was held in Astana on September 24 to launch the construction of an integrated agro-industrial complex for deep processing of grain and legumes. The event was attended by Minister of Agriculture Aydarbek Saparov, Mayor of Astana Zhenis Kassymbek, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alibek Kuantyrov. The project is being implemented by Kazak
Tajikistan has achieved remarkable progress in reducing poverty over the past decade, according to a new World Bank report. The Tajikistan Poverty and Equity Assessment says the national poverty rate declined from 56% in 2010 to about 20% in 2024. Over the same period, the share of the middle class increased more than fourfold, from 8% to
On September 23, negotiations took place between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the United States of America Donald Trump. The meeting was held at the UN Headquarters on the sidelines of the 80th session of the General Assembly. The leaders discussed current issues and priorities for the further expansion of
A meeting was held in New York (USA) on September 22 between Askhat Khassenov, Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhstan’s national oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG), and the leadership of U.S.-based technology company LanzaJet — CEO Jimmy Samartzis and Vice President of Commercial Operations Stefan Tiyon. The parties reviewed the results of the
Kazakhstan has for the first time exported 50 tons of wheat flour to the U.S. According to Kazakhstan’s QazTrade Center for Trade Policy Development, Kazakh flour is already available on Amazon and Walmart under the Eurasian Legacy brand. On Amazon, the product is priced at $14.50 per 1.36 kg package and is positioned as
In 2024, the United States of America welcomed 72.39 million tourists, ranking third in the world for attendance. This data is cited in the article “Top 10 Most Visited Countries in the World in 2024” on the Welcome Times website. However, there is no precise information available about the number of tourists from Central Asian
Boeing and Uzbekistan Airways on September 22 announced the single largest order in the airline’s history as the flag carrier plans to acquire up to 22 787 Dreamliners. Uzbekistan Airways’ purchase of 14 787-9 airplanes, with options for eight more of the ultra-efficient jets, will modernize its Boeing widebody fleet while supporting nearly 35,000 U.S.
Kazakhstan will soon have access to high-speed internet in areas currently lacking service, thanks to a new agreement announced on September 22 between Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Kazakhtelecom, Kazakhstan’s telecommunications operator. The partnership will bring high-speed satellite internet to communities throughout Kazakhstan, marking a significant step in bridging the digital divide in Central Asia’s largest
Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the country’s national railway company, and the American company Wabtec have signed an agreement for the supply of the new TE33AT series of locomotives, manufactured in Kazakhstan at the Lokomotiv Kurastyru Zauyty plant in Astana. Service agreements covering the maintenance of new and existing locomotives were also signed as part of
The European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in close partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan, have launched the Youth Agro Eco Club at Tashkent State Agriculture University. This new initiative aims to inspire and empower a new generation of environmentally conscious specialists to advance sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship in Uzbekistan, according
Turkestan on September 19 hosted the final meeting of the Coordinating Working Group for phase two of the European Union and United Nations Joint Program to support the states of Central Asia in reintegrating citizens who have returned from conflict zones. The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, the
