Last year, the number of marriages in Kazakhstan continued to decline amid a rise in divorces. In 2025, an all-time low of 114,500 marriages were registered in the country, 7.4% fewer than the previous year, finprom.kz reported with reference to data from the Bureau of National Statistics. The number of divorces increased by 11.9% to
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has included the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan in its list of the six most anticipated museum openings of 2026. The opening of this grand museum complex in Tashkent is scheduled for March. According to the BBC, the Center’s building itself is a stunner, topped with a monumental turquoise mosaic
Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda on March 4 met with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon to reaffirm ADB’s commitment to help the government achieve resilient, diversified, and inclusive growth for more and better jobs. “ADB is planning around $1.1 billion in support over 2026–2028 to strengthen infrastructure, improve competitiveness, and make social services better
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and Kazakhstan have signed two landmark agreements under the Development of Economic and Industrial Zones Project, with a total IsDB contribution of $1.307 billion. The signing followed discussions between IsDB President Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser and Kazakh Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev, reaffirming a strategic partnership with cumulative
Afghanistan’s trade with Central Asian countries increased significantly in 2025 compared to 2024, with imports rising by 43% and exports growing by 77%, TOLOnews reported citing statistics from the Afghan Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Afghanistan’s imports increased from $1.679 billion in 2024 to $2.399 billion in 2025, while exports rose from $122 million to
In Uzbekistan, industrial enterprises will now be encouraged to take action aimed at reducing their impact on the environment. This is stipulated in the Resolution “On the Procedure for Incentivizing the Efforts of Industrial Enterprises of Categories I and II to Reduce Their Environmental Impact,” according to the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.
On March 3, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree strengthening the system for protecting the rights of women and children, as well as preventing cases of harassment and violence against them. In Uzbekistan, continuous attention is devoted to preventing early marriages and births, as well as violence against women and children, as key priorities in
In 2025, for the first time ever, Kazakhstan exported more ice cream than it imported: exports totaled 14,167 tons, while imports stood at 12,194 tons, reflecting the growing competitiveness of Kazakhstani products, according to the Ministry of Trade and Integration. According to Omarbek Zhuldyz, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Shin-Line, the largest ice cream
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Zou Jiayi recently visited founding AIIB members Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, conveying her intent to ensure AIIB’s future direction remains grounded in country needs and strong partnerships. These visits, part of a “listening tour” Zou is undertaking since she took office in January, highlighted Central Asia’s position as
Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda on March 2 met with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to reaffirm ADB’s strong partnership with the country and announced up to $5.4 billion in indicative financing during 2026–2029 in support of Kazakhstan’s development agenda. “ADB is committed to supporting Kazakhstan’s development priorities that promote sustainable, inclusive economic
In 2025, Uzbek citizens were the third-largest group among detained illegal migrants in Turkey, Fergana Information Agency reports with reference to data from the Turkish migration authorities. In 2025, Turkish authorities detained 13,683 Uzbek citizens, compared to 11,521 in 2024, when Uzbekistan was fourth. The increase continues since 2022. While 4,817 Uzbek citizens were detained
Uzbekistan’s electricity generating capacity has reached 25,800 MW, including 8,000 MW, or 31 percent of the total, accounted for by solar, wind, and hydropower generation, according to the Uzbek Ministry of Energy. In 2026, Uzbekistan plans to produce 90 billion kWh of electricity, a 40 percent increase compared to 2020. This year, amid economic growth
The ongoing military operation of the United States and Israel against Iran impacts international security, energy markets, and trade routes. Orda.kz gathered opinions from Kazakhstani analysts on possible scenarios and implications of the conflict for Central Asia and Kazakhstan. Political analyst Askar Nursha believes that the main impact of the conflict on the countries of
From June 16 to 19, 2026, Tashkent will host the 5th Anniversary Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF 2026), the leading investment platform in Central Asia bringing together global investors, government representatives, international financial institutions, and major business leaders, the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade has announced. The anniversary forum will build upon the
A signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Water Resources on February 27 marked the official launch of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) new landmark project “Strengthening Water Resources Governance and Resilience to Climate Change in the Aral Sea Region”. UNDP and Japan partner for this transformative initiative in Uzbekistan with financial support from the
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan hosted a meeting of the Steering Committee of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the Government of Kazakhstan and the United Nations for 2026-2030. The meeting brought together representatives of government institutions, the UN Country Team, and civil society organizations. Opening the session, Vice Minister of
Based on recent economic consensus from institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Central Bank (ECB), and the World Economic Forum (WEF) as of early 2026, globalization is not entirely “over,” but it is undergoing a profound structural shift. Economists generally agree that the era of hyperglobalization has stagnated—a trend accelerated by the
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) says it is helping to create favourable conditions for the growth and development of domestic pharmaceutical production in Uzbekistan by supporting the operations of its long-term client, Samarkand England Eco-Medical (SEEM). The Bank is providing a loan of up to €20 million to SEEM and its sister-company, Bayan
During his visit to Asunción, the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, was received by the President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña. The parties discussed the phased opening of markets on a reciprocal basis and the expansion of mutual market access for goods from both countries, according to the Uzbek government’s website.
On February 26, London hosted a meeting of foreign ministers of five Central Asian countries and the United Kingdom under the “Central Asia + UK” (CA5+UK) framework. The ministers discussed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including opportunities for economic growth, expanding trade and investment cooperation, and joint efforts to strengthen regional connectivity
