In a significant boost to energy and water security in Central Asia, the European Union together with partners announced new investments in hydropower infrastructure in Central Asia, according to the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic. Particularly, the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant megaproject in Kyrgyzstan marked noticeable progress, with a total of €900 million
On October 9, the Second “Central Asia–Russia” Summit was held in Dushanbe. The event, chaired by the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, was attended by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the
Over the past 34 years of independence after the breakup of the Soviet Union, Central Asia has faced problems that require joint efforts for their solution. These include water and energy shortages, access to the sea and international transport routes, environmental risks, and instability in Afghanistan. In recent years, however, Central Asian countries have strengthened
Kyrgyzstan continues experiencing steady economic growth, supported by rising state revenues, growing foreign investment, and expanding small and medium-sized business sector. At a government meeting on October 6, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliyev stated that in January–September 2025, state budget revenues totaled 722.9 billion soms, 23.8 billion or 3.4% more than planned.
A delegation from Uzbekistan, composed of representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), recently undertook a three-day study visit to Batken Region of Kyrgyzstan. The mission was organized with the objective of studying innovative artificial glacier technologies as a solution to seasonal water shortages. The delegation attended a presentation on
As tourism in Kyrgyzstan is becoming a driver of inclusive growth, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provides comprehensive support to the tourism industry. The regional project “Aid for Trade in Central Asia,” funded by the Government of Finland, demonstrates that a system approach to tourism development can transform local
Exporters and transport operators crossing the Dostuk border – the main border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan – are set to have a smoother experience and shorter waiting times, with the launch of the Electronic Queue Management System (e-QMS), the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan reported. The digital platform, developed by the International
Kyrgyzstan has begun construction of two major tunnels at the Soek and Ashuu-Suu passes on the Barskoon-Bedel highway in the Issyk-Kul region. The Barskoon-Bedel highway, whose construction began on August 27, is a key section of the future Barskoon-Uchturfan-Aksu corridor that will link the Issyk-Kul region with China’s Aksu prefecture in Xinjiang via the Bedel
On the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 26, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Zheenbek Kulubaev, made a statement at the High-Level Plenary Meeting dedicated to the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Kulubaev emphasized
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and the Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) have released a joint research report, entitled ‘Exploring Trade and Investment Relations between India and Central Asia: Unlocking Economic Benefits’. The report analyzes the untapped potential of cooperation between the two dynamically growing economic centers. The report lists Central Asia and
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
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
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,
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
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and ORTA ASYA Investment Holding have announced the launch of a strategic partnership to jointly implement large-scale hydropower projects in Kyrgyzstan. The parties have agreed to cooperate in developing a feasibility study for the Suusamyr-Kokomeren HPP cascade project, which is being financed by the Eurasian Development Bank, and have signed
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, has concluded her official visit to Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The aim of the visit was to strengthen OSCE partnerships in the region. In all three countries, Special Envoy Hakala met with representatives of the host country governments, the international community as well as civil society. “It
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Finance has teamed up with local banks for implementing the “Improving Air Quality” project, aimed at supporting the transition of Kyrgyzstani households from coal heating to modern and environmentally friendly types of heating homes. The project received $50 million financing from the International Development Association. $31.8 million of that amount will be
In recent years, there has been growing interest among travelers in discovering new destinations and exploring off-the-beaten-path locations. To diversify tourism offerings and increase the duration of tourist stays, a new program entitled “The Fergana–Batken Tourist Ring” has been developed under the “Journey to the Enclaves” initiative. The route includes attractions in both Uzbekistan and
Kyrgyzstan’s state-owned Eldik Bank has become the first bank in Central Asia to join China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) as a direct participant. According to the bank, this strategic step opens up new opportunities for Kyrgyzstan to carry out direct and instant settlements in yuan with Chinese partners and other participants in the system,
On September 8, the airport in Naryn, the main city of the Naryn region in central-east Kyrgyzstan, opened after major reconstruction with the launch of regular Bishkek-Naryn-Bishkek flights operated by state-owned Asman Airlines. All regional airports built in Kyrgyzstan in the Soviet time were never repaired until the most recent time, and the Naryn airport
