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
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and improving access to finance for young entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan by providing a loan of up to $7 million (€6 million) to local microlender Arnur Credit. The loan is extended under the EBRD’s Youth in Business (YiB) programme for Central
Uzbekistan’s exports to Afghanistan exceeded $873 million during the first eight months of this year, TOLOnews reported with reference to the Uzbek National Statistical Committee. According to Afghanistan’s National Statistics and Information Authority, the country’s exports to Uzbekistan stood at more than $28 million over the past six months. The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Kazakh Invest national company, Madiyar Sultanbek on September 26 held a meeting with a delegation from the Jiujiang Economic and Technological Zone (China), led by Deputy Director of the Executive Committee Luo Gomin. Following the negotiations, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding providing for the development of joint investment
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
On September 26, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar delivered a lecture to students of the Tashkent State University of Economics, focusing on the growing economic partnership between the European Union (EU) and Uzbekistan, the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan reported. Addressing the students and faculty, Ambassador Klaar highlighted Uzbekistan’s
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
Since 2023, China remains a key trading partner of Kazakhstan, accounting for more than 20% of the country’s total trade turnover, according to analysts at the Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan (afk.kz). In the first half of 2025, Kazakhstan-China trade grew by 5.9%, reaching $14.9 billion. However, the growth was only due to Kazakh imports from
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
