The World Bank and the IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, on March 1 organized the first Conference on Elevating Global Access through E-Commerce (E-GATE) in Tajikistan. In Central Asia, e-commerce is emerging as a powerful tool to tap into global markets for locally made products, modernize traditional supply chains, and foster
American movie director Frank Chi led a four-day workshop for 20 emerging filmmakers from across the Kyrgyz Republic from February 26-29 in Bishkek. Participants learned documentary techniques to create captivating social media content about ecological changes within their communities, the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan reported. Frank Chi’s workshop was organized by Public Foundation Jandan, with funding
In a recent announcement by Roman Vassilenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Kazakhstan, the nation revealed plans for an extraordinary international endeavor: the reintroduction of Przhevalsky horses into its national nature reserve in the Kostanay region, “Altyn Dala.” This initiative aims to bring 40 Przhevalsky horses from Europe to Kazakhstan within five years, bolstered
In a significant move to bolster regional collaboration, representatives from Central Asian nations convened at a workshop in Almaty on March 1 to forge a roadmap and action plan for a proposed second phase of the World Bank-supported Central Asia Hydrometeorology Modernization Project (CAHMP II). This gathering underscored an advancement in regional cooperation and modernization efforts in
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will visit Turkmenistan from 4 to 6 March for meetings with the Ministers of Environment from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and with the Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan. In Ashgabat, the OSCE secretary general will engage with the
On behalf of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, 2,000 tons of diesel fuel have been allocated by the government of Kazakhstan to help Kyrgyzstan overcome the consequences of the recent accident at the Bishkek thermal electric power plant. The first batch of diesel fuel in the amount of 1,000 tons was shipped by 17
On February 29, in the Chinese city of Chongqing, Kazakhstan’s national railways company KTZ and the logistics platform Yuxinou (Chongqing) Logistics Co., Ltd signed an agreement on the organization and dispatch of 200 container trains through Kazakhstan, including along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, with a cargo volume of more than 20 thousand 20-foot equivalent
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) says it is promoting green lending in the Kyrgyz Republic by adding three partner banks to its US$ 50 million Green Economy Financing Facility III (KyrSEFF III). Demir Kyrgyz International Bank, FINCA Bank Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank have agreed to engage in lending to small and medium-sized businesses and households across the country.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) says it is providing more resources to increase the reliability and sustainability of electricity supply in Tajikistan by organising a financial facility of up to €31 million for national transmission network operator Shabaqahoi Intiqoli Barq (SIB). The facility consists of two EBRD sovereign loans totalling up to €23 million
Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov on February 28 participated in a ceremony to launch the construction of an automobile assembly plant in the country’s northern Chui region. The plant will assemble electric vehicles, commercial and passenger cars, and special equipment. It is a joint project of the Kyrgyz government, local enterprises, and the Chinese company China
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Committee of Veterinary and Livestock Development of Uzbekistan have launched a new project, implemented by the FAO Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases, under USAID’s Global Health Security program. The goal of the
During a working visit to Geneva, Deputy Prime Minister–Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu on February 28 met with the leadership of the Swiss companies INOKS Capital, Stadler Rail, Воѕсhung and MSC. The parties discussed current and new investment projects in Kazakhstan in the priority areas of the national economy – agriculture, mechanical
Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister during his visit to Turkmenistan said that Afghanistan can now use the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, which would connect Afghan trade to Europe, Afghan broadcaster TOLOnews reported. Amir Khan Muttaqi discussed a number of trade and diplomatic issues with Turkmenistan officials, including the TAPI gas pipeline project and the railway from Turkmenistan
Within the framework of the annual reception of the UNESCO Circle of Permanent Delegates in Paris on February 27, the Delegation of Kazakhstan presented the culinary traditions of their country to the ambassadors to and the personnel of the intergovernmental organization with a mandate to safeguard the world’s cultural diversity, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry reported. The
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on February 27 approved a $45 million financing package for the Kyrgyz Republic Resilient Landscape Restoration Project, which is a part of the regional umbrella RESILAND CA+ Program. The project will be complemented by a $5 million grant from the Global Partnership for Sustainable and Resilient Landscapes (PROGREEN) and a $2.4 million
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will help Kyrgyzstan’s government bodies replace their motor transport with electric vehicles. The project, to be implemented through KOICA grant funds, was discussed during a recent meeting between the Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, Daniyar Amangeldiev and the Director of the KOICA office in the Kyrgyz
Deputy Prime Minister–Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, during his visit to Geneva on February 26, held a number of bilateral meetings with the heads of international organizations. At the meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the current global challenges, deepening regional cooperation between the countries of Central Asia, as well as the
The Tashkent City Court sentenced 23 people — including an Indian national — to prisons terms of up to 20 years after a cough syrup imported into Uzbekistan from India killed 68 children in 2022, RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service reported. In reading out the court’s verdict on February 26, the judge said Indian national Ragvendra Pradar, who is
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Vice President of Policy and Partnerships Mark Bowman will visit the Kyrgyz Republic from 27 February to 1 March for meetings with senior government officials, the diplomatic community and Bank clients, the EBRD said. During his three-day programme, Mr Bowman will meet with Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Akylbek Japarov, Minister
Karakalpak activist Aqylbek Muratov (aka Muratbai), who was arrested in Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, at Uzbekistan’s request earlier in February has been given asylum seeker status in Kazakhstan, RFE/RL’s Kazakh Service reported. A relative of Muratov, Fariza Narbekova, told RFE/RL on February 26 that Kazakh officials had given him an asylum seeker’s certificate three days earlier. A
