Central Asia is seeing significant growth, with new partnerships, investments, and advancements in various sectors. The region is modernizing infrastructure, expanding trade, and fostering international collaborations in energy, education, tourism, and more. Here is everything important that happened this week.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan improves state educational savings system
Kazakhstan has enhanced its state educational savings system to make higher education more accessible. The updated system offers increased government bonuses and more flexible conditions for account holders. Officials expect the changes to encourage more families to invest in education and secure future tuition payments.
Source: zakon.kz
International chess championship begins in Almaty
Almaty has become the host of a major international chess championship, bringing together top players from different countries. The event aims to promote chess as a universal language that unites people worldwide. Organizers emphasize that the tournament will showcase strategic mastery and foster global connections through the game.
Source: zakon.kz
Four Kazakhstani schoolchildren become world chess champions
Four young chess players from Kazakhstan won gold medals at the World Chess Championship for schoolchildren. The tournament featured competitors from various countries, and the Kazakhstani players demonstrated outstanding strategic skills. Their victories highlight the country's growing success in international chess.
Source: zakon.kz
Unique rare earth metal deposits discovered in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstani geologists have identified significant deposits of rare earth metals, which are crucial for high-tech industries. The discovery could boost the country's role in the global supply chain for electronics, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. Experts highlight the potential economic impact and future investment opportunities in the sector.
Source: zakon.kz
Philip Morris launches new production facility in Almaty region with $150 million investment
Philip Morris has opened a new manufacturing facility in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region, investing $150 million and creating 200 jobs. The plant will focus on producing innovative tobacco products, expanding the company’s local operations. Officials emphasize that the investment supports economic development and job creation in the region.
Source: zakon.kz
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan invites EU to cooperate on raw materials
Kyrgyzstan has proposed deeper cooperation with the EU on critical raw materials, emphasizing the country's reserves of rare metals. The country also invited European partners to invest in hydropower and renewable energy projects.
Source: 24.kg
Kyrgyzstan citizens can apply for scholarships to study in Slovakia
Applications for scholarship programs for the 2025/26 academic year at universities in Slovakia are now open for Kyrgyzstan citizens. The Ministry of Education and Science of Kyrgyzstan reports that applications, along with a complete set of documents, must be submitted electronically. The deadline for registration is May 25, 2025.
Source: 24.kg
Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan plan joint tourist route
Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan aim to create the "Golden Tourist Ring of the Fergana Valley," linking cultural, historical, and natural landmarks across the three countries. The initiative was discussed at the "Navruz — the ancient cultural and tourist heritage of the region" forum in Khujand, during the trilateral summit. The route will feature natural reserves, mountains, lakes, and ancient cities, with plans for another cultural route, "Navruz in the heart of Central Asia," to unite festive events across the region.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
Air Products plans new projects in Uzbekistan
Air Products and Chemicals is considering new projects in Uzbekistan, including carbon capture, aviation fuel production, and coal gasification. The company has already invested $1.15 billion in projects since 2019, including hydrogen production at the Fergana Refinery and liquid carbon dioxide at NavoiAzot. It is also working on an oxygen and nitrogen production complex in Bukhara.
Source: gazeta.uz
EU to invest €12 billion in Central Asia for transport, raw materials, green energy, and satellite internet
The European Commission announced a €12 billion investment package for Central Asia, focusing on transport corridors, critical raw materials, green energy, and satellite internet. The EU will fund the Trans-Caspian corridor, support local mineral processing, invest in renewable energy projects, and connect remote areas with satellite internet. This investment is part of the EU's Global Gateway strategy to strengthen ties and promote sustainable growth in the region.
Source: gazeta.uz
Oman Air to launch regular flights from Muscat to Tashkent
Oman Air has received approval to operate regular flights between Muscat and Tashkent, marking its first service to Central Asia. The airline plans to use Boeing 737 aircraft, with the new route expected to start in July 2024. Additionally, Uzbekistan citizens will be able to stay in Oman for up to 14 days without a visa.
Source: spot.uz
$110 million investment in Korzinka from UAE and Oman funds
Investment funds from the UAE and Oman are set to inject $110 million into Korzinka, Uzbekistan’s supermarket chain. The funds will support the expansion of Korzinka Mahalla stores and the development of the Korzinka Go online platform. The project aims to accelerate the growth of its multi-channel retail model and build a new distribution center.
Source: spot.uz
Tajikistan
Tajikistan opens its doors to investors from the UAE
An investment presentation for Tajikistan will take place on April 9 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The gala dinner will serve as both a business platform and an important symbol of dialogue between Tajikistan and the UAE. Key projects and priority investment areas will be presented, including agriculture, IT and digitalization, banking and finance, healthcare, transport, and the textile industry.
Source: khovar.tj