Stay informed with the latest updates from Central Asia, covering major achievements, milestones, and key news shaping the region.
Kazakhstan
A new direct international flight to launch from Kazakhstan
Starting June 1, 2025, Air Astana will introduce a new direct flight between Almaty and Frankfurt. The Almaty-Frankfurt flights will operate three times a week: on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Source: tengrinews.kz
Kazakh students win Huawei ICT Competition 2024
Kazakhstan's students emerged as champions at the Huawei ICT Competition 2024, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 15-19. Competing against over 31 000 participants from 19 countries, they secured first place in the Computing and Network Tracks.
Source: tengrinews.kz
Euronews opens regional office in Astana
Euronews officially launched its regional office in Astana, marking a historic moment for the network. The opening ceremony was attended by Pedro Vargas, the Chairman of Euronews, who praised Kazakhstan’s economic and political advancements. The country, with a population of nearly 20 million, plays a significant role in global economics and is celebrating its 35th anniversary of independence in 2024.
Source: tengrinews.kz
Astana to host the 2027 World Boxing Championship
The World Boxing Federation has officially announced that the 2027 World Boxing Championship will be held in Kazakhstan. This tournament will be a unique event as it will take place ahead of the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Kazakhstan will host the World Boxing Championship for the second time.
Source: olympic.kz
Uzbekistan
IT Park Uzbekistan opens its office in Saudi Arabia
The official opening of IT Park Uzbekistan's office in Riyadh marked a significant step in strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia in the field of information technology.
The event was held at the innovative platform The Garage in Riyadh, with the support of Plug and Play Riyadh.
Source: it-park.uz
Octobank Wins "Best e-Com Acquirer 2024" Award from Visa
Octobank was awarded the "Best e-com acquirer" title for 2024 by Visa, recognizing the bank for its record number of acquiring transactions. The award was presented during the annual Game Changers Visa Awards ceremony, highlighting Octobank's excellence in electronic commerce transactions.
Source: gazeta.uz
Ruslan Nurudinov breaks World Record and becomes Three-Time World Champion
Uzbek weightlifter Ruslan Nurudinov became a three-time world champion after breaking his own world record. At 33 years old, he is one of the oldest athletes to set a world record in weightlifting. The Olympic champion in the 105 kg category (2016) won the competition in the 109 kg class, surpassing his previous world record by 20 kg. This victory may lead him to reconsider his decision to retire.
Source: gazeta.uz
Uzbek startup gains 300 000 users in three months
Oygul, a flower-ordering marketplace, gained 300 000 users in three months after launching its miniApp on Click. The startup won the prestigious President Tech Award for the best technological solution in Uzbekistan, competing against 550 applicants. Oygul triumphed in the "Micro-SaaS and AdTech" category, earning a $100 000 grant and guidance from top mentors to help grow further.
Source: gazeta.uz
Uzbekistan and the US sign protocol on Tashkent's accession to the WTO
Uzbekistan and the United States have signed a protocol concluding bilateral negotiations on Tashkent's accession to the World Trade Organization.
The document marks the achievement of agreements on mutual market access.
Source: spot.uz
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan establishes key Logistics Hub for Medical Products in Uzbekistan
A major logistics hub for pharmaceuticals, the Grand Pharm Logistics Hub, has opened in Uzbekistan's Tashkent region. This state-of-the-art center, spanning 10 hectares, will support the distribution of medical products across multiple countries, including Kyrgyzstan. It features modern facilities and aims to streamline the storage and distribution of medications. The hub will serve over 7500 pharmacies in Uzbekistan and has already embraced digital solutions to improve efficiency.
Source: 24.kg
China invests $221 million in Kyrgyzstan in 2024
In the first nine months of 2024, China invested $221.5 million in Kyrgyzstan. The investments are part of strengthening economic relations between the two countries, which include major infrastructure projects, such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Chinese businesses have expressed interest in further investments, supporting enhanced bilateral ties and greater integration into the global market.
Source: 24.kg
Tajikistan
Tajik Students win 18 medals at the Eurasian Olympiad in Informatics
At the 16th Eurasian Olympiad in Informatics, held in Almaty, Tajik students won 18 medals, including 3 silver and 15 bronze. The event brought together 231 students from countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The competition aimed to enhance knowledge in IT and identify talented young professionals. In total, Tajik students secured 2305 awards at international competitions this year.
Source: asiaplustj.info
New app helps tourists explore Tajikistan
Tajikistan has launched the Tourist Map Tajikistan app, designed to assist foreign tourists in exploring the country’s cultural and natural landmarks. The app provides information on tourist routes, accommodations, and restaurants. It can be used offline and is available for free on Google Play and the App Store. Developed by a local company, the app supports Tajikistan's efforts to digitize its economy and boost the tourism industry.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Development of relations between the central banks of Tajikistan and Malaysia discussed in Kuala Lumpur
During the meeting, the Central Bank of Malaysia presented the history and capabilities of its Cash Processing Automation Center in a detailed presentation. Following this, representatives of the National Bank of Tajikistan were introduced to the Center’s operational processes in various regions.
Source: khovar.tj