This week, across Central Asia, highlighted major international collaborations, including new educational, technological, and trade initiatives. Leaders strengthened diplomatic and digital ties, while athletes brought home victories, and cultural exchanges promoted the region’s heritage on the global stage.
Kazakhstan
Woosong University opens a branch in Turkistan
On September 25, Turkistan marked the opening of a branch of South Korea’s Woosong University, attended by Kazakh officials, the Korean ambassador, and representatives of the Woosong Education Foundation. The project supports President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s vision of making Kazakhstan a regional education hub, offering new academic programs and research opportunities.
Source: zakon.kz
Kazakhstan to strengthen innovation ties with Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI
During meetings in New York, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev secured partnerships with Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI to boost Kazakhstan’s digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and education sector. Amazon will invest $200 million in satellite connectivity, Meta will expand AI collaboration, and OpenAI will pilot a new ChatGPT project in Kazakhstan — the first of its kind worldwide.
Source: astanatimes.com
Kazakh teen wins World Armwrestling Title
At just 16, Kazakhstan’s Ulbolsyn Yelmuрат became world champion in armwrestling at the tournament in Bulgaria, defeating 13-time world champion Lucia Debranova of Slovakia in the final. She competed in the under-60 kg category, while brothers Beknur, Azamat, and Adilet Ibragim added three more gold medals for Kazakhstan.
Source: zakon.kz
Wabtec to open first Overseas Diesel Engine Plant in Kazakhstan
U.S.-based Wabtec will launch diesel engine production at the Astana Diesel Service plant in 2026, marking its first manufacturing site outside the United States. The project, developed with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, will support technology transfer, workforce training, and greater localization, strengthening Kazakhstan’s transport sector and technological independence.
Source: astanatimes.com
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan updates rules for tax ID numbers: new code for foreigners
Source: 24.kg
Kyrgyzstan futsal team advances to Asian Cup Final Round
The Kyrgyz national futsal team secured its third consecutive win in the 2026 Asian Cup qualifiers, defeating Uzbekistan 3:2 in Bishkek. Maksat Alimov, Samat Janat Uulu, and Kairat Kubanychov scored goals.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan expands Industrial Partnership with Turkish Regions
Delegations from Uzbekistan, including textile and leather associations and regional industrial zones, visited several Turkish cities to strengthen cooperation in the light industry. They held B2B talks with over 85 companies, explored opportunities for joint ventures, and discussed collaboration with major brands like DeFacto and Bebetto. Agreements were also reached on promoting Uzbek products in Turkey and organizing upcoming trade fairs and business missions.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Uzbekistan and South Korea deepen cooperation in the Chemical Industry
In Daejeon and Yeosu, Uzbekistan and South Korea held a seminar under the KOICA-supported “Kor-UZ” project to boost competitiveness in Uzbekistan’s chemical sector and advance the Uzbek Center for Chemical Technologies. Scientists presented research, explored modern equipment at KRICT labs, and discussed the role of young scholars in driving future industrial innovation.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Tashkent Delegation explores tourism and cultural cooperation with Paris
A delegation from Tashkent city administration met with representatives of the Paris Tourism Department to discuss expanding cultural and tourism ties, including joint projects and knowledge exchange. Talks highlighted preparations for a gastronomic festival in Paris aimed at promoting Uzbek cuisine and cultural heritage to international audiences.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Tajikistan
Dushanbe to host Green Investment Forum 2025
From October 14-16, Tajikistan will host the Dushanbe Invest Forum-2025, focusing on green projects, digital transformation, and industrial development. The event will bring together global investors, leaders, and innovators, featuring panel discussions, a startup summit, and investment tours, to highlight Tajikistan’s readiness for sustainable growth and foreign investment.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Tajikistan secures Bronze at Central Asian Badminton Championship
The Central Asian Badminton Championship in Tashkent gathered 97 athletes from seven countries, featuring expanded age categories up to U23. Tajikistan’s Abbos Ghoibov and Jahongir Toshtemirov earned a bronze medal in U15 doubles, marking a milestone for the country’s growing badminton program.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan Grand Prix breaks U.S. viewership record
The Formula 1 Qatar Airways Azerbaijan Grand Prix set a new U.S. television record, drawing nearly 1.1 million viewers on ESPN — the highest ever for this race. Overall, Formula 1 coverage on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC in 2025 has averaged 1.4 million viewers, also a record for the U.S. Max Verstappen of Red Bull won the Baku race held September 19-21.
Source: 1news.az
Azerbaijan and the Maldives sign Visa-Free Agreement
At the UN General Assembly, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and the Maldives’ Foreign Minister Abdulla Haleel signed a deal abolishing visas for ordinary passport holders. The agreement builds on expanding cooperation, boosted by last year’s launch of direct flights that strengthened tourism and people-to-people ties.
Source: 1news.az