This week in Central Asia was marked by strengthened international ties, new intergovernmental agreements, and continued peace dialogue. The region also celebrated cultural milestones, as young musicians earned places at a top U.S. conservatory, showcasing Central Asia’s rising presence in global diplomacy, commerce, and the arts.
Kazakhstan
Starlink officially launches in Kazakhstan
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service is now officially available across Kazakhstan, marking a major milestone in bridging the country’s digital divide. Following a pilot program that connected over 1700 rural schools, citizens, businesses, and government bodies can now legally purchase and activate Starlink terminals for high-speed, low-latency internet — even in the most remote areas.
Source: timesca.com
Kazakhstan backs China’s proposal for global AI organization
Kazakhstan voiced support for China’s initiative to establish a World Organization for AI Development, aimed at promoting multilateral governance, closing the digital gap, fostering AI ethics, and ensuring sustainable use. The country also expressed interest in joining the preparatory work and announced plans to migrate its entire digital ecosystem, including public and quasi-public sectors, to a unified sovereign platform.
Source: zakon.kz
Kazakhstan tops post-Soviet GDP per capita ranking — IMF Data
For the first time, Kazakhstan has led the post-Soviet ranking for GDP per capita in current prices, reaching a historic high of $14 770 in 2025, according to the IMF. This figure surpasses Russia $14 260, Turkmenistan $13 340, and even China $13 690, reflecting the country’s resource wealth, diversification efforts, and investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Strategic location and growing transit potential also underpin Kazakhstan’s economic rise.
Source: zakon.kz
Kazakhstan simplifies stay rules and adds tourist services
Kazakhstan has removed temporary registration for foreign visitors staying up to 30 days and introduced QR-coded safety cards linking to the multilingual SAFETRAVEL.KZ portal. The updates aim to boost tourism convenience and safety, with citizens of 85 countries eligible for visa-free visits.
Source: astanatimes.com
Kazakhstan to expand agricultural exports to Serbia
Kazakhstan is set to increase its agricultural exports to Serbia, following discussions at the fourth meeting of the Kazakh-Serbian Intergovernmental Commission in Almaty. With bilateral agricultural trade already up 1.5 times in early 2025, Kazakhstan plans to boost supplies of grains, legumes, oils, fish, meat, and dairy — supported by recent EU approvals for fish and honey exports. The two countries also aim to strengthen cooperation in food processing, agricultural science, and investment projects.
Source: timesca.com
Former Florida Panthers player Ian McCoshen joins Barys
On August 13, Kazakhstan’s hockey club Barys signed a one-year deal with American defenseman Ian McCoshen, a former NHL player for the Florida Panthers. McCoshen has appeared in 60 NHL games and 244 in the AHL, and made his KHL debut last season with Kunlun Red Star, recording 4 goals, 11 assists, 90 blocked shots, and 113 hits in 61 games. This is Barys’ second signing ahead of the new season, following the addition of Russian forward Emil Galimov.
Source: zakon.kz
Kazakhstan launches Central Asia’s first Spot Bitcoin ETF
Kazakhstan has introduced the Fonte Bitcoin ETF, the region’s first spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund, now trading on the Astana International Exchange. Backed by physical bitcoin and secured by U.S.-regulated BitGo Trust, it offers regulated access to cryptocurrency for both local and global investors.
Source: astanatimes.com
Kazakhstan eyes 2027 taekwondo World Championships in Astana
From August 14-16, Astana’s Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace will host the Kazakhstan Open 2025, welcoming over 750 athletes from 22 countries, including Olympic champions. This is Kazakhstan’s first major taekwondo event since 2017, featuring the new KPNP K-2 scoring system and the debut of the World Taekwondo demonstration team.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan hosts First World Festival of traditional culture and music
From August 1-3, Kyrgyzstan’s Rukh Ordo cultural complex on Lake Issyk-Kul welcomed over 130 performers, scholars, and artisans from 37 countries for the inaugural World Festival of Traditional Culture and Music, Rukh Sanat. The event featured international music competitions, a cultural heritage symposium, and vibrant showcases of nomadic traditions, with the Kyrgyz ensemble Akak winning the Grand Prix. Organizers aim for the festival to boost Central Asia’s cultural visibility worldwide, with the next edition set for Jalal-Abad in 2027.
Source: timesca.com
Turkish holding to invest $10 billion in Kyrgyz Hydropower
Turkey’s Ihlas Holding will invest $10 billion in two major hydropower plants in Kyrgyzstan — the 912 MW Kazarmanskaya and 1305 MW Kokomeren facilities — with a combined capacity of 2217 MW. The agreement includes infrastructure development, engineer training, and annual social funding, while granting the company 20 years of operational rights and a guaranteed electricity purchase. The project aims to boost Kyrgyzstan’s energy capacity and modernize its power infrastructure.
Source: timesca.com
Kyrgyzstan and Turkey sign $10 billion investment deal
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy and Turkey’s İhlas Holding have finalized a $10 billion agreement for the construction and 20-year operation of two major hydropower plants — Kazarman 912 MW and Kokomeron 1305 MW. The deal includes guaranteed state purchases of electricity in foreign currency and international arbitration terms.
Source: turkiyegazetesi.com
Uzbekistan
Sojitz Corporation and Uzbekistan expand cooperation in healthcare and energy
Uzbekistan’s Deputy Ministers of Economy and Finance met with representatives of Japan’s Sojitz Corporation to discuss expanding cooperation in energy, healthcare, and infrastructure. The talks focused on public-private partnership projects, including the construction of modern multi-specialty hospitals in the regions, with both sides agreeing to strengthen joint initiatives and exchange expertise.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Hong Kong delegation explores investment potential in Uzbekistan’s Surkhandarya region
A delegation from Hong Kong, including representatives of Harvest Epoch Strategic Investment Limited, JDB Group Limited, and SRK Consulting, visited Uzbekistan’s Surkhandarya region. The visit featured a tour of Termez State University of Engineering and Agrotechnology and the Surkhandarya Geological Museum, highlighting the region’s natural resources, infrastructure, and investment projects. Discussions aimed to boost the university’s scientific capacity through international cooperation and new investment initiatives.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Uzbekistan and Türkiye agree to enhance dialogue and cooperation mechanisms
Uzbekistan discussed labor migration cooperation with Türkiye, focusing on joint measures to prevent violations. Both sides confirmed their commitment to regular dialogue and agreed to develop effective mechanisms for collaboration.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Uzbekistan and UK strengthen high-level cooperation
Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to the UK Ravshan Usmanov met with Charlotte Pierre, Deputy Political Director at the UK Foreign Office, to discuss expanding political dialogue, trade, investment, and cultural ties. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation under the “New Uzbekistan” reform strategy.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Turkmenistan
Ashgabat to host 13th Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship
On August 16-17, Ashgabat will host the 13th Taekwondo Championship for the Ambassador’s Cup of the Republic of Korea at the Martial Arts Arena in the Olympic Complex.First held in 2010, the tournament has become an annual tradition, strengthening sports cooperation between Turkmenistan and South Korea. Around 500 people currently practice taekwondo in Turkmenistan.
Source: turkmenportal.com
Turkmenistan Airlines to increase flights to Kazan and Milan from October 26
Starting October 26, Turkmenistan Airlines will increase flights from Ashgabat to Kazan to four per week and to Milan to three per week.Under the winter schedule, the airline will also operate six weekly flights to Istanbul, three to Jeddah, two to Dubai, Delhi, Beijing, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, London, and Frankfurt, and one weekly flight to Abu Dhabi and Seoul.
Source: turkmenportal.com
UNDP strengthens support for landlocked developing states at LLDC3 Forum in Turkmenistan
The UNDP actively participated in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Turkmenistan, engaging in high-level dialogues on trade, regional integration, and sustainable development. UNDP Regional Director Ivana Živković emphasized the economic potential of these nations, despite geographic challenges, and highlighted the role of women in driving transformation. The agency also presented a new report on economic diversification strategies for landlocked countries.
Source: turkmenportal.com
Tajikistan
AI NEXT FORUM to take place in Dushanbe
Dushanbe’s IT Park will host AI NEXT FORUM, a one-day event on real-world applications of artificial intelligence in business, fintech, and daily life. The forum features two modules, 10 expert talks, practical cases, and audience discussions, held as part of Tajikistan’s 2025-2030 “Years of Digital Economy and Innovation” initiative.
Source: asiaplustj.info