From Italy's cultural partnership with the region to new flight routes and high-level business deals, Central Asia continues to strengthen its global ties. Here's a quick roundup of this week's major developments across the region.
Kazakhstan
2026 Declared the Year of Cultural Convergence Between Central Asia and Italy
The Kazakh government emphasized that the initiatives presented reflect the country’s commitment to strengthening friendship and expanding cooperation with countries participating in the "Central Asia-Italy" summit.
Source: inform.kz
Another Foreigner Receives a Neo Nomad Visa
Georges Rosa Filho, a specialist from Europe, received the Neo Nomad Visa. He plans to stay in Astana for six months and travel to several regions for tourism.
Source: inform.kz
New Air Route: Almaty-Bahrain
Starting June 5, 2025, Fly Arystan will launch seasonal weekly flights between Almaty and Manama, Bahrain, aiming to boost inbound tourism.
Source: inform.kz
Kazakhstan to Launch Geological Project with Finland
Kazakhstan is partnering with Finland’s geological service to collaborate on digital geological databases, as part of broader cooperation with Finland and China in the mining sector.
Source: inform.kz
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz Film Selected for Shanghai Film Festival
The feature film Kara Kyzyl Sary by Aktan Arym Kubat has been selected for the main competition at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, taking place from June 13 to 22, 2025.
Source: 24.kg
Wrestler Uzur Dzhuzupbekov Ranks Fifth in World
After winning gold at a ranking tournament in Mongolia, Dzhuzupbekov climbed to fifth place in the global wrestling rankings.
Source: 24.kg
Kyrgyzstan and Qatar to Establish Business Council
The two countries plan to create a business council aimed at fostering lasting partnerships between entrepreneurs and advancing investment initiatives.
Source: 24.kg
Bishkek to Host Sambo World Championship
The tournament will take place from November 7 to 9, featuring both men’s and women’s sports and combat sambo competitions.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
South Korean Technopark to Build Smart Factory in Uzbekistan
Gyeongbuk Technopark and Halla University aim to create smart factories in Uzbekistan. The two sides discussed joint efforts in digital manufacturing and IT training.
Source: spot.uz
Italy to Offer 1500 Work Permits to Uzbek Citizens in 2026
The quota prioritizes skilled workers in tourism, engineering, and agriculture.
Source: gazeta.uz
IndiGo to Launch Mumbai-Tashkent Flights in August
Starting August 1, IndiGo will operate flights between Mumbai and Tashkent four times a week.
Source: spot.uz
Uzbek Tech Company Signs $20M Deal with Beijing District
Innotech Solutions, a resident of IT Park, signed a $20 million contract with a municipality in Beijing for tech cooperation.
Source: spot.uz
Uzbekistan Opens First Trade House in Pakistan
Located in Lahore, the trade house will help build direct ties between entrepreneurs and showcase Uzbek products like dried fruits, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
Source: spot.uz
Tajikistan
China’s Belt and Road Initiative Supports Tajik Collaboration
Tajikistan and China are expanding educational and academic exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative, including student quotas for Chinese universities.
Source: khovar.tj
Iran-Tajikistan Technology Center to Be Established in Dushanbe
The new center will boost bilateral cooperation in the tech sector.
Source: khovar.tj