From Meta's new AI accelerator in Kazakhstan to a Kyrgyz filmmaker's award in the UK and fresh Uzbek partnerships in tech and education — here's a roundup of this week's most important news from Central Asia.
Kazakhstan
Meta to support Kazakh programmers in advancing AI skills
Kazakhstan is launching the Meta LLaMA Accelerator Kazakhstan program aimed at fostering the development and adoption of AI solutions. As part of the initiative, participants will gain access to computing resources.
Source: informburo.kz
Dimash Kudaibergen announces concert at Madison Square Garden
Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen has announced a solo concert at the world-famous Madison Square Garden in New York.
Source: zakon.kz
Kazakhstan to launch direct flights to 15 new cities
In 2025, Kazakhstan will open 32 new international routes, including direct flights to Munich, Cairo, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Da Nang, Abu Dhabi, Hurghada, Busan, Osh, Mumbai, Yining, Rome, Gazipaşa, Budapest, and Samarkand.
Source: inform.kz
Kazakhstan to open cultural center in Beijing in 2025
The Cultural Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Beijing is set to open later this year, as part of a broader bilateral initiative to create joint cultural institutions.
Source: inform.kz
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz film wins recognition at British Film Festival
The short film Dad Has Arrived by Kyrgyz director Almaz Kosobaev received special recognition at the 7th ECG Film Festival in London.
Source: weproject.media
Second Kyrgyz woman climbs mount Everest
Rysgul Akimzhanova has successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the second Kyrgyz woman to do so after Asel Baybagysheva's climb earlier this month.
Source: kaktus.media
Kuurdak ranked among World’s Top Offal Dishes
Kyrgyzstan’s traditional dish kuurdak has been ranked among the top 50 offal dishes in the world by Taste Atlas, an international food guide.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and Italy launch tech partnership program
The two countries agreed to expand technical assistance for businesses and training for exporters, with plans to open a joint certification center in Tashkent and finalize a conformity assessment agreement.
Source: spot.uz
Japan and Uzbekistan expand language training for migrant workers
The two sides praised the results of the Japan Career Portal and announced upcoming features that will focus on Japanese language learning and exam preparation.
Source: uzdaily.uz
First commercial flight in 30 years lands at Sariosiyo airport
Silk Avia has begun operating passenger flights between Tashkent and Sariosiyo twice a week, making it the fifth regional airport to resume operations in two years.
Source: spot.uz
All transport permits between Uzbekistan and Turkey go digital
Uzbekistan has begun issuing all types of transport permits electronically via the E-permit system, with full digitalization expected by early 2026.
Source: spot.uz
Tajikistan
Tajikistan and Iran sign new cooperation agreements
The two nations signed multiple MOUs, including on the creation of an Iran-Tajik technology center, labor cooperation, and rail transport development.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Dushanbe ranked 683rd in Global Cities Index
Dushanbe was ranked 683rd out of 1000 cities in the 2025 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index. Notably, the city ranked 64th in the "Human Capital" category, reflecting its role as a regional intellectual hub.
Source: asiaplustj.info