This week in Central Asia, air connectivity continues to grow with new routes between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and beyond. Meanwhile, global tech giants like Huawei and Citigroup expand their presence in Uzbekistan, and the region earns accolades in international sports and tourism. From digital innovation centers in Shanghai to football awards in Miami, here’s what’s happening across the region.
Kazakhstan
China Southern Airlines launches direct flights from Almaty to Guangzhou
Starting June 25, China Southern Airlines began operating direct flights between Almaty and Guangzhou. The service runs three times a week — on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Source: kz.kursiv.media
Kazakh national team footballer signs with British club
Islam Chesnokov, winger for Kazakhstan’s national football team and Kostanay-based Tobol, has signed a preliminary contract with Scottish club Hearts.
Source: tengrisport.kz
New foreign bank opens in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has welcomed a new financial institution — JSC Commercial Bank BNK, formed from the microfinance organization BNK Finance Kazakhstan. The bank is fully owned by BNK Capital Co., Ltd., headquartered in Busan, South Korea.
Source: forbes.kz
Telegram joins Astana Hub
Telegram has officially become a resident of Astana Hub, Central Asia’s leading innovation cluster. The partnership opens doors for collaboration, experience-sharing, and development of digital products both locally and globally.
Source: inform.kz
Kyrgyzstan
Centrum Air launches Tashkent-Bishkek route
The first flight of Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air from Tashkent to Bishkek has taken off. The route will now operate regularly on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Source: 24.kg
Kyrgyzstan shortlisted for Wanderlust Travel Awards
Kyrgyzstan has been named a finalist in the Wanderlust Travel Awards in the category “Most Desirable Emerging Destination.” The award is run by the UK’s leading adventure and culture travel magazine.
Source: 24.kg
Kyrgyz Football Union receives FIFA Forward Award
The Kyrgyz Football Union received a FIFA Forward Award for successfully completing the construction of a National Football Academy in October 2024. FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally presented the award.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
Digital Technology Center of Uzbekistan opens in Shanghai
A four-story Uzbekistan Digital Technology Center has opened in Shanghai, in partnership with Shanghai Oriental Credits Industrial Development Co. The facility features two conference halls, a reception area, and an exhibition space for Uzbek IT solutions.
Source: uzdaily.uz
AirAsia X to launch Tashkent flights in October
Malaysian low-cost airline AirAsia X will begin flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tashkent on October 15. Airbus A330 aircraft will serve the route three times a week.
Source: buyingbusinesstravel.com.ru
Huawei opens official branch in Fergana
Huawei has inaugurated its first official branch in the Fergana region, marking the company’s second regional office in Uzbekistan after Tashkent.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Citigroup to enter Uzbek market
Global financial services firm Citigroup plans to open a representative office in Uzbekistan, expanding its presence in emerging markets.
Source: spot.uz
Bolt considers pilot launch in Uzbekistan
The ride-hailing and delivery company Bolt is exploring a pilot launch in an Uzbek city to test its services. The move aims to improve mobility for locals and tourists alike.
Source: spot.uz
Tajikistan
Tajikistan’s Football Federation wins bronze at FIFA Forward Awards
At the FIFA Football Summit in Miami, the Tajikistan Football Federation received a bronze award for its achievements in football infrastructure development under the FIFA Forward program.
Source: khovar.tj
