In 2024, several changes took place in the countries of Central Asia, with new initiatives introduced, ranging from environmental measures and business support to digital technologies and social changes. Here are the most important events for residents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Kazakhstan
Unified Time Zone
From March 1, 2024, Kazakhstan adopted a unified time zone. On the night of February 29 to March 1, local time was shifted one hour back, aligning the country with the UTC+5 time zone.
“National Fund for Children” Program
Starting February 1, 2024, the “National Fund for Children” program was launched, under which 50% of the annual investment income of the National Fund is credited to special savings accounts for children under 18. In 2024, $695.5 million was credited to the participants’ accounts.
New Holidays
From 2024, Kazakhstan will celebrate new holidays: October 1 - Day of Higher Education Workers and Radio Day; October 14 - Day of Standardization Workers.
Digital Transformation
Kazakhstan continued its digital transformation, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into e-government. Access to e-services has become easier thanks to biometric identification and QR signatures.
Mortgage Program
Kazakhstan launched a new mortgage program, “9-20-25”. This program allows citizens to obtain a loan for housing with an annual interest rate of 9% and an initial down payment of 20%, for a term of up to 25 years.
Online Petitions
The official online petition service, ePetition.kz, began operations on April 4, 2024. Citizens can register on the site, describe the issue, and set a deadline for collecting signatures. After submission, the responsible authority will check the petition for compliance within 20 working days.
Kyrgyzstan
Plastic Bag Ban
From January 1, 2027, Kyrgyzstan will implement a law prohibiting the production and sale of plastic products and bags. The law aims to protect public health and the environment. From 2024, restrictions will apply to natural territories, including a ban on plastic bags, tableware, food packaging, and bottles.
Buying Apartments Online
From March 1, 2024, Kyrgyzstan introduced the option to buy or sell apartments online via the “Tunduk” app. Both parties must undergo bio-identification and use cloud signatures. The system automatically fills in the data and notifies users when documents are ready.
SIM Card Registration
Starting April 1, 2024, new rules for SIM card registration came into effect in Kyrgyzstan. Subscribers can register numbers through mobile apps using their passport, and also undergo personal identification without visiting operator offices. These changes apply only to new SIM cards; for owners of feature phones, the process will remain available in communication offices.
Phone Registration
Since June 2024, Kyrgyzstan introduced mandatory registration of all mobile phones to prevent the use of counterfeit devices. Mobile phones imported into the country will undergo identification in the state system. These changes will improve the security of mobile devices.
Uzbekistan
State Health Insurance
Starting October 1, 2024, Tashkent and the Syrdarya region implemented the state health insurance system. The state health insurance fund will cover guaranteed volumes of medical services, and services and medications prescribed via electronic prescriptions will be free. Financing will come from taxes without additional charges on the population.
The system will expand to Karakalpakstan in 2025 and cover all of Uzbekistan by the end of 2026.
Eco-Friendly Transport
From June 1, 2024, Uzbekistan launched the “Eco-Friendly Transport” system. Territories will be divided into “clean,” “medium,” and “polluted” zones, and vehicles will be assigned "green," "yellow," or "red" stickers after diagnostics. Vehicles that do not meet environmental standards will be restricted from entering or charged compensatory fees. Eco-sticker issuance during car registration and re-registration will be phased through the State Road Safety Inspectorate without additional fees.
Legal Framework for Foreign Companies
From June 1, 2024, Uzbekistan’s IT park began operating the International Digital Technology Center. As an experiment, a special legal regime for foreign companies will be introduced for five years. It covers taxation, labor relations, data protection, intellectual property, and innovations in digital technologies.
Support for Manufacturers
Manufacturers working with global brands will receive support. Companies that sign direct production agreements with well-known brands will be compensated for implementing international standards, environmental certification, and specialist training at brand-owner enterprises.
IT Industry Support
Uzbekistan is implementing a grant system for IT startups through the annual competition of the Software Products and Information Technologies Technological Park. Grants will be distributed by categories: 150 million soums for promising projects, 300 million for local market projects, and up to one billion soums for international projects.
Tajikistan
Increase in Wages and Pensions
From July 2024, the minimum wage was increased by 33%, from 600 to 800 somoni. Wages in the public administration, education, healthcare, and social protection sectors were raised by 40%. Additionally, student scholarships were increased by 40%, and pensions by 30%.
Compulsory Secondary Education
In March 2024, amendments to the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Education” made general secondary education (11 grades) compulsory. Previously, only basic secondary education (9 grades) was mandatory.
Digital Economy Development
The pace of digital economy development in Tajikistan has increased 2.5 times compared to global economic growth. The share of the digital economy is more than 15% of the world GDP, with some countries reaching 40%.
