From deepening energy and tech ties with China and Turkey to new global flight routes and breakthroughs in sports and culture, Central Asia is accelerating its integration into global markets. Here's a roundup of key developments across the region.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan deepens ties with Turkey amid changing Caspian dynamics
Kazakhstan and Turkey held talks in Ankara to boost cooperation in energy, transport, and logistics via the Trans-Caspian corridor. The sides also discussed Turkish investment in Kazakhstan, signaling closer regional ties amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Source: timesca.com
New direct flight launched between Almaty and Beijing
Air China has launched a new direct route between Almaty and Beijing, operating four times a week on Boeing 737 aircraft. This strengthens air connectivity between Kazakhstan and China, which now includes over 150 flights per month. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, nearly 21 000 tourists from China visited Almaty — a 39.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
Source: inform.kz
Dimash’s song debuts on Radio Disney Mexico thanks to global fan campaign
Dimash Qudaibergen’s song “Love’s Not Over Yet” has entered regular rotation on Radio Disney Mexico, marking his debut on the global network. The achievement followed a fan-led campaign inspired by his 2023 Budapest concert, supported by fans in over 30 countries. Radio Disney Mexico praised it as a testament to international fan dedication.
Source: astanatimes.com
Another star confirms participation in ATP 250 tournament in Almaty
World No. 17 Flavio Cobolli has confirmed his participation in the ATP 250 Almaty Open, joining a strong lineup of top-ranked players. The Italian had a breakthrough season with titles in Bucharest and Hamburg, and a Wimbledon quarterfinal run. Also set to play are Karen Khachanov, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Bublik.
Source: zakon.kz
Kazakhstan launches Khan Tengri Innovation Hub in Shanghai to strengthen tech cooperation with China
Kazakhstan has launched the Khan Tengri Innovation Hub in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park to connect Central Asian startups with China’s innovation ecosystem. Backed by the Ministry of Digital Development, the hub offers incubation, coworking, legal support, and programs like the China Market Entry Bootcamp to help firms scale, enter the Chinese market, and attract cross-border investment.
Source: astanatimes.com
Kyrgyzstan
Vietnamese firm to build major Solar Power Plant in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan has signed a deal with Vietnam’s RECA LLC and Rox Energy Global to build a 1900 MW solar power plant in Kyzyl-Oruk village, Issyk-Kul region. Set for completion by 2027, the project supports the country’s renewable energy goals and will be funded through foreign investment. The government will assist with land and grid access. ROX Group is also involved in Kyrgyzstan’s real estate sector.
Source: minenergo.gov.kg
Kyrgyzstan and the U.S. strengthen investment partnership with focus on innovation and infrastructure
Kyrgyzstan and the U.S. discussed expanding investment cooperation, including projects like the Makmal–Karakol railway. They also explored opportunities in digital innovation, blockchain, and cryptocurrency, highlighting Kyrgyzstan’s role in adopting virtual assets. Both sides stressed the need to simplify business procedures and strengthen economic ties.
Source: invest.gov.kg
NASA Space Apps Challenge to be held in Bishkek for the first time
On October 4-5, Bishkek will host the NASA Space Apps Challenge, the world’s largest international hackathon organized by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The hybrid-format event will take place offline in Bishkek and online for participants from other regions and countries. Participants will receive certificates, partner prizes, and a chance to present their projects to NASA as Global Nominees.
Source: limon.kg
Kyrgyzstan hosts eco-festival to celebrate the snow leopard
On August 9-10, the Ton district of Issyk-Kul region will host ILBIRS FEST 2025, an environmental and cultural festival dedicated to the snow leopard, a national symbol of Kyrgyzstan. Organized at high altitudes where the elusive animal lives, the event combines ecoruns, traditional music, art installations, and scientific talks to promote wildlife conservation and cultural heritage.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
Sri Lanka offers Uzbekistan access to global markets through its ports
Sri Lanka has proposed that Uzbekistan use its seaports to reach global markets and suggested creating a joint trade and logistics hub. During meetings in Colombo, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev and Sri Lankan officials also discussed boosting trade, launching direct flights between Tashkent and Colombo, and expanding cooperation in digital economy, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
Source: dunyo.info
AirAsia X launches direct flights from Tashkent to Kuala Lumpur
Starting October 15, 2025, AirAsia X will launch direct flights between Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur, operating three times a week. This move connects Uzbekistan to more than 130 destinations across Asia, Australia, and beyond via the Kuala Lumpur hub, supporting the country’s goal of attracting 15.8 million foreign tourists by the end of the year.
Source: uzdaily.uz
JW Marriott to open first hotel in Uzbekistan by 2025
Marriott International will open Uzbekistan’s first JW Marriott hotel in Tashkent by late 2025, in partnership with Alliance Holding. Located in the Tashkent City Mall complex, the five-star hotel will offer 287 rooms, restaurants, a spa, and business spaces, reflecting the brand’s focus on mindful luxury. The project highlights Marriott’s regional growth and Uzbekistan’s rising profile in tourism and investment.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Turkmenistan
Turkmen chess players win six medals at Central Asian Youth Championship
Turkmenistan’s youth chess team won six medals — two gold, three silver, and one bronze — at the Central Asian Chess Championship held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. With this result, the team secured second place overall, behind Uzbekistan, in a tournament that brought together 425 players from five countries. For the first time, FIDE awarded direct titles, with all Turkmen medalists receiving Candidate Master titles, and Jahank Rejepova earning the Woman FIDE Master title.
Source: turkmenportal.com
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan expand economic ties at Intergovernmental Commission Meeting in Baku
On July 28, Baku hosted the eighth meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation. The sides discussed strengthening ties in trade, energy, transport, agriculture, and culture, and signed a protocol for further collaboration. The next session will be held in Ashgabat.
Source: mfa.gov.tm
Tajikistan
Tajikistan’s Bezhan Abdulloyev eyes Formula 4 after drawing global motorsport interest
Tajikistan’s rising racing talent Bezhan Abdulloyev has attracted international attention after his win at GPMax 2025 in Tianjin and a strong showing in the Chinese Karting Championship. He’s in talks with top teams, including France’s R-ace GP, for a spot in the Formula 4 UAE Championship — a potential milestone for Tajik motorsport.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Azerbaijan
SOCAR and ITOCHU discuss expanding Azerbaijan-Japan energy cooperation
SOCAR and ITOCHU Corporation held talks to deepen energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Japan. The sides discussed joint projects in energy, petrochemicals, and renewables, ahead of the upcoming session of the State Commission for Economic Cooperation.
Source: azernews.az