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This week in Central Asia: growth and global reach
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08.11.2025

This week in Central Asia: growth and global reach

Uzbekistan signed the world’s first Technological Diplomacy Declaration and introduced visa-free travel for U.S. citizens. Kyrgyzstan earned a UNESCO award for “Kara Kyzyl Sary” and deepened ties with China. Kazakhstan advanced financial and industrial projects, while Azerbaijan strengthened its cultural and sporting presence abroad.


Azerbaijan


UEFA Champions League: Qarabağ Draws with Chelsea


On November 7, Qarabağ held Chelsea to a 2–2 draw in the UEFA Champions League group stage in Baku. Leandro Andrade and Marko Janković scored for the hosts, while Garnacho netted for Chelsea. Qarabağ now has seven points and will face Napoli away on November 25.

Source: 1news.az


Azerbaijan’s Role on the Ancient and Modern Silk Road discussed in France

The Rotary Club Epicure in France held an event titled “The Role of Azerbaijan on the Silk Road” during the “Art and Wine” charity evening, highlighting Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge between Asia and Europe. Mirvari Fataliyeva emphasized the country’s historic trade centers and modern projects like the Middle Corridor and Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway. The evening also featured an Azerbaijani wine tasting and a charity auction supporting social initiatives.

Source: report.az


Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia sign Youth Cooperation Program for 2026–2027

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sports signed an Implementation Program for youth cooperation covering 2026–2027. The agreement, finalized during a meeting in Riyadh between Minister Farid Gayibov and Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal Al Saud, aims to strengthen collaboration in youth policy, exchange programs, volunteer initiatives, and experience sharing between the two nations.

Source: report.az


Kazakhstan


Kazakhstan highlights Capital Market Strength at Bloomberg’s London Forum

Bloomberg’s European Headquarters in London hosted Kazakhstan Capital Markets Day on November 5, where officials showcased the nation’s economic stability, robust banking system, and digital transformation plans. Organized by Bloomberg, the National Bank of Kazakhstan NBK, and the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange KASE, the event outlined the goal of a fully digital economy within three years. NBK Governor Timur Suleimenov underscored fintech’s vital role, citing progress in digital currency, open banking, and API-based payment innovations.

Source: astanatimes.com


Coca-Cola İçecek to open new Bottling Plant in Aktobe


Coca-Cola İçecek Kazakhstan signed an agreement with the Agriculture Ministry to build a fourth production facility in Aktobe, announced during the Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable with Kazakh Invest’s support. The plant, set to begin construction in 2026, will create more than 120 jobs and use eco-friendly, energy-efficient technologies. General Manager Veli Dinçel said the project highlights Coca-Cola İçecek’s long-term commitment to Kazakhstan and will boost the regional industry and sustainability. The company already operates plants in Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent.

Source: astanatimes.com


Rybakina makes history, advances early to WTA Finals Semifinals


Kazakhstan’s 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has made history by securing an early spot in the semifinals of the 2025 WTA Finals after topping the Serena Williams group, reports Zakon.kz. Her qualification was confirmed following Amanda Anisimova’s three-set victory over fellow American Madison Keys, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. This marks a historic milestone for Kazakh tennis, as Rybakina becomes the first player from Kazakhstan to reach the WTA Finals semifinals in singles.

Source: zakon.kz


Kyrgyzstan



Aktan Arym Kubat’s film “Kara Kyzyl Sary” wins the UNESCO Award


Kyrgyz director Aktan Arym Kubat’s film “Kara Kyzyl Sary” received the UNESCO Award for Cultural Diversity at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, producer Altynai Koichumanova announced. The ceremony will be held on November 28 in Gold Coast, Australia, during the 18th APSA. Based on a story by Topchugul Shaidullaeva and filmed in Batken, the movie tells the story of Turdugul, a carpet weaver whose craft mirrors the lives and emotions of her community. It explores themes of love, moral choice, and everyday life in Kyrgyzstan’s border regions.

Source: 24.kg


Women’s football team “Ilbirs” crowned 2025 Champions


The Kyrgyz Republic Women’s Football Championship has concluded, with Bishkek’s “Ilbirs” securing the national title, according to the Kyrgyz Football Union. The tournament was held in two rounds and included 14 matchdays. Although “Ilbirs” had already clinched the championship one round before the finish, they closed the season with a 2–1 loss to “Asiagol-SI.” “Yunost” from Mailuu-Suu took bronze after a draw with the A. Momunov Football Academy.

Source: kfu.kg


Kyrgyzstan and China to launch Joint Seed Production Projects


Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister Bakyt Torobaev met with a Chinese delegation from Gansu Province to discuss cooperation in agriculture, focusing on joint production of vegetable and medicinal plant seeds. The sides also explored combating invasive shrubs in the Suusamyr Valley and creating a joint venture to process them into feed and fertilizer. Plans include equipment supply, training programs, and experience exchange, with both countries noting that closer cooperation will further boost trade, which reached $23 billion in 2024.

Source: knews.kg


Uzbekistan


Uzbekistan to introduce Visa-Free Regime for U.S. Citizens Starting in 2026


Uzbekistan will implement a visa-free regime for U.S. citizens beginning January 1, 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days without a visa, according to a decree signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The initiative aims to strengthen trade, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries and boost tourism. Since 2021, U.S. citizens over 55 traveling for tourism have already been eligible for 30-day visa-free visits.

Source: timesca.com


Fergana Delegation signs $10 Million Contract with Turkish Company


During an official visit to Turkey, a delegation from Uzbekistan’s Fergana region signed a $10 million contract between Visne Motors and Kokand Bicycles for the supply of gasoline and electric scooters and related components. The visit also promoted cooperation in the textile sector and presented investment opportunities in the Kokand Free Economic Zone and Kokand Technopark.

Source: uzdaily.uz


Samarkand hosts the signing of the World’s First Declaration on Technological Diplomacy


On November 1, 2025, Samarkand hosted the signing of the world’s first Samarkand Declaration on Technological Diplomacy, a landmark international document aimed at empowering countries to shape the global digital future. Signed during UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference, the initiative—led by the Tech Diplomacy Institute with UNESCO’s support—brings together Central Asian governments, academia, and industry to promote inclusive digital governance and cooperation in AI, data protection, and cybersecurity.

Source: uzdaily.uz
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