Central Asian countries are making headlines with new achievements and collaborations. From a Guinness World Record at the World Nomad Games to Uzbekistan's tech partnerships and Kyrgyzstan hosting the next games, the region is attracting global attention. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments from Central Asia.
Kazakhstan
Kazakh grandmothers set new Guinness record at the World Nomad Games
Over 450 craftswomen created a huge patchwork quilt in the traditional technique "quraq korpe", setting a new world record. The achievement was officially recorded by representatives of the Guinness World Records.
Source: inform.kz
Kazakhstan achieves its highest credit rating in history
The international rating agency Moody's has upgraded Kazakhstan's long-term credit rating from Baa2 to Baa1, with a "Stable" outlook. This is the highest rating ever assigned to the country since gaining independence. The upgrade is attributed to continuous improvements in the institutional and political environment, combined with steady economic diversification.
Source: gov.kz
Kazakhstan and the World Ethnosport Confederation join forces to preserve cultural heritage
The parties discussed prospects for further cooperation and exchange of experience in organizing ethnosport events, as well as the development of joint projects aimed at popularizing ethnic sports among the youth.
Source: inform.kz
New media group Uni-Q Group to launch in Kazakhstan with its own online cinema Unico Play
Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., the Dara Presidential Initiatives Fund, and several organizations and investors plan to support the Uni-Q Group media company. It is expected that investment in the project will exceed 50 billion tenge over the next three years. The group will produce Kazakh-language content for the Unico Play online cinema, distribute Kazakh films worldwide, and develop a professional distribution and monetization system for entertainment content.
Source: kapital.kz
Kazakhstani becomes a member of NETPAC jury at the Venice Film Festival for the first time
André Raphaël Ivanov, founder and director of the Kazakh Film Festival in France, has become the first representative of Kazakhstan and France in the jury of the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema. The NETPAC jury evaluates Asian films and recognizes their contributions to the global film industry. Ivanov's participation marks an important step in promoting Kazakh cinema.
Source: inform.kz
Kyrgyzstan
The 6th World Nomad Games to be held in Kyrgyzstan in 2026
The next World Nomad Games will return to Kyrgyzstan. The Games were previously held in Kyrgyzstan in 2014, 2016, and 2018, and in Turkey in 2022.
Source: 24.kg
Kyrgyzstan and Tatarstan to create joint industrial park
Kyrgyzstan and Tatarstan plan to establish a joint industrial park. The Technopolis "Khimgard" and the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic have signed a memorandum of cooperation for the development of the industrial park, which will focus on energy, non-ferrous metallurgy, and other industries.
Source: 24.kg
International short film festival to be held in Naryn in September
The International Short Film Festival "Nomad-2024: Living Sky" will take place at the Naryn Regional Academic Music and Drama Theater named after Muratbek Ryskulov from September 18 to 22. The festival is expected to be a significant step in the development of Kyrgyz cinema.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
China Southern to launch flights from Tashkent to Guangzhou
China Southern Airlines plans to launch direct flights from Tashkent to Guangzhou three times a week in 2025 and increase the frequency of flights from Uzbekistan's capital to Urumqi and Beijing to four and seven times a week, respectively.
Source: chinasouthernairlines.ru
Uzbekistan Airways to resume flights from Tashkent to Phu Quoc
Flights will be operated twice a week. The relaunch is expected to boost the flow of tourists from Vietnam to Uzbekistan and facilitate transit for citizens of third countries to Phu Quoc.
Source: uzbektourism.uz
Uzbekistan and South Korea open 3D laboratory for startups
The laboratory is located in the Uzbekistan-Korea Center for Innovative Entrepreneurship U-Enter, which was opened in June 2023. The project aims to introduce 3D technologies and develop the local technological infrastructure.
Source: spot.uz
Uzbekistan increases electric vehicle imports by 42% from January to July
Over the first seven months of the year, more than 10 540 electric cars were imported into Uzbekistan. Compared to the same period last year, the number of imported electric vehicles increased by 42.6%. China remains the leader in supplying electric vehicles to Uzbekistan, significantly increasing its market share from 93% to 99.3% year-on-year.
Source: spot.uz
Tajikistan
Tajikistan and Qatar to strengthen ties between chambers of commerce
The parties discussed expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, industry, investment, and construction, including building shopping and commercial centers. They also emphasized the importance of establishing close ties between the Chambers of Commerce of the Republic of Tajikistan and the State of Qatar.
Source: khovar.tj
Tajikistan to host its first international crafts festival
From October 1 to 3, the city of Istaravshan in the Sughd region will host the first International Crafts Festival "Ozar," with participation from 20 members of the World Crafts Council, over 40 craftsmen from member states, and 80 craftsmen from Istaravshan and other regions of Tajikistan.
Source: khovar.tj