From expanding flight routes and climate cooperation to digital innovation and international partnerships, Central Asia continues to boost its global engagement. Here’s a look at this week’s top developments from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Kazakhstan
FlyArystan launches Almaty-Yining charter flights
Kazakhstan’s low-cost airline FlyArystan has launched charter flights between Almaty and Yining, China. This route aims to strengthen regional ties and support tourism between the two countries.
Source: astanatimes.com
Astana to host Regional Climate Summit 2026
Astana has been selected to host the Regional Climate Summit in 2026, bringing together stakeholders from Central Asia to coordinate climate action and adaptation strategies.
Source: astanatimes.com
Direct Atyrau-Tashkent flights to launch in 2025
A new direct route from Atyrau to Tashkent has been announced. Flights will be operated by Qazaq Air, with ticket prices starting at 29 000 tenge.
Source: informburo.kz
Kazakhstan and Germany advance $54.4 billion in joint investment projects
Kazakhstan and Germany are expanding their cooperation with 80 new investment projects across energy, engineering, chemicals, and IT sectors.
Source: astanatimes.com
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan and Venezuela waive visas for diplomatic passport holders
Kyrgyzstan and Venezuela have agreed on a mutual visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders, strengthening bilateral diplomatic ties.
Source: 24.kg
Kyrgyz Republic approves digital nomad visa policy
Kyrgyzstan has approved procedures for granting digital nomad status to foreign nationals, positioning itself as a hub for remote workers.
Source: astanatimes.com
Film by Kyrgyz director gets a chance to compete for an Oscar
The short film The Long Way to the Summer Pasture by Kyrgyz director Ilgiz-Sherniyaz Tursunbek uulu has earned a chance to compete for an Oscar.
The film won the Grand Prix at the prestigious international film festival in Oberhausen, Germany, giving it the opportunity to be considered for Oscar qualification. It also received a cash prize of €8000. The festival's competition program featured 124 films from 42 countries, selected from over 6600 submissions.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
Netflix to release film about Amir Temur at the end of summer
Netflix has completed filming Tamerlane: Rise of the Last Conqueror, a movie that began production in late 2022 and is dedicated to the life of Amir Temur. Filming took place in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, with the crew including specialists from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the United States. Production wrapped up last fall, and the film is currently in post-production. The premiere is expected to take place at the end of this summer.
Source: podrobno.uz
Singapore considers launching direct flights to Uzbekistan
Uzbek and Singaporean authorities are discussing the launch of direct flights between the two countries to boost tourism and business ties.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Uzbekistan and China to launch mutual visa-free travel from June 1
Starting June 1, 2025, Uzbek and Chinese citizens can travel visa-free for up to 30 days per visit.
Source: astanatimes.com
Uzbekistan and Bulgaria prepare labor migration agreement
The two countries are finalizing an intergovernmental agreement on labor migration to support Uzbek citizens working in Bulgaria.
Source: uzdaily.uz
Uzbekistan introduces visa-free entry for citizens of three countries
Uzbekistan has established a visa-free regime for citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
The visa-free period is valid for 30 days from the date of entry into Uzbekistan.
Source: uznews.uz
Uzbek-French university to open on September 1
Uzbekistan will establish the Uzbek-French University, which will initially be based at the Tashkent State Technical University.
The first academic unit of the new institution will be a Faculty of Humanities, which will begin training master's students in the field of "French language and French literature."
Source: uzdaily.uz
Tajikistan
Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan discuss restoring bus routes
Officials from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are considering resuming cross-border bus services to improve regional connectivity.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Sanoatsodirotbank expands international cooperation
Tajikistan’s Sanoatsodirotbank is pursuing new international partnerships to support trade, finance, and development initiatives.
Source: asiaplustj.info