Catch up on last week's key events in Central Asia with our summary of the most impactful and intriguing stories. Stay informed with the latest updates.
Kazakhstan
Kazakh scientists can study snow leopards using a new neural network
The Zoology Institute, in collaboration with Yandex Qazaqstan, students from the Kazakh-British Technical University, and the Snow Leopard Foundation, has trained a neural network to more accurately identify snow leopards. This development marks a significant step in preserving this rare species and improving the effectiveness of conservation programs.
Source:
zakon.kz
China plans to increase car exports to Kazakhstan
Chinese car manufacturers have reported record export figures, with Kazakhstan being a key market. They plan to expand the number of models available for the Kazakh market.
Source: inform.kz
Kazakhstan and Germany agree on cooperation
The two countries will collaborate on new projects in education, water resources, and agriculture. Additionally, they have agreed to work on the Concept of a Regional Center for Sustainable Agriculture in Central Asia.
Source: inform.kz
Kazakh theaters participated in a prestigious festival in Scotland
Kazakh theater groups performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, one of the world's largest cultural events, held annually in the capital of Scotland. The participation of Kazakh artists was an important step in promoting the country's cultural heritage on the international stage.
Source: inform.kz
Cardiff University campus to open in Astana
In the last two years, 33 leading research universities from abroad have agreed to come to Kazakhstan.
Source: baimedia.kz
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz rock band The Rolls to participate in The Beatles world festival
International Beatleweek is the largest global festival dedicated to The Beatles' music, held annually since the 1980s in Liverpool. This year, 70 popular music bands from different countries will perform. The Kyrgyz rock band The Rolls will make their debut at this music forum, being the only representative from the CIS countries.
Source: therollsband.com
Ruslan Akun's film "Heaven Under Mothers' Feet" to be presented at the Oscars
The drama by Kyrgyz filmmaker Ruslan Akun, "Heaven Under Mothers' Feet", will be presented for the Oscar in the "Best International Feature Film" category. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Source: 24.kg
Uzbekistan
AI center and venture fund to open at IT Park
An artificial intelligence center will be established at IT Park, with $50 million allocated to finance projects in this field. A $10 million venture fund will also be created to support startups. For every dollar of foreign investment attracted, the government will provide an additional dollar to the startups.
Source: gazeta.uz
Tatler magazine enters the Uzbekistan and Central Asia market
The publication will be launched in Kazakhstan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. The first issue of Tatler Kazakhstan is set to be released in December 2024. Both print and digital versions of Tatler are expected to launch in Uzbekistan and other countries in the region in 2025.
Source: spot.uz
Startup ArzonApteka raises $6 million in new investment round
The creator of ArzonApteka, an IT solution provider for the pharmaceutical market, FOM Group, conducted a new investment round. Part of the funds was provided by IT entrepreneur and founder of the Payme payment service, Sarvar Ruzmatov. A group of European entrepreneurs also participated in the round.
Source: spot.uz
British telecom operator Vodafone to launch in Uzbekistan in 2025
The project will involve an investment of 250 million euros, with Finnish company Nokia also participating.
Source: spot.uz
Uzbekistan's textile and footwear trade house to open in Poland
A trade house for Uzbek textile and footwear products will open in Warsaw. The showroom will be located in the wholesale and trade complex of the Polish capital, G.D. International Poland Sp. o.o. The agreement for the opening was signed during a visit by a joint delegation of representatives from the Ministry of Innovative Development and the textile industry.
Source: spot.uz
Tajikistan
Chery car dealership opened in Dushanbe
A new Chery dealership center has opened in Dushanbe. The new showroom offers a full range of services, including car sales, test drives, and professional maintenance.
Source: asiaplustj.info
S&P upgrades Tajikistan's long-term credit rating
International rating agency Standard & Poor's Global Ratings has upgraded Tajikistan's long-term credit ratings for foreign and local currency obligations from 'B-' to 'B'. Analysts cited "strong economic growth" and "control of the budget deficit, allowing net debt to remain below a moderate 30% of GDP" as reasons for the upgrade.
Source: asiaplustj.info
