We've gathered the most interesting events that took place in Central Asian countries over the past week. From the unification of technology parks in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to the global recognition of Kyrgyzstan's digital project and new investments. Read more in our article.
Kazakhstan
IT Park and Astana Hub create a common brand to promote startups
IT Park Uzbekistan and Astana Hub, the largest technoparks in Central Asia, are joining forces to develop the regional startup ecosystem and promote innovation on the global stage under the unified brand Central Asia Innovation Hubs. The goal of the partnership is to create a common regional identity, exchange expertise in the development of startup ecosystems and venture capital funds, and implement several joint initiatives to promote promising Central Asian projects on international platforms.
Source: astanahub.com
A new airport will be built in Kazakhstan
The Kazakhstan-German consortium SKYHANSA plans to build a new cargo-passenger airport in Kazakhstan. The total amount of private investment in the project is expected to exceed $500 million, with the creation of more than 300 permanent jobs.
Source: tengrinews.com
Kazakh-German scientific center to open in Kazakhstan
During the official visit of German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Kazakhstan, six key documents were signed. Among the partnerships are the opening of branches of Anhalt University and the Technical University of Berlin, a research center in metallurgy and enrichment, and a research center focused on water management issues.
Source: inform.kz
Kazakhstan and Sierra Leone agree on a visa-free regime
According to the draft agreement, citizens of both countries holding diplomatic and service passports can make multiple entries, exits, and transit through Kazakhstan and Sierra Leone for no more than 30 days within 180 calendar days from the date of first entry.
Source: inform.kz
The world programming championship final took place in Astana
The final of the 48th International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) took place in the capital under the auspices of the Kazakhstan Federation of Sports Programming. ICPC is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious competitive programming championship, bringing together the top universities from 110 countries around the world.
Source: inform.kz
Kazakhstan ranks 24th in the UN e-Government development index
Kazakhstan is strengthening its position on the global stage in the field of digital governance. According to the UN E-Government Survey 2024, the country has risen to 24th place in the global e-government development ranking, improving by four positions compared to the previous report.
Source: inform.kz
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz project ranked among the top 20 best digital initiatives in the world
A Kyrgyz project integrating information systems for registering newborns, developed within the framework of "Government Accelerators," was included in the top 20 digital initiatives in the world, according to the international SDG Digital Game Changers competition.
Source: 24.kg
South Korea sets a record for car exports to Kyrgyzstan
From January to August this year, South Korea exported passenger cars to Kyrgyzstan worth $955.9 million. This is a record high for monthly shipments in the country's history.
Source: kaktus.media
Uzbekistan
Germany and Uzbekistan sign agreement to ease entry for skilled workers
The bilateral migration agreement aims to facilitate the entry of skilled Uzbek workers into Germany and accelerate the repatriation of undocumented Uzbek citizens.
Source: euronews.com
BILLZ startup raises $500 000 to expand in Central Asia
BILLZ, a leading startup in retail automation and financing for SMEs in Central Asia, successfully raised $500 000 in a Pre-Series A round, valuing the company at $10 million. The funding round was led by Kazakhstan's digital factoring leader FinQ, as well as leading venture capital funds Activat VC from Kazakhstan and Aloqa VC from Uzbekistan.
Source: the-tech.kz
Three new cargo airlines begin flights to Navoi Airport
Three airlines — Latvia's SmartLynx Airlines, Britain's Titan Airways, and Uzbekistan's FlyKhiva — have started cargo flights to Navoi Airport.
Source: spot.uz
ADB will provide Uzbekistan with $300 million for microfinance development
The Asian Development Bank has approved a program to develop the inclusive financial sector in Uzbekistan. As part of the program, Uzbekistan will receive a $300 million loan. ADB will support structural reforms aimed at ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.
Source: spot.uz
Meraque Group plans to launch drone production in Uzbekistan
Malaysian company Meraque Group plans to establish a drone manufacturing facility in Uzbekistan. Over the next three years, Meraque will invest $4.68 million in the enterprise to provide agricultural services.
Source: spot.uz
Tajikistan
Three Tajik judokas enter the top 5 in the world ranking
The International Judo Federation has released its updated athlete rankings, which include Tajik athletes. Temur Rahimov ranks third in the world, while Somon Makhmadbekov and Nurali Emomali hold fifth positions.
Source: asiaplustj.info
Tajikistan and Qatar discussed cooperation in education
The meeting discussed the state and prospects for expanding ties between Tajikistan and Qatar in the field of education and higher education, as well as the practical implementation of the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in this area, including the provision of educational quotas.
Source: khovar.tj