Kazakhstan sentences opposition leader to suspended jail term
A court in Kazakhstan has sentenced the leader of an unregistered opposition party to a suspended six-year prison term on charges ranging from the dissemination...
Debt trap diplomacy: how China’s BRI is trapping Central Asian countries
In recent years, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), spearheaded by the Chinese government, has become synonymous with the economic development of the Central Asian...
China makes progress on railway project linking Central Asian countries
China is finally making progress on a long-awaited railway project that would link two Central Asian countries, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and boost trade and connectivity...
Islamic securities in Kyrgyzstan: an overview
Islamic securities, also known as sukuk, are unique financial instruments that provide holders with income derived from a specific business or asset. These securities differ...
Uzbekistan’s referendum: a step towards a ‘social state’ or a power grab by Mirziyoyev?
Uzbekistan is preparing to hold a referendum on a new constitution that could extend the rule of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev until 2040. The vote, scheduled...
Regional cooperation is key to unlocking Central Asia’s economic potential
Central Asia, a region of enormous untapped potential, stands at the precipice of a new era of economic growth and development. As global markets continue...
Kazakhstan sues oil group for $5.1bn over environmental damage
Kazakhstan has filed a lawsuit against a consortium of oil companies for about $5.1bn (£3.7bn) in environmental fines over the Kashagan oil field, one of...
Five lessons from Blinken’s Central Asia visit
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has concluded his first visit to Central Asia, where he met with leaders of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other former...
Turkmenistan seeks private investment in gas sector
Turkmenistan, a Central Asian country with vast reserves of natural gas, has announced a new policy to attract private investors to its energy sector for...
Exploring Central Asian cuisine: from traditional dishes to modern Fusion
Central Asia boasts a rich culinary history that has evolved over centuries. With influences from the nomadic lifestyles, agricultural traditions, and cultural exchanges that have...