Central Asia 364

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Central Asia Report No. 364

Business and Politics in the Muslim World (BPM)
January 22-28, 2015.
Najam us Saqib
Contents
Summary
02
Kazakhstan
Politics
Strategic
Economic/Energy
Society
Detailed Report
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Kyrgyzstan
Politics
Strategic
Economy/Energy
Society
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Tajikistan
Politics
Strategic
Economy/Energy
Society
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Turkmenistan
Politics
Strategic
Economy/Energy
Society
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Uzbekistan
Politics
Strategic
Economy/Energy
Society
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Summary
Kazakhstan
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Politics
Obama urges continuing Kazakh help in settling Ukrainian crisis
U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday urged Kazakhstan to continue its efforts toward a resolution of
the unending Ukrainian crisis, as the Central Asian country will probably host a summit on the unrest in
Ukraine's east. In a conversation over the phone, Obama and his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev
affirmed their "shared interest" in seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis and agreed to uphold the
principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, the White House said in a statement.
Nazarbayev and Obama discuss the situation in south-eastern Ukraine
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Barack
Obama, the press service of Akorda informs. The sides discussed the state and prospects of bilateral relations,
as well as topical issues on the international agenda. The two leaders have talked about the situation in the
south-eastern Ukraine.
Kazakhstan and Italy agreed on criminal extradition
Prosecutor-General of Kazakhstan Askhat Daulbayev and Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of
Italy to Kazakhstan Stefano Ravagnan signed agreements on mutual extradition of criminals and mutual legal
assistance in criminal cases. The Prosecutor General emphasized that it was the result of steady development
of legal relations with the European society and trust to the legal system of Kazakhstan. Italy is one of the first
European countries that Kazakhstan signed a full package of interstate agreements in the criminal and legal
sphere with. The agreement between the two states on extradition of criminals was signed in November 2013
and ratified by Kazakhstan last autumn.
Prospects of Kazakhstan-EU relations discussed in Astana
On January 22, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov met with Latvian politician, member of the
European Parliament, Chairman of the delegation for relations with the countries of Central Asia and
Mongolia Iveta Grigule in Astana, Kazinform has learnt from the Kazakh MFA's press service. The parties
discussed the state and prospects of relations between Kazakhstan and the EU and Latvia, in particular, in the
light of initialing of a new agreement on enhanced partnership and cooperation between Kazakhstan and the
EU. Negotiations on the agreement were conducted for three years and were completed during the visit of
President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Brussels, on October 9, 2014, and on January 20 in Brussels, the parties
held the initialling of the text of the new agreement.
Pakistani Man on Trial in Kazakhstan For Human Smuggling
A Pakistani man has gone on trial in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, for allegedly heading a human
smuggling ring. Sarfazar Hussain appeared in the Almaly District Court on January 23 on charges of
organizing "an illegal immigration channel" for citizens from Pakistan, Iran, India, China and other countries.
Prosecutors say Hussain is part of a criminal group that brought foreigners into Kazakhstan who intended to
stay in the country.
Eurasian Economic Union 'would welcome' Turkeys membership
Turkey has yet to make an official application for membership of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), but it
would be welcome to join, Kazakhstans ambassador to Turkey has said. The heads of states from Turkey and
EEU member countries have discussed the issue of Turkeys membership before to the union, Ambassador
Zhanseit Tuimebayev told reporters on Jan. 22, speaking at a joint press conference with the ambassadors of
Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan in Ankara.
Kazakh and Turkish PMs talk over bilateral co-op
At the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov has
met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey Ahmet Davutoglu. Massimov and Davutoglu noted an
intensively developing economic and trade cooperation, vigorous activity of the Kazakh-Turkish
Intergovernmental Commission, as well as close ties between the business communities of the two countries.
Kazakh Foreign Ministry announces plans for 2015
Kazakhstans Foreign Ministry will intensify its work on collaboration between the two large organizations of
the continent the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union - Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov
said. He made the remarks during the business meeting with the senior staff of the countrys Foreign Ministry.
The cooperation between the two large organizations of the continent EU and the Eurasian Economic
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Union - became relevant after the Agreement on the Eurasian Economic Union entered into force from Jan.1,
2015, Idrissov said. The minister provided detailed information about the plans for 2015. He reminded that
2015 is a special year for the country which will celebrate several anniversaries 500th anniversary of
Kazakh statehood, 20th anniversary of Kazakh Constitution and Assembly of People. The 70th anniversary
of the victory in the Great Patriotic War is an important date for Kazakhstan, said Idrissov.
President Nazarbayev mourns death of King Abdullah
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has expressed his condolences to King Salman bin Abdulaziz
al-Saud on the death of King Abdullah, the Akorda press service said on Friday. According to the telegram of
condolences, the Head of State was deeply saddened by the passing of King Abdullah. President Nazarbayev
stressed that the deceased king did a lot to protect the interests of his people and develop humankind in the
spirit of equity and mercifulness.
New appointments in Kazakhstan
A serious of appointments in national companies of Kazakhstan were made this week, Kazinform traditionally
provides the information about all appointment made in a week. Deputy of the Majilis of the Parliament
Yelena Tarasenko and member of the Central Election Commission Lyazzat Suleimen were appointed deputy
chairpersons of the National Commission for Women Affairs and Family Demographic Policy under the
President of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan and EU cooperate despite lack of democracy
Kazakhstan will soon enjoy stronger political and economic relations with the European Union thanks to a
new enhanced cooperation agreement that was initialled by the two sides on January 21. In a statement, the
EU said the agreement would increase the flow of trade, services, and investment between the parties and
would contribute to Kazakhstan's political and social development.
UN Official Urges Independent Investigation of Zhanaozen
The UN special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association says an independent
international investigation into the deadly 2011 events in the Kazakh city of Zhanaozen is needed. Maina Kiai
said at a public hearing in Astana on January 27 that such investigations are needed to restore people's trust in
the central government.
Strategic
Kazakhstan Declares Some 700 Websites 'Extremist' In 2014
The prosecutor general's office in Kazakhstan announced on January 23 that reviews on the Internet during
2014 determined more than 700 websites contained material considered "extremist" and were ordered
blocked. A statement on the Kazakh prosecutor general's website said that in an effort to counter religious
extremism and terrorism, the office had checked more than 100,000 websites in 2014.
Kazakhstan's army ranks 80th in Global Firepower Index
Kazakhstans army has been ranked 80th in the updated Global Firepower Index, Tengrinews reports. The
ranking is available here. Global Firepower Index evaluated the military strength of the worlds 106 nations
utilizing around 50 various factors including the available manpower, land, naval and air power, economic
resources that the country is ready to spend on development of its military capability. However, the authors
claim that nuclear power is not taken into account, because otherwise, developing such ranking would be
pointless.
Islamist Militant Movements
Economic/Energy
China, Kazakhstan vow to strengthen railway, new energy cooperation
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov in Davos, Switzerland,
on Jan. 21, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Tao) DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- China and Kazakhstan on
Wednesday pledged to boost railway and new energy cooperation to further their comprehensive strategic
partnership. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Kazakh counterpart Karim Massimov made the pledge when
they met on the sidelines of the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Li, who visited
Kazakhstan at the end of last year, said the governments of the two countries should let enterprises play a
main role in bilateral production capacity cooperation.
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Kazakh government has plans for economic development with low oil prices
Kazakh government and the countrys National Bank have several plans for economic development with low
oil prices, head of the National Bank, Kairat Kelimbetov said on Jan.21. He made the remarks during a
plenary meeting in Majlis (lower house of the parliament). There is a popular saying: if you want to destroy
the reputation of the predictor, then try to predict the oil prices, he said. Today the oil prices are at the level
of $50 per barrel. Kelimbetov said it is supposed that either the prices will return to $70-$90, or drop to $20$30 in a short period.
Toshiba negotiating nuclear power deals with China, Kazakhstan
Toshiba Corp is in negotiations to supply equipment for several nuclear reactors in China and is also
discussing a contract for plants in Kazakhstan, the chairman of the Japanese conglomerate said on Thursday.
Toshiba already has a leading position in the Chinese nuclear power market and is looking to build on this
through its Westinghouse Electric unit.
Kazakhstan discusses accession to WTO with EU
Prime Minister Karim Massimov discussed forthcoming accession of Kazakhstan to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) with European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom, Kazakh prime-ministers
press-service reported.
Conference on development of Kazakhstan took place in Turkey
A scientific conference was held in Turkey, which was dedicated to the issues of creating favourable
conditions for implementation of the Kazakhstan-2050 Strategy and the new economic policy "Nurly Zhol".
Turkish Presidential Press Aide Mustafa Isen, who took part in the conference, noted the historic contribution
of President N. Nazarbayev to keeping and strengthening peace and accord in the country and beyond its
borders, the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Kazakhstan informs. "In this regard, I would like
to note the importance of holding the Congress of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan that helps to
strengthen peace and accord on our continent," M. Isen stressed.
Kazakhstan's foreign exchange reserves increase
At present, Kazakhstan's foreign exchange reserves hit $28.9 billion, the head of the National Bank Kairat
Kelimbetov said. "People say that the country's gold reserves are reduced," he said. "But I want to emphasize
once again that the reserves hit $24 billion in December 2014.
$169 million solar power plant to be constructed in Kazakhstan
Foreign investors are going to build a solar energy plant in Akmola Oblast in northern Kazakhstan for the
upcoming EXPO-2017 to be held in Astana, Tengrinews reports citing the press service of the region's
Governor. Several investment projects for generation of power from renewable energy sources were presented
to the Governor of Akmola Oblast Sergei Kulagin late last week. One of the projects presented at the meeting
was a 300MW wind power plant worth 73 billion tenge (around $397 million) developed by Chinese
IntegralCentralAsia company.
China, Russia and Kazakhstan are leading trade partners of Tajikistan
China, Russia and Kazakhstan are the leading trade partners of Tajikistan; this has been announced by
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to China Rashid Alimov during a
press conference. "China, along with Russia and Kazakhstan, is one of the top trading partners of Tajikistan.
According to Chinese Customs, bilateral trade turnover with Tajikistan in 2014 amounted to $2 billion 517
million with an increase of 28.5% compared with the same period in 2013.
New Index Ranks 178 Countries by Economic Freedom
Anew report says economic freedom in several countries of the Baltics, the Caucasus, the Balkans, and
Central Asia has jumped ahead of Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Russias economy
was deemed mostly unfree and was ranked at 143rd out of 178 countries in the 2015 Index of Economic
Freedom, prepared by The Heritage Foundation think tank and The Wall Street Journal. Estonia was the
highest ranked former Soviet republic. At eighth in the world, its economic freedom score was higher than the
12th-ranked United States and the 13th-ranked United Kingdom. Lithuania was ranked 15th, one place ahead
of Germany, while Georgia was 22nd. All of those economies were rated mostly free. "Moderately free"
economies and their rankings included Latvia, ranked 37th; Armenia, 52nd; Macedonia, 53rd; Romania, 57th;
Kazakhstan, 69th; Kyrgyzstan, 82nd; Azerbaijan, 85th; and Serbia, 90th.
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Turnover of precious metals in Kazakhstan will be regulated on legislative basis
Kazakhstan Parliaments Majilis Deputies discussed the draft law "On Precious Metals and Precious Stones"
and accompanying "On amendments and additions to some legislative acts of Kazakhstan on precious metals
and precious stones", presented by Vice-Minister of Investment and Development of Kazakhstan Albert
Rau, bnews.kz reports. According to Rau, the necessity for a law development is due to the fact that today in
Kazakhstan there is no specific legislation that defines general government policy in the sphere of precious
metals and precious stones, which is a gap in national legislation and impedes the full protection of the
strategic interests of Kazakhstan.
Society
New Cases of Mystery Symptoms, And No Relocation Help, For Kazakh Villagers
Twelve children in the western Kazakh village of Berezovka suddenly collapsed or fell ill on January 21.
They are only the latest of some 100 cases of the mysterious illness in recent months.
Maternal mortality decreased in Kazakhstan - Director of UNFPA for Central Asia
Kazakhstan shows a decrease in maternal mortality, this has been stated by Nikolai Botev, Director of
UNFPA's Central Asia Sub-Regional Office, before the meeting with the State Secretary of Kazakhstan
G.Abdykalikova. According to the words of N.Botev, the forthcoming round table will discuss the issues of
population and demographics, as well as the questions related to the foundation.
Kazakhstan: Education Reform Shelved Due to Economic Downturn
Astana's ambitious plan to add a year to its school curriculum has been postponed indefinitely as lower oil
prices and the recession in neighbouring Russia batter Kazakhstans economy. Taking into account the
situation, the question of the transition to a 12-year program must be postponed, Education and Science
Minister Aslan Sarinzhipov told journalists after a Senate session on January 22, TengriNews reports.
Sarinzhipov went on to explain how financial considerations were impacting the situation. There are many
factors, including financial possibilities.
Over 700 websites declared illegal in Kazakhstan
Around 703 websites were declared illegal in Kazakhstan, Kazakh Attorney General Askhat Daulbayev said
Jan. 23. "The operations were actively conducted to combat religious extremism and terrorism in 2014, he
said at a board meeting. More than 100,000 websites were monitored. As a result, around 703 websites were
declared illegal by the courts on the basis of appeals of prosecutors and the competent bodies.
Kazakh Police Detain Journalists Ahead Of Planned Rally
Journalists and rights activists who planned to rally in support of a Kazakh magazine that was ordered closed
last month were reportedly detained by police as they left their homes. Gulzhan Erghalieva, the editor of
Adam Bol (Be Human), wrote on Facebook on January 24 that "police are arresting journalists, one after
another, as they leave their homes and taking them to the district police station to 'acquaint them with the
law.'" Erghalieva is on the sixth day of a hunger strike, protesting the decision to close down Adam Bol.
Kazakh Border Chief Pleads Not Guilty To Corruption Charge
The former head of Kazakhstans Border Guard Service has pleaded not guilty in a high-profile corruption
case. Nurlan Zholamanov went on trial on January 26 in Astana. He called the case against him "fabricated
and politically motivated." Zholamanov's co-defendant Qairat Balmaghambetov, the former commander of a
military unit, pleaded guilty.
Kazakh Journalists' Rights Defender Joins Editor's Hunger Strike
The head of an NGO that protects journalists in Kazakhstan has joined a hunger strike to protest the closure of
an independent magazine. Ramazan Esergepov, president of the NGO Journalists in Trouble, joined Gulzhan
Erghalieva's (eds: a woman) hunger strike on January 26 in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty. Erghalieva, a
prominent journalist who has faced pressure from law enforcement agencies for years, started her hunger
strike on January 19 in the offices of her magazine, Adam Bol (Be a Human), to protest its closure.
Kazakhstan to build service facilities along important roads till 2020
Kazakhstan plans to build service facilities along the Western Europe-Western China transit corridor until
2020, the chairman of the board of the national company KazAvtoZhol, Berik Kamaliyev, said Jan. 27.
Kazakhstan plans to build 260 roadside service facilities along the roads of international and republican
significance, Kamaliyev said at a meeting at the Investment and Development Ministry of Kazakhstan.
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Blowing snow to hit Kazakhstan on Wednesday
On Wednesday, Kazakhstan will enjoy weather without precipitation; however, cold temperatures will persist
in some regions of the country, Kazhydromet reports. Inclement weather with blowing snow, blizzard and
bleak wind will slam northern Kazakhstan.
N. Nazarbayev stresses necessity of increasing professionalism of judiciary establishment in Kazakhstan
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev met with head of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan Kairat
Mami, the press service of Akorda informs. K. Mami informed the president about the results of the work of
the courts of Kazakhstan in 2014. The President of Kazakhstan drew attention to the fact that the judiciary
system of Kazakhstan had new goals now, which were determined at the 6th Congress of Judges. N.
Nazarbayev noted that the courts of Kazakhstan had been working within the new criminal legislation since
2015.
Astana became one of centres of medical tourism in Central Asia
Astana became one of the leading centres of medical tourism in Central Asia, the Ministry of Healthcare and
Social Development of Kazakhstan informs. 4799 people from more than 30 countries undertook treatment at
hospitals of the National Medical Holding and National Scientific Medical Centre in 2011-2014. In particular,
citizens from Russia, USA, Japan, Italy, Great Britain, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Sri Lanka, Philippines,
Kyrgyzstan and other world countries applied to the organizations of the National Holding and other
healthcare facilities of Kazakhstan.
Kyrgyzstan
Politics
At Least 2,500 in Kyrgyzstan Protest Caricatures of Muhammad
At least 2,500 people have protested in the Kyrgyz city of Jalal-Abad against caricatures of the Prophet
Muhammad, saying cartoons like those published by French weekly Charlie Hebdo "insult the feelings of
religious believers." The January 26 rally in downtown Jalal-Abad, in southern Kyrgyzstan, was permitted by
city authorities.
Azerbaijani MES sends 5 fire vehicles to Kyrgyzstan
Azerbaijani Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) has provided technical aid to Kyrgyz Ministry of
Emergency Situations. APA reports quoting Ministrys website that Azerbaijani MES has sent 5 AC40(130)63B fire vehicles to Kyrgyzstan Ministry of Emergency Situations in accordance with the Agreement
between Azerbaijani and Kyrgyz governments on civil defence, warning and elimination of emergency
situations signed on March 30, 2012, and relevant task of the Cabinet of Ministers. In accordance with the
agreement, preparation works for sending 5 more fire vehicles to Kyrgyzstan are underway.
Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan signed memorandum on cooperation within UNESCO
Today, the National Federation of UNESCO Clubs signed a memorandum on cooperation with the
representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan within the international festival of the UNESCO
"Children draw the world. Central Asia". The document was signed during the first regional sitting of
representatives of the UNESCO club movement of Central Asian countries within celebration of the 70th
anniversary of the UNESCO. "Presently, 32 clubs are functioning under the auspices of the UNESCO in
Kazakhstan and it is about 3 thousand active members.
Federal Customs Service of Russia: Problems with Kyrgyzstan's joining Customs Union are possible
only in first stage
Problems with Kyrgyzstan's joining the Customs Union are possible only in the first stage, the head of the
Customs Co-operation of the Federal Customs Service of Russia Sergey Konovalenko said at a press
conference, evrazesnews.ru reports. According to him, these problems are related primarily to the need to
fulfil certain obligations of Kyrgyzstan on ensuring information systems on the external contour of the border.
Committee on defence and security approve Kyrgyzstan's accession to convention on physical
protection of nuclear material.
The members of the parliamentary committee on defence and security discussed the draft law on accession to
the convention on the physical protection of nuclear material, initiated by the Government, on January 26. "As
of June 2013, 147 countries participate in the convention.
Ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Russian, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan told Turkish media about EEU
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Ambassadors of Kazakhstan Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Russia Andrey Karlov, Belarus Andrey Savinnykh and
Kyrgyzstan Ibragim Zhunusov took part in the press conference organized for representatives of the mass
media in Ankara. The event was dedicated to establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union, press service of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan informs. The speakers emphasized the goals of establishment of
the EEU including creating the conditions for stable development of the economies of the member-states with
the view of improvement of life standards of the people living in the EEU, ensuring four freedoms movement of goods, services, labour resources and assets within the union, all-round modernization,
cooperation and increase of the competitiveness of the national economies. Z. Tuimenbayev noted that the
idea about establishment of such a union was voiced by President of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbayev in 1994.
Russia allocates 445 quotas for students from Kyrgyzstan
Russian Federation allocates Kyrgyzstan 445quotas for state-funded education on training programs of higher
and secondary vocational education in the 2015-2016 school years, the Ministry of Education and Science
reported. According to it, the Russian Embassy to the Kyrgyz Republic met with representatives of
educational institutions and departments of the KR and discussed issues on distribution of budget places in
universities.
Strategic
Kyrgyzstan Detains Six Suspected Terrorists
Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (SCNS) has announced an operation last week in the
southern Osh Province led to six suspected terrorists being taken into custody and weapons and ammunition
being seized. The January 26 announcement from the SCNS press service said an operation was launched on
October 20. The press service said four of the six people detained had undergone training at "camps of
international terrorist organizations in Syria.
Kyrgyzstan Detains Six Suspected Militants, Says Four Trained In Syria by Joanna Paraszczuk
Authorities in Kyrgyzstan say security forces apprehended six suspected militants, including four accused of
undergoing training in Syria, in an operation in the southern Osh province last week. A January 26
announcement from the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) said weapons and ammunition were
also seized during the operation, which was launched on January 20.
Militants Arrested In Kyrgyzstan Trained In Syria, Security Forces Say
Four alleged militants arrested in Kyrgyzstan's southern city of Osh underwent military training in Syria,
RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, Radio Azattyk, reports. According to Radio Azattyk on January 27, a total of six
alleged militants were arrested. Rakhat Sulaimanov, the spokesman for Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for
National Security (GKNB) told Radio Azattyk that the detained men were allegedly planning attacks in
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. "Four members of the group underwent special training in a training camp
belonging to an international terrorist organization in Syria," Sulaimanov said, adding that weapons including
an AK-S assault rifle were found during a search of the suspects' homes, as well as ammunition, masks and
fake documents.
Economic/Energy
of Germany, while Georgia was 22nd.
From quarter to third part of population in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia live in extreme
poverty
From quarter to third of the population in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia live in extreme poverty. It is
reported by new study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). According to the data,
increases the level of inequality and poverty increases in Europe and Central Asia with transition economy. In
8
most countries of the region life expectancy of people in relation to the world average reduces. "Historically,
in the post-socialist period these countries remained relatively equal distribution of income, relatively
extensible approach to social security system and relatively low level of gender inequality," senior adviser to
the UNDP Regional Centre in Istanbul Ben Slay stated.
Kyrgyzstan interested in supplies of Belarusian agricultural machinery
The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of the Kyrgyz Republic is interested in acquiring Belarusmade agricultural machinery and its assembly, Alexei Bogdanov, the head of the foreign trade department at
the Belarusian Ministry of Agriculture and Food, said when commenting on Belarus' participation in the 80th
International Green Week (IGW) expo which is running in Berlin from 16 to 25 January. When in Berlin, the
head of the Belarusian delegation, First Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Leonid Marinich had a
series of meetings with foreign colleagues to review the bilateral relations, trade and investment cooperation.
"In particular, an agreement was reached with Kyrgyzstan Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation
Taalajbek Ajdaraliev on the resumption of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, and also contacts at the
level of the joint intergovernmental commission and its working groups.
IFC forum supports infrastructure development in Kyrgyzstan
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, held a forum in Bishkek to examine the opportunities and
challenges of implementing public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Kyrgyzstan, part of an effort to help
improve the countrys infrastructure. The event explored how PPPs can help the Central Asian state address
some of its most pressing infrastructure needs, and focused on power stations, airports, and municipal
infrastructure. It examined best practices from around the world and featured case studies by leading private
investors, international financiers, consultants, and government representatives.
Are Chinese Investors Ditching Kyrgyzstan for Tajikistan?
Central Asias two least-developed countries, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, are both heavily dependent on
Chinese investment these days. Now, it appears Chinese investors are tiring of persistent uncertainty in
Kyrgyzstan and are shunning the country in favor of neighboring Tajikistan. Government officials in
Tajikistan would have you believe that Central Asias poorest country is in the middle of an economic boom:
the impoverished state broke its annual production record for cement and increased gold output by roughly 25
percent in 2014. But theres a catch to the good economic news Chinese companies were responsible for
these achievements. In Kyrgyzstan, Chinese businesses also act as an economic lifeline, since overall foreign
direct investment (FDI) dropped by 35 percent in the first nine months of 2014 year-on-year, according to the
Finance Ministry. Two factors in Kyrgyzstan are causing Chinese investment to start tilting away Bishkeks
decision to join the Kremlin-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and Kyrgyzstans tumultuous political
climate. Neither Kyrgyzstan nor Tajikistan boasts an attractive investment climate. In the World Banks most
recent Doing Business ratings, of the 189 countries surveyed, Kyrgyzstan placed 102nd for overall ease of
doing business while Tajikistan ranked behind places like Iraq and Sudan at 166. Chinas Tajik projects have
fared somewhat better than their Kyrgyz ones in recent years. For example, state-owned minerals giant Zijin
Mining Group has gold concessions in both countries. Its 75-percent-owned Zarafshan concession in
Tajikistan accounted for 70 percent of the countrys three tons of gold output last year. The Chinese Embassy
in Dushanbe did not respond to EurasiaNet.orgs request for details. In Kyrgyzstan, meanwhile, the TaldyBulak Levoberezhny gold project, where Zijin holds a 60-percent interest, has been mired in problems since
the Chinese bought into it in 2011.
Kyrgyzstan to receive grant assistance of $22 mln on education
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) allocates grant assistance to Kyrgyzstan in the amount of $22 million to
support the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in addressing the major shortcomings of quality education
system, the ADB reported. According to it, the Minister of Finance Olga Lavrova and Director of ADB on the
country Rie Hiraoka signed two separate grant agreements for sector development program - to strengthen the
education system. The program will support reforms and other activities of the Education Development
Strategy for 2012-2020 and in accordance with National Sustainable Development Strategy for 2013-2017. It
will help the Government to complete the implementation of new curriculum, including math and science;
review the procedures for the development, publication and distribution of textbooks; implement a textbook
rental scheme, which allows the free provision of poor and vulnerable students.
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Kyrgyzstan ranks 4th among CIS countries on price increases in 2014
Kyrgyzstan ranks the 4th among CIS countries on price increases in 2014, the report of the International
Statistical group stated, citing GolosUA. As noted, the leader of the rating of price growth in the countries of
the former Soviet Union became Ukraine - 24.9 percent.
Kyrgyzstan's economy 'moderately free' - 2015 Index of Economic Freedom
The Kyrgyz Republics economic freedom score is 61.3, making its economy the 82nd freest in the 2015
Index of Economic Freedom, an annual guide published by The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage
Foundation. The 2015 Index evaluates economic conditions and government policies in 186 countries. The
'free' economies in 2015 are in Hong Kong (89.6), Singapore (89.4), Australia (81.4), New Zealand (82.1),
and Switzerland (80.5). Kyrgyzstan's score has increased by 0.2 point since last year, with improvements in
trade freedom, freedom from corruption, and labour freedom outweighing declines in the control of
government spending, fiscal freedom, and business freedom.
Society
Over 50 percent of 24.kg news agency respondents support ban on import of right-hand drive cars in
Kyrgyzstan
More than 50 percent of those polled readers of 24.kg news agency support a ban on import of RHD cars in
Kyrgyzstan. Data collected by the agency. The online survey involved 1,793 people. The issue of banning the
import of RHD cars in Kyrgyzstan was raised repeatedly. Only in late 2014, it took shape in the bill, initiated
by the Ministry of Interior. However, the parliament approved the document yet only in two readings. In this
case, the ban won't affect operation of already imported into the country cars with right wheel control.
Kyrgyzstan to hold days of Turkmen culture
The days of Turkmen culture will be held in Kyrgyzstan. The Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism of
the Kyrgyz Republic Altynbek Maksutov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
Turkmenistan to the KR Batyr Niyazliev came to agreement yesterday. As reported by the Ministry of
Culture, the event is scheduled for May 9-11.
Law on Advertising comes into force in Kyrgyzstan
The Law "On Advertising" comes into force in Kyrgyzstan. Note, it has been altered. The President Almazbek
Atambayev signed a document, adopted by the Parliament on December 10, 2014. The law is aligned with
contractual legal framework of the Eurasian Economic Union on protection and development of competition.
Tajikistan
Politics
Tajikistans envoy elected chairman of CSTOs Permanent Council
Tajikistans representative at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Badriddin Mirzoyev, has
been elected new chairman of the CSTO Permanent Council, CSTO Spokesman Vladimir Zainetdinov told
TASS on Thursday. The CSTO Permanent Council held its first meeting in 2015 on Thursday. The meeting
was attended by CSTO Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha and Chief of United Staff of the organization
Alexander Studenikin.
Russia reportedly set to include Tajikistan into Eurasian Economic Union
The majority of Central Asian countries depend on remittances from labour migrants working in Russia,
which pave the way for Moscow to involve them into the Russia-backed Eurasian Economic Union,
AzerNews reports. Tajikistan, whose 72 percent of labour force is seeking employment in Russia, is believed
to be next goal for Moscow to be joined to EEU. Some 1.23 million out of 8-million population of Tajikistan
worked in Russia in 2013, according to the data released by the Federal Migration Service of Russia.
Remittances from Tajik workers living abroad stood at $3.587 billion in 2013, which accounts for 50 percent
of the countrys GDP.
Extraordinary session of Tajikistans upper house of parliament convened on January 24
Speaker of Tajikistans upper house (Majlisi Milli) of parliament, Mahmad said Ubaidulloyev, yesterday
signed a resolution on convocation of an extraordinary session of the Majlisi Milli on January 24.
Tajikistan appoints new Prosecutor General
New Prosecutor General of Tajikistan was appointed on January 24, 2015. Yusuf Rakhmonov thus replaced
Sherkhon Salimzoda by the suggestion of the President, Emomali Rahmon. The Upper House of the
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Parliament endorsed the President's proposal to dismiss Salimzoda of his post during the extraordinary session
on Saturday.
Tajikistan, Pakistan to set up JWG on the issues of combating international terrorism
The board (Shuro) of Tajikistans lower chamber (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament discussed the issue
of ratification of a government-to-government agreement between Tajikistan and Pakistan on setting up a joint
working group (JWG) on the issues of combating international terrorism at a January 26 meeting, presided
over by the Majlisi Namoyandagon Speaker, Shukurjon Zuhurov. Muhammadato Sultonov, a spokesman for
the Majlisi Namoyandagon, says the board also discussed amendments proposed to the countrys laws on
licensing separate types of activity, pensions, and moratorium on inspection of activities of production
enterprises as well as the countrys penal code.
Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Turkmenistan railway route to be determined this year
The final version of Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Turkmenistan railway route will be determined this year, Tajik
Transport Minister Hayrullo Asozoda said on Monday. The final version of mentioned railway route will be
determined after Tajikistan reaches an agreement with Turkmenistan, the minister told at a press conference.
Tajikistan has already offered the line of its railway section with a total length of 161 kilometres, said
Asozoda adding that "we are waiting the Turkmen side to answer as soon as possible and only then will sign
an agreement.
Three Tajiks among Seven Victims Killed In Tripoli Hotel Attack
Libyan officials say three Tajik citizens were among seven victims killed during a terrorist attack on a luxury
hotel used by diplomats and businessmen in Tripoli. Libyan Interior Ministry spokesman Isam al-Nas says
other victims killed in the January 27 attack at Tripolis Corinthia Hotel included a U.S. citizen, a French
national, and two Libyan guards.
Tajikistan Takes On the God Squad
According to the first line of its constitution, "The Republic of Tajikistan is a sovereign, democratic, lawgoverned, secular, and unitary state." President Emomali Rahmon frequently repeats this mantra; he has
uttered this precise phrase over 50 times in his speeches over the past five years. Indeed, secularism
("dunyaviyat" in Tajik) plays a profound role in the way politics is practiced in Tajikistan. Secularism offers a
way of understanding and living in the world. Tajik secularism has its origins in 70 years of Soviet repression
of religion. As historian Adeeb Khalid astutely observes, Soviet rule created a "secular Islam" in Central Asia.
Islam is a key part of regional identity; it separates "locals" from Slavs. Popular understandings of Islam do
not correspond with a strictly defined set of beliefs or practices. One does not have pray five times a day,
donate money to charity, visit Mecca or fast during Ramadan to be Muslim. For many Central Asians,
drinking alcohol and being Muslim are not viewed as contradictory practices. Such positions are now being
challenged by a young population taking greater interest in their faith. I was interested to observe at a wedding
in Vanj during the summer of 2013 that it was only the older men who were surreptitiously imbibing vodka;
younger men shunned drinking as un-Islamic. Regardless of whether the religiosity of the population is on the
rise, secularism continues to inform the way most officials and academics think about politics. What exists in
Tajikistan, however, is not secularism where religion and non-religion are treated on an equal basis, but
secularism where certain forms of religion and non-religion are prioritized while others are suppressed.
Banning children from mosques, restricting access to Islamic education and criminalizing Salafism merely
pushes more young people into the arms of radical groups. American philosopher William Connolly in his
groundbreaking book "Why I am not a Secularist," argues that secularism prioritizes non-religion over
religion. Despite claiming to pursue the goals of diversity and freedom, secularism slips into the realm of
intolerance by asserting it is the only legitimate form of living. For true pluralism to exist, both religion and
non-religion need to be respected. To achieve this, the government of Tajikistan would have to desist in its
assertive secularist interventions in religious life and embrace the myriad practices of its diverse population.
Strategic
Russia Says Army Should Be Strengthened In 'Outpost' Tajikistan
A senior Russian military official says Moscow wants to strengthen the Tajik army as "an outpost of the
Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Central Asia." Talking to journalists after meeting with
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on January 28, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said the
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withdrawal of most Western combat troops from neighboring Afghanistan last year makes it particularly
important to bolster Tajikistan's military.
Four border guards of Tajikistan still held hostage in Afghanistan
Four Tajik border guards, who are being held hostage in Afghanistan, have not yet been released, said
Abdujon Tavakkalzoda, the head of Khatlons Panj district. The Afghan side was supposed to hand over the
border guards to Tajik authorities on Sunday but the handover of the border guards did not take place for some
reasons and the Afghan side informed us about the postponement of the handover date, Tavakkalzoda said.
The captured Tajik border guards are reportedly in good condition.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister arrives in Tajikistan for three-day working visit
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoliy Antonov arrived here Tuesday morning for three-day working
visit to Tajikistan, a press service of Tajikistans Interior Ministry said. During his stay, Antonov met with the
Tajik Defence Minister, Lieutenant-General Sherali Mirzo and discussed issues related to state and prospects
of military and technical cooperation between Tajikistan and Russia.
Economic/Energy
Gazprom explores industrially unfit gas field in Tajikistan, says Tajik minister
Gazprom International, which is an affiliate of Russias state-controlled company Gazprom, has explored
large reserves of hydrocarbons in Tajikistan, which are unfit for industrial use, Tajik Minister of Energy and
Water Resources Usmonali Usmonzoda announced at a news conference in Dushanbe on January 21. He
noted that Gazprom International last year completed exploration operations at the Sariqamish gas field.
Eight potential gas-and-oil-bearing strata that are unfit for industrial use have been explored, the minister
said. Asked about rumours that Gazprom International is going to leave Tajikistan, Usmonzoda denied them
as unfounded.
Russia to provide Tajikistan with 830,000 tons of duty-free in 2015
Russia will provide Tajikistan with 830,000 tons of duty-free oil products this year, Usmonali Usmonzoda, the
Tajik Minister of Energy and Water Resources said at a press conference here on Wednesday. The indicative
fuel balance for 2015 was endorsed by the Energy Ministries of Tajikistan and Russia, Usmonzoda said.
Tajikistan finds investors for financing of its part of CASA 1000 Project
Tajikistan found investors for financing of its part of the Central Asia South Asia Electricity Transmission and
Trade Project (CASA 1000), Usmonali Usmonzoda, the Minister of Energy and Water Resources said at a
press conference here on Thursday. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the
Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Kuwaiti Fund for Economic Development are ready to finance the
Tajik part of the project, said Usmonzoda, adding that "we have just to sign the agreements with them. "The
EBRD has agreed to provide 65 million U.S. dollars. This issue will be discussed at the meeting with the
EBRD representatives to be held here in the coming days, said Usmonzoda.
Tajikistan expected to develop a new textile and clothing sector strategy
The Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan and the International Trade Center (ITC) jointly
start a series of stakeholders consultations to develop a new five-year Textile and Clothing Strategy for the
country. According to ITC Tajikistan, the first consultative technical workshop gathering the related
governmental agencies, international organizations, and the private sector will take place at Sheraton Hotel in
Dushanbe on January 27-28. This initiative is funded by the Government of Switzerland within its Trade
Cooperation Program (TCP) in Tajikistan. In 2009, the International Trade Centre (ITC) assisted the Republic
of Tajikistan to elaborate its Textile and Clothing Export Development Strategy for 2010-2013. Mr. Shavkat
Bobozoda, the Minister of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan, evaluating the previous strategys
results as successful, underlines the high implementation rate achieved and notes the necessity to build on this
experience and draw lessons for the next five-year period.
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Tajikistan economy 'mostly unfree' ranking 140th in 2015 Index of Economic Freedom
Tajikistans economic freedom score is 52.7, making its economy the 140th freest in the2015 Index of
Economic Freedom conducted by The Heritage Foundation in partnership with The Wall Street Journal. The
2015 Index evaluates economic conditions and government policies in 186 countries. The 'free' economies in
2015 are in Hong Kong (89.6), Singapore (89.4), Australia (81.4), New Zealand (82.1), and Switzerland
(80.5). Tajikistan's economy is in the group 'mostly unfree' with the score that went up by 0.7 point since last
year, with improvements in six of the 10 economic freedoms, including business freedom, the control of
government spending, and freedom from corruption, offsetting a large decline in financial freedom.
Society
Tajikistan: Is Threat to Close Turkish Schools Linked to Extradition Attempt?
Tajikistans public schools are known to be among the poorest in the former Soviet Union. Yet a highlyregarded network of private schools run by a group with ties to an embattled Turkish cleric is facing closure.
The schools are caught in the middle of political manoeuvring between Tajikistan and Turkey, according to
some analysts. The network of six schools which offer instruction in Turkish and English and are known
locally as Turkish schools are run by a locally registered company called Shalola. The government is
holding up the renewal of Shalolas license. Education Minister Nuriddin Saidzoda announced at a January 5
news conference that the government would renew the license if the schools adopted a charitable operational
model. Right now, tuition costs $133 per month, or $1,330 per academic year.
Formation of Public Council for police reform considered in Tajikistan
An OSCE-supported roundtable on January 22 concluded the work of the Civil Society Advisory Group on
the formation of the Public Council for police reform assistance in Kulyab and Kurgan-Tyube of Khatlon
region in Tajikistan. The one-day roundtable brought together some 15 representatives of local public
organizations based in Kulyab and 20 representatives of Kurgan-Tyube, as well as locals.
U.S. government provides technical assistance to water users associations in southern Tajikistan
The U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan Susan Elliott and the USAID representatives, along with the Governor of
Khatlon Province Davlatsho Gulmahmadzoda, participated in ceremonies to hand over irrigation machinery to
communities in Khatlon Province, according to a press release by the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday. The
Jilikul Federation of Water Users Association received an excavator valued at 112,000 U.S. dollars and Nahri
Qumsangir Federation of Water Users Association received a tractor/backhoe valued at 44,900 U.S. dollars.
Turkmenistan
Politics
Turkmenistan to extend new railway project through Balkh, Kunduz
President Ashraf Ghani announced that Turkmenistan plans to extend a new railway project through northern
Faryab province and on through Balkh and Kunduz provinces. The new railway will connect Aqina and
Andkhoy in northern Faryan provinces and will pass through Sheberghan, Mazar-e-Sharif, Kunduz and Sher
Khan Bandar. The project will further be assessed to connect to Tajikistan and onward to China. According to
reports, the project is already in motion and survey works are mostly completed.
Turkmenistan Ready to Cooperate Afghanistan Peace Process: President Spokesman
Kabul (BNA) in the continuation of support of neighbouring and regional countries from the Afghan peace
process, this time, Turkmenistan has said that it is ready to cooperate the Afghan government in this field. The
authorities of the Afghan government have also said that Turkmenistan is ready to cooperate Afghan
government peace process. The presidential spokesman Nazifullah Salarzai has told the media that
Turkmenistan has expressed readiness to help the Afghan government and the Afghan government welcomes
this gesture of Turkmenistan government. Following obtaining the post of President Mohammad Ashraf
Ghani travelled to a number of counties including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and China and talked on Afghan
peace process with the relevant authorities of these countries and requested their cooperation in this respect.
Turkmenistan, Netherlands discuss bilateral cooperation prospects
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A meeting with a delegation of the foreign ministry of the Netherlands, headed by Deputy Head of Climate
and Energy Department Tessa Jantine Terpstra was held at the Turkmen foreign ministry. The current status
and prospects of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Netherlands were discussed during this
meeting.
Turkey, Turkmenistan look to boost cooperation
Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has visited Turkmenistan to boost bilateral cooperation. Foreign
Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu visited Turkmenistan on Wednesday to boost bilateral cooperation on economy,
energy security and transportation, diplomatic sources said. Cavusoglu also met his Turkmenistan counterpart
Rasit Meredow during which he stressed on the importance of increasing economic and trade relations.
Strategic
Economic/Energy
Afghan President Discusses Energy Projects in Turkmenistan
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was in Turkmenistan on January 22 for the second day of a two-day official
visit. Turkmenistan's presidential press office says Ghani met in Ashgabat with President Gurbanguly
Berdymukhammedov on January 21. It said the two discussed construction of a proposed natural gas pipeline
linking Turkmenistan with India through Afghanistan and Pakistan.
A new report says economic freedom in several countries of the Baltics, the Caucasus, the Balkans, and
of Germany, while Georgia was 22nd.
Afghanistan, Turkmenistan sign cooperation pact in the field of electric power
President Ashraf Ghani led a high-level delegation to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to confer on enhancing
bilateral relations between the two nations. He was accompanied by his two vice-presidents, Gen. Abdur
Rashid Dostam and Mohammad Mohaqiq, National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar and Chief Executive
Officer of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), Abdul Razique Samadi. President Ghani said his country
supports the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, which
stretches from the largest gas field in Turkmenistan, Galkynysh, through Afghanistans provinces of Herat and
Kandahar to Fazilka, area located between India and Pakistan.
Chinese CNPC's current Turkmenistan gas imports reach 35 Bcm/year
China is currently receiving 96 million cubic meters of gas per day via pipeline from Turkmenistan,
translating into 35.04 billion cubic meters annually, state-owned China National Petroleum Corp said Tuesday
on its website. Gas sales to China started in late 2009 under a 30-year, 30 Bcm/year deal agreed between
CNPC and Turkmengaz.
Turkmenistan's economy 'repressed' 2015 Index of Economic Freedom
Turkmenistans economic freedom score is 41.4, ranking its economy the 172nd in the 2015 Index of
Economic Freedom out of 186 countries. The 2015 Index evaluates economic conditions and government
policies in 186 countries. Since its inception in 1995, it has tracked the progress of economic freedom around
the globe and measured the impact of advancing economic liberty. As the 2015 Index shows, the precipitous
decline of Americas economic freedom since 2008 has been arrested. However, the United States remains
stuck in the 12th spot globally. Continuing to trail such comparable economies as New Zealand, Australia,
Switzerland, and Canada, America remains only mostly free as it has since 2010.
Society
Tajikistan lost to Turkmenistan 2-0 in Commonwealth Cup quarterfinals
Tajikistan lost to Turkmenistan 2-0 in Commonwealth Cup quarterfinals that held in Saint Petersburg (Russia)
on Wednesday, according to Tajikistans National Olympic Committee (NOC). Finland, Belarus,
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Turkmenistan and South Africa advanced into Commonwealth Cup semi finals, while Kyrgyzstan,
Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Russia will fight for 5-8th places in the mini-tournament.
Oil and gas workers of Turkmenistan losing jobs after criticism of Berdimuhamedov
Departments of the Ministry of Oil and Gas and the Office of Mineral Resources of Turkmenistan are
undergoing staff cuts, and the salaries of remaining employees are being decreased, according to The
Chronicles of Turkmenistan. This started following the Turkmen Presidents announcement at the extended
government session on 9 January that the economic performance of the oil and gas sector did not meet
qualifying requirements despite the fact that huge amounts of money were being invested to foster the
development of the domestic fuel and energy sector.
Turkmenistan: Black cars 'banned' by customs officials
White seems to be the new black in Turkmenistan, at least when it comes to buying cars. Customs officials in
the Central Asian country have reportedly refused to allow the importation of black vehicles, according to
Chrono-tm.org, a Vienna-based opposition website. They haven't given a reason for the decision, but are
advising importers to buy white vehicles instead because it's considered a lucky colour, the website says.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov recently started using a convoy of white limousines to travel to
public events, and about 160 top-ranking officials, including the heads of the country's main media outlets,
promptly followed suit, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported in September.
Uzbekistan
Politics
Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister receives new U.S. Ambassador
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov received newly appointed Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States Pamela Spratlen on 21 January 2015. The press service
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan said that the U.S. envoy handed over copes of her credentials.
Senate proves its ability to take thought-out decisions President of Uzbekistan
The Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan has proved its ability to take thought-out decisions on important
issues of legislation, state and public construction for ten years since transforming a unicameral parliament
into the bicameral parliament, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov said at the first meeting of the upper
house of parliament Jan. 22. He stressed that the members of the Senate are representatives from all 14
entities. Each of them has historical, socio-economic differences, unique culture and traditions.
Upcoming elections in Uzbekistan 'a tragedy,' rights group warns
With Uzbekistans iron-fisted ruler destined to win yet another term as president, the countrys upcoming
elections will be a tragedy for 30 million people, a human rights organization is warning. Islam Karimov
has ruled Uzbekistan for a quarter of a century and he will win again, say experts. It is a foregone conclusion
absent a strong amount of pressure from the U.S. and EU, said Steve Swerdlow, a Central Asia researcher
for Human Rights Watch on the elections set for March 29. The U.S. is not even close to reconsidering its
policy (on Uzbekistan). Im sure there will be a statement on elections but that seems to be no consequence.
Karimov, 76, has dominated the leadership since 1989 when he became the Communist Party leader in what
was then Soviet Uzbekistan. The next year, he became president, continuing in that post after independence. A
1995 referendum extended his term until 2000, when he won the presidential elections unopposed.
Uzbekistan expresses condolences over death of Saudi King
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov visited Embassy of Saudi Arabia on 26 January
2015. Kamilov expressed condolences to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Saudi Arabia
Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Shaie in connection with death of King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Uzbekistan, India discuss bilateral relations development
Ambassador of India to Uzbekistan Vikram Kumar Doraiswami held negotiations at the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Uzbekistan on 26 January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan said. The sides exchanged
views on practical aspects of the Uzbek-Indian relations.
Strategic
No Longer Under Sanctions, Uzbekistan Gets 300 Armoured Vehicles From U.S.
The United States is donating over 300 armoured vehicles to Uzbekistan's military, American officials have
announced. The deal, the largest ever transfer of military hardware from the U.S. to ex-Soviet Central Asian
states, comes just three years after Washington lifted a ban on weapons exports to Uzbekistan because of the
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country's poor record on human rights. In an interview with the Voice of America's Uzbek service, Deputy
Assistant Secretary of State for Central Asia Daniel Rosenblum said that the U.S. is giving Uzbekistan
308 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, along with an additional 20 support vehicles. The
possibility of the U.S. donating MRAPs has been discussed for some time now, but it's usually been framed in
terms of getting equipment the U.S. discards as it pulls out from Afghanistan.
Uzbekistan Getting Hundreds of U.S. Military Vehicles
The United States says it is giving 328 advanced military vehicles to Uzbekistan to be used for
counterterrorism and counternarcotics operations. Daniel Rosenblum, a U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state
for Central Asia, told VOA on January 22 that the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) is used vehicles
that are surplus to the U.S. Army.
U.S. Military Aid to Uzbekistan Seen As Triumph of Realpolitik over Values
The United States donation of over 300 armoured vehicles to Uzbekistan represents the triumph of
Realpolitik over the promotion of American values, Russian analysts argue. Last week U.S.
officials announced that they were donating over 300 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to
Uzbekistan; it will be the biggest ever transfer of American military equipment to a Central Asian country. It
was surprising in many ways: American military interest in Central Asia had appeared to be on the wane, and
U.S. military aid to Uzbekistan -- one of the worst human rights violators on the planet -- was at a largely
token level, with little apparent justification for Washington to change that. In days since the deal was
announced, the response from the region has been muted. No officials from Russia or Central Asia -including Uzbekistan -- have commented on the deal. But among Russia's Central Asian analyst community,
of course, the announcement was big news.
Uzbekistan and the American Myth of Strategic Patience
When it comes to authoritarian Uzbekistans dismal human rights record, the Obama administration says
strategic patience should characterize its relationship with Tashkent. But the premise of strategic patience in
Uzbekistans case is flawed because Tashkent plays by a different set of rules. Uzbekistan is one of the most
repressive states on earth. It also happens to be a northern neighbour of Afghanistan, so for most of the 21st
century, Tashkent has been as a key cog in the US-led struggle to contain Islamic militants. These days,
geopolitical circumstances are changing, yet US policy seems to be lagging behind the times. Nisha Biswal,
the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, summarized the administrations position on
Uzbekistan in a recent interview. US policy should be the right balance of pressure, partnership, and a certain
amount of strategic patience in how change can take place, Biswal said, without mentioning Washingtons
recent gift of hundreds of military vehicles to the Uzbek government. Strategic patience? US troops are now
mostly out of Afghanistan, and hence there is a reduced dependence by Washington on Uzbekistans railway
lines to transport military supplies for the Afghan war effort. Thus, hard questions can now be asked, like
where is the evidence to support the US government belief that patience can bring about meaningful changes
to repressive Uzbek policies? More importantly, how much patience are the people of Uzbekistan supposed to
have exactly? How much patience do the thousands of unjustly jailed Uzbeks need, when they have been
rotting in prison for years, even decades, subjected to torture and ill treatment, under a government that will
not even allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to have regular access to prisons? How much
patience should the over two million adult and child labourers show when they are forced into the fields for
weeks every year to pick cotton, a big money earner for the government? How long are the survivors of the
2005 Andijan massacre supposed to wait for justice? The killing of hundreds of largely peaceful protesters in
that eastern city by government forces firing into crowds from atop armoured personnel carriers was one of
Eurasias bloodiest mass killings of recent years. It was followed by attacks on witnesses and show trials.
Economic/Energy
Uzbekistan starts to export 218 new products
Uzbekistan started to export 218 new types of products in 2014, Ministry of Economy of Uzbekistan said.
The country started to export these products with total cost of $850 million.
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Uzbekistan intends to reduce cost of production in industrial enterprises
The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution. According to the resolution, the countrys
industrial enterprises must reduce the production cost by 10 percent in 2015. The resolution on "Additional
measures of reducing the manufacturing costs and a production cost in the industry" was published in the
Uzbek media Jan. 26. These parameters are planned to be achieved by reducing the energy consumption,
improving the energy efficiency of production. The technological processes and the consumption rates of raw
material resources, operational and overhead expenses must be rationalized by introducing the information
and communication technologies (ICT) and optimizing the number of administrative and industrial personnel.
Uzbekistan once again lowers tariffs for Internet services
The Joint Stock Company of Uztelecom reduced tariffs for Internet services for providers of Uzbekistan to
$251.94 for 1 Mbit/s starting with January 22, 2015. It was the fifth in a row tariff reduction in 2015.
Over 500 Companies with British Capital Work in Uzbekistan
Currently some 504 firms and companies with British capital are working in various sectors of economy of
Uzbekistan, Ambassador of Great Britain to Uzbekistan George Edgar said on 22 January 2015. He said that
trade-economic sphere is priority directions for development of bilateral cooperation. According to the
Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade (MFERIT) of Uzbekistan, the UK is one of
the most important trade partners of Uzbekistan in Europe.
Uzbekistan presenting new products at FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair
The FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair will start on January 28 at Madrid where 9,107 companies from
165 countries including Uzbekistan are participating. Uzbekistan tourism is establishing its venue at FITUR
where wholesalers, tour operators, accommodation providers, and travel agents from Uzbekistan are
showcasing their products. FITUR is one of the biggest travel and tourism marts of Europe, where more than
120,000 professionals will be gathering. According to latest information received from Madrid, 2015 FITUR
records indicate the budget for organizing the trade show has exceeded 10.5 million euros, including 3 million
allocated to international promotional actions and invitations to buyers.
China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co.Ltd visits Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan Railway Company and China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co. Ltd are planning to expand
cooperation in railway industry. A delegation of Chinese company visited Uzbekistan and held negotiations
with Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
Uzbekistan set to allocate $10 bln for road, railway construction
Uzbekistan will allocate about $10 billion to development of roads and railways, logistic centers and
communication by 2020, according to the action program of the Cabinet of Ministers. Uzbekistan is thus
planning to implement 150 projects.
Number of enterprises with state share to be reduced in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan intends to critically review the level of state involvement in the economy and to reduce it to the
strategically and economically reasonable size within the state property privatization program in 2015-2016.
In accordance with the program, Uzbekistan plans to eliminate more than 660 not loaded state-owned
enterprises with their subsequent sale to new private owners at public auction, completely sell the state share
in 360 non-strategic businesses, as well as implement more than 400 unused state objects at the zero value
to foreign investors (with their acceptance of investment commitments for the modernization of these
enterprises).
Uzbekistan plans to realize $38B worth of investment projects until 2020
Uzbekistan plans to implement 870 major investment projects worth $38 billion in 2015-2020. This is also
stipulated by the action program to ensure the structural reforms, modernization and diversification of
production in this period. The action program of the countrys cabinet of ministers, which was made public
Jan. 27 by the central media outlets, envisages creation of 415 new high-tech enterprises, as well as
modernization, technical and technological renovation of 455 existing industrial enterprises for production of
export-oriented goods that are competitive in the domestic and external markets.
Uzbekistan's economy not free: 2015 Index of Economic Freedom
Uzbekistans economic freedom score is 47.0, making its economy the 160th freest in the2015 Index of
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2015 Index evaluates economic conditions and government policies in 186 countries. Uzbekistan's score is up
by 0.5 point from last year, with improvements in trade freedom, freedom from corruption and labour freedom
outweighing declines in the management of government spending and business freedom.
Society
Uzbekistan to create state open data portal
Uzbekistan is planning to create a state open data portal. The portal is being created to provide single platform
for storage of open date, provide access to users to open data via Internet and ensure collaboration of users
with open data suppliers.
Uzbekistan Airways reduces passengers transportation in 2014
Uzbekistan National Airways (Ozbekiston Havo Yollari) carried 2.625 million passengers in 2014, according
the message of the company. Uzbekistan Airways transported 2.677 million passengers in 2013. Thus, the
Uzbek carrier reduced passenger traffic by 1.9 percent in 2014. The largest number of passengers, 1. 252
million was transported to the CIS countries, 807, 000 to the far abroad countries, 566, 000 passengers - on
domestic flights.
Silk and Spices Festival to be held in Uzbekistan's Bukhara
A festival of silk and spices will be held in Bukhara from 28 May to 1 June 2015, Uzbek tourism reports. The
festival is traditionally organized to preserve and promote national culture heritage of the people of
Uzbekistan.
No plans to change retirement age in Uzbekistan
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of Uzbekistan has denied the speculations about
the alleged upcoming change of the retirement age in the country. The appeals from citizens regarding the
alleged upcoming change of the retirement age in the country have become more frequent recently, said the
ministry.
Uzbekistan: With Gulnara on Sidelines, How Will Football Fare?
Among the multiple personas adopted by Gulnara Karimova, the disgraced daughter of Uzbekistans dictator
was #1 football fan. Accordingly, her political demise stirred speculation about whether Uzbekistan would
continue to play the role of a regional football power. The early results in the post-Karimova age have not
been great, but insiders say the Uzbek government remains committed to the Soviet notion of burnishing its
image via sporting success. Football is the most popular sport in Uzbekistan, which has long had Central
Asias most formidable national team: but in a region where enthusiasm for the beautiful game is not matched
by resources or skilled players, that is not saying much.
Detailed Report
Kazakhstan
Politics
Obama urges continuing Kazakh help in settling Ukrainian crisis
January 22, 2015
U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday urged Kazakhstan to continue its efforts toward a resolution of
the unending Ukrainian crisis, as the Central Asian country will probably host a summit on the unrest in
Ukraine's east. In a conversation over the phone, Obama and his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev
affirmed their "shared interest" in seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis and agreed to uphold the
principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, the White House said in a statement. It said Obama once
again called for a "full implementation" of the Minsk agreement that was reached in September last year and
aimed for a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, and encouraged Kazakhstan to "continue playing an active role in
finding a peaceful outcome" to the crisis. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday accused rebels of
attempting "a blatant land grab" as fresh fighting was reported in Ukraine's east, where more than 4,800
people have been killed and over one million others displaced in fighting that broke out in April last year
between government troops and the insurgents. Russia has denied accusations that it is behind the violence in
eastern Ukraine. Leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France may meet in the Kazakh capital of Astana
later this month over the crisis, after a previous summit originally slated for Jan. 15 was postponed due to
differences between the conflicting parties, Nazarbayev's press service said last week.
http://www.china.org.cn/world/2015-01/22/content_34624117.htm?
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Nazarbayev and Obama discuss the situation in south-eastern Ukraine
22 January 2015,
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Barack
Obama, the press service of Akorda informs. The sides discussed the state and prospects of bilateral relations,
as well as topical issues on the international agenda. The two leaders have talked about the situation in the
south-eastern Ukraine. Nursultan Nazarbayev informed his counterpart that he is personally involved in the
matter, which, in the opinion of the Kazakh side, can be solved through negotiations at the level of Ukraine,
Russia, Germany and France. The President noted that economic sanctions against Russian influence the
Central Asian region. Obama assured Nursultan Nazarbayev that he is committed to a diplomatic solution to
the situation in Ukraine. He stressed that to solve the situation it is necessary to perform the Minsk
agreements. Obama also praised Kazakhstan's efforts in strengthening international security and expressed the
hope that the Kazakh President will continue to actively contribute to finding a peaceful solution to the
conflict in Ukraine. The conversation was initiated by the American side.
http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2739027?
Kazakhstan and Italy agreed on criminal extradition
22 January 2015
Prosecutor-General of Kazakhstan Askhat Daulbayev and Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of
Italy to Kazakhstan Stefano Ravagnan signed agreements on mutual extradition of criminals and mutual legal
assistance in criminal cases. The Prosecutor General emphasized that it was the result of steady development
of legal relations with the European society and trust to the legal system of Kazakhstan. Italy is one of the first
European countries that Kazakhstan signed a full package of interstate agreements in the criminal and legal
sphere with. The agreement between the two states on extradition of criminals was signed in November 2013
and ratified by Kazakhstan last autumn. A.Daulbayev noted that after the agreement came into force both
sides now had legal ground for rendering mutual legal assistance, protection of the rights and interests of the
citizens. "We have similar agreements concluded with Spain, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic
and talks on conducting such agreements with Monaco, Slovakia and other European countries are nearing
completion," he noted.
Prospects of Kazakhstan-EU relations discussed in Astana
23 January 2015,
On January 22, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov met with Latvian politician, member of the
European Parliament, Chairman of the delegation for relations with the countries of Central Asia and
Mongolia Iveta Grigule in Astana, Kazinform has learnt from the Kazakh MFA's press service. The parties
discussed the state and prospects of relations between Kazakhstan and the EU and Latvia, in particular, in the
light of initialing of a new agreement on enhanced partnership and cooperation between Kazakhstan and the
EU. Negotiations on the agreement were conducted for three years and were completed during the visit of
President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Brussels, on October 9, 2014, and on January 20 in Brussels, the parties
held the initialling of the text of the new agreement. The Minister noted with satisfaction the successful
cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU at different levels, including between the parliamentarians of the
two countries. He stressed that the meeting of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee of Kazakhstan and
the EU had become an important forum to discuss achievements of bilateral cooperation and issues requiring
special attention. Idrissov congratulated Grigule on her appointment as the President of the European
Parliament's delegation for Central Asia, supported the intention of the Latvian Presidency in the EU Council
to update the EU Strategy for Central Asia, and expressed hope for further strengthening of bilateral relations
between Kazakhstan and Latvia. Among the priority issues Idrissov identified conclusion of sectoral
agreements in the fields of science and technology, as well as on visa facilitation for Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan
in pilot mode freed from the visa requirement the citizens of ten countries, the most active investors in
Kazakhstan, including the five largest EU economies, the UK, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands
until July 15, 2015. The parties also discussed human rights, regional and global security and geopolitical
situation in the world. Kazakhstan confirmed readiness to assist in resolving the crisis in Ukraine by peaceful
means, including through providing a sites for holding the Summit in "Norman format". They also marked the
current economic, tourist and transit potential for expansion of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Latvia.
The EU is the main trade and investment partner of Kazakhstan. Half of the turnover and more than half of
foreign investments in Kazakhstan come from European countries. The volume of trade with the EU in 11
months of 2014 reached almost $50 billion. Kazakhstan is the third largest supplier of energy to Europe
among countries which are not members of OPEC (after Russia and Norway). Approximately 70% of exports
of Kazakh oil go to the EU. http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2739341?
Pakistani Man on Trial in Kazakhstan for Human Smuggling
19
January 23, 2015
ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- A Pakistani man has gone on trial in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, for
allegedly heading a human smuggling ring. Sarfazar Hussain appeared in the Almaly District Court on
January 23 on charges of organizing "an illegal immigration channel" for citizens from Pakistan, Iran, India,
China and other countries. Prosecutors say Hussain is part of a criminal group that brought foreigners into
Kazakhstan who intended to stay in the country. Two Kazakh citizens, Ghalia Dosymova (eds: a woman) and
Bekzhan Nametov, are co-defendants in the case. Investigators say the group has helped foreigners to illegally
stay in Kazakhstan since 2007. Some 145 people have been summoned to the trial to testify as witnesses.
http://www.rferl.org/content/pakistani-man-on-trial-in-kazakhstan/26809384.html
Eurasian Economic Union 'would welcome' Turkeys membership
23/01/2015
Turkey has yet to make an official application for membership of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), but it
would be welcome to join, Kazakhstans ambassador to Turkey has said. The heads of states from Turkey and
EEU member countries have discussed the issue of Turkeys membership before to the union, Ambassador
Zhanseit Tuimebayev told reporters on Jan. 22, speaking at a joint press conference with the ambassadors of
Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan in Ankara. The union, which officially began Jan. 1, does not have a political
agenda and is solely an economic alliance. We attach importance to enhancing cooperation with Turkey on
economy and trade, Belarus Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Savinykh said, adding that they would welcome
any bid by Turkey to become a member of the EEU. The EEU aims at the free movement of goods, services
and capital, coordinated policies in agriculture and industry, cooperation in major infrastructure projects, and
the formation of joint energy markets for natural gas and petroleum products, Savinykh also said.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/eurasian-economic-union-would-welcome-turkeysmembership.aspx?pageID=238&nID=77316&NewsCatID=344
Kazakh and Turkish PMs talk over bilateral co-op
23 January 2015,
At the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov has
met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey Ahmet Davutoglu. Massimov and Davutoglu noted an
intensively developing economic and trade cooperation, vigorous activity of the Kazakh-Turkish
Intergovernmental Commission, as well as close ties between the business communities of the two countries.
The two sides also expressed their mutual desire to build mutually beneficial partnerships across the entire
spectrum of bilateral relations.
Kazakh Foreign Ministry announces plans for 2015
23 JANUARY 2015,
Kazakhstans Foreign Ministry will intensify its work on collaboration between the two large organizations of
the continent the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union - Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan
Idrissov said. He made the remarks during the business meeting with the senior staff of the countrys Foreign
Ministry. The cooperation between the two large organizations of the continent EU and the Eurasian
Economic Union - became relevant after the Agreement on the Eurasian Economic Union entered into force
from Jan.1, 2015, Idrissov said. The minister provided detailed information about the plans for 2015. He
reminded that 2015 is a special year for the country which will celebrate several anniversaries 500th
anniversary of Kazakh statehood, 20th anniversary of Kazakh Constitution and Assembly of People. The
70th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War is an important date for Kazakhstan, said Idrissov.
"Additionally, UN will mark its 70th anniversary, the 40th anniversary of signing the Helsinki Final Act of the
Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe which led to the creation of OSCE, will be marked in
2015. He also emphasized certain vectors of the work during Kazakhstans chairmanship in CIS and the
Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States. The foreign minister talked about the importance of the work
on assisting in organizing forums which have become well-established platforms for the dialogue at the global
level, as well as the 5th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions (in June), Eurasian Media
Forum (April), Astana Economic Forum and the World Anti-Crisis Conference (in May). He focused on the
development of the OIC Islamic Organization of Food Security, the secretariat of which will be located in
Astana. "The organizations charter has been recently signed by the United Arab Emirates, the minister said.
Establishing of an organization is of great importance for a large region in general and Kazakhstan in
particular. The organization is expected to deal with the issue of rendering the necessary emergency and
humanitarian assistance, as well as through creating the food security reserves." He said that the beginning of
this organizations activity will further allow supplying the Kazakh grain and other food to the OIC memberstates, implementing the large-scale investment and infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan and other countries.
Idrisov stressed the importance of consistent work to promote the candidacy of Kazakhstan as a non-
20
permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2017-2018. It is necessary to prepare for the EXPO-2017
international specialized exhibition, to launch the KazAID official development assistance mechanism and to
create a UN multilateral diplomacy hub in Almaty, he said. The minister also discussed the schedule of
international events involving the country's leadership, both bilaterally and as part of Kazakhstans activity in
regional and international organizations and forums. The UN, the OSCE, the Conference on Interaction and
Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the
Organization of Islamic cooperation (OIC), the Istanbul process on Afghanistan and others are among them.
http://en.trend.az/casia/kazakhstan/2356256.html?
President Nazarbayev mourns death of King Abdullah
23 January 2015,
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has expressed his condolences to King Salman bin Abdulaziz
al-Saud on the death of King Abdullah, the Akorda press service said on Friday. According to the telegram of
condolences, the Head of State was deeply saddened by the passing of King Abdullah. President Nazarbayev
stressed that the deceased king did a lot to protect the interests of his people and develop humankind in the
spirit of equity and mercifulness. "People of Kazakhstan will always remember King Abdullah as a wise
leader, consistent statesman and politician who contributed greatly to the deepening of bilateral Kazakh-Saudi
cooperation," the telegram reads. 0Nursultan Nazarbayev offered his deepest condolences to King Salman bin
Abdulaziz al-Saud and all people of Saudi Arabia.
New appointments in Kazakhstan
24 January 2015,
A serious of appointments in national companies of Kazakhstan were made this week, Kazinform traditionally
provides the information about all appointment made in a week. Deputy of the Majilis of the Parliament
Yelena Tarasenko and member of the Central Election Commission Lyazzat Suleimen were appointed deputy
chairpersons of the National Commission for Women Affairs and Family Demographic Policy under the
President of Kazakhstan. Mayor of Astana city Adilbek Dzhaksybekov introduced to the staff newly
appointed heads of departments of the Astana city administration. These names are Aitbai Taizhanov who was
appointed head of the veterinary control and inspection department of Astana city, Duisen Adilkhanov was
named head of the public property and privatization department of Astana city, and the public procurements
department will be headed by Olzhas Bektenov now. Governor of West Kazakhstan region Nurlan Nogayev
appointed Serik Shapkenov state inspector of the department for state control and regional work of the
Executive Office of the President of Kazakhstan. Arman Utegulov was named the first deputy governor of the
region. Kairat Bissembayev was named head of Karatal district of Almaty region. Previously, he head the
architecture and construction control department of Astana city. Former head of Karatal district Sultan
Duissenbinov was named head of the administration of the Governor of Almaty region. Askar Nubayev was
appointed head of the regional veterinary department. The Governor of North Kazakhstan region appointed
Zhanat Sadvokasov head of the department of internal policy. Besides, some appointments were made in the
private sector. Rustam Zhursupov was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Board of the National Chamber of
Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan. First Deputy Chairman of the Board of KazMunaiGaz National Company
Christopher Simon Hopkinson was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of KazMunaiGaz Exploration
Production JSC and head of the nomination committee of KazMunaiGaz Exploration Production Company at
the recent sitting of the Board of Directors. Arman Yesenzhulov was named president of "Aluminum
Kazakhstan" JSC which is a part of the Eurasian Resources Group (ERG).
Kazakhstan and EU cooperate despite lack of democracy
25.01.2015
Kazakhstan will soon enjoy stronger political and economic relations with the European Union thanks to a
new enhanced cooperation agreement that was initialled by the two sides on January 21. In a statement, the
EU said the agreement would increase the flow of trade, services, and investment between the parties and
would contribute to Kazakhstan's political and social development. Now that the agreement has been
initialled, the next step is its signature and implementation. Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian country to
enter into such an agreement with the EU. The new enhanced partnership and cooperation agreement will
replace the current partnership and cooperation agreement that was signed in 1999. Many EU member states,
including France, have already started flirting with Kazakhstan despite the serious concerns about the
countrys human rights record. Kazakhstan, however, represents an important potential client, especially for
European arms producers.
http://www.neurope.eu/article/kazakhstan-and-eu-cooperate-despite-lack-democracy?
21
UN Official Urges Independent Investigation of Zhanaozen
January 27, 2015
ASTANA -- The UN special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association says an
independent international investigation into the deadly 2011 events in the Kazakh city of Zhanaozen is
needed. Maina Kiai said at a public hearing in Astana on January 27 that such investigations are needed to
restore people's trust in the central government. Kiai came to Kazakhstan last week and met in Zhanaozen
with residents, rights activists, union members, and local officials. Kazakh police shot dead at least 16 people
during a crackdown on an oil worker protest in Zhanaozen in December 2011. International and domestic
rights organizations condemned the action against the protesters, who were demanding the payment of
overdue salaries. Dozens of activists, several police, and local officials were sentenced to prison terms after
the deadly crackdown. But Kazakh civil rights activists say none of those who gave the command to shoot
were arrested.
http://www.rferl.org/content/zhanaozen-kazkahstan-imnvestigation-un-rapporteur/26816364.html
Strategic
Kazakhstan Declares Some 700 Websites 'Extremist' In 2014
January 23, 2015
The prosecutor general's office in Kazakhstan announced on January 23 that reviews on the Internet during
2014 determined more than 700 websites contained material considered "extremist" and were ordered
blocked. A statement on the Kazakh prosecutor general's website said that in an effort to counter religious
extremism and terrorism, the office had checked more than 100,000 websites in 2014. The prosecutor
general's office provided information about the sites to Kazakh courts, which found 703 of those sites had
contents that were extremist in nature and ordered those sites blocked in Kazakhstan. Prosecutor general
Askhat Daulbaev said some of the sites were blocked even before there was a court decision to back such a
move. Daulbaev said his office had worked with its Russian counterpart during 2014 to locate and block sites
with extremist content and added he hoped that cooperation could serve as a model with Kazakhstan's
"colleagues close to our borders and further away."
http://www.rferl.org/content/kazakhstan-internet-websites-extremist-block/26810348.html
Kazakhstan's army ranks 80th in Global Firepower Index
23/01/2015
Kazakhstans army has been ranked 80th in the updated Global Firepower Index, Tengrinews reports. The
ranking is available here. Global Firepower Index evaluated the military strength of the worlds 106 nations
utilizing around 50 various factors including the available manpower, land, naval and air power, economic
resources that the country is ready to spend on development of its military capability. However, the authors
claim that nuclear power is not taken into account, because otherwise, developing such ranking would be
pointless. In addition, reliance on natural resources mainly oil (the higher the production, the better and
vice versa) and geographical location of countries is included in the calculation. Overall, the ranking tries to
present an unbiased perspective on conventional military power of each country in the list. As for Kazakhstan,
according to the ranking, Kazakhstans army has 300 tanks, 1,743 armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), 744
towed-artillery, 232 aircrafts, 15 ships and 393 multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRSs). With a population of
over 17 million, more than 8 million of Kazakhstans citizens are ready to fight and defend its country. In
addition, Kazakhstans defence budget stands at $2.4 billion. The leader of the rating is the United States,
which spends $612.5 billion on defence. The USs available manpower amounts to more than 145 million
people. It also has 1,430,000 million of active frontline personnel and a reserve force of 850,880 personnel
that are backed up by 8,325 tanks, 25, 782 AFVs, 1,791 towed-artillery, 1,330 MLRSs, and 13,683 aircrafts.
Apart from the US, the leading nations in the list are Russia, China, India, the United Kingdom, France,
Germany, Turkey, South Korea and Japan. The countries with the least military strength are Laos, Lithuania,
Mozambique, Madagascar and Tanzania.
http://en.tengrinews.kz/military/Kazakhstans-army-ranks-80th-in-Global-Firepower-Index-258536/?
Economic/Energy
China, Kazakhstan vow to strengthen railway, new energy cooperation
22/01/2015
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov in Davos, Switzerland,
on Jan. 21, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Tao) DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- China and Kazakhstan on
22
Wednesday pledged to boost railway and new energy cooperation to further their comprehensive strategic
partnership. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Kazakh counterpart Karim Massimov made the pledge when
they met on the sidelines of the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Li, who visited
Kazakhstan at the end of last year, said the governments of the two countries should let enterprises play a
main role in bilateral production capacity cooperation. The Chinese premier also urged both sides to advance
the priority projects and provide good supportive services in the areas of finance, investment and personnel
exchanges. China is also ready to strengthen railway and new energy cooperation with Kazakhstan, Li added.
China's win-win cooperation with others in infrastructure construction will not only meet the needs of related
countries and benefit local people, but also spur demands and stem deflation against the backdrop of a global
demand slowdown. Massimov said his country is willing to actively boost production capacity cooperation
with China and create a desirable environment for it. Kazakhstan is glad to carry out railway and new energy
cooperation with China, he said. Kazakhstan has become China's second largest trade partner in the
Commonwealth of the Independent States and its first investment destination in Eurasia, while China is the
second largest trade partner and the largest export market of Kazakhstan.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2015-01/22/c_133937772.htm?
Kazakh government has plans for economic development with low oil prices
22 January 2015,
Kazakh government and the countrys National Bank have several plans for economic development with low
oil prices, head of the National Bank, Kairat Kelimbetov said on Jan.21. He made the remarks during a
plenary meeting in Majlis (lower house of the parliament). There is a popular saying: if you want to destroy
the reputation of the predictor, then try to predict the oil prices, he said. Today the oil prices are at the level
of $50 per barrel. Kelimbetov said it is supposed that either the prices will return to $70-$90, or drop to $20$30 in a short period. However, all experts suppose that on average, the oil prices will be close to $50.
Even if the oil prices will be lower, the government and the National Bank of Kazakhstan have relevant plans
on policy for any scenario of oil prices, he added. He reminded that Kazakh economic today depends on the
revenues from oil export. Meanwhile, in order to avoid the period of instability, the country pursued
countercyclical policy and created safety factor which allows to calmly pursuing economic policy. Today our
state reserve exceeds $100 billion, the head of the National Bank said, adding that such figure in this sphere
was never recorded in the countrys history before. He reminded that the safety factor was two times less in
2008-2009. But thanks to this (safety factor) we got out of the crisis that time. The National Fund was
founded in 2001 in accordance with the order of Kazakh president. The revenues from oil were directed to the
National Fund in order to eliminate the consequences of the crisis. Over $73.6 billion has accumulated in the
National Fund, which is 3.3 percent more than in 2013, Kelimbetov said. This is while the reserve of the
National Bank increased by 18 percent and stood at $28.9 billion. All this together the National Fund and
the countrys gold and foreign exchange reserve is $102 billion which leads us to say that we have reliable
reserve and safety factor.
Toshiba negotiating nuclear power deals with China, Kazakhstan
Jan 22, 2015
Toshiba Corp is in negotiations to supply equipment for several nuclear reactors in China and is also
discussing a contract for plants in Kazakhstan, the chairman of the Japanese conglomerate said on Thursday.
Toshiba already has a leading position in the Chinese nuclear power market and is looking to build on this
through its Westinghouse Electric unit. "Potentially, we have the opportunity to get other business in China
but it is not fixed yet," Masashi Muromachi told Reuters on the fringes of the World Economic Forum
in Davos. Asked to comment on media reports that Toshiba would supply equipment for six to eight nuclear
reactors in China, he said the number of plants involved was "not so different". In addition, fresh business to
supply nuclear reactors in Kazakhstan was "under negotiation", he said. Emerging economies are increasingly
looking to nuclear power as a way to curb carbon emissions, which contribute to global warming, although a
plunging oil price could change some of those incentives in the long term. "It won't have too much impact on
nuclear for the moment but in future I'm very afraid that attention to climate change issues will be slowing
down because of the oil price," Muromachi said.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/01/22/toshiba-nuclear-davos-idUKL6N0V11PP20150122?rpc=401
Kazakhstan discusses accession to WTO with EU
23 JANUARY 2015,
Prime Minister Karim Massimov discussed forthcoming accession of Kazakhstan to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) with European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom, Kazakh prime-ministers
press-service reported. The meeting was held at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Massimov noted that
Kazakhstan works on the process of joining to the WTO within the conditions that meet the long-term national
23
economic interests. The sides agreed that Kazakhstans accession to the WTO will enhance trade and
economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU. Moreover Massimov and Malmstrom discussed the
development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union in the trade, economic and
investment spheres.
Conference on development of Kazakhstan took place in Turkey
24 January 2015,
A scientific conference was held in Turkey, which was dedicated to the issues of creating favourable
conditions for implementation of the Kazakhstan-2050 Strategy and the new economic policy "Nurly Zhol".
Turkish Presidential Press Aide Mustafa Isen, who took part in the conference, noted the historic contribution
of President N. Nazarbayev to keeping and strengthening peace and accord in the country and beyond its
borders, the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Kazakhstan informs. "In this regard, I would like
to note the importance of holding the Congress of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan that helps to
strengthen peace and accord on our continent," M. Isen stressed. He also congratulated the people of
Kazakhstan on the 550th anniversary of the establishment of the Kazakh Khanate which is marked in 2015.
Rector of the university where the conference was held Adnan Gorur emphasized the achievements of N.
Nazarbayev during the critical period of history when only strong-willed decisions could help. "The President
of Kazakhstan not only managed to preserve stability during the first difficult years of independence, but take
Kazakhstan to a new level equaling the most important states of the world. He also initiated and implemented
a number of brilliant ideas in the foreign policy," Professor A. Gorur said noting that the presidency of
Kazakhstan in the OSCE in 2010 was really a triumph of the diplomacy of Kazakhstan, which were only
possible thanks to personal participation of the Head of State. http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2739853?
Kazakhstan's foreign exchange reserves increase
January 26, 2015
At present, Kazakhstan's foreign exchange reserves hit $28.9 billion, the head of the National Bank Kairat
Kelimbetov said. "People say that the country's gold reserves are reduced," he said. "But I want to emphasize
once again that the reserves hit $24 billion in December 2014. They amounted to $28.9 billion in January
2015. As you can see, there is a plus in foreign exchange reserves." He recalled that the foreign exchange
reserves declined from $37 billion to $23 billion in 2011-2013, azh.kz refers to trend.az. "We suspended the
decline," he said. "At present, they hit $28.9 billion. Therefore, we believe that the National Bank is pursuing
a correct policy." http://azh.kz/en/news/view/5386?
$169 million solar power plant to be constructed in Kazakhstan
26/01/2015
Foreign investors are going to build a solar energy plant in Akmola Oblast in northern Kazakhstan for the
upcoming EXPO-2017 to be held in Astana, Tengrinews reports citing the press service of the region's
Governor. Several investment projects for generation of power from renewable energy sources were presented
to the Governor of Akmola Oblast Sergei Kulagin late last week. One of the projects presented at the meeting
was a 300MW wind power plant worth 73 billion tenge (around $397 million) developed by Chinese
IntegralCentralAsia company. Another was a project developed by German KB Enterprisescompany - a solar
power plant in Arshalyn district of Akmola Oblast. According to the head of the company Taylan Karamanli,
the implementation of the project is scheduled for 2015-2016 to have it ready before the EXPO to be held in
Astana in 2017. According to the investors, the 100 MW plant will be able to supply the entire Astana with
power. The total cost of the project is 150 million euros ($168.5 million). It will be covered by KB
Enterprises. The solar power plant is expected to create 20 permanent jobs and around 60 jobs during the
construction period. The regions Governor supported the project. However, he said that before starting the
project, it was necessary to find a market for the energy generated by the plant. To implement this project, the
foreign investors need a land plot of 300 hectares in Arshalyn district. But being a foreign company they will
only be able to get a long-term lease of the land in Kazakhstan. Writing by Assel Satubaldina, editing by
Tatyana Kuzmina.
http://en.tengrinews.kz/industry_infrastructure/169-million-solar-power-plant-to-be-constructed-inKazakhstan-258584/?
January 27, 2015
million with an increase of 28.5% compared with the same period in 2013. This indicates that posed by
24
Emomali Rahmon and Xi Jinping goal - to increase trade between China and Tajikistan to $3 billion by 2020 is achievable," he said. According to his words, China is the largest investor in Tajikistan. This shows that the
generated model of economic relations works effectively; it creates production chains, new jobs in both
countries, and improves social conditions. Meanwhile, according to the Statistics Agency under the President
of Tajikistan, last year the volume of trade turnover with Kazakhstan amounted to $858.8 million, which is
20.5% more than in 2013. http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2740639?
January 27, 2015
Kazakhstan, 69th; Kyrgyzstan, 82nd; Azerbaijan, 85th; and Serbia, 90th. "Mostly unfree" economies included
Bosnia and Herzegovina, 97th; Moldova, 111th; Pakistan, 121st; Tajikistan, 140th; and Russia, 143rd.
Countries with repressed economies includes Belarus, 153rd; Uzbekistan, 160th; Ukraine, 162nd; Iran,
171st; Turkmenistan, 172nd. Scores and rankings were not available for Afghanistan, Iraq, or Kosovo.
Launched in 1995, the index evaluates countries in four broad areas of economic freedom. Measurements
were made to assess the rule of law, regulatory efficiency, limitations on government, and the openness of
markets in each country. Specific categories that examined included property rights, freedom from corruption,
fiscal freedom, and government spending. The level of freedom was also measured for business activities, the
labour market, monetary policy, trade, investment, and financial transactions. The index determined that about
4.5 billion people, or about 65 percent of the worlds population, live in economically unfree countries.
More than half of those people live in China and India. Twenty-six countries have repressed economies.
Only five earned the designation as a free economy -- Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, and
Switzerland.
http://www.rferl.org/content/economic-freedom-russia-heritage-foundation-report/26815872.html
Turnover of precious metals in Kazakhstan will be regulated on legislative basis
28/01/2015
Kazakhstan Parliaments Majilis Deputies discussed the draft law "On Precious Metals and Precious Stones"
and accompanying "On amendments and additions to some legislative acts of Kazakhstan on precious metals
and precious stones", presented by Vice-Minister of Investment and Development of Kazakhstan Albert
Rau, bnews.kz reports. According to Rau, the necessity for a law development is due to the fact that today in
Kazakhstan there is no specific legislation that defines general government policy in the sphere of precious
metals and precious stones, which is a gap in national legislation and impedes the full protection of the
strategic interests of Kazakhstan. "It should also be noted that the domestic jewellery industry is at a low-level
of development and it is a main practical problem and a prerequisite for the necessity of legislative regulation
for precious metals and precious stones," A.Rau said. At the present time in sales sphere of precious metals
and gemstones the following key issues are noted: preferential raw materials export containing precious
metals, along with domestic deficit; underutilization and capacity; import of precious metals, stones, including
illegal imports (smuggling jewellery); lack of criminal and administrative responsibility for illegal circulation
of precious metals (mining, priori, purchase, sale). http://azh.kz/en/news/view/5410?
Society
New Cases of Mystery Symptoms, And No Relocation Help, For Kazakh Villagers
22 January 2015
Twelve children in the western Kazakh village of Berezovka suddenly collapsed or fell ill on January 21.
They are only the latest of some 100 cases of the mysterious illness in recent months. Though the causes have
not been confirmed, villagers fear that they have been poisoned by pollution from a nearby gas and oil field.
But their pleas for government help to relocate have met with refusals. (Sanat Urnaliev, RFE/RL's Kazakh
Service) http://www.rferl.org/media/video/kazakhstan-village-sickness/26807375.html
Maternal mortality decreased in Kazakhstan - Director of UNFPA for Central Asia
22 January 2015,
Kazakhstan shows a decrease in maternal mortality, this has been stated by Nikolai Botev, Director of
UNFPA's Central Asia Sub-Regional Office, before the meeting with the State Secretary of Kazakhstan
25
G.Abdykalikova. According to the words of N.Botev, the forthcoming round table will discuss the issues of
population and demographics, as well as the questions related to the foundation. In addition Botev noted the
issues of maternal health. "It can be concluded that in the last four years Kazakhstan has shown good results in
this direction. From 2009 to 2013 maternal deaths in Kazakhstan decreased from 36.8 per 100 thousand live
births to 12.6 per 100 thousand live births," added N. Botev. He also stressed that the Government intends to
continue work on reducing maternal mortality and bringing its number to the level of European countries,
which is 4-5 deaths per 100 thousand live births. http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2739150?
Kazakhstan: Education Reform Shelved Due to Economic Downturn
January 22, 2015
Astana's ambitious plan to add a year to its school curriculum has been postponed indefinitely as lower oil
prices and the recession in neighbouring Russia batter Kazakhstans economy. Taking into account the
situation, the question of the transition to a 12-year program must be postponed, Education and Science
Minister Aslan Sarinzhipov told journalists after a Senate session on January 22, TengriNews reports.
Sarinzhipov went on to explain how financial considerations were impacting the situation. There are many
factors, including financial possibilities. The government is now working on the head of state's instruction to
prepare different scenarios for the economy. Proceeding from this situation, we have decided to put it [the
program] on hold. The move to add a year to Kazakhstan's 11-grade system, a legacy from Soviet times, is
seen as key to modernizing the education sector. The extra year would bring the country's system in line with
international standards and enable external recognition of Kazakhstani secondary education qualifications.
Now as Astana slashes its growth expectations and lowers budget revenue forecasts, the 12-year program has
become an early casualty of the government's belt tightening. This is not the first time that these reforms have
been shelved. In 2011 the Education Ministry put back plans to add a year to the curriculum until 2015, citing
a deficit of space and trained teachers. The ministry piloted the 12-year model in 104 schools between 2011
and 2014 using experimental textbooks and teaching materials. The 12-year program was supposed to be fully
implemented by 2020. Approaches used in the pilot program, such as focusing on competencies and the use of
multilingualism Kazakhstan wants to base its education on the Kazakh, Russian and English languages
will now somehow be integrated into the 11-grade curriculum, Sarinzhipov said.
http://www.eurasianet.org/node/71731?
Over 700 websites declared illegal in Kazakhstan
24 January 2015,
Around 703 websites were declared illegal in Kazakhstan, Kazakh Attorney General Askhat Daulbayev said
Jan. 23. "The operations were actively conducted to combat religious extremism and terrorism in 2014, he
said at a board meeting. More than 100,000 websites were monitored. As a result, around 703 websites were
declared illegal by the courts on the basis of appeals of prosecutors and the competent bodies." He said that
the courts have also granted the prosecutors appeals to declare 198 informational materials as extremist. "The
proliferation of these materials on the territory of Kazakhstan is forbidden," he said. President of Kazakhstan
Nursultan Nazarbayev signed a law on amendments and additions to the legislation aimed at improving the
efficiency of combating religious extremism and terrorism on November 3, 2014.
Kazakh Police Detain Journalists Ahead Of Planned Rally
January 24, 2015
Journalists and rights activists who planned to rally in support of a Kazakh magazine that was ordered closed
last month were reportedly detained by police as they left their homes. Gulzhan Erghalieva, the editor of
Adam Bol (Be Human), wrote on Facebook on January 24 that "police are arresting journalists, one after
another, as they leave their homes and taking them to the district police station to 'acquaint them with the
law.'" Erghalieva is on the sixth day of a hunger strike, protesting the decision to close down Adam Bol. She
said she could see police waiting outside the magazine's office where Erghalieva has been since the start of
her hunger strike. "They're waiting for me," she wrote. Erghalieva was arrested not long after posting that
message. Local civic activists had planned to hold a rally at Republic Square called "meeting with readers" in
Almaty at 12 p.m. local time. A blogger at the scene, Dina Baidildayeva, reported that around 30 people had
gathered with some holding signs in support of the magazine and Erghalieva. Prosecutor Baurzhan
Zhumakanov arrived at the rally and told the demonstrators that they were violating the law, but he departed
without any arrests being made at the square. Among those reportedly detained before they could reach the
site of the rally were Ayan Sharipbaev, the chief editor at Adam Bol, and journalist Miras Nurmukhambetov.
http://www.rferl.org/content/kazakhstan-adam-bol-erghalieva-rally-arrests-almaty/26810757.html
Kazakh Border Chief Pleads Not Guilty To Corruption Charge
January 26, 2015
26
ASTANA -- The former head of Kazakhstans Border Guard Service has pleaded not guilty in a high-profile
corruption case. Nurlan Zholamanov went on trial on January 26 in Astana. He called the case against him
"fabricated and politically motivated." Zholamanov's co-defendant Qairat Balmaghambetov, the former
commander of a military unit, pleaded guilty. Zholamanov was arrested in October and charged with
bribetaking and "setting up an organized criminal group." Balmaghambetov is under house arrest. Several
former Kazakh officials have faced prosecution on suspicion of graft in the last two years, and some have
been sentenced to long prison terms. In October, former deputy agriculture minister Muslim Omiraev was
sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of accepting a $100,000 bribe.
http://www.rferl.org/content/kazakh-border-chief-pleads-not-guilty-to-corruption-charge/26813440.html
Kazakh Journalists' Rights Defender Joins Editor's Hunger Strike
January 26, 2015
ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- The head of an NGO that protects journalists in Kazakhstan has joined a hunger
strike to protest the closure of an independent magazine. Ramazan Esergepov, president of the NGO
Journalists in Trouble, joined Gulzhan Erghalieva's (eds: a woman) hunger strike on January 26 in
Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty. Erghalieva, a prominent journalist who has faced pressure from law
enforcement agencies for years, started her hunger strike on January 19 in the offices of her magazine, Adam
Bol (Be a Human), to protest its closure. In December, an Almaty court ordered Erghalieva's magazine shut
down for "propagating war." That ruling came weeks after the magazine published an interview with
opposition activist Aidos Sadyqov, who is living in exile in Ukraine. In the interview, Sadyqov lambasted
Russia for its involvement in the military conflict in eastern Ukraine. Before becoming president of Journalists
in Trouble in 2012, Esergepov spent three years in jail for publishing articles he wrote about alleged links
between a Kazakh businessman and the National Security Committee.
http://www.rferl.org/content/esergepov-joins-erghalievas-hunger-strike-in-almaty/26813444.html
Kazakhstan to build service facilities along important roads till 2020
27 January 2015,
Kazakhstan plans to build service facilities along the Western Europe-Western China transit corridor until
2020, the chairman of the board of the national company KazAvtoZhol, Berik Kamaliyev, said Jan. 27.
Kazakhstan plans to build 260 roadside service facilities along the roads of international and republican
significance, Kamaliyev said at a meeting at the Investment and Development Ministry of Kazakhstan.
However, as he said, in general, the country needs more than 400 service facilities along the roads, adding that
currently there are only 44 complexes with full coverage of all services. Currently, there are about 50 service
facilities in the settlement Kordai on the Western Europe-Western China corridor. It will be necessary to
create the same number of service facilities following the completion of construction of a bypass, Kamaliyev
said. He said it is necessary to begin to reserve land plots along the bypass and to intensify the work to attract
investors for the construction of service facilities. Kamaliyev noted that Kazakhstans Road Research Institute
(KazDorNII) developed national standard and the criteria to be met by future roadside service facilities.
Given the holding of the Expo-2017, alternative energy sources will be used in the construction of these
facilities, and, in general, green technologies will be complied with, he added.
http://en.trend.az/business/economy/2357419.html?
Blowing snow to hit Kazakhstan on Wednesday
28 January 2015, 08:33
On Wednesday, Kazakhstan will enjoy weather without precipitation; however, cold temperatures will persist
in some regions of the country, Kazhydromet reports. Inclement weather with blowing snow, blizzard and
bleak wind will slam northern Kazakhstan. It will be foggy in the south and south-east, especially in Almaty
region. Fog, blizzard and wind with gusts to 15-20 meters per second will take hold of Zhambyl and South
Kazakhstan regions. Stiff wind is also expected in North Kazakhstan, Akmola, Kyzylorda, Mangystau and
Atyrau regions. http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2740876?
N. Nazarbayev stresses necessity of increasing professionalism of judiciary establishment in Kazakhstan
28/01/2015
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev met with head of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan Kairat
Mami, the press service of Akorda informs. K. Mami informed the president about the results of the work of
the courts of Kazakhstan in 2014. The President of Kazakhstan drew attention to the fact that the judiciary
system of Kazakhstan had new goals now, which were determined at the 6th Congress of Judges. N.
Nazarbayev noted that the courts of Kazakhstan had been working within the new criminal legislation since
2015. The new legislation is oriented at strengthening of the guarantees of the rights protection and freedoms
of the citizens. The Head of State also emphasized the necessity of further improvement of the sphere and
ensuring its availability for the broad layers of population and he also stressed the necessity to improve the
professionalism of the judiciary system in Kazakhstan. K. Mami informed that the courts of Kazakhstan
27
received about 1.2 million cases for consideration. He noted that the number of civil cases, about 450
thousand, proves that the trust of people to the judiciary system is growing. Besides, the head of the Supreme
Court informed about the held work on introduction of the electronic court procedure. Besides, the measures
on combatting corruption in the judiciary system were taken. Upon completion of the meeting, the President
gave a number of instructions. http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2741108?
Astana became one of centres of medical tourism in Central Asia
28 January 2015,
Astana became one of the leading centres of medical tourism in Central Asia, the Ministry of Healthcare and
Social Development of Kazakhstan informs. 4799 people from more than 30 countries undertook treatment at
hospitals of the National Medical Holding and National Scientific Medical Centre in 2011-2014. In particular,
citizens from Russia, USA, Japan, Italy, Great Britain, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Sri Lanka, Philippines,
Kyrgyzstan and other world countries applied to the organizations of the National Holding and other
healthcare facilities of Kazakhstan. The most popular services are microsurgical hernia excision, in vitro
fertilization, cardio surgeries, and uterine artery embolization. "The cost of surgeries is significantly lower
than in foreign countries. For example, transplantation of the bone marrow costs 51 thousand US dollars in
Kazakhstan and 90 thousand in Russia, transplantation of liver costs 20 thousand US dollars in Kazakhstan
and 108 thousand in Turkey, transplantation of a kidney costs 16 thousand US dollars in Kazakhstan and 40
thousand in Russia," the statement of the Ministry reads. Besides, medical tourism is also actively developing
in the National Scientific Medical Centre. Patients from the USA, China, Kuwait, UAE, India, and Russia
successfully undergo treatment there. http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2741155?
Kyrgyzstan
Politics
At Least 2,500 in Kyrgyzstan Protest Caricatures of Muhammad
January 26, 2015
JALAL-ABAD, Kyrgyzstan -- At least 2,500 people have protested in the Kyrgyz city of Jalal-Abad against
caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, saying cartoons like those published by French weekly Charlie Hebdo
"insult the feelings of religious believers." The January 26 rally in downtown Jalal-Abad, in southern
Kyrgyzstan, was permitted by city authorities. Demonstrators held posters in Kyrgyz, Arabic, English,
Russian, and Uzbek, saying "I Love My Prophet Muhammad," "We are against the caricatures," "Hands off
Our Prophet!" and "I am a Muslim and I am against Bombings and Terrorism." Similar rallies have been held
recently in Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, and in another southern city, Osh. Islamic traditions historically
have deeper roots in the country's southern regions, including Jalal-Abad and Osh.
http://www.rferl.org/content/charlie-kyrgyzstan-caricatures-muhammad-protest/26813717.html
Azerbaijani MES sends 5 fire vehicles to Kyrgyzstan
23 January 2015
Baku - APA. Azerbaijani Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) has provided technical aid to Kyrgyz
Ministry of Emergency Situations. APA reports quoting Ministrys website that Azerbaijani MES has sent 5
AC-40(130)63B fire vehicles to Kyrgyzstan Ministry of Emergency Situations in accordance with the
Agreement between Azerbaijani and Kyrgyz governments on civil defence, warning and elimination of
emergency situations signed on March 30, 2012, and relevant task of the Cabinet of Ministers. In accordance
with the agreement, preparation works for sending 5 more fire vehicles to Kyrgyzstan are underway.
http://en.apa.az/-_222130.html?
Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan signed memorandum on cooperation within UNESCO
23 January 2015,
Today, the National Federation of UNESCO Clubs signed a memorandum on cooperation with the
representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan within the international festival of the UNESCO
"Children draw the world. Central Asia". The document was signed during the first regional sitting of
representatives of the UNESCO club movement of Central Asian countries within celebration of the 70th
anniversary of the UNESCO. "Presently, 32 clubs are functioning under the auspices of the UNESCO in
Kazakhstan and it is about 3 thousand active members. The representatives of the UNESCO and the National
Federation initiated a number of projects for strengthening of the movement of younger generations,"
President of the Kazakhstan National Federation of UNESCO Clubs Bolat Akchulakov noted. Besides, an
enlarged sitting of the Board of the Federation of UNESCO Clubs was held where two more clubs and three
clubs-candidates of the UNESCO were included into the federation.
Federal Customs Service of Russia: Problems with Kyrgyzstan's joining Customs Union are possible
only in first stage
28
23/01/15
Problems with Kyrgyzstan's joining the Customs Union are possible only in the first stage, the head of the
Customs Co-operation of the Federal Customs Service of Russia Sergey Konovalenko said at a press
conference, evrazesnews.ru reports. According to him, these problems are related primarily to the need to
fulfil certain obligations of Kyrgyzstan on ensuring information systems on the external contour of the border.
"It is necessary to equip external outline of the Kyrgyz border appropriately. There should be information
interaction, which would allow lifting control of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, -Sergey Konovalenko says. There will be costs, of course, but will be repaid a hundredfold." At the same time, the representative of the
Federal Customs Service of Russia is sure that presence of Kyrgyzstan in the World Trade Organization for a
long time will hardly cause any obstacles. http://www.eng.24.kg/cis/174201-news24.html
Committee on defence and security approve Kyrgyzstan's accession to convention on physical
protection of nuclear material.
23/01/2015
The members of the parliamentary committee on defence and security discussed the draft law on accession to
the convention on the physical protection of nuclear material, initiated by the Government, on January 26. "As
of June 2013, 147 countries participate in the convention. The Convention seeks to facilitate the safe transfer
of nuclear material, physical protection of nuclear material in use, storage, and transport. Particular attention is
paid to the strict physical protection of nuclear material used for military purposes," State Secretary of the
State Inspectorate for Environmental and Technical Safety Taalaibek Asylbekov said. The international
agreement bans the export and import of nuclear material in any state, which is not a party to this agreement.
After discussion, the Members of the Parliament approved the bill in the first reading.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Committee+on+defense+and+security+approve+Kyrgyzstan%27s+accession+t
o...-a0398808055
Ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Russian, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan told Turkish media about EEU
26 January 2015,
Ambassadors of Kazakhstan Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Russia Andrey Karlov, Belarus Andrey Savinnykh and
Kyrgyzstan Ibragim Zhunusov took part in the press conference organized for representatives of the mass
media in Ankara. The event was dedicated to establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union, press service of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan informs. The speakers emphasized the goals of establishment of
the EEU including creating the conditions for stable development of the economies of the member-states with
the view of improvement of life standards of the people living in the EEU, ensuring four freedoms movement of goods, services, labour resources and assets within the union, all-round modernization,
cooperation and increase of the competitiveness of the national economies. Z. Tuimenbayev noted that the
idea about establishment of such a union was voiced by President of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbayev in 1994. He
emphasized that the EEU member-states now accumulated the experience of the CIS, EurAsEC, CU and
formation of the Singe Economic Space and came to the moment when they were ready to realize the idea in
20 years. The Kazakh diplomat also noted that the EEU was established on the ground of common principles
of international rights including the principles of sovereign equality of the member-states and their territorial
integrity, respect of political structures of the member states, ensuring the mutually beneficial cooperation,
consideration of national interests, observance of the principles of the market economy and fair
competition. The Ambassadors of Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan drew attention to the fact that the EEU was
aimed at achieving the goals of economic development, social spheres development and improvement of the
welfare. The EEU is open for joining by any state preaching the same principles and having the same goals.
The participants of the event answered journalists' questions who were truly interested in the EEU and its
relations with Turkey. http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2740457?
Russia allocates 445 quotas for students from Kyrgyzstan
27/01/15
Russian Federation allocates Kyrgyzstan 445quotas for state-funded education on training programs of higher
and secondary vocational education in the 2015-2016 school years, the Ministry of Education and Science
reported. According to it, the Russian Embassy to the Kyrgyz Republic met with representatives of
educational institutions and departments of the KR and discussed issues on distribution of budget places in
universities. Selection of candidates will be conducted in collaboration with the relevant authorities of
Kyrgyzstan on the results of testing within the curricula of secondary school education of the Kyrgyz
Republic, taking into account the results of the interview, the competition documents on achievement and
excellence in the Olympiads of regional, national and international levels. It is expected that the selection of
candidates should be completed by February 25, 2015. Additional information on the selection procedure and
admission to Russian universities by phone 0 (312) 30-05-12. http://www.eng.24.kg/cis/174225-news24.html
29
Strategic
Kyrgyzstan Detains Six Suspected Terrorists
January 26, 2015
Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security (SCNS) has announced an operation last week in the
southern Osh Province led to six suspected terrorists being taken into custody and weapons and ammunition
being seized. The January 26 announcement from the SCNS press service said an operation was launched on
October 20. The press service said four of the six people detained had undergone training at "camps of
international terrorist organizations in Syria."The SNCS press service said the six men also carried out armed
robberies. A search of the suspects' homes uncovered an automatic weapon, more than 1,700 bullets for
various guns, clubs, and masks. Officials in Kyrgyzstan and neighbouring Central Asian states have been on
edge as foreign troops pull out of Afghanistan and militant groups like the Islamic State extremist
organization make appeals to Muslims, including those in Central Asia, to come and wage jihad.
http://www.rferl.org/content/kyrgyzstan-terror-suspects-syria-osh-robbery/26813151.html
Kyrgyzstan Detains Six Suspected Militants, Says Four Trained In Syria by Joanna Paraszczuk
January 26, 2015
Authorities in Kyrgyzstan say security forces apprehended six suspected militants, including four accused of
undergoing training in Syria, in an operation in the southern Osh province last week. A January 26
announcement from the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) said weapons and ammunition were
also seized during the operation, which was launched on January 20. It said four of the six men detained had
undergone training at "camps of international terrorist organizations in Syria." The SNCS press service said
the six suspects also carried out armed robberies. It said a search of the suspects' homes uncovered an
automatic weapon, more than 1,700 bullets, clubs, and masks.
Officials in Kyrgyzstan and neighbouring Central Asian states have been on edge as foreign troops pull out of
Afghanistan and militant groups such as Islamic State make appeals to Muslims, including those in Central
Asia, to join their ranks.
http://www.rferl.org/content/kyrgyzstan-suspected-militants/26813365.html
Militants Arrested In Kyrgyzstan Trained In Syria, Security Forces Say
January 27, 2015
Four alleged militants arrested in Kyrgyzstan's southern city of Osh underwent military training in Syria,
RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, Radio Azattyk, reports. According to Radio Azattyk on January 27, a total of six
alleged militants were arrested. Rakhat Sulaimanov, the spokesman for Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for
National Security (GKNB) told Radio Azattyk that the detained men were allegedly planning attacks in
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. "Four members of the group underwent special training in a training camp
belonging to an international terrorist organization in Syria," Sulaimanov said, adding that weapons including
an AK-S assault rifle were found during a search of the suspects' homes, as well as ammunition, masks and
fake documents. Sulaimanov did not give any indication about which militant group the four suspects
allegedly trained with in Syria. It is not clear how many Kyrgyz nationals are fighting in Syria. Recent
estimates by political figures in Kyrgyzstan have ranged from 225 to over 500. A report released this month
by the International Crisis Group on Central Asians fighting with the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria noted
that "perhaps 1,000 men and women, including 500 ethnic Kyrgyz and others from Osh, have left the
Ferghana Valley to fight or provide humanitarian assistance for IS." The report also said that there could be at
least 300 unreported cases of Kyrgyz citizens who travelled to Turkey with the intention of going on to Syria,
and noted that ethnic Uzbeks from the Ferghana Valley, including Osh, are also fighting in Syria. Others have
estimated that the number of Kyrgyz nationals fighting in Syria is higher than the official figure of around
200. Radio Azattyk quoted security expert Artur Medetbekov as saying that the number of militants in Syria
from Kyrgyzstan was up to three times higher than the official data. While the overwhelming majority of
Kyrgyz citizens who have left to fight in Syria are from the south of the country, GKNB spokesman
Sulaimanov said this month that recruiters have recently begun to target the country's northern regions.
http://www.rferl.org/content/kyrgyzstan-militants-arrested-trained-in-syria/26816231.html
Economic/Energy
January 27, 2015
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Only five earned the designation as a free economy -- Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, and
Switzerland.
http://www.rferl.org/content/economic-freedom-russia-heritage-foundation-report/26815872.html
From quarter to third part of population in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia live in extreme
poverty
22/01/2015
From quarter to third of the population in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia live in extreme poverty. It is
reported by new study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). According to the data,
increases the level of inequality and poverty increases in Europe and Central Asia with transition economy. In
most countries of the region life expectancy of people in relation to the world average reduces. "Historically,
in the post-socialist period these countries remained relatively equal distribution of income, relatively
extensible approach to social security system and relatively low level of gender inequality," senior adviser to
the UNDP Regional Centre in Istanbul Ben Slay stated. According to him, today signs of loss of these benefits
and problems of inequality are of the same character as in the developing countries in other regions give rise
to anxiety. The authors of the report emphasize that poverty "remains a serious problem in poorer former
Soviet republics", particularly in Georgia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia. Experts point out that in the
region countries there are the so-called "new needy": there are educators, health care, science and art workers
among them. The risk of poverty is particularly high for those living in rural areas. Life expectancy for both
men and women in the region is reduced. Life expectancy of men in the "Western CIS countries" in 1960
exceeded the world average level by 12 years. By 2012, it was already two years less than worldwide average
level. http://www.eng.24.kg/cis/174184-news24.html
Kyrgyzstan interested in supplies of Belarusian agricultural machinery
22 January 2015
The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of the Kyrgyz Republic is interested in acquiring Belarusmade agricultural machinery and its assembly, Alexei Bogdanov, the head of the foreign trade department at
the Belarusian Ministry of Agriculture and Food, said when commenting on Belarus' participation in the 80th
International Green Week (IGW) expo which is running in Berlin from 16 to 25 January. When in Berlin, the
head of the Belarusian delegation, First Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Leonid Marinich had a
series of meetings with foreign colleagues to review the bilateral relations, trade and investment cooperation.
"In particular, an agreement was reached with Kyrgyzstan Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation
Taalajbek Ajdaraliev on the resumption of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, and also contacts at the
level of the joint intergovernmental commission and its working groups. The Kyrgyz Minister expressed
interest in acquiring Belarusian agricultural machinery and its assembly in Kyrgyzstan. In addition, the parties
announced interest in the mutually beneficial cooperation in seed breeding, Alexei Bogdanov said. During
the Green Week Leonid Marinich held nearly 15 meetings with the agricultural agencies of other states. The
Belarusian minister and Ukraine's Minister of Agriculture and Food Alexei Pavlenko agreed to resume the
work within the framework of the joint intergovernmental commission and its working groups. Cooperation
between Belarus and Germany in the field of agricultural education was discussed in the meeting with Dr.
Karl Wessels, the head of the department for individual households and education at the German Federal
Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. The parties agreed to extend the protocol for the
traineeship of young agrarian specialists of the Republic of Belarus in Germany. Talks were also held with
colleagues from Turkey, U.A.E., Moldova, Latvia, Argentina, Sweden, Russia and a number of other states.
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Prospects for further cooperation in the field of industrial cooperation were reviewed with such companies as
John Deere, Claas, said Alexei Bogdanov. In general, according to Leonid Marinich, the meetings and
negotiations, in particular with the representatives of the German business community, showed that there is
interest in developing cooperation with Belarus. Belarus has undertaken the measures to create an enabling
business environment and opportunities for business cooperation, including the participation of Belarus in the
Eurasian economic union. Established in 1926, International Green Week is a one-of-a-kind international
exhibition for the food, agricultural and horticultural industries. Among the participants of the 80th edition of
IGW are companies from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America (about 70 countries). The 2015
exhibition program, in addition to other activities, includes the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture
(GFFA), the Belarusian agricultural forum to promote international cooperation in the field of agriculture, the
food industry and food production.
http://eng.belta.by/all_news/economics/Kyrgyzstan-interested-in-supplies-of-Belarusian-agriculturalmachinery_i_78908.html?
IFC forum supports infrastructure development in Kyrgyzstan
23/01/2015
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, held a forum in Bishkek to examine the opportunities and
challenges of implementing public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Kyrgyzstan, part of an effort to help
improve the countrys infrastructure. The event explored how PPPs can help the Central Asian state address
some of its most pressing infrastructure needs, and focused on power stations, airports, and municipal
infrastructure. It examined best practices from around the world and featured case studies by leading private
investors, international financiers, consultants, and government representatives. In an effort to encourage
private sector investment in infrastructure, Kyrgyzstan has updated its PPP laws, making them compliant with
international best practices, and established a fund to develop and finance PPP projects. IFC has been
providing advice to national and municipal governments on designing and implementing PPPs for over 25
years. Since fiscal year 2004, they have signed over 200 projects in 76 countries, many in the worlds poorest
states. In 2014, IFC had an active portfolio of 80 PPP projects in 45 countries. In parallel, they invest in
private business implementing and operating PPPs around the world. http://www.akipress.com/news:554569/?
Are Chinese Investors Ditching Kyrgyzstan for Tajikistan?
23 January 2015
Central Asias two least-developed countries, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, are both heavily dependent on
Chinese investment these days. Now, it appears Chinese investors are tiring of persistent uncertainty in
Kyrgyzstan and are shunning the country in favor of neighboring Tajikistan. Government officials in
Tajikistan would have you believe that Central Asias poorest country is in the middle of an economic boom:
the impoverished state broke its annual production record for cement and increased gold output by roughly 25
percent in 2014. But theres a catch to the good economic news Chinese companies were responsible for
these achievements. In Kyrgyzstan, Chinese businesses also act as an economic lifeline, since overall foreign
direct investment (FDI) dropped by 35 percent in the first nine months of 2014 year-on-year, according to the
Finance Ministry. Two factors in Kyrgyzstan are causing Chinese investment to start tilting away Bishkeks
decision to join the Kremlin-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and Kyrgyzstans tumultuous political
climate. Neither Kyrgyzstan nor Tajikistan boasts an attractive investment climate. In the World Banks most
recent Doing Business ratings, of the 189 countries surveyed, Kyrgyzstan placed 102nd for overall ease of
doing business while Tajikistan ranked behind places like Iraq and Sudan at 166. Chinas Tajik projects have
fared somewhat better than their Kyrgyz ones in recent years. For example, state-owned minerals giant Zijin
Mining Group has gold concessions in both countries. Its 75-percent-owned Zarafshan concession in
Tajikistan accounted for 70 percent of the countrys three tons of gold output last year. The Chinese Embassy
in Dushanbe did not respond to EurasiaNet.orgs request for details. In Kyrgyzstan, meanwhile, the TaldyBulak Levoberezhny gold project, where Zijin holds a 60-percent interest, has been mired in problems since
the Chinese bought into it in 2011. In 2012, Zijin had to evacuate roughly 250 employees following a brawl
with locals; Kyrgyzstans deputy prime minister said this month that the project had not entered production on
schedule due to electricity shortages. Unfortunately, whether due to conflicts with the local population or
problems with licenses, very few projects reach the stage of completion in our country, said Askar Sydykov,
deputy director of the International Business Council, a lobby group in Bishkek. Compared to Tajikistan, with
its authoritarian-minded system under President Emomali Rakhmon, Sydykov believes that some Chinese
companies have found it harder to operate within Kyrgyzstans fractious semi-parliamentary political system,
full of different interests. Some Chinese companies the unethical ones might look for political cover [for
an investment] from a particular official. But in this system [in Kyrgyzstan], cover cannot be guaranteed,
Sydykov said. Alex Melikishvili, a regional analyst with IHS in Washington, argues it is premature to say
Chinese investors prefer Tajikistan. Beijings investments in Tajikistan are only just beginning to take off, he
32
notes, while Chinese companies have invested more in Kyrgyzstan over a longer period of time. Nevertheless,
Chinese companies have been more reluctant to expand in Kyrgyzstan recently. Melikishvili cites the Kyrgyz
governments failure last year to attract Chinese cash to build a major fertilizer plant in the south. Chinese
investors seem wary about Kyrgyzstans parliamentary elections this fall and will be watching very closely
how Kyrgyzstans Eurasian Economic Union membership might affect their business interests, Melikishvili
said, referring to the Moscow-led trade bloc Kyrgyzstan is scheduled to join in May. Russias economic crash
is heightening both countries need for foreign investment. With the Russian economy being dragged down by
Western sanctions and the falling price of oil, millions of Kyrgyz and Tajik labour migrants in Russia are hurt
by falling real wages. Remittances to Tajikistan, mostly from Russia, account for the equivalent of almost half
of GDP. Tajikistan is starting to feel the pain of economic slowdown in Russia and [Dushanbe] is actively
looking for foreign investments to compensate for the shortfall in remittances, Melikishvili noted. The
problem for both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan is that while Russia wants to retain economic control over the
both countries, it is in no position to invest. The Kremlin is unwilling to splurge on bilateral projects in such
risk-laden places, says Nozim Ishankulov, director of the Dushanbe-based think-tank Tajikistan Free Market
Centre. In recent times, Russia has begun to make more and more demands in return for investment, he told
EurasiaNet.org. With the rubble plunging and Russias economy forecast to shrink dramatically in 2015,
Moscow has more important things to worry about than ensuring Tajikistans economic growth. At the
same time, Russia is attempting to hinder further Chinese penetration into the Central Asian market. Many
local analysts believe Russia takes a dim view of Chinas growing business portfolio in an area it regards as its
sphere of influence. Unabashedly pro-Russian regional media outlets, including Stan Radar, have heaped
doubt on the benefits of Chinese investment in Kyrgyzstan and the region as a whole, while helping to stir up
already prevalent fears of massive Chinese in-migration. For the Tajik and Kyrgyz governments, Chinese
investments are proving to be a double-edged sword. Although needed, heavy Chinese investment has broad
implications for the economic and political sovereignty of both states. Gains from Chinese FDI in Tajikistan
and Kyrgyzstan have been be offset by ballooning sovereign debt, recent government figures show.
Obligations to Chinese state banks accounted for 42 percent of Tajikistans approximately $2.1 billion
external debt as of the end of last year. In Kyrgyzstan, outstanding loans from China total over $1 billion,
almost a third of the countrys foreign dues. In Tajikistans case, officials expect that proportion to increase
sharply in the near future. Deputy Finance Minister Jamoliddin Nuraliev, who happens to be the presidents
son-in-law, told the Financial Times in October that Chinese officials had promised his country $6 billion in
investments (70 percent of GDP) over the next three years. http://www.economywatch.com/features/AreChinese-Investors-Ditching-Kyrgyzstan-for-Tajikistan.01-23-15.html?
Kyrgyzstan to receive grant assistance of $22 mln on education
26/01/15
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) allocates grant assistance to Kyrgyzstan in the amount of $22 million to
support the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in addressing the major shortcomings of quality education
system, the ADB reported. According to it, the Minister of Finance Olga Lavrova and Director of ADB on the
country Rie Hiraoka signed two separate grant agreements for sector development program - to strengthen the
education system. The program will support reforms and other activities of the Education Development
Strategy for 2012-2020 and in accordance with National Sustainable Development Strategy for 2013-2017. It
will help the Government to complete the implementation of new curriculum, including math and science;
review the procedures for the development, publication and distribution of textbooks; implement a textbook
rental scheme, which allows the free provision of poor and vulnerable students. The program will also help to
implement a national development program for teachers; introduce a system of evaluation and career
development of teachers, where salary is associated with professional standards; and to develop and
implement a training program including e-learning for school principals and teaching staff. At least 10,000
teachers will upgrade their qualifications. "The government aims to create schools that meet the needs of a
modern economy, so the program will support about 30 schools in the form of innovation centres of learning
mathematics, science and technology, as well as cluster centres for the training of teachers. This experience
can be further extended. Schools will receive financial support for scientific laboratories and information and
communications technology, including software. Targeted schools will be located in poor and remote areas," a
statement said. The program complements the previous ADB assistance to the education sector, which began
in 1997. ADB assistance from its concessional Asian Development Fund will include grants for the project in
the amount of $12 million and program of budget support $10 million, which will be allocated in two
tranches. The Government will provide co-financing in the amount of $2.12 million. The new program will be
carried out for about 6 years, with an estimated completion date in August 2021.
http://www.eng.24.kg/community/174213-news24.html
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Kyrgyzstan ranks 4th among CIS countries on price increases in 2014
26/01/15
Kyrgyzstan ranks the 4th among CIS countries on price increases in 2014, the report of the International
Statistical group stated, citing GolosUA. As noted, the leader of the rating of price growth in the countries of
the former Soviet Union became Ukraine - 24.9 percent. In second place Belarus (16.2 percent), the third Russia with 11.5 percent. Then goes Kyrgyzstan (10.5 percent), Tajikistan and Kazakhstan (by 7.4 percent).
The most prosperous country in the post-Soviet space is Estonia - prices in 2014 rose by only 0.5 percent. As
noted, the list was compiled on the basis of open economic information by interviewing experts and
monitoring of prices in supermarkets and markets.
http://www.eng.24.kg/cis/174214-news24.html
Kyrgyzstan's economy 'moderately free' - 2015 Index of Economic Freedom
28/01/2015
The Kyrgyz Republics economic freedom score is 61.3, making its economy the 82nd freest in the 2015
Index of Economic Freedom, an annual guide published by The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage
Foundation. The 2015 Index evaluates economic conditions and government policies in 186 countries. The
and Switzerland (80.5). Kyrgyzstan's score has increased by 0.2 point since last year, with improvements in
trade freedom, freedom from corruption, and labour freedom outweighing declines in the control of
government spending, fiscal freedom, and business freedom. The Kyrgyz Republic is ranked 15th out of 42
countries in the AsiaPacific region, and its overall score is above the regional and world averages. Over the
past two years, the Kyrgyz Republic has re-established the positive growth in economic freedom it had
achieved prior to 2010. Solid gains have been made in opening the economy to trade and investment, but the
control of government spending continues to deteriorate. Compared to transitioning economies in Eastern
Europe, the Kyrgyz Republic lags behind in key indicators of economic freedom. Trade freedom has only
recently surpassed the global average, and the rule of law remains weak. Corruption, particularly surrounding
the presidents family and office, has been well documented. Courts remain largely unreformed, and property
rights are weak.http://www.akipress.com/news:554769/?
Society
Over 50 percent of 24.kg news agency respondents support ban on import of right-hand drive cars in
Kyrgyzstan
22/01/15
More than 50 percent of those polled readers of 24.kg news agency support a ban on import of RHD cars in
Kyrgyzstan. Data collected by the agency. The online survey involved 1,793 people. The issue of banning the
import of RHD cars in Kyrgyzstan was raised repeatedly. Only in late 2014, it took shape in the bill, initiated
by the Ministry of Interior. However, the parliament approved the document yet only in two readings. In this
case, the ban won't affect operation of already imported into the country cars with right wheel control.
According to Deputy Interior Minister Kursan Asanov, only in the last 11 months of 2014 about 48,000 such
vehicles were imported in Kyrgyzstan. "At the same time a number of accidents involving them have
increased. That is why we insist on banning the import of right-hand cars for road safety measures," he said,
speaking in the parliament. In the opinion of 38 percent of the survey participants, it is necessary to introduce
the ban. "It is possible to import, you can, if there will be a permit to use the already imported cars," 9 percent
of respondents believe. Another 4 percent said that it is necessary to introduce a ban, "otherwise mess on the
roads will only get worse," and "sooner or later we will have to introduce a ban." About 25 percent of
respondents of 24.kg news agency are strongly against the initiative. Another 7 percent believe that we
mustn't introduce the ban, "otherwise cars will rise in price." Another 4 percent of respondents are against the
ban, but they propose to increase taxes on such cars. "I think that authorities of the country will not be able to
introduce such a ban," 4 percent of respondents answer. More 2 percent of respondents said that they do not
care because they are not car owners. http://www.eng.24.kg/community/174177-news24.html
Kyrgyzstan to hold days of Turkmen culture
23/01/15
The days of Turkmen culture will be held in Kyrgyzstan. The Minister of Culture, Information and Tourism of
the Kyrgyz Republic Altynbek Maksutov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
Turkmenistan to the KR Batyr Niyazliev came to agreement yesterday. As reported by the Ministry of
Culture, the event is scheduled for May 9-11. The exhibition of children's drawings will be opened as well.
The 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality will be the main theme of these days. The Minister
Altynbek Maksutov added that in 2015 masters of Arts of Kyrgyzstan will attend the celebration of
declaration of Mary Turkmen city as cultural capital of the Turkic world.
34
http://www.eng.24.kg/culture/174193-news24.html
Law on Advertising comes into force in Kyrgyzstan
24/01/15
The Law "On Advertising" comes into force in Kyrgyzstan. Note, it has been altered. The President Almazbek
Atambayev signed a document, adopted by the Parliament on December 10, 2014. The law is aligned with
contractual legal framework of the Eurasian Economic Union on protection and development of competition.
Under the agreement, member-states shall conduct a coordinated policy in the field of consumer protection,
aimed at creating equal conditions for citizens on protection of their interests from unfair activities of business
entities. http://www.eng.24.kg/community/174203-news24.html
Tajikistan
Politics
Tajikistans envoy elected chairman of CSTOs Permanent Council
January 22, 2015
Tajikistans representative at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Badriddin Mirzoyev, has
been elected new chairman of the CSTO Permanent Council, CSTO Spokesman Vladimir Zainetdinov told
TASS on Thursday. The CSTO Permanent Council held its first meeting in 2015 on Thursday. The meeting
was attended by CSTO Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha and Chief of United Staff of the organization
Alexander Studenikin. In view of Tajikistans taking over presidency in the Collective Security Treaty
Organization in 2015, the Permanent Council re-elected its chairman, Zainetdinov said. Apart from that, the
Council discussed a project for the development of the institution of partnership in the area of military
economic cooperation within the CSTO. The agenda also included draft resolutions of the CSTO Defence
Ministers Council on enhancing the role of military educational institutions and research organizations in
training CSTO military personnel and on measures to improve personnel training and ensure better
coordination between military training and research institutions of the CSTO member countries. The Council
decided to refer these documents to the governments of member states.
http://itar-tass.com/en/world/772784
Russia reportedly set to include Tajikistan into Eurasian Economic Union
22/01/2015
The majority of Central Asian countries depend on remittances from labour migrants working in Russia,
which pave the way for Moscow to involve them into the Russia-backed Eurasian Economic Union,
AzerNews reports. Tajikistan, whose 72 percent of labour force is seeking employment in Russia, is believed
to be next goal for Moscow to be joined to EEU. Some 1.23 million out of 8-million population of Tajikistan
worked in Russia in 2013, according to the data released by the Federal Migration Service of Russia.
Remittances from Tajik workers living abroad stood at $3.587 billion in 2013, which accounts for 50 percent
of the countrys GDP. Some experts believe that Russia tries to use the labour migration issue against Central
Asian countries, in particular Tajikistan, to involve into the economic integration. As an example, in 2014,
Russian Federal Migration Service deported over 200,000 Tajik citizens who worked without proper
permission or committed administrative violations. Russian officials have repeatedly stated that Tajikistan
should join the EEU. Tajik officials, for their part, said they are studying the issue of EEU membership as
well. However, economic slowdown in Russia threatens to slow the expansion of the EEU. This slowdown
has already caused a significant reduction in the volume of remittances sent by migrant workers to their
countries. The Tajik government does too little to create new working places in the country. So, Tajik
migrants are in a deadlock in making a certain decision whether to stay in Russia or return home to
unemployment.
http://www.akipress.com/news:554546/?
Extraordinary session of Tajikistans upper house of parliament convened on January 24
January 23, 2015,
Speaker of Tajikistans upper house (Majlisi Milli) of parliament, Mahmad said Ubaidulloyev, yesterday
signed a resolution on convocation of an extraordinary session of the Majlisi Milli on January 24. Most
likely, President Emomali Rahmon will introduce staff changes to the Prosecutor-Generals Office and the
Supreme Court today and the Majlisi Milli will give consent to these staff changes, some sources say.
http://news.tj/en/news/extraordinary-session-tajikistan-s-upper-house-parliament-convened-january-24?
Tajikistan appoints new Prosecutor General
26/01/2015
New Prosecutor General of Tajikistan was appointed on January 24, 2015. Yusuf Rakhmonov thus replaced
Sherkhon Salimzoda by the suggestion of the President, Emomali Rahmon. The Upper House of the
Parliament endorsed the President's proposal to dismiss Salimzoda of his post during the extraordinary session
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on Saturday. Yusuf Rakhmonov, 49, graduated from the Law Faculty of the Tajik National University in
1991. In 2012-2014, was served as Senior Adviser to the Department of Public Security of the Tajik Security
Council. In December 2014, he was appointed First Deputy Chief of the President's Administration.
Tajikistan, Pakistan to set up JWG on the issues of combating international terrorism
January 26, 2015,
The board (Shuro) of Tajikistans lower chamber (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of parliament discussed the issue
of ratification of a government-to-government agreement between Tajikistan and Pakistan on setting up a joint
working group (JWG) on the issues of combating international terrorism at a January 26 meeting, presided
over by the Majlisi Namoyandagon Speaker, Shukurjon Zuhurov. Muhammadato Sultonov, a spokesman for
the Majlisi Namoyandagon, says the board also discussed amendments proposed to the countrys laws on
licensing separate types of activity, pensions, and moratorium on inspection of activities of production
enterprises as well as the countrys penal code. Issues related to ratification of the Tajikistan-Pakistan on
setting up a joint working group on the issues of combating international terrorism, a government-togovernment agreement between Tajikistan and China on extradition and exchange of convicted persons, and
the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the UN Specialized Agencies have been tabled to the agenda
of the next sitting of the sixth session of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the fourth convocation, Sultonov said.
We will recall that the government-to-government agreement between Tajikistan and Pakistan on setting up a
joint working group on the issues of combating international terrorism was singed here on June 17, 2014
during an official visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Tajikistan. The Convention on Privileges
and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies was adopted by UN General Assembly on November 21, 1947 to
extend similar privileges to the specialized agencies of the United Nations. This convention has been ratified
by 126 states.
http://news.tj/en/news/tajikistan-pakistan-set-jwg-issues-combating-international-terrorism?
Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Turkmenistan railway route to be determined this year
26.01.2015
The final version of Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Turkmenistan railway route will be determined this year, Tajik
Transport Minister Hayrullo Asozoda said on Monday. The final version of mentioned railway route will be
determined after Tajikistan reaches an agreement with Turkmenistan, the minister told at a press conference.
Tajikistan has already offered the line of its railway section with a total length of 161 kilometres, said
Asozoda adding that "we are waiting the Turkmen side to answer as soon as possible and only then will sign
an agreement. According to him, the next step will be a project feasibility study, with the 9 million U.S.
dollars fund provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). "The issue on feasibility study has been
discussed with our Turkmen colleagues and is expected to be resolved, Asozoda said. A memorandum of
understanding on the railway was signed by presidents of the three nations in Ashgabat on March 20, 2013.
The first track of the cross-border railway was laid in July 2013, which is expected to be completed in 2015.
Representatives of the three countries met in Ashgabat on April 18 to discuss route planning and financing.
The Islamic Development Bank has expressed interest in financing the Tajik section of the 1-billion-U.S.
dollar project.
http://www.avesta.tj/eng/business/4979-tajikistan-afghanistan-turkmenistan-railway-route-to-be-determinedthis-year.html?
Three Tajiks among Seven Victims Killed In Tripoli Hotel Attack
January 28, 2015
Libyan officials say three Tajik citizens were among seven victims killed during a terrorist attack on a luxury
hotel used by diplomats and businessmen in Tripoli. Libyan Interior Ministry spokesman Isam al-Nas says
other victims killed in the January 27 attack at Tripolis Corinthia Hotel included a U.S. citizen, a French
national, and two Libyan guards. Team Crucible LLC, a Virginia-based security firm, identified the slain
American as one of its employees. Three attackers also were killed. Witnesses said the attack was carried out
by at least five masked gunmen who stormed inside the lobby, shooting at staff and guests randomly. A car
bomb also was detonated during the attack. Authorities said they were not able to confirm a claim of
responsibility posted online by a group that also claims to be affiliated with Islamic State militants.
http://www.rferl.org/content/three-tajiks-among-victims-in-libya-terrorist-attack/26817649.html
Tajikistan Takes On the God Squad
January 28, 2015
Qishloq Ovozi is once again pleased to present the work of an up-and-coming authority in the field of Central
Asian studies. Edward Lemon has written many articles recently about the role of religion in Tajikistan and
about citizens of Tajikistan who leave the country to wage jihad. He has also been one of the panellists at a
roundtable hosted by RFE/RL's Turkmen Service. Below, he looks at the Tajik government's policy of
36
promoting secularism and of attempting to exert as much control as possible over the Islam inside the
country.
Tajikistan's Assertive Secularism: According to the first line of its constitution, "The Republic of Tajikistan
is a sovereign, democratic, law-governed, secular, and unitary state." President Emomali Rahmon frequently
repeats this mantra; he has uttered this precise phrase over 50 times in his speeches over the past five years.
Indeed, secularism ("dunyaviyat" in Tajik) plays a profound role in the way politics is practiced in Tajikistan.
Secularism offers a way of understanding and living in the world. Tajik secularism has its origins in 70 years
of Soviet repression of religion. As historian Adeeb Khalid astutely observes, Soviet rule created a "secular
Islam" in Central Asia. Islam is a key part of regional identity; it separates "locals" from Slavs. Popular
understandings of Islam do not correspond with a strictly defined set of beliefs or practices. One does not have
pray five times a day, donate money to charity, visit Mecca or fast during Ramadan to be Muslim. For many
Central Asians, drinking alcohol and being Muslim are not viewed as contradictory practices. Such positions
are now being challenged by a young population taking greater interest in their faith. I was interested to
observe at a wedding in Vanj during the summer of 2013 that it was only the older men who were
surreptitiously imbibing vodka; younger men shunned drinking as un-Islamic. Regardless of whether the
religiosity of the population is on the rise, secularism continues to inform the way most officials and
academics think about politics. What exists in Tajikistan, however, is not secularism where religion and nonreligion are treated on an equal basis, but secularism where certain forms of religion and non-religion are
prioritized while others are suppressed. In this assertive secularism, the state can regulate religion, but religion
cannot influence the state. Continuing in the footsteps of its Soviet predecessor, the Tajik government has
promoted a good, national religion and restricted bad, foreign forms of Islam. Why pursue such an assertively
secular policy? The answer is twofold. First, for the government secularism is intertwined with a particular
imagining of modernity. President Rahmon is seeking to emulate Western liberal democracies, which emerged
from the Wars of Religion and so the theory goes expunged religious influences from politics. Second,
secularism is seen as a means to guarantee national security; religion has the potential to destabilize the peace
that the regime has fought so hard to protect. Two secularist standpoints on religion emerge from this. First,
following Marx, religion is seen as epiphenomenal; it merely forms a mask for other interests. According to
this view -- and I have heard it espoused by a number of leading thinkers in the country -- the Islamic
Renaissance Party (IRPT) is not religious at all. Instead, it uses religion as a recruitment tool. In turn, IRPT
deputy Mahmadali Hait has stated that the Islamic State may profess its adherence to religion, but it is really
interested in earning money. According to a second secularist viewpoint, religion is seen as dangerous. A
recent row between the Academy of Sciences and IRPT illustrates this way of thinking. The argument began
when staunch atheist and member of the Academy of Sciences Hafiz Bobyorov likened the IRPT to the
Taliban or the Islamic State (IS) militant group. All three of these organizations "speak on behalf of God and
Muslims; this is in itself a threat," Bobyorov told RFE/RL's Tajik Service. In the interview, Boboyorov argued
that religion in itself does not pose a danger, it is only when religion is politicized that it becomes threatening.
His opinion seems to be shared by many Tajik officials, including Rahmon himself who frequently warns of
the danger posed by radical Islam. For the government, secularism is the panacea to the affliction of radical
Islam. At school, teachers encourage young people to internalize secular and patriotic values. This approach is
enshrined in the 2011 law on parental responsibility, which banned young people from mosques and told
parents to raise children with "humanist, patriotic values." In early January, over eight thousand students from
Sughd province sent a letter to the IRPT calling it to renounce the influence of religion over politics.
According to the letter, which was read on state television, "Tajikistan needs educated professionals, rather
than a religious political party." Religion is rendered a dangerous force that requires disciplining through
assertive secularism. Radical Islamists, according to this logic, have either been duped or lost their way.
Debates surrounding radicalization in Tajikistan have become de-politicized. Those who join extremist groups
lack knowledge of Islam, are poor or suffer from psychological problems. What is left out from these debates
is the role played by state secularism itself. The extremist groups themselves often cite the anti-religious
policy of the government as a main cause for jihad. In a video posted to the Russian social networking site
Odnoklassniki (Classmates) in December by a 26-year-old user calling himself Mujahed Kulyaba, a young
Tajik militant fighting with the Islamic States berates the kufr (nonreligious) policies of the Tajik authorities.
Rather than creating security for the Tajik people, state secularism breeds insecurity. Banning children from
mosques, restricting access to Islamic education and criminalizing Salafism merely pushes more young people
into the arms of radical groups. American philosopher William Connolly in his groundbreaking book "Why I
am not a Secularist," argues that secularism prioritizes non-religion over religion. Despite claiming to pursue
the goals of diversity and freedom, secularism slips into the realm of intolerance by asserting it is the only
legitimate form of living. For true pluralism to exist, both religion and non-religion need to be respected. To
achieve this, the government of Tajikistan would have to desist in its assertive secularist interventions in
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religious life and embrace the myriad practices of its diverse population. Edward is a PhD candidate at the
University of Exeter focusing on Central Asia and Russia. In his research, he examines the securitization of
Tajik migrants in Russia. Currently based in Moscow, he has spent over two years living and working in
Central Asia. His first peer reviewed journal article, which focused on political violence in Tajikistan, was
published in Central Asian Affairs in September 2014. His work has been published on EurasiaNet.org, BBC
Uzbek, Jihadology.net and the Geopolitical Monitor.
http://www.rferl.org/content/tajikistan-islamism-politics-extremism/26818031.html
Strategic
Russia Says Army Should Be Strengthened In 'Outpost' Tajikistan
January 28, 2015
DUSHANBE -- A senior Russian military official says Moscow wants to strengthen the Tajik army as "an
outpost of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Central Asia." Talking to journalists after
meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on January 28, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly
Antonov said the withdrawal of most Western combat troops from neighboring Afghanistan last year makes it
particularly important to bolster Tajikistan's military. He did not give details. The CSTO is a security alliance
comprising Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan -- the only member that
borders Afghanistan. Russian officials have voiced concern the reduction in U.S. and NATO troop numbers in
Afghanistan may increase the threat of militant violence faced by Central Asia and Russia. Some 7,000
military personnel are stationed in Tajikistan under the jurisdiction of the 201st base, Russia's largest non
naval military facility outside the country.
http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-says-army-to-be-strengthened-as-outpost-in-tajikistan/26817875.html
Four border guards of Tajikistan still held hostage in Afghanistan
27/01/2015
Four Tajik border guards, who are being held hostage in Afghanistan, have not yet been released, said
Abdujon Tavakkalzoda, the head of Khatlons Panj district. The Afghan side was supposed to hand over the
border guards to Tajik authorities on Sunday but the handover of the border guards did not take place for some
reasons and the Afghan side informed us about the postponement of the handover date, Tavakkalzoda said.
The captured Tajik border guards are reportedly in good condition. They are promised to be returned to
Tajikistan in the near future. The border guards were taken hostage by an unidentified group in Afghanistan
on December 19, 2014. On January 8, the Khatlon prosecutors office made public the identities of the four
border guards, thus confirming the reports about their abduction. They were border guards Farhod Kalonov,
19, Siroj Davlatov, 23, Tuychiboy Nourboyev, 19, and Mehroj Shodiyev, 20. The statement also said that the
commander of their military unit, Alimukhammad Dodokalonov, had been held responsible for the incident
and charged with negligence.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister arrives in Tajikistan for three-day working visit
27.01.2015
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoliy Antonov arrived here Tuesday morning for three-day working
visit to Tajikistan, a press service of Tajikistans Interior Ministry said. During his stay, Antonov met with the
Tajik Defence Minister, Lieutenant-General Sherali Mirzo and discussed issues related to state and prospects
of military and technical cooperation between Tajikistan and Russia. They also discussed issues on training of
personnel for the Tajik national army at Russian military schools, exchange of information and etc. The
Russian Deputy Defence Minister is expected to meet with Tajikistan's top political leadership. He will also
visit
Russian
201st
military
base
and
the
units
of
Tajik
Defence
Ministry.
http://www.avesta.tj/eng/security/4985-russian-deputy-defense-minister-arrives-in-tajikistan-for-three-dayworking-visit.html?
Economic/Energy
Gazprom explores industrially unfit gas field in Tajikistan, says Tajik minister
January 22, 2015,
Gazprom International, which is an affiliate of Russias state-controlled company Gazprom, has explored
large reserves of hydrocarbons in Tajikistan, which are unfit for industrial use, Tajik Minister of Energy and
Water Resources Usmonali Usmonzoda announced at a news conference in Dushanbe on January 21. He
noted that Gazprom International last year completed exploration operations at the Sariqamish gas field.
Eight potential gas-and-oil-bearing strata that are unfit for industrial use have been explored, the minister
38
said. Asked about rumours that Gazprom International is going to leave Tajikistan, Usmonzoda denied them
as unfounded. The Gazprom institutes will study the exploration operation results during this year and the
second point for drilling will be determined, the minister noted. He further added that Gazprom International
would launch the exploration operations at the Western Shohambari field this year. We will recall that
Gazprom has given up exploration and development of Sargazon and Rengan gas fields in Tajikistan and
decided to focus on exploration and development of the Sariqamish and Western Shohambari gas fields.
Gazprom International completed the drilling of the Shahrinva-1P wildcat well at the Sariqamish field on June
11, 2014. They reached the target well depth of 6,450 meters. Gazproms licenses for exploration of the
Sariqamish and Western Shohambari fields were extended for five years in September 2013. During his visit
to Tajikistan, Gazprom chief Alexei Miller told journalists on September 18, 2013 that his company is
interested in obtaining more licenses to explore natural-gas fields in Tajikistan. According to Miller, Gazprom
has invested some $150 million in two major natural-gas fields in Tajikistan's north since 2010. In August
2013, Gazprom reportedly announced an additional $15 million investment in its operations at the Sariqamish
gas field. Cooperation between the Tajik government and Russias state-controlled company Gazprom is
regulated by a long-term (till 2028) agreement on strategic cooperation in the gas industry signed between
Gazprom and Tajikistans Ministry of Energy in Dushanbe on May 15, 2003 and a memorandum of intent on
launching joint Tajik-Russian enterprises of March 28, 2006. Gazprom has been working in Tajikistan on
providing the beginning of geological explorations since July 2006. According to expert estimates, the
aggregate raw-materials resources of the oil and gas bearing areas in Tajikistan amount to about 1,000 billion
tons of reference fuel. At the same time, production work at oil and gas fields require considerable
expenditure, since hydrocarbon deposits occur at depths ranging from 6.5 to 8 kilometres.
http://news.tj/en/news/gazprom-explores-industrially-unfit-gas-field-tajikistan-says-tajik-minister?
Russia to provide Tajikistan with 830,000 tons of duty-free in 2015
22.01.2015
Russia will provide Tajikistan with 830,000 tons of duty-free oil products this year, Usmonali Usmonzoda, the
Tajik Minister of Energy and Water Resources said at a press conference here on Wednesday. The indicative
fuel balance for 2015 was endorsed by the Energy Ministries of Tajikistan and Russia, Usmonzoda said. He
underlined that, last year Tajikistan managed to import only 576,000 tons of duty-free oil products from
Russia though the indicative fuel balance for 2014 provided for delivering 1 million tons of duty-free oil
products to Tajikistan. Tajikistan and Russia signed the agreement on duty-free Russian oil product deliveries
to Tajikistan in February 2013. Under this agreement, the sides discuss and endorse the indicative fuel balance
for the next calendar before October 1 of each year. Fuels delivered in addition to the indicative fuel balance
will be liable to export duty. Russian oil products delivered to Tajikistan in the volumes not exceeding those
agreed on indicative balance are not subject to re-export to the third countries.
http://www.avesta.tj/eng/4961-russia-to-provide-tajikistan-with-830000-tons-of-duty-free-in-2015.html?
Tajikistan finds investors for financing of its part of CASA 1000 Project
22.01.2015
Tajikistan found investors for financing of its part of the Central Asia South Asia Electricity Transmission and
Trade Project (CASA 1000), Usmonali Usmonzoda, the Minister of Energy and Water Resources said at a
press conference here on Thursday. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the
Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Kuwaiti Fund for Economic Development are ready to finance the
Tajik part of the project, said Usmonzoda, adding that "we have just to sign the agreements with them. "The
EBRD has agreed to provide 65 million U.S. dollars. This issue will be discussed at the meeting with the
EBRD representatives to be held here in the coming days, said Usmonzoda. He further added that the World
Bank (WB) had already approved a 45 U.S. dollars million grant for implementation of the Tajik part of the
CASA 1000 project."Besides, the United States government will provide 75 million U.S. dollars through the
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Tajikistan will contribute 15 million U.S.
dollars, said Usmonzoda. CASA 1000 is designed to transmit 1,300MW of surplus electricity from Tajikistan
and Kyrgyzstan through Afghanistan, which is going to consume 300MW, to Pakistan. The CASA 1000
Project is expected to develop the necessary physical infrastructure and create the institutional and legal
framework to transmit surplus power available from existing generation facilities in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan
to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The physical infrastructure for CASA 1000 is likely to include: a 500 kV high
voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system between Tajikistan and Pakistan through Afghanistan; an
AC transmission link from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to connect to the HVDC line from Tajikistan to South
Asia; and the necessary electricity sub-stations in Kabul, Peshawar and Sangtuda (in Tajikistan).
http://www.avesta.tj/eng/4963-tajikistan-finds-investors-for-financing-of-its-part-of-casa-1000-project.html?
Tajikistan expected to develop a new textile and clothing sector strategy
January 27, 2015,
39
The Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan and the International Trade Center (ITC) jointly
start a series of stakeholders consultations to develop a new five-year Textile and Clothing Strategy for the
country. According to ITC Tajikistan, the first consultative technical workshop gathering the related
governmental agencies, international organizations, and the private sector will take place at Sheraton Hotel in
Dushanbe on January 27-28. This initiative is funded by the Government of Switzerland within its Trade
Cooperation Program (TCP) in Tajikistan. In 2009, the International Trade Centre (ITC) assisted the Republic
of Tajikistan to elaborate its Textile and Clothing Export Development Strategy for 2010-2013. Mr. Shavkat
Bobozoda, the Minister of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan, evaluating the previous strategys
results as successful, underlines the high implementation rate achieved and notes the necessity to build on this
experience and draw lessons for the next five-year period. Mr. Bobozoda says: The previous strategy
provided a vital roadmap to align efforts and ensure a coordinated approach to address the identified
orientations. We improved quality management systems, raised Tajik specialists awareness of the modern
market requirements, developed new markets and suppliers, as well as improved our market presence and
reputation. Mr. Eric Buchot, Senior Officer, Export Strategy Section, ITC Geneva, says: Having in mind
successes and shortfalls from the previous strategy, the challenge that stands before us is to ensure that the
Textile and Clothing industry of Tajikistan is strategically positioned and adequately capacitated to face the
constantly evolving competitive landscape that characterizes this sector. During this first consultation
stakeholders will be called upon to reach consensus on the industrys current performance, key
competitiveness issues, as well as the strategic orientations required to achieve a decisive competitive edge.
Investment in advanced technologies and enhanced efficiency through training and development of human
resources are some of the means towards this objective. The International Trade Centre has carried out a
preliminary industry assessment, results of which will serve as a baseline to identify the competitiveness
constraints and opportunities for the sector through a market-led approach. During the first consultation
preliminary results of the assessment of the Tajikistan textile and clothing sector carried out by the ITC will
be reviewed and validated, priorities and untapped opportunities for the sector will be identified, and a
strategic implementation plan will be drafted. The new strategy is expected to cover a wider range of issues,
such as addressing the limitations on the supply side, business environment and market entry, reinforcing
institutional structure and capacities, diversifying the implementing partners, and etc. The present project is
component FOUR of the Trade Cooperation Program (TCP) in Tajikistan and aims to increase the export
competitiveness of the textile and clothing (T&C) sector, by providing sector specific support to SMEs and
relevant trade support institutions (TSIs), as well as supporting respective stakeholders in taking a strategic
approach to the sectors development. It will also explore the challenges and development potential of the
tourism and handicraft sectors in Tajikistan, outlining relevant trade related technical assistance priorities.
Within its Cooperation Strategy for 2012-2015, Switzerland focuses on four sectors in Tajikistan; Health,
Rule of Law, Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation, and Private Sector Development. The overall goal of
Swiss Cooperation in Tajikistan is to support the transition process in the country through contributing to
economic development and by helping build institutions and systems which are responsive to the populations
needs. http://news.tj/en/news/tajikistan-expected-develop-new-textile-and-clothing-sector-strategy?
27 January 2015
million with an increase of 28.5% compared with the same period in 2013. This indicates that posed by
Emomali Rahmon and Xi Jinping goal - to increase trade between China and Tajikistan to $3 billion by 2020 is achievable," he said. According to his words, China is the largest investor in Tajikistan. This shows that the
generated model of economic relations works effectively; it creates production chains, new jobs in both
countries, and improves social conditions. Meanwhile, according to the Statistics Agency under the President
of Tajikistan, last year the volume of trade turnover with Kazakhstan amounted to $858.8 million, which is
20.5% more than in 2013. http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2740639?
Tajikistan economy 'mostly unfree' ranking 140th in 2015 Index of Economic Freedom
28/01/2015
Tajikistans economic freedom score is 52.7, making its economy the 140th freest in the2015 Index of
2015 Index evaluates economic conditions and government policies in 186 countries. The 'free' economies in
2015 are in Hong Kong (89.6), Singapore (89.4), Australia (81.4), New Zealand (82.1), and Switzerland
(80.5). Tajikistan's economy is in the group 'mostly unfree' with the score that went up by 0.7 point since last
40
year, with improvements in six of the 10 economic freedoms, including business freedom, the control of
government spending, and freedom from corruption, offsetting a large decline in financial freedom. Tajikistan
is ranked 31st out of 42 countries in the AsiaPacific region, and its overall score is lower than the world
average. Tajikistans relatively stable overall level of economic freedom in recent years masks large score
declines in financial freedom and labor freedom that offset more modest gains in other areas. Over the past
five years, economic freedom in Tajikistan has declined by 0.8 point, with losses in four of the 10 economic
freedoms. A five-year civil war destroyed much of Tajikistans economic infrastructure and institutions. The
rule of law is extremely weak, and the presidents family dominates key positions in government and
business. Poverty is rampant, and inefficient business regulations inhibit individuals from lifting themselves
from poverty. The trade environment limits investment and the transfer of productive technologies.
Society
Tajikistan: Is Threat to Close Turkish Schools Linked to Extradition Attempt?
22/01/2015
Tajikistans public schools are known to be among the poorest in the former Soviet Union. Yet a highlyregarded network of private schools run by a group with ties to an embattled Turkish cleric is facing closure.
The schools are caught in the middle of political manoeuvring between Tajikistan and Turkey, according to
some analysts. The network of six schools which offer instruction in Turkish and English and are known
locally as Turkish schools are run by a locally registered company called Shalola. The government is
holding up the renewal of Shalolas license. Education Minister Nuriddin Saidzoda announced at a January 5
news conference that the government would renew the license if the schools adopted a charitable operational
model. Right now, tuition costs $133 per month, or $1,330 per academic year. This company may provide
Tajikistan all the help it wants to on a charitable basis, Saidzoda said. The schools are sometimes also called
Glen schools because they operate according to educational principles established by exiled Turkish
cleric Fethullah Glen, known for his moderate interpretation of Islam. Glen was once an ally of Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdoan. But the two fell out in December 2013 amid a corruption investigation into
members of Erdoans inner circle, a probe that the president blamed on followers of Glen. Erdoan has
since sought the clerics extradition from the United States, where Glen has lived since 1998. Glen, in turn,
has become a prominent critic of the Turkish president. The company operating the network of schools in
Tajikistan was founded by Glen ally Kemal Erimez, according to Shalola head Sabahittin Gnay. But Gnay
argues that the six schools which offer primary and high school curricula and currently enroll 2,468 students
have always been registered and operated under Tajik legislation. When the schools were set up in
Tajikistan during the 1990s, a time when the country was engulfed in a civil war, they provided free education
for some students on a merit-based system. But Shalola head Gnay says his company has never been a
charity organization and has no plans to become one. Our high schools have their own image in Tajikistan,
gained through the years. We cannot break this structure, but we are willing to negotiate. If the Tajik
authorities invite us to discuss it, we are ready to listen to their position, Gnay told EurasiaNet.org. That is
unlikely to happen, however, because Dushanbe is bending to pressure from Turkey, says economist
Khojimuhamad Umarov of Tajikistans Academy of Sciences. They [Tajik authorities] do not have to do this
[close the schools]. It is important to consider the effectiveness of these schools and compare them to other
schools in Tajikistan, Umarov told EurasiaNet.org, going on to praise the students he has known from the socalled Turkish schools. Some also see political motives behind the Tajik governments stance toward the
schools. In December, shortly before the education ministers announcement, a bte noire of Tajik President
Emomali Rahmon was arrested in Turkey on an alleged visa violation. Umarali Kuvvatov is a former oil
trader and business partner of Rahmons son-in-law. Since falling out with the Tajik first family, he has been a
vocal critic of the president, leading a small online opposition group, Gruppa 24. Tajikistan has tried
repeatedly to secure Kuvvatovs extradition on corruption charges as he has moved from Dubai to Russia
to Turkey. Though few believe Kuvvatov is clean, the charges in Tajikistan are widely seen as politically
motivated. On January 21, Freedom House called on Turkey not to extradite him, arguing that if returned to
Tajikistan, Kuvvatov will not be able to receive a fair trial, and he will be at serious risk of mistreatment in
prison. Kuvvatov clearly makes the Rahmon regime nervous. In October, he promised to mobilize his
followers via the social networking website Facebook to mount a protest in Dushanbes central square. The
regime deployed armored vehicles to prevent a gathering, but no one showed up. If they close the Turkish
schools in exchange for Kuvvatov, it would be very thoughtless, Umarov said. It would cost Tajikistan a lot.
He is worth nothing to sacrifice schools of such quality. Bekhruz Sharifi, an alumnus of a Turkish school,
defends the curriculum and tuition, arguing that the personal attention from his teachers taught him
discipline after spending six years as an uncontrollable child at a public school. Certainly, when you feel
41
constant care and attention from your teachers, you change your behavior. Where else can you see such care?
Sharifi, now a student at Istanbul National University, told EurasiaNet.org. Why decrease the fees? To make
the quality of the education worse? It would not take much of a campaign to discredit the schools, fears
Umarov, the economist. Though the schools have a solid track record of success, a widely held perception
among the general public is that they somehow indoctrinate students with pro-Turkish views. Indeed, similar
arguments were used to shut down analogous schools in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Turkish schools still
turn out lots of high-achieving graduates in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. I know alumni of these schools, and
I dont know anyone who has pan-Turkish views. These young people are real patriots of Tajikistan, Umarov
said. Abubakr Boboev, an alumnus of a Turkish school in Dushanbe, says there was no Turkish propaganda in
his classes. There was an emphasis on humanity and courtesy at school. We were told that wherever we go to
study [for university], we have to come back home and work for the prosperity of Tajikistan and be useful to
our society, Boboev told EurasiaNet.org. http://www.eurasianet.org/node/71736?
Formation of Public Council for police reform considered in Tajikistan
23.01.2015
An OSCE-supported roundtable on January 22 concluded the work of the Civil Society Advisory Group on
the formation of the Public Council for police reform assistance in Kulyab and Kurgan-Tyube of Khatlon
region in Tajikistan. The one-day roundtable brought together some 15 representatives of local public
organizations based in Kulyab and 20 representatives of Kurgan-Tyube, as well as locals. They discussed the
procedures of membership applications to the Public Council and made a list of candidates from civil society
wishing to join and work on police reform. Khaidar Makhmadiyev, National Liaison Officer on Police Reform
at the OSCE Office in Tajikistan said: Only the Public Council as a platform can actually enable citizens of
Tajikistan to participate in the Tajik police reform process, while ensuring the rule of law, protection of
human rights and reedoms in its activities, and strengthening the legal and democratic state in Tajikistan. The
Office also informed civil society on the deadline for last remarks and comments around the draft law on
police, on 1 March 2015. The round table was organized in conjunction with Kulyab Field Office on the
initiative of the Interior Ministry of Tajikistan. Similar meetings will be conducted by the OSCE Office in
Tajikistan in Garm on 27 January and in Khujand on 30 January.
U.S. government provides technical assistance to water users associations in southern Tajikistan
28.01.2015
The U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan Susan Elliott and the USAID representatives, along with the Governor of
Khatlon Province Davlatsho Gulmahmadzoda, participated in ceremonies to hand over irrigation machinery to
communities in Khatlon Province, according to a press release by the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday. The
Jilikul Federation of Water Users Association received an excavator valued at 112,000 U.S. dollars and Nahri
Qumsangir Federation of Water Users Association received a tractor/backhoe valued at 44,900 U.S. dollars.
Ambassador Elliott also presided over the inauguration of the Obrason-K Water Users Associations new
office building. The water user associations (WUAs) were formed through an open and participatory process
involving small-scale and commercial farmers, community leaders, and government officials. Ambassador
Elliott recognized that associations like this one are best placed to manage the local irrigation system and to
ensure fair and consistent water delivery. She noted that they are one of the keys to improving incomes and
well-being for millions of Tajik citizens, as well as increasing overall economic growth in the country. The
USAID Family Farming Program (FFP) is one of several Feed the Future projects implemented in Tajikistan
by USAID on behalf of the American people. Since October 2010, FFP has established and supported 60
WUAs and four Federations of WUAs in Khatlon Province, providing efficient and equitable irrigation water
supply to 122,653 hectares of land and more than 825,300 people. Todays events mark the completion of the
USAID Family Farming Program (2010 to 2015). A final conference will be held in Qurghonteppa on January
29, 2015.The United States Government is committed to continuing its support and assistance to the people of
Tajikistan. Since 1992, the American people have provided over $1 billion in programs and humanitarian aid
that support Tajikistans democratic institutions, health care, education and economic growth.
http://www.avesta.tj/eng/goverment/4992-us-government-provides-technical-assistance-to-water-usersassociations-in-southern-tajikistan.html?
42
Turkmenistan
Politics
Turkmenistan to extend new railway project through Balkh, Kunduz
23/01/2015
President Ashraf Ghani announced that Turkmenistan plans to extend a new railway project through northern
Faryab province and on through Balkh and Kunduz provinces. The new railway will connect Aqina and
Andkhoy in northern Faryan provinces and will pass through Sheberghan, Mazar-e-Sharif, Kunduz and Sher
Khan Bandar. The project will further be assessed to connect to Tajikistan and onward to China. According to
reports, the project is already in motion and survey works are mostly completed. The announcement came
after his meeting withTurkmen President Qurban Bardi Mohammadov where the parties conferred on
strengthening bilateral ties. President Ghani referred to the meeting as very constructive and successful. A
Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two governments on further development of
cooperation in the field of electric power. A Joint Communiqu and a number of other documents were also
signed to boost cooperation between the two nations.
http://wadsam.com/afghan-business-news/turkmenistan-to-extend-new-railway-project-through-balkhkunduz-232/?
Turkmenistan Ready to Cooperate Afghanistan Peace Process: President Spokesman
January 26, 2015
Kabul (BNA) in the continuation of support of neighbouring and regional countries from the Afghan peace
process, this time, Turkmenistan has said that it is ready to cooperate the Afghan government in this field. The
authorities of the Afghan government have also said that Turkmenistan is ready to cooperate Afghan
government peace process. The presidential spokesman Nazifullah Salarzai has told the media that
Turkmenistan has expressed readiness to help the Afghan government and the Afghan government welcomes
this gesture of Turkmenistan government. Following obtaining the post of President Mohammad Ashraf
Ghani travelled to a number of counties including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and China and talked on Afghan
peace process with the relevant authorities of these countries and requested their cooperation in this respect.
The neighbouring country of Turkmenistan expressed its support of Afghan peace process two days ago
during visit of president Ghani and is ready to fulfil any demand. Calling the role of Turkmenistan on this
field important, the High Peace Council (HPC) said that it is ready to support any country those cooperate in
bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan. Member of HPC Mohammad Amin Weqad said Turkmenistan
has good relations either with the Afghan government or the armed Taliban insurgents and is capable to host
peace talks. So we appreciate any step taken for restoration of peace. At the same times a number of experts
and lawmakers in their talks, on peace process expressed optimism on the role of neighbouring countries
particularly Turkmenistan who has been playing suitable geographical policy to host peace talks. They said
until the warring factions have not showed decline towards peace talks, no effort will be useful. If the Afghan
government and Afghan political parties co-host peace talks, the outcome will be positive. Because the
Afghans know that they can overcome all challenges with national unity. They are optimist of peace efforts of
the Afghan government and believe that if the neighbouring countries honestly cooperates this process, no
doubt Afghanistan will achieve a reliable peace. Ekram Andishmand a political expert believes: this a clear
fact that the neighbouring counties can play constructive role in the direction of peace and stability in
Afghanistan and they could be effective in closeness of countries and removal of misunderstanding, and the
need of mutual cooperations among neighbouring countries in economic security and political fields,
continued visits at different level can help reduction of problems and convergence of countries, because
ensuring peace in Afghanistan causes peace in the region, world. The Afghan lower house said that until the
neighbouring countries dont cooperate honestly in the direction of peace and war on terror with Afghanistan,
peace will never be restored in Afghanistan. A number of citizens have different opinions on peace talks with
opposition group and said The Afghan government has established friendly relations with all countries of the
world and asks the neighbouring countries to help it in this process and without partnership of these countries
no process will be succeeded. Ahmad Fawad a local citizen said, Afghanistan is among the countries that
have given the most victims in war on terror which are still going on. The neighbouring countries should stand
beside the Afghan government, because restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan results in peace in
the region. While so far many countries including the USA have made efforts for preparing of opposition
groups for peace talks but have failed to achieve expected results that could culminate on peace and stability
in Afghanistan. But the Afghan people are hopeful that ultimately peace efforts would be positively
concluded. Suraya Raiszada.
http://www.bakhtarnews.com.af/eng/politics/item/16090-turkmenistan-ready-to-cooperate-afghanistan-peaceprocess-president-spokesman.html?
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Turkmenistan, Netherlands discuss bilateral cooperation prospects
28 January 2015,
A meeting with a delegation of the foreign ministry of the Netherlands, headed by Deputy Head of Climate
and Energy Department Tessa Jantine Terpstra was held at the Turkmen foreign ministry. The current status
and prospects of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Netherlands were discussed during this
meeting. The specific areas for further cooperation were determined during the meeting, Neutral
Turkmenistan newspaper reported referring to the Turkmen foreign ministry. In particular, the sides
exchanged the views as part of the expansion of the mutually beneficial partnership in the political, tradeeconomic areas focusing on the Dutch companies intensified activity on the Turkmen market. The
intensification of cooperation as part of the Turkmenistan-EU dialogue, as well as international and regional
issues was on the agenda of the Turkmen-Dutch talks. Turkmenistan intends to hold the events in honor of the
20th anniversary of its neutrality. The Dutch side expressed a desire to participate there. These issues were
also discussed during the meeting. http://en.trend.az/casia/turkmenistan/2357776.html?
Turkey, Turkmenistan look to boost cooperation
28 January 2015
Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has visited Turkmenistan to boost bilateral cooperation. Foreign
Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu visited Turkmenistan on Wednesday to boost bilateral cooperation on economy,
energy security and transportation, diplomatic sources said. Cavusoglu also met his Turkmenistan counterpart
Rasit Meredow during which he stressed on the importance of increasing economic and trade relations. "The
two ministers discussed energy security and transportation as well," the sources added. Meredow mentioned
that Turkmenistan and Turkey were "one nation, two states," and said that relations between the two countries
were "efficient." The foreign minister also said that there were more than 600 Turkish firms in Turkmenistan.
Cavusoglu also met Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who will pay a visit to
Turkey on March 3, 2015. In the meeting, the foreign minister hoped that Turkey's $ 2.6 billion export
to Turkmenistan would get a boost during the year.
http://www.aa.com.tr/en/rss/457372--turkey-turkmenistan-look-to-boost-cooperation?
Strategic
Economic/Energy
Afghan President Discusses Energy Projects in Turkmenistan
January 22, 2015
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was in Turkmenistan on January 22 for the second day of a two-day official
visit. Turkmenistan's presidential press office says Ghani met in Ashgabat with President Gurbanguly
Berdymukhammedov on January 21. It said the two discussed construction of a proposed natural gas pipeline
linking Turkmenistan with India through Afghanistan and Pakistan. They also discussed a proposal for a
railway linking Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, as well as possible increased electricity deliveries
from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, In Kabul, Afghan Senator Gul Muhammad Rasuli expressed concerns in
parliament on January 21 about reports that Islamist militants, mainly Central Asians, have been seen along
the Afghan-Turkmen border in recent months. The border area had been stable for most of the past decade.
But in 2013, militants began staging attacks, including cross-border raids. Turkmen officials say several of
their border guards were killed in 2013 by unknown assailants who attacked from the Afghan side of the
border.http://www.rferl.org/content/ghani-in-turkmenistan-discusses-energy-security/26807399.html
January 27, 2015
A new report says economic freedom in several countries of the Baltics, the Caucasus, the Balkans, and
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Only five earned the designation as a free economy Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, and
Switzerland.http://www.rferl.org/content/economic-freedom-russia-heritage-foundation-report/26815872.html
Afghanistan, Turkmenistan sign cooperation pact in the field of electric power
22/01/2015
President Ashraf Ghani led a high-level delegation to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan to confer on enhancing
bilateral relations between the two nations. He was accompanied by his two vice-presidents, Gen. Abdur
Rashid Dostam and Mohammad Mohaqiq, National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar and Chief Executive
Officer of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), Abdul Razique Samadi. President Ghani said his country
supports the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, which
stretches from the largest gas field in Turkmenistan, Galkynysh, through Afghanistans provinces of Herat and
Kandahar to Fazilka, area located between India and Pakistan. Turkmenistan is one of the main suppliers of
electricity to Afghanistan. Afghanistan will receive up to 500 megawatts of Turkmen electricity after
completion of construction of power plants and other facilities in Lebap and Mary provinces of Turkmenistan.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two governments on further development of
cooperation in the field of electric power. A Joint Communique and a number of other documents were also
signed to boost cooperation between the two nations.
http://wadsam.com/afghan-business-news/afghanistan-turkmenistan-sign-cooperation-pact-in-the-field-ofelectric-power-232/?
Chinese CNPC's current Turkmenistan gas imports reach 35 Bcm/year
27 Jan 2015
China is currently receiving 96 million cubic meters of gas per day via pipeline from Turkmenistan,
translating into 35.04 billion cubic meters annually, state-owned China National Petroleum Corp said Tuesday
on its website. Gas sales to China started in late 2009 under a 30-year, 30 Bcm/year deal agreed between
CNPC and Turkmengaz. The two companies have since then agreed to boost China's imports of Turkmen gas
to 40 Bcm/year by 2015 and 65 Bcm/year by 2020. CNPC said the current daily gas offtake from the Central
Asian country is a 26.3% increase from the same time last year and 93% of the 20 million cu m/day
incremental supply has come from its own Amu Darya gas project on the right bank of the Amu Darya river.
http://www.platts.com/latest-news/natural-gas/singapore/chinese-cnpcs-current-turkmenistan-gas-imports26993230?
Turkmenistan's economy 'repressed' 2015 Index of Economic Freedom
28/01/2015
Turkmenistans economic freedom score is 41.4, ranking its economy the 172nd in the 2015 Index of
Economic Freedom out of 186 countries. The 2015 Index evaluates economic conditions and government
policies in 186 countries. Since its inception in 1995, it has tracked the progress of economic freedom around
the globe and measured the impact of advancing economic liberty. As the 2015 Index shows, the precipitous
decline of Americas economic freedom since 2008 has been arrested. However, the United States remains
stuck in the 12th spot globally. Continuing to trail such comparable economies as New Zealand, Australia,
Switzerland, and Canada, America remains only mostly free as it has since 2010. Turkmenistan's score has
declined by 0.8 point since last year, with improvements in freedom from corruption, trade freedom, and the
control of government spending outweighed by a combined decline in labour freedom, monetary freedom, and
fiscal freedom. Turkmenistan is ranked 41st out of 42 countries in the AsiaPacific region, and its overall
score is significantly lower than the world and regional averages. Turkmenistan is one of the worlds most
closed and most centralized countries. Apart from natural gas exports, it engages little with the outside world,
and a large proportion of its society lives in poverty. Since 2011, economic freedom in Turkmenistan has
declined by 2.2 points, reflecting a further worsening of already strict labor rules and increasing inflation.
Turkmenistan ranks last in the world for its investment regime, and state-owned enterprises dominate much of
the domestic economy and formal sector. The executive controls all three branches of government, making
judicial independence impossible. Corruption and nepotism limit the economic prospects of those who are not
well connected. http://www.akipress.com/news:554766/?
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Society
Tajikistan lost to Turkmenistan 2-0 in Commonwealth Cup quarterfinals
22.01.2015
Tajikistan lost to Turkmenistan 2-0 in Commonwealth Cup quarterfinals that held in Saint Petersburg (Russia)
on Wednesday, according to Tajikistans National Olympic Committee (NOC). Finland, Belarus,
Turkmenistan and South Africa advanced into Commonwealth Cup semi finals, while Kyrgyzstan,
Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Russia will fight for 5-8th places in the mini-tournament.
http://www.avesta.tj/eng/4960-tajikistan-lost-to-turkmenistan-2-0-in-commonwealth-cup-quarterfinals.html?
Oil and gas workers of Turkmenistan losing jobs after criticism of Berdimuhamedov
27/01/2015
Departments of the Ministry of Oil and Gas and the Office of Mineral Resources of Turkmenistan are
undergoing staff cuts, and the salaries of remaining employees are being decreased, according to The
Chronicles of Turkmenistan. This started following the Turkmen Presidents announcement at the extended
government session on 9 January that the economic performance of the oil and gas sector did not meet
qualifying requirements despite the fact that huge amounts of money were being invested to foster the
development of the domestic fuel and energy sector. The countrys leader called for strong measures to be
undertaken with a view to increasing the efficiency of their performance. A serious drop in the exchange rate
of the Turkmen man at to the US dollar and other currencies, a price hike in the public and private sectors and
reduced subsidies and allowances suggest serious problems in the countrys economy as a whole. The main
source for replenishing Turkmenistans budget is the gas sold to Iran, Russia and China. However, in August
2014 Iran, represented by Oil Minister Bijan Zangan, stated that they no longer needed Turkmen gas, and in
October the Russian-based Gasprom said they would not purchase gas from Turkmenistan. China is still
importing 25 billion cubic meters of Turkmen gas a year, but a considerable part of this volume is used to
repay Turkmenistans debts to its eastern partner. Thus, profits from gas exports, the backbone of the
Turkmen economy, have dropped considerably. Ashirkuli Begliev, the new chairman of Turkmengas
holding, appointed to this position on 9 January, started his work by cutting costs, which resulted in staff
redundancies, primarily staff at gas compressor stations. The stations located along Turkmenistans southern
and northern pipelines, used to transport gas to Iran and Russia respectively, saw a significant downsizing.
Turkmenistan: Black cars 'banned' by customs officials
27 January 2015
White seems to be the new black in Turkmenistan, at least when it comes to buying cars. Customs officials in
the Central Asian country have reportedly refused to allow the importation of black vehicles, according to
Chrono-tm.org, a Vienna-based opposition website. They haven't given a reason for the decision, but are
advising importers to buy white vehicles instead because it's considered a lucky colour, the website says.
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov recently started using a convoy of white limousines to travel to
public events, and about 160 top-ranking officials, including the heads of the country's main media outlets,
promptly followed suit, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported in September. The paintwork
restrictions are just the latest in a long list of rules, which includes a ban on the importation of coupes,
supercars and vehicles with personalised number plates or tinted windows. Turkmens have become
accustomed to eccentric restrictions on daily life, which often seem to be imposed at the president's whim. In
2014, residents in the capital, Ashgabat, protested after authorities demanded they remove airconditioning units from blocks of flats in order to improve the city's appearance. The government has also
been spending billions of dollars remodelling the capital into a "white city" by covering all the major
buildings with marble.http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-30999095
Uzbekistan
Politics
Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister receives new U.S. Ambassador
22/01/2015
Bishkek (AKIpress) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov received newly
appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States Pamela Spratlen on 21 January
2015. The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan said that the U.S. envoy handed over
copes of her credentials. The sides considered current state of relations between Uzbekistan and the U.S. and
implementation of agreements, reached within the fifth round of bilateral political consultations, which was
held on 1-2 December 2014 in Tashkent. The officials also discussed perspective directions of developing
interaction in political, trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian and other areas. They exchanged opinions on
46
some international and regional issues. Spratlen replaces George Krol at this post, who was appointed to the
post of the U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan in May 2014.
Senate proves its ability to take thought-out decisions President of Uzbekistan
23 January 2015,
The Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan has proved its ability to take thought-out decisions on important
issues of legislation, state and public construction for ten years since transforming a unicameral parliament
into the bicameral parliament, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov said at the first meeting of the upper
house of parliament Jan. 22. He stressed that the members of the Senate are representatives from all 14
entities. Each of them has historical, socio-economic differences, unique culture and traditions. "Proceeding
from the patterns of developing our economy, while working out and approving our plans to meet the needs
and interests of each region - whether it is a region, a district or a city, first of all, it is necessary to take into
account these peculiarities," the president said. He said that while establishing a bicameral parliament, the
goal was set to create a system of checks and balances aimed at effective implementation of its powers by the
parliament. Taking into account the fact that the Legislative Chamber operates on a permanent professional
basis, the quality of the legislative work of the parliament was planned to be significantly improved. The
Senates task is to ensure a balance between national and regional interests. The Senate must assess the laws
in the interests of the regions not to disturb the balance in these issues.
http://en.trend.az/casia/uzbekistan/2356224.html?
Upcoming elections in Uzbekistan 'a tragedy,' rights group warns
Jan 23 2015
With Uzbekistans iron-fisted ruler destined to win yet another term as president, the countrys upcoming
elections will be a tragedy for 30 million people, a human rights organization is warning. Islam Karimov
has ruled Uzbekistan for a quarter of a century and he will win again, say experts. It is a foregone conclusion
absent a strong amount of pressure from the U.S. and EU, said Steve Swerdlow, a Central Asia researcher
for Human Rights Watch on the elections set for March 29. The U.S. is not even close to reconsidering its
policy (on Uzbekistan). Im sure there will be a statement on elections but that seems to be no consequence.
Karimov, 76, has dominated the leadership since 1989 when he became the Communist Party leader in what
was then Soviet Uzbekistan. The next year, he became president, continuing in that post after independence. A
1995 referendum extended his term until 2000, when he won the presidential elections unopposed. Yet
another referendum in 2002 extended the presidential term from five to seven years. He won another round of
elections December 2007. The presidential term and interpretation of election rules have been modified
several times to favour Karimov, Swerdlow pointed out. Even people like me get confused sometimes, said
Swerdlow, who was expelled from Uzbekistan in 2010 and lives in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile,
Karimov has systematically eradicated all opposition: political and human rights activists are thrown in
prison, while journalists are not allowed into the country. Ordinary people who are remotely critical of
Karimov have been subjected to surveillance and then arrest, said Swerdlow. The notion of contesting an
election you cant even contemplate it when the most basics acts of asserting ones rights are met with state
violence and repression, said Swerdlow. In past presidential elections which observers have called a farce
few have stood as candidates against Karimov? It is all a show, said Swerdlow. Countries such as North
Korea are constantly in the news for their ruthless persecution of their people and strict sanctions from the
West. But Uzbekistan has managed to stay under the radar. It only makes headlines in the cotton harvest
season when some western media outlets write about the plight of the countrys cotton slaves. Karimov has
been good at controlling the flow of information, said Swerdlow. What happens in Uzbekistan is also too farremoved, exotic and eastern for the West to care. The U.S. and EU put limited sanctions in place after the
massacre of hundreds of protesters in Andijan in 2005, said Jeff Goldstein, a veteran of the U.S. Foreign
Service and now the senior policy analyst for Eurasia at the Open Society Foundations in Washington, D.C.
But they later backed down when relations with Pakistan soured around 2008, just as the war in Afghanistan
was coming back into prominence, he said. The U.S. in particular was concerned that it could not rely on
Pakistan as the only logistical route to supply troops in Afghanistan and so set about putting together an
alternative supply route called the Northern Distribution Network, said Goldstein, who calls Uzbekistan one
of the most repressive regimes. The geography is such that almost all Northern Distribution Network cargo
had to transit through Uzbekistan. Since 2008, the U.S. has played down criticism of Uzbekistans human
rights issue and lack of democracy to protect the route, he said. Karimov, who has taken a ruthlessly
authoritarian approach to dissent, has used the dangers of Islamic militancy to justify the absence of civil
rights. But Swerdlow said there are reports that between 2,000 and 4,000 people have joined the Islamic State
group from Central Asia and the majority is believed to be from Uzbekistan. Swerdlow blames it on religious
persecution. Karimov, who has reportedly battled poor health, seems to now have no obvious successor after
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relations with his glamorous, jet-setting older daughter, Gulnara Karimova, badly soured about a year ago. Is
that why he is clinging to power? One expert in Central Asian politics points out that Karimov grew up in the
Soviet political system, where no leader voluntarily gave up power.
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2015/01/23/upcoming-elections-in-uzbekistan-a-tragedy-rights-groupwarns.html?
Uzbekistan expresses condolences over death of Saudi King
26/01/2015
Bishkek (AKIpress) - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov visited Embassy of
Saudi Arabia on 26 January 2015. Kamilov expressed condolences to Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Saudi Arabia Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Shaie in connection with death of King of
Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He signed the condolence book too. Saudi Arabia expressed
gratitude for support and condolences of President Islam Karimov directed to the Saudi King, Salman bin
Abdul-Aziz Al Saud. Sixth King of Saudi Arabia died at the age of 91. Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, 79,
ascended the throne.
Uzbekistan, India discuss bilateral relations development
27/01/2015
Bishkek (AKIpress) - Ambassador of India to Uzbekistan Vikram Kumar Doraiswami held negotiations at
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan on 26 January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan
said. The sides exchanged views on practical aspects of the Uzbek-Indian relations. They also discussed
regional and international issues.
Strategic
No Longer Under Sanctions, Uzbekistan Gets 300 Armoured Vehicles From U.S.
January 22, 2015
The United States is donating over 300 armoured vehicles to Uzbekistan's military, American officials have
announced. The deal, the largest ever transfer of military hardware from the U.S. to ex-Soviet Central Asian
states, comes just three years after Washington lifted a ban on weapons exports to Uzbekistan because of the
country's poor record on human rights. In an interview with the Voice of America's Uzbek service, Deputy
Assistant Secretary of State for Central Asia Daniel Rosenblum said that the U.S. is giving Uzbekistan
308 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, along with an additional 20 support vehicles. The
possibility of the U.S. donating MRAPs has been discussed for some time now, but it's usually been framed in
terms of getting equipment the U.S. discards as it pulls out from Afghanistan. That won't be the case with
these vehicles, however, they are instead being delivered from the U.S. and other American military bases
abroad under the Excess Defence Articles program, the standard way that the U.S. military gives leftover
equipment to allies. Uzbekistan's government is paying the cost to ship them to Uzbekistan, Rosenblum said.
The U.S. has given Central Asian states some used gear under the EDA program in the past, notably patrol
ships to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and utility helicopters to Kazakhstan. But this dwarfs any of those
transfers. It's not yet clear what variant of the MRAP Uzbekistan will be getting, but the DoD has valued most
of the MRAPs it's given away lately at about $100,000 each, which would make this deal worth over $30
million. It also appears to be the largest transfer of MRAPs under the EDA program to date. According to the
EDA program's database, the biggest recipient to date of MRAPs has been Croatia, which has gotten 212,
followed by Jordan, with 131. (Burundi, Djibouti, Poland, and Uganda also have gotten small numbers.) The
database doesn't yet include Uzbekistan, however, and there are many more MRAPs left to give out, with
Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan possible recipients of big shipments to come. Uzbekistan is badly mistrusted
by many of its neighbours, in particular Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Those countries, as it happens, are now
Russia's major recipients of military aid in the region. Russian media has tended to portray Uzbekistan as the
U.S.'s bridgehead in the region; now, no doubt, these MRAPs will be exhibit A in making that
case. Nevertheless, the U.S. has been sensitive to upsetting the military balance in the region, Rosenblum said:
We made similar offer of excess defence articles to all Central Asian countries. Tajikistan and Kazakhstan
have also expressed interest. We are working with them to determine a) whether any excess defence articles
are what they need and b) whether we have what they want. So, its a two-way process. As far as the delivery
of the MRAPs, that decision, we were very transparent with all the Central Asian countries, we made sure
they were aware that was happening, so not have any surprises. So, this was done, Id say, in a transparent
way. Rosenblum didn't try to make the case that Uzbekistan's human rights record had improved since
military aid to the country was reinstated, but he emphasized the "defensive" nature of the MRAP and the fact
that the U.S. and Uzbekistan have mutual security interests: Security is an area where we do share interests,
48
share concerns. We also are worried about terrorist threats; we are very concerned about narcotics trafficking
that go through the region and in those areas we want to cooperate. Because cooperating with countries like
Uzbekistan is the best way to address those threats. At the same time, it is very much a part of our policy in
the region and globally, frankly, to emphasize the importance of democratic development and respect for
international human rights. But many around the region will likely be wondering what sort of connection there
is between a country's human rights record and its eligibility to receive American military aid. In 2012, just
after the restrictions on military aid to Uzbekistan were waived, some U.S. defence officials in the
region said that it was sending a mixed message: It makes the people mad that we do anything with them
[Uzbekistan]. They say, Really? Here [in Kyrgyzstan] you talk about human rights, theyre [in Uzbekistan]
not so good at it," one such official said. "The desire to work with people outweighs the desire to do the right
thing sometimes. Now that Kyrgyzstan has seen its military aid cut after kicking out the U.S.'s Manas air
base, and Uzbekistan gets a big shipment of armoured vehicles, it's reasonable to expect that sentiment to
grow even stronger. The deal also raises questions about what the strategic logic is for the U.S. Uzbekistan is
probably the least vulnerable country in the region -- as then Assistant Secretary of State for South and
Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake noted in 2013, "The [Uzbekistan] government remains confident it
can control its border with Afghanistan but is less sure about its neighbours ability to do so." So why the
heavy focus on building up Uzbekistan's forces? Until recently, the answer would have been: as a quid pro
quo for Tashkent's cooperation on transit to and from Afghanistan, the Northern Distribution Network. But
with that mission winding down, and Uzbekistan being an increasingly unimportant part of it anyway, this
should be less of a factor. Last July, in fact, the White House's top Central Asia adviser, Celeste
Wallander, told VOA Uzbek that with the Afghanistan mission winding down, U.S. priorities would be
rebalancing away from security: So much of our focus has been on security, because that was necessary
because of the Afghanistan mission. During my trip I had a very strong view that that was important and that
the security cooperation needs to continue? But now we have an opportunity with this transition to have more
of a balance and support the engagement of all our partners more broadly in the economic, political, and social
spheres. Not quite yet, it seems.
Uzbekistan Getting Hundreds of U.S. Military Vehicles
January 23, 2015
The United States says it is giving 328 advanced military vehicles to Uzbekistan to be used for
counterterrorism and counternarcotics operations. Daniel Rosenblum, a U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state
for Central Asia, told VOA on January 22 that the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) is used vehicles
that are surplus to the U.S. Army. He added that the vehicles which he said are "inherently defensive" and
nonlethal are being given to Uzbekistan's Defence Ministry. Rosenblum said the request from Uzbekistan for
the vehicles was judged to be legitimate as the vehicles are used only for protective purposes and are ideal for
counterterrorism and counternarcotics efforts. He said delivery of the vehicles began in early December and
will continue for several months. Rosenblum said both Tajikistan and Kazakhstan have also expressed interest
in obtaining excess equipment from the U.S. military and those requests are being evaluated.
http://www.rferl.org/content/united-states-uzbekistan-military-vehicles-/26808881.html
U.S. Military Aid to Uzbekistan Seen As Triumph of Realpolitik over Values
January 27, 2015
The United States donation of over 300 armoured vehicles to Uzbekistan represents the triumph of
Realpolitik over the promotion of American values, Russian analysts argue. Last week U.S.
officials announced that they were donating over 300 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to
Uzbekistan; it will be the biggest ever transfer of American military equipment to a Central Asian country. It
was surprising in many ways: American military interest in Central Asia had appeared to be on the wane, and
U.S. military aid to Uzbekistan -- one of the worst human rights violators on the planet -- was at a largely
token level, with little apparent justification for Washington to change that. In days since the deal was
announced, the response from the region has been muted. No officials from Russia or Central Asia -including Uzbekistan -- have commented on the deal. But among Russia's Central Asian analyst community,
of course, the announcement was big news. Most saw it in terms of the U.S.'s desire to improve ties with
Uzbekistan, turning the latter into an American foothold in the region. Just because Russian officials haven't
said anything publicly doesn't mean that they are indifferent, said Daniil Kislov, the Moscow-based editor of
the Central Asia news website Fergana News. "The transfer of American equipment to Uzbekistan raised
concern among officials in Moscow," he said in an interview with Svobodnaya Pressa; the headline of the
piece was "The U.S. Will Encroach On Russia From the South." "This is quite a significant milestone in the
history of American-Uzbekistani relations," said analyst Arkady Dubnov in an interview with Fergana News.
"And it's a serious material contribution to the strengthening of Uzbekistan's military capability, and still more
49
a specific gesture underlining the U.S.'s desire to maintain a special relationship with Uzbekistan. I think this
uniqueness separates Uzbekistan from all the other Central Asian countries, since in the last few years none of
the other countries in the region have received such massive military-technical aid from the U.S." Big supplies
of military equipment like this are a good way to tie a country's hands long term, as the equipment always
needs servicing and that is something Washington will always have now as a bargaining chip over Tashkent,
noted analyst Azhdar Kurtov in the same piece. "Uzbekistan's armed forces will use this equipment, it will
need servicing and they will have to ask the U.S. for replacement parts or, more likely, for service, because
this is complicated equipment," Kurtov said. "And they [the U.S.] can refuse, if Washington thinks that Islam
Abdulganiyevich Karimov in Tashkent is somehow deviating from Washington's line. This is a very strong
way to constrain another country's policy. In this way, the U.S.'s policy is smart with respect to their national
interests." The stated reason that the U.S. gave for the transfer -- that the MRAPs will help Uzbekistan fight
terrorist groups and/or drug trafficking -- was given little credence. "These vehicles are intended for so-called
asymmetric warfare, when one side is a regular, well-armed military, and the other is an insurgent army,
which uses partisan methods, in particular mining roads on which the enemy moves. Uzbekistan has never
fought that kind of war and it's unlikely that they will in the foreseeable future," said analyst Alisher Ilhamov
of the U.K.'s School for Oriental and African Studies. "From the military-strategic point of view, in
Uzbekistan's circumstances they [the MRAPs] can be used for two purposes: 1. in military parades, to satisfy
the vanity of the political elite of the country, and 2. against the population, in case of a new Andijan. And the
likelihood of the latter is constantly growing, especially in light of the reverse wave of labour migrants from
Russia." Russian analysts also tended to downplay the notion that the MRAPs could disrupt the military
balance in the region and increase tension between Uzbekistan and its neighbours. "The delivery of American
equipment may cause a negative reaction from Uzbekistan's neighbours. But so far no such reports have been
heard," Kislov said. "And Tashkent itself hasn't called attention to the future delivery. In the central Uzbek
press there hasn't been a single report on the subject, only on a couple of sites that no one reads. I think that
this shipment of equipment won't make relations any worse than they already are." Dubnov, in a
separate piece in Fergana News, tied the deal and the revival of realpolitik to the New Cold War resulting
from the Ukraine crisis: "With the blitz annexation of Crimea to Russia, Putin got what he wanted: the rules of
the game of world politics, the criteria of what is good and bad, have changed," he said. "The 'good guys'
stopped being good, and the 'bad guys' turned out to be not so bad. Democratic values turned out to be not the
most valuable commodity; social stability and government security are more important." Meanwhile, Dubnov
notes that Kyrgyzstan -- still by far the most democratic country in Central Asia remains in Russia's "zone of
influence." Interestingly, Dubnov thinks something may be in the works between the U.S. and Tajikistan, as
well: "I don't exclude the thought that in the near future we'll see evidence of more loyal relations of the U.S.
to Tajikistan's regime. A perceptive analyst in Dushanbe noticed a telling detail: in his recent address to
parliament, President Emomali Rahmon did not once mention Russia and its integration initiatives.
Coincidence? I think not." Stay tuned...
Uzbekistan and the American Myth of Strategic Patience
January 28, 2015
When it comes to authoritarian Uzbekistans dismal human rights record, the Obama administration says
strategic patience should characterize its relationship with Tashkent. But the premise of strategic patience in
Uzbekistans case is flawed because Tashkent plays by a different set of rules. Uzbekistan is one of the most
repressive states on earth. It also happens to be a northern neighbour of Afghanistan, so for most of the 21st
century, Tashkent has been as a key cog in the US-led struggle to contain Islamic militants. These days,
geopolitical circumstances are changing, yet US policy seems to be lagging behind the times. Nisha Biswal,
the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, summarized the administrations position on
Uzbekistan in a recent interview. US policy should be the right balance of pressure, partnership, and a certain
amount of strategic patience in how change can take place, Biswal said, without mentioning Washingtons
recent gift of hundreds of military vehicles to the Uzbek government. Strategic patience? US troops are now
mostly out of Afghanistan, and hence there is a reduced dependence by Washington on Uzbekistans railway
lines to transport military supplies for the Afghan war effort. Thus, hard questions can now be asked, like
where is the evidence to support the US government belief that patience can bring about meaningful changes
to repressive Uzbek policies? More importantly, how much patience are the people of Uzbekistan supposed to
have exactly? How much patience do the thousands of unjustly jailed Uzbeks need, when they have been
rotting in prison for years, even decades, subjected to torture and ill treatment, under a government that will
not even allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to have regular access to prisons? How much
patience should the over two million adult and child labourers show when they are forced into the fields for
weeks every year to pick cotton, a big money earner for the government? How long are the survivors of the
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2005 Andijan massacre supposed to wait for justice? The killing of hundreds of largely peaceful protesters in
that eastern city by government forces firing into crowds from atop armoured personnel carriers was one of
Eurasias bloodiest mass killings of recent years. It was followed by attacks on witnesses and show trials. Is a
decade not long enough to wait for an independent investigation? How long should the people of Uzbekistan
wait for a free press? They have never had anything close since the country gained independence over 23
years ago, as many exiled and jailed journalists will confirm. Just ask the worlds longest imprisoned
journalist, Muhammad Bekjanov, who has spent more than 16 years behind bars and has endured torture. And
how patient do Uzbeks have to be for even the tiniest green shoot of democracy to grow? At least five more
years, it seems. This month, two political parties in the countries rubber-stamp parliament nominated
Karimov for another five year term. The 76-year-old has ruled the Central Asian nation of over 30 million
since being appointed as the then-Soviet republics Communist Party boss in 1989. Although
the Constitution clearly prohibits a person from serving more than two consecutive terms as president,
Karimov is now finishing up his third, and is expected to stand for election for a fourth term in March. Of
course, all of these abuses are Tashkents, not Washingtons, but how long does the world have to wait for a
more effective US policy on Uzbekistan? There is no evidence to suggest that patience will bring about any
reform or human rights improvements in Uzbekistan. On the contrary, the state of civil and political rights in
the country has gone from bad to worse even during a period of increased diplomatic contacts and military
cooperation between the Obama administration and the Uzbek government over the past six years. During that
same span, it should be noted, Uzbekistan has remained on the State Departments list of countries of
particular concern for its serial violations of religious freedom. Some may argue that Tashkent made an
important gesture by reducing the numbers of the youngest children mobilized to pick cotton during the
annual autumn harvest. However, that only happened after a sustained campaign of international pressure and
a boycott of Uzbek cotton by over 153 apparel brands, including Gap, Walmart, and others. It also followed
the US State Departments decision to place Uzbekistan on a list of the countries with the worst records in
combating human trafficking, a category that includes the practice of forced labour. The US government has
additional concrete tools readily available to encourage changes in Uzbek practices. These could include reasserting legislative conditions on the provision of military aid in the Leahy Amendment that the Obama
administration has waived since 2012. There is also the possibility of targeted sanctions under the
International Religious Freedom Act. And Washington could additionally craft a visa ban and asset freeze
policy for some Uzbek officials responsible for torture, forced labour, and other egregious rights violations.
Congress has shown a growing interest in Uzbekistan, so if the administration fails to reverse its current
policy, it may well be time for Congress to assert itself on the Uzbek question. Ultimately, the premise of
strategic patience is dismissive of those who have suffered, and who continue to suffer in Uzbekistan.
Moreover, it seems to run counter to a vision that President Obama outlined last September, a vision in which
the US government expands efforts to better protect and empower human rights groups and the activists who
risk their lives to fulfil their missions. That vision should hold especially true for Uzbekistan. After over 23
years of facing the same problems and seeing no meaningful improvements in Tashkent, it long ago stopped
being strategic to maintain patience as a policy.
Economic/Energy
Uzbekistan starts to export 218 new products
22/01/2015
Bishkek (AKIpress) - Uzbekistan started to export 218 new types of products in 2014, Ministry of
Economy of Uzbekistan said. The country started to export these products with total cost of $850 million. In
particular, exports of Cobalt and Gentra automobiles, stamped components, radiators, air conditioning
systems, polyacrylamide, ammonium chloride, sodium nitrate, magnesium chlorate defoliant, feed phosphates,
ammonium, herbal tea, medical glassware, etc. was started.
Uzbekistan intends to reduce cost of production in industrial enterprises
26 January 2015,
The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution. According to the resolution, the countrys
industrial enterprises must reduce the production cost by 10 percent in 2015. The resolution on "Additional
measures of reducing the manufacturing costs and a production cost in the industry" was published in the
Uzbek media Jan. 26. These parameters are planned to be achieved by reducing the energy consumption,
51
improving the energy efficiency of production. The technological processes and the consumption rates of raw
material resources, operational and overhead expenses must be rationalized by introducing the information
and communication technologies (ICT) and optimizing the number of administrative and industrial personnel.
Moreover, the summary parameters of reducing the manufacturing costs and a production cost in economic
associations and large enterprises by an average of 10 percent, as well as by nine percent - by reducing the
manufacturing costs are approved in accordance with the resolution. Uzbekistans industrial enterprises will
have to reduce the production costs by 2.22 percent by saving energy resources, by 0.78 percent by reducing
the technological losses, 3.34 percent optimization of expenditures on raw materials and supplies, and 0.31
percent optimization of the manpower. It is planned to reduce the cost price by 13.6 percent at the
enterprises of Uzbekneftegaz National Holding Company, 13.8 percent Uzbekenergo State Joint-Stock
Company, 7.2 percent - Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, 6.7 percent - Navoi Mining and
Metallurgical Combine and 11.1 percent at the enterprises of Uzkhimprom (Uzbek Chemical Industry). It is
planned to reduce the cost price by 6.9 percent at the enterprises of Uzavtoprom in accordance with the
resolution, 10.4 percent Uzeltekhprom Association, 10 percent Uzbeklegprom, 10.3 percent - Association of
Food Industry Enterprises, 10.1 percent Uzbekistan Railways and 10 percent in Uzpharmprom. The
parameters on reducing the cost price of the industrial products are set by Uzbek government every year. It
was planned to reduce the cost price of the industrial products by 11 percent in 2012, 11.2 percent in 2013 and
10 percent in 2014.
Uzbekistan once again lowers tariffs for Internet services
27/01/2015
The Joint Stock Company of Uztelecom reduced tariffs for Internet services for providers of Uzbekistan to
$251.94 for 1 Mbit/s starting with January 22, 2015. It was the fifth in a row tariff reduction in 2015. On
January 1, the company set the price for Internet services at $259.29, on January 7 at $257.42, on January 8
at $253.74. In 2014, the price was reduced six times from $306 in January to $265 in December. Controlled
by the state, Uztelecom is a monopoly telecommunications operator. The company operates as a provider of
fixed and mobile networks, and provides access to Internet.
Over 500 Companies with British Capital Work in Uzbekistan
2015-01-24
Currently some 504 firms and companies with British capital are working in various sectors of economy of
Uzbekistan, Ambassador of Great Britain to Uzbekistan George Edgar said on 22 January 2015. He said that
trade-economic sphere is priority directions for development of bilateral cooperation. According to the
Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade (MFERIT) of Uzbekistan, the UK is one of
the most important trade partners of Uzbekistan in Europe. The trade turnover between the two countries in
January-October 2014 amounted to over US$100 million. In January-September 2014 it increased by 14%
compared to the same period in 2013, he said. "According to Uzbek sources, there are 504 firms and
companies with British capital in various sectors of the economy, including 142 with 100% capital of British
investors. MFERIT accredited 78 offices of British companies. Among largest of them is pharmaceutical
company GlaxoSmithKleine, which supplies medicaments to the Uzbek market. He said that second largest
trans-national mining company Rio Tinto develops copper field in Namangan region. He said that engineering
company WorleyParsons, specializing in development and implementation of large projects in oil and gas
industry of Uzbekistan, ITE, a leader in exhibition market of Uzbekistan, which organizes international
exhibitions and conferences in Uzbekistan, and JCB, largest player in construction equipment market of the
world, are also working in Uzbekistan. He said that new British companies have entered the Uzbek market.
According to the Uzbek State Statistics Committee, 433 companies with foreign capital were registered in
Uzbekistan, of which 10% (42 enterprises) were created with participation of British investors, George Edgar
noted. Ambassador said that in August 2014, he took part in the opening ceremony of a large retail store
British Home Stores (BHS) at the shopping center Samarkand Darvoza in Tashkent which sells high-quality
clothing and accessories. George Edgar added that Great Britain is acknowledged global leader in several
industries and British companies are ready to share experience and export their knowledge and technologies to
the third countries. He said that the British embassy is ready to provide assistance to interested state
organizations and business people of Uzbekistan to study advanced British experience, which could be used in
local conditions. Envoy said that Embassy of Great Britain helped organized a visit of MFERIT, Mahsustrans
and business people of Uzbekistan to Great Britain, where the Uzbek delegation studied experience of the
country in waste management. He said that the Uzbek delegation met with British companies in London and
other cities of England and familiarized with various stages of waste management, including collection,
transportation, storage, utilization, processing and secondary use of processed waste. He said that MFERIT
52
and Mahsustrans are planning to use British experience in waste management. They also invited British
companies to participate in future tenders on construction of new objects on utilization of waste, purchase of
special equipment and providing consulting services. British envoy also noted that some British companies
faced difficulties in their work in Uzbekistan and added that oil and gas company Tethys Petroleum had to end
its activities in Uzbekistan. George Edgar said that Great Britain is using existing mechanisms to improve
trade-economic relations between two states, including via Uzbek-British Council on Trade and Industry. "In
November 2014, the 21st session of the Uzbek-British Council on Trade and Industry was held Tashkent,
attended by more than 20 British companies. Participants discussed cooperation in various trade and economic
spheres, and exchanged views on promising joint projects in the fields of education, science, tourism, waste
management, and energy-saving technologies," he said.
http://www.waste-management-world.com/news/2015/01/24/over-500-companies-with-british-capital-workin-uzbekistan.html?
Uzbekistan presenting new products at FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair
Jan 26, 2015
The FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair will start on January 28 at Madrid where 9,107 companies from
165 countries including Uzbekistan are participating. Uzbekistan tourism is establishing its venue at FITUR
where wholesalers, tour operators, accommodation providers, and travel agents from Uzbekistan are
showcasing their products. FITUR is one of the biggest travel and tourism marts of Europe, where more than
120,000 professionals will be gathering. According to latest information received from Madrid, 2015 FITUR
records indicate the budget for organizing the trade show has exceeded 10.5 million euros, including 3 million
allocated to international promotional actions and invitations to buyers. Two new sections are being added as
novelties, seeking to act as a driver for the health and shopping segments as well as for staging the Spain
Global Tourism Forum as part of the trade show, which will analyze the impact of tourism on the world
economy FITUR 2015 is celebrating its 35th International Tourism Trade Fair. This tourism show is
supported by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and
Tourism. Uzbekistan is a regular visitor of FITUR and always gets good business from this international
tourism event. We are confident that we will bring new buyers to several products Uzbekistan offers at the
international level, and we have already worked for better product development this year, said Utkir
Burkhonov, the Sales Manager of Silk Road Destinations Samarkand when talking to the Eurasian News Desk
before departing to Madrid as one of the representatives of Uzbekistan to FITUR. The greatest growth is
registered by direct participation in the trade show, which increases by 12% with 686 exhibitors, while the net
area grows by 4%, with 56,233 square meters of display space that will provide more chances to us get better
results from this year, maintained Utkir Burkhonov. The national businesses area this year has increased by
24% compared to the previous staging, and in the international area, there is an increase in the Middle Eastern
presence, which has grown by 24%; Asia Pacific by 19%; Europe and Israel, both with increases of 9%;
Africa by 2%; and America, which has grown by 17%. Added to this is the positive note of seeing 12
countries joining with official participation such as Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Chile, Slovakia,
Ethiopia, Philippines, Ghana, Iceland, Luxembourg, Sudan, Togo, and Uzbekistan. For the second consecutive
year, FITUR will also host the UNWTO Awards, presenting the 14 finalists of the 11th edition of the Ulysses
Awards for Innovation in Tourism, one of the three categories of the UNWTO Awards for Excellence and
Innovation in Tourism. The winners will be announced on January 28. ETN is a media partner for FITUR
2015.
http://www.eturbonews.com/54867/uzbekistan-presenting-new-products-fitur-international-tourismt?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EturbonewsTravelAndTourismIndustryNews+%28eTurboNews+-+for+the+global+travel+professional%29
China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co.Ltd visits Uzbekistan
26/01/2015
Bishkek (AKIpress) - Uzbekistan Railway Company and China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co. Ltd
are planning to expand cooperation in railway industry. A delegation of Chinese company visited Uzbekistan
and held negotiations with Uzbekistan in Tashkent. During the meeting, the Chinese side presented main
directions of its activities, including research and designing, construction of railways, consultation services,
assets management, financing and crediting of transport infrastructure, etc. Uzbekistan Railway Company and
China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co. Ltd agreed to consider further expansion of interaction in
railway industry. http://www.akipress.com/news:554661/?
Uzbekistan set to allocate $10 bln for road, railway construction
27/01/2015
Bishkek (AKIpress) - Uzbekistan will allocate about $10 billion to development of roads and railways,
logistic centers and communication by 2020, according to the action program of the Cabinet of Ministers.
53
Uzbekistan is thus planning to implement 150 projects. Implementation of the thirteen projects on
development and electrification of railways, including on Angren-Pap, Maroqand-Qarshi, Qarshi-Termez,
Maroqand-Bukhara directions, will be under special control. It is also planned to construct and reconstruct
1,800 km of roads of national highway, new byroads in Karshi, Qoqand, Tashkent, Bukhara, Gulistan, as well
as to modernize roads of local use. http://www.akipress.com/news:554737/?
Number of enterprises with state share to be reduced in Uzbekistan
27 January 2015,
Uzbekistan intends to critically review the level of state involvement in the economy and to reduce it to the
strategically and economically reasonable size within the state property privatization program in 2015-2016.
In accordance with the program, Uzbekistan plans to eliminate more than 660 not loaded state-owned
enterprises with their subsequent sale to new private owners at public auction, completely sell the state share
in 360 non-strategic businesses, as well as implement more than 400 unused state objects at the zero value
to foreign investors (with their acceptance of investment commitments for the modernization of these
enterprises). In addition, it is provided to reduce the state's share in 203 existing enterprises to 51 percent
through the issuance of additional shares in the amount of 450 billion UZS on the stock market sold to private
investors on the stock exchange. As a result of the program, about 1,000 state objects in Uzbekistan will be
sold on an open and transparent auction, and the number of enterprises with the state share in the authorized
capital will be reduced from 534 to 147, that is by 3.6 times. In total, as of January 1, 2015, records of
registration 14, 942 shares issues with the volume of emissions worth 19.08 trillion UZS were made in the
United State Register of Securities Issues of Uzbekistan. Currently, the State Central Depository of
Uzbekistan stores securities of 1,085 JSC totalling 12.776 trillion UZS. Some 72.5 percent, or 787 companies
with the volume of shares worth 7.671 trillion UZS of them, were created on the basis of state property.
The official exchange rate for January 27 is 2436.16 UZS / $1.
Uzbekistan plans to realize $38B worth of investment projects until 2020
27 January 2015
Uzbekistan plans to implement 870 major investment projects worth $38 billion in 2015-2020. This is also
stipulated by the action program to ensure the structural reforms, modernization and diversification of
production in this period. The action program of the countrys cabinet of ministers, which was made public
Jan. 27 by the central media outlets, envisages creation of 415 new high-tech enterprises, as well as
modernization, technical and technological renovation of 455 existing industrial enterprises for production of
export-oriented goods that are competitive in the domestic and external markets. Among them there are
enterprises for production of finished textile products and semi-finished products, polymers, products of deep
processing of hydrocarbon raw materials, electronic and electrical appliances, household chemicals, modern
building and finishing materials, as well as a wide range of products of leather and footwear, food and
pharmaceutical industries. According to preliminary calculations, the program will provide advanced
development of industries manufacturing products with high added value, such as engineering, petrochemical,
chemical, textile and food industries, with the development of about 1,000 new types of industrial products.
With the programs implementation, the industrial production should grow by 1.5 times in five years, while
the share of industry in the countrys GDP will rise from 24 percent to 27 percent by 2020.
Uzbekistan's economy not free: 2015 Index of Economic Freedom
28/01/2015
Bishkek (AKIpress) - Uzbekistans economic freedom score is 47.0, making its economy the 160th freest in
the2015 Index of Economic Freedom conducted by The Heritage Foundation in partnership with The Wall
Street Journal. The 2015 Index evaluates economic conditions and government policies in 186 countries. The
and Switzerland (80.5).
54
Uzbekistan's score is up by 0.5 point from last year, with improvements in trade freedom, freedom from
corruption and labour freedom outweighing declines in the management of government spending and business
freedom. Uzbekistan is ranked 37th out of 42 countries in the AsiaPacific region, and its overall score is
much lower than the world average. A stagnant economic reform environment over the past five years has
turned more positive recently, but gains have not been strong enough to propel the economy out of the
repressed category. Since 2011, economic freedom in Uzbekistan has increased by 1.2 points, with modest
improvements in business freedom; labour freedom, monetary freedom, and trade freedom.28.01.2015
Despite sustained rapid growth on the back of high commodity prices and relative stability, the underlying
foundations of Uzbekistans economy are weak. The rule of law is weakly enforced, a holdover from the
Soviet past. Investment is restricted in many industries, and financial markets are shallow, preventing the
capital accumulation necessary for sustained growth. The state-owned banks and industries tend to respond to
the governments political priorities. The Heritage Foundation is a conservative research think tank based in
Washington D.C. The Wall Street Journal is an American English-language international daily newspaper
with a special emphasis on business and economic news. http://www.akipress.com/news:554775/?
Society
Uzbekistan to create state open data portal
22/01/2015
Uzbekistan is planning to create a state open data portal. The portal is being created to provide single platform
for storage of open date, provide access to users to open data via Internet and ensure collaboration of users
with open data suppliers. It will publish unprocessed open data without preliminary processing, including
data, highly demanded by the users; public information on activities of the state bodies; statistic data on main
spheres of the activities of the state bodies; information, stored at state information systems and resources,
owned by the state bodies, disclosure of which is not limited by the legislation. The users can use open data
without any limit, copy, publish and transfer data, published at the portal. They can use data for commercial
purpose as well. Information, published as open data, will be determined by the national commission on
coordination of implementation of complex program for development of national information-communication
systems of Uzbekistan for 2013-2020.
Uzbekistan Airways reduces passengers transportation in 2014
26 January 2015,
Uzbekistan National Airways (Ozbekiston Havo Yollari) carried 2.625 million passengers in 2014, according
the message of the company. Uzbekistan Airways transported 2.677 million passengers in 2013. Thus, the
Uzbek carrier reduced passenger traffic by 1.9 percent in 2014. The largest number of passengers, 1. 252
million was transported to the CIS countries, 807, 000 to the far abroad countries, 566, 000 passengers - on
55
domestic flights. The average passenger load per flight is 110 passengers. In 2014, the Uzbekistan Airways
NAC aircraft executed 23, 811 flights against 24, 559 flights in 2013 (a 3 percent decrease), according to the
company. Some 5, 821 flights of them were implemented to the far abroad countries, 8, 973 flights to the CIS
countries, 9, 017 flights on domestic routes. The volume of cargo transportations (taking into account the
excess baggage) of the airline amounted to 43,000 metric tons in 2014 compared to 41,000 metric tons in
2013 (a 4.6 percent increase). Uzbekistan Airways is the monopoly carrier in Uzbekistan and is wholly owned
by the state. Its fleet currently consists of 31 aircraft of western production, including 13 Boeings (four 767300, five 757-200 and four 767- 300-ER), 13 Airbuses (three A-310 and 10 - A-320- 200), three mediumrange RJ- 85 planes and two Airbus A300-600F cargo planes. Uzbekistan Airways conducts flights to 21
cities in Europe, America, Middle East, Asia, and in 22 cities of countries of Commonwealth of Independent
States and 11 destinations on local airlines.
Silk and Spices Festival to be held in Uzbekistan's Bukhara
27/01/2015
Bishkek (AKIpress) a festival of silk and spices will be held in Bukhara from 28 May to 1 June 2015, Uzbek
tourism reports. The festival is traditionally organized to preserve and promote national culture heritage of the
people of Uzbekistan. The event will present school of Bukhara miniatures and Gijduvan ceramics, coining
and needlework, production of silk fabrics, carpets and jewellery. An international conference on prospects of
creation of tourists centre in Bukhara as part of Silk Road will be held as well. Masters from Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia are expected to attend the festival.
No plans to change retirement age in Uzbekistan
27 January 2015,
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of Uzbekistan has denied the speculations about
the alleged upcoming change of the retirement age in the country. The appeals from citizens regarding the
alleged upcoming change of the retirement age in the country have become more frequent recently, said the
ministry. Currently, amendments to the law On state pensions provisions in the section of the statutory age
of retirement are not being considered, said the ministry. These assumptions are nothing more than
disinformation and rumours. The retirement age for men and women in Uzbekistan is 60 and 55,
respectively. Currently, there are over 2.8 million retirement pensioners in Uzbekistan, according to the
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population. The countrys population totals 31.5 million.
Uzbekistan: With Gulnara on Sidelines, How Will Football Fare?
January 28, 2015
Among the multiple personas adopted by Gulnara Karimova, the disgraced daughter of Uzbekistans dictator
was #1 football fan. Accordingly, her political demise stirred speculation about whether Uzbekistan would
continue to play the role of a regional football power. The early results in the post-Karimova age have not
been great, but insiders say the Uzbek government remains committed to the Soviet notion of burnishing its
image via sporting success. Football is the most popular sport in Uzbekistan, which has long had Central
Asias most formidable national team: but in a region where enthusiasm for the beautiful game is not matched
by resources or skilled players, that is not saying much. Currently, Uzbekistan stands 71 st out of 209 national
squads ranked by FIFA, footballs world governing body. The next highest-ranked Central Asian countries are
Tajikistan in 136th position and Kazakhstan in 139th. In the late 2000s, when Karimovas influence was at its
apex, she had the reputation of being footballs principle patron inside Uzbekistan. She brokered a deal, in
which top players from one of the worlds most glamorous teams, FC Barcelona, conducted clinics in
Uzbekistan. And she was reportedly the behind-the-scenes catalyst for an initiative to turn Bunyodkor, the
perennial top team in Uzbekistans domestic league, into a global football brand. Ultimately, the Bunyodkor
plan fell flat, but her involvement in the sport still raised hopes that Uzbekistan would achieve a breakthrough
in international competitions, and, after many unsuccessful campaigns, finally qualify for the World Cup
tournament. In 2013, the national team fell just short of that goal, losing to Jordan on penalties. Karimova fell
from grace in early 2014 and has reportedly been held under house arrest since then. Her demise had some
Uzbek football fans wondering whether the national team would also fall on hard times. The AFC Asian Cup,
a FIFA-sanctioned regional tournament hosted this January by Australia, offered Uzbekistan its first real
international test since Karimovas downfall. The Uzbek squad failed to impress, bounced out of the
tournament by South Korea in the quarterfinal round. Australia will play South Korea on January 31 for the
Asian Cup championship. According to Alisher Nikimbaev, a former official at the Uzbekistan Football
Federation, the national teams lackluster performance was connected to the general weakness of Uzbekistans
domestic league. The level of [play in] our domestic league is bringing down the performance of our national
56
team, Nikimbaev said. Our [league] is not really competitive. Another individual with detailed knowledge
of the internal workings of Uzbek football, who spoke on condition of anonymity, contended that Karimovas
role in the sport was exaggerated. Uzbekistan always invested good money in football, even long before
Gulnara, hence it will survive and continue with or without her, the source said. Nikimbaev agreed that
Karimova appeared to take more credit than she deserved when it came to promoting Uzbek football. The
role of Gulnara in football was not as big as it was portrayed in foreign media, he said. The source said the
government is now allocating tens of millions of dollars for the construction of new facilities and to fund
youth programs. The relatively robust government spending is driven by two factors: a desire to keep Uzbek
youths occupied and apolitical, and to foster a positive international image of Uzbekistan. They [Uzbek
leaders] want to promote, through sports, themselves as a progressive, modern country, as well as a regional
power, the source said. During Gulnaras heyday, the prevailing mood was that football success could be
imported. Thus, Bunyodkor brought in a Brazilian coach and a bevy of aging, way-past-their-prime foreign
stars. After that experiment failed miserably, however, there is general consensus that the best way to build a
winner is with a home-grown approach, even if such a strategy takes more time and patience to bear fruit.
Nowadays Uzbek football can only rely on youth development, which is possible thanks to the governments
investments, said Nikimbaev, the former federation functionary. Nikimbaev remains a believer that the
Uzbek national team can reach footballs promised land, the World Cup tournament, which, ironically for
Tashkent, is due to be played in Russia in 2018. Qualifying to the next World Cup is a reachable target for
us, he said. http://www.eurasianet.org/node/71806?

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