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Central Asia

Markets

UzNIF debuts on London market in first international Uzbek IPO

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Kazakhstan

China cements leadership position in trade with Central Asia

China's trade with five Central Asian countries hit a record in 2025 — and the relationship has moved well beyond buying and selling. Chinese companies are now partners in strategic projects across high-tech industries including energy and mining.

Design

Tomorrow's world: Uzbek culture complex on track for 2028 completion

This major cultural complex, designed by Tadao Ando, is taking shape in Tashkent, with intricate building work led by an international team and plans for art and learning spaces.

Health news

New state medical insurance system to reshape healthcare access

The reform will introduce digital referrals, a national health insurance fund and a guaranteed package of medical services funded through the state budget. Officials say the changes aim to improve efficiency, expand access and reduce informal payments.

Tech News

Humanoid robots inspire a new generation to build machines

Uzbekistan has signed an agreement with South Korea’s ROBOTIS to launch humanoid robot production, marking a major step in its high-tech ambitions. At the same time, students across the country are learning robotics and programming, gaining skills that could prepare them for careers in the emerging

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Economy

How a 'People’s IPO' is encouraging Central Asia into the stock market

A programme opening up major state-owned enterprises to ordinary citizens is set to reshape the country's capital markets and mint a new generation of investors.

Economy

US and China trade strains fail to derail European development outlook

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) anticipates a growth acceleration across its operational regions, driven by supply chain agility providing resilience in the face of trade tensions.

Business

US deepens Central Asia ties, signing new investment deals

The US has pursued further Central Asia investment deals as Kazakhstan signed agreements worth hundreds of millions during the president's Washington visit.

Culture news

One goal, two approaches: Cultural connections in Central Asia

Central Asia is investing heavily in cultural infrastructure, from privately funded museums in Kazakhstan to state-led institutions in Uzbekistan. These contrasting approaches reveal how culture is being mobilised as strategy, legacy and soft power across the region.

World News

Central Asia boosts green energy, infrastructure and SMEs

Central Asia and Mongolia received around €1.72bn from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development last year to fund 120 projects. The investments have a focus on renewable energy, infrastructure and SMEs.

Economy

Central Asia outpaces advanced economies with growth above 6%

Economic activity accelerated across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan in 2025. Azerbaijan, while outside Central Asia, remained closely linked through energy and trade corridors connecting the region to Europe and global markets.

Kazakhstan

Central Asia outpaces advanced economies with growth above 6%

Economic activity accelerated across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan in 2025, driven by investment, exports and consumption. Azerbaijan remained closely linked, through energy and trade corridors connecting the region to Europe and global markets.

Iran

Iran regime weaker but collapse 'not guaranteed,' ex-UN official says

Renewed protests in Iran reflect economic collapse and political frustration, with fatalities, mass arrests, and communication blackouts, raising international concerns.

Uzbekistan

Europe and Central Asia demographic trends in contrast, report shows

Central Asia is entering a decisive demographic phase, with rapid population growth and a sharply expanding workforce, while Europe faces ageing societies and labour shortages.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan GDP hits record €123 billion as Mirziyoyev hails reforms

President Mirziyoyev says GDP reached a record high in the Central Asian country's history as exports rose 23% and foreign investment reached €37 billion.

Culture news

UNESCO adds Central Asian traditions to global heritage list

Central Asian cultural traditions have received international recognition as the ancient bowed instrument Kobyz and the traditional nomadic Yurt shared across Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have been added to UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Uzbekistan

Central Asia and Japan expand cooperation

Meeting in Tokyo for the first time at leaders’ level, Central Asian states and Japan set out a framework for deeper political, economic and sectoral cooperation amid growing regional and global challenges.