Central Asia

by Vladimir Rozanskij | KAZAKHSTAN

With falling oil prices, double-digit inflation and a weak national currency, the World Bank predicts that growth in 2026 will not exceed 4.5%. And there is controversy in the country over the VAT increase, which could lead to a general decline in the standard of living of the Kazakh population.

by Vladimir Rozanskij

Among the millions of workers abroad in precarious conditions, hundreds die every year. Returning their bodies home is a complex procedure, and local authorities do not always cover the costs. The story of 30-year-old Tajik Džamila, killed in Russia by her employer, went viral, prompting an online fundraiser.

| 22/12/2025
| CENTRAL ASIA
by Vladimir Rozanskij

At the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP-20) to the CITES Convention in Samarkand, countries in the region launched a plan to help governments slow down the depletion of water resources and land degradation, improve water security in the region and manage resources sustainably. Initiatives worth million are planned with the support of the FAO.

| 11/12/2025
| CENTRAL ASIA
by Vladimir Rozanskij

The early vote called for by Žaparov to implement the new electoral system promoted the presence of women through gender quotas and introduced remote voting. But the division into districts, the reduction in the number of MPs and the limitation of parliamentary powers have in fact favoured the candidates most loyal to the president.

| 05/12/2025
| KYRGYSTAN
by Vladimir Rozanskij

A survey by the Currentime website has outlined the problem in the former Soviet countries. In none of the five Central Asian countries is the concept of ‘femicide’ included in the Penal Code, despite the prevalence of domestic violence. The war between Russia and Ukraine has also led to a significant increase in crimes against women in both countries.

| 03/12/2025
| CENTRAL ASIA

After two attacks that left five dead and five wounded, the Chinese embassy in Dushanbe ordered evacuations from the border areas. The Tajik government and the Taliban have said they will cooperate with China amid growing fears that fighters from the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) are behind the attacks (which have not yet been claimed). Instability threatens regional cooperation and China's Belt and Road Initiative projects.

| 02/12/2025
| TAJIKISTAN – CHINA
by Vladimir Rozanskij

The country wants to diversify its trade routes with the region, reducing its dependence on Pakistan. This trend has strengthened after recent hostilities with its neighbour. In the last month, Afghan traders have lost 200 million dollars. The trade balance with the five Central Asian countries has reached 1.7 billion.

| 01/12/2025
| AFGHANISTAN - CENTRAL ASIA
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“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”