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Mongolia vs Rio Tinto: The Copper Mine at the Centre of the World
Oyu Tolgoi is producing record copper, heading for fourth place globally, and generating a political crisis. Ulaanbaatar wants a renegotiation. Rio Tinto cannot afford to walk away.
Kazakhstan's National Railway Eyes Triple Listing as Middle Corridor Bet
KTZ plans simultaneous IPO in London, Hong Kong and Astana — framing $10.4bn debt burden as a growth story
The Turkic Moment: What Erdogan's Astana Visit Reveals About Kazakhstan's Strategic Choices
Thirteen agreements, a record trade surge, and a new medal — but Ankara and Astana are reading the partnership through different lenses
Delays And Rising Costs: Central Asia Feels Fallout From Iran War
As expected, the launching of US and Israeli air strikes on Iran -- and retaliatory strikes by Tehran on targets in the Mideast -- has hit the economies of the region. But the shockwaves are arguably being felt just as much in Central Asian nations who rely on goods flowing through Iran.
Trade and Economic Park Planned at Border of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan
On May 6, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov visited the Dostuk Stele (Friendship) in the country’s southwestern Batken region, erected at the junction point of the state borders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, where he reviewed the concept and master plan for the proposed Dostuk International Trade and Economic Park.
Kazakhstan’s Auto Industry Accelerates: Vehicle Output Up Nearly 37%
Kazakhstan’s vehicle production accelerated by 36.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, with 45,260 units manufactured, according to the Kazakhstan Automobile Union (KAU) as cited by Times of Central Asia. This output covers passeng
Kazakhstan’s KPI reports polypropylene shipment performance since launch
Kazakhstan’s KPI reported a substantial surge in its polypropylene production, increasing output by more than 50% in 2025 compared to the previous year. This robust expansion marks a significant operational milestone for the facility, as hi
Fitch highlights increasing fiscal deficit in Kyrgyzstan
Fitch's latest analytical assessment projects a widening budget deficit for Kyrgyzstan, signalling a period of increased fiscal strain for the Central Asian nation. This evaluation provides a sober, measured view of the country's immediate
Georgia’s fuel exports jump sevenfold in Q1 2026 on Russian oil influx
Georgia’s external trade saw a notable uplift in the first quarter of 2026, with overall exports reaching $1.72 billion. This represented a 23.4 per cent increase compared with the same period a year earlier, driven by significant shifts in
Chinese investors ask for legal protection and stability
Ravshanbek Sabirov, Head of Kyrgyzstan's National Investment Agency, recently hosted representatives from Chinese entities, including Guipai Holding Group, Hunan Jingwei Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., and Tengri Invest LLC. The Chinese
Kazakhstan Finance Day in New York Showcases Market Reform, IPO Ambitions, and Alatau City Pitch
Kazakhstan’s recent Finance Day in New York offered a masterclass in sophisticated economic diplomacy, unfolding at Citigroup headquarters for a third successive time. High-level officials and executives presented a compelling narrative of
Air Astana Expands International Network, Boosts Transit Traffic by 65%
Kazakhstan’s national carrier, Air Astana Group, is strategically expanding its international network. This initiative aims to bolster the country’s position as a regional transit hub, evidenced by a significant increase in international tr
Kazakhstan, Afghanistan Expand Railway Cooperation as Freight Volumes Surge
A notable surge in railway freight volumes between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan underscores a pragmatic drive towards enhanced regional connectivity and trade. Data from Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) for the first quarter of 2026 reveals a sig
Uzbekistan Opens Fourth Special Economic Zone
The new SEZ in Khorezm region targets textile and pharmaceutical manufacturing, with tax holidays of up to 15 years for foreign investors.
Mongolia’s Rail Gambit: Corridor Could Reshape Trade Routes
Ulaanbaatar is in advanced talks with Japan and South Korea to fund an alternative trans-Mongolian rail line — a strategic pivot that signals discomfort with dependence on Russian transit.
Remittance Volumes to Central Asia Fall 18% Year-on-Year
A combination of ruble depreciation and tighter Russian labour market conditions has produced the largest single-year drop in regional remittance flows on record.
BRI at 13: Central Asia’s Balance Sheet
A decade after the Belt and Road announcement, the regional ledger shows clear winners, clear losers, and several open accounts.