Energy and Economy  

 

Kazakhstan Turns Baikonur into Space Tourism Hub

Kazakhstan is reinventing Soviet-era launch sites at Baikonur Cosmodrome as a tourism destination. By 2029, the government aims to welcome 50,000 visitors with hotels, glamping, and camps near Gagarin’s historic launchpad—the birthplace of human spaceflight.

Source: Euronews

Central Asia’s first Wind Power Plant with Energy Storage to be Built in Karakalpakstan
 Uzbekistan will host Central Asia’s first wind power plant with a 100 MWh battery energy storage system in Karakalpakstan’s Qoraozak district. Developed by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power with $51M financing from the ADB, AIIB, FMO, Standard Chartered, and Saudi EXIM, the 200 MW project is expected to generate 727,980 MWh of clean electricity annually, cut 406,170 tons of CO₂ emissions, and create over 200 jobs. The project supports Uzbekistan’s Strategy 2030, aiming for 54% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2030.

Source: Gazeta.uz

Kazakhstan Ships Wheat Directly to Vietnam in Logistics Breakthrough
Kazakhstan has completed its first direct wheat deliveries to Vietnam without container transfers, streamlining export logistics. From May to September, 17,000 tons of grain were shipped from northern Kazakhstan via China’s Lianyungang port to Haiphong, Vietnam. The uninterrupted container route cut costs, preserved product quality, and shortened delivery times. Experts say the trial underscores Kazakhstan’s growing role as a Eurasian transit hub and opens new opportunities for grain exports to Southeast Asia’s expanding markets.

Source: The Astana Times

Northern Aral Sea Showcases Record Water Recovery

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has reported a record increase in the volume of water in the Northern Aral Sea. Such growth has exceeded national and international expectations. With the support of a World Bank grant, The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan is continuing research and actions towards this issue. The government of Kazakhstan emphasizes the critical role of regional cooperation among Central Asian states in recovering Aral Sea and ecosystem restoration.

Source: The Times of Central Asia

Kazakhstan Rises in Global Competitiveness, Ahead of Japan and Spain
Kazakhstan has advanced to 34th place in the 2024 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, surpassing Japan, Spain, and India. The country posted 4.8% GDP growth, reaching $288.4 billion, with per capita income at $41,675 (PPP). Key strengths include favorable tax policies (7th globally) and effective management practices (16th). Still, challenges persist in trade, scientific infrastructure, and pricing. The report urges Kazakhstan to modernize its energy and utilities, expand its skilled workforce, and enhance its business climate to sustain momentum.

Source: The Astana Times

World Bank and Kyrgyzstan Expand Green Finance for SMEs
 The State Development Bank of Kyrgyzstan and the World Bank discussed a $170M project to promote green finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises. The initiative includes wholesale financing, a Green Finance Fund, and a green guarantee mechanism, aiming to mobilize up to $148M in private investments by 2030.

Source: Kazinform

Politics and Security  

 

Tehran Hosts first India-Iran-Uzbekistan Trilateral Meeting
India, Iran, and Uzbekistan held their first trilateral foreign ministry meeting in Tehran on September 9, focusing on counterterrorism cooperation and expanding trade via Iran’s Chabahar Port. The countries also discussed connectivity, the International North-South Transit Corridor, and measures to deepen economic and strategic ties.

Source: The Economic Times 

U.S. Expands cooperation with Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan along Middle Corridor
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Georgia Alan Purcell led a delegation of American business leaders to Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan to explore opportunities in trade, energy, infrastructure, and logistics along the Middle Corridor. Organized with the U.S. Commercial Service, American-Georgian Business Council, US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce, and American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan, the visit included meetings with government officials, including Georgian Minister of Economy Mariam Kvrivishvili. The initiative aims to strengthen U.S. economic partnerships and enhance regional connectivity along this strategic Asia-Europe transport route.

Source: Trend

U.S. Set to Provide $145 Million for Initial Investment in TRIPP Corridor

After U.S. delegation visited Armenian officials in Yerevan on September 11, both sides stated that a sum of $145 million would be provided by the U.S. to fund the construction of important infrastructure along the planned Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). Armenian officials expressed optimism and confidence that other funds will follow this initial investment, though no timeline on funding or construction of the corridor have been established. 

Source: Eurasianet

President Tokayev Meets with Participants from the International Forum on Constitutional Justice

On September 11, President Tokayev welcomed international representatives of democracy and justice, including the President of the Venice Commission, Claire Bazy-Malaurie. Tokayev highlighted the Venice Commision’s critical role in shaping democratic institutions globally and the reforms to the Kazakh constitution that have expanded the influence of representative bodies and improved government accountability. He also noted the importance of the Constitutional Court, which has increased access to justice as Kazakhstan continues to develop its legal culture.

Source: Astana Times

Azerbaijan Hosts Joint Military Exercises with Kazakhstan, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan

Azerbaijan is hosting joint military exercises “Eternal Brotherhood” with the participation of forces from Kazakhstan, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan. The drills started on September 9 and are expected to conclude in two weeks. Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan Zakir Hasanov said that this is the fourth Eternal Brotherhood joint exercises, which had a “tradition and a vivid example of military cooperation.”

Source: Caspian Post