Rare Earth Elements in Central Asia: Imperatives and Constrains

This report examines the increasing relevance of Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, in the global rare earth elements (REEs) and rare metals (RMs) market. This report outlines Western and Asian powers’ developing strategic interest in Central Asia’s mineral assets and assesses the challenges that may determine the region’s future role in global supply…
Central Asia: Projected Economic Deceleration Amid Fiscal Adjustments and Global Pressures (2025–2026)

This report analyses the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) latest economic outlook concerning the Central Asian region, highlighting an expected deceleration in GDP growth of over 2025–2026. The ADB’s projections underscore persistent geopolitical and economic risks that could compound regional vulnerabilities in the medium term.
CSTO Strategic Reinforcement of the Tajik-Afghan Border

This report examines recent CSTO and Dushanbe’s efforts to bolster security on the Tajik-Afghan border, as the situation in northern Afghanistan worsens. Regional concerns about rising terrorism and illicit activity in Afghanistan’s border provinces pushed CSTO to start the first phase of its longstanding program.
Kazakhstan Increased its Military Expenditure Amid Foreign Investment Engagement

This report assesses Kazakhstan’s recent decision to allocate 120 billion tenge (approximately USD 265 million) for the development of its defence-industrial base, and its efforts to attract foreign investment from key international partners. This report assesses also Astana’s defence posture, investment, and regional.
Tashkent Conference: the Organisation of Turkic States Consolidates its Economic Presence in Central Asia

This report examines the growing strategic significance of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in current economic and political changes in Central Asia, with an emphasis on the initiatives presented at the April 2025 conferences in Tashkent and diplomatic forum in Antalya.
Russia-Central Asia Relations Following the Almaty Ministerial Meeting

The eighth ministerial meeting between Russia and the five Central Asian states, held in Almaty on April 11, 2025, highlights Moscow’s ongoing efforts to consolidate strategic influence across its southern periphery. This report wants to assess the status of Russia-Central Asia relations and Moscow’s strategy to exploit multilateralism and security cooperation to influence Central Asian…
How the Uzbekistan-Germany Labour Migration Agreement Affects the EU-Central Asia Partnership

The memorandum signed on 7 April 2025 between Uzbekistan and Germany establishes a structured labour migration framework focused on vocational training and legal mobility pathways for Uzbek workers in key sectors of the German economy. This report analyses the memorandum’s strategic implications for EU-Central Asia relations and Uzbekistan’s foreign policy diversification.
How Can Kazakhstan-United Kingdom Infrastructure Cooperation Impact Regional Dynamics?

Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom are intensifying their collaboration in infrastructure development, aiming to modernize Astana’s extensive energy, transport, water, and digital systems. This partnership leverages the UK’s engineering expertise and financial acumen to support Kazakhstan’s ambitious National Infrastructure Plan through 2029.
First EU-Central Asia Summit: Why Matters?

This report analyses the EU-Central Asia summit’s significance for Brussels’ strategy, highlighting Central Asia’s geopolitical rise and the European commitment to sustainable development and multilateralism.
Italian-Kazakh Agricultural Cooperation and Geopolitical Implications

Italy’s TRAMITE Group will launch a tomato processing operation in Kazakhstan, capitalising on the country’s agricultural potential and government incentives. The $100 million project aligns with Astana’s strategy to boost agricultural exports and attract foreign investment.
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan’s Leaders Signed a Historical Agreement in Khujand

The recent border agreement between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan represents a historic achievement in Central Asian diplomacy. The Khujand Declaration, along with the agreed-upon border crossing, symbolises regional cooperation and stability.
Russia’s Cultural Diplomacy in Uzbekistan and Central Asia Through Rossotrudnichestvo

This report examines the significance of Russian cultural diplomacy in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, and Rossotrudnichestvo’s contribution to the Kremlin’s regional aims. The report also analyses the “cultural geopolitical game” in the region involving regional and international actors.
Analysis of the EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in Ashgabat

The recent EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting in Ashgabat and the upcoming EU-Central Asia Summit in Samarkand highlight Brussels’ strategic engagement with the region. Discussions focused on regional stability, economic cooperation, and the enforcement of sanctions against Russia.
Fergana Valley: Stability, Development, and Strategic Interests

The Fergana Valley, a strategically significant region in Central Asia, has long been a focal point of geopolitical tensions and economic development challenges. Spanning Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, unresolved border disputes, ethnic tensions, terrorism, and economic fragility have shaped the valley.
CASA-1000 and Central Asian Regional Stability

The successful implementation of the CASA-1000 energy transmission project represents a critical milestone for regional cooperation in Central Asia. This initiative aims to facilitate the export of surplus hydroelectric power from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to Afghanistan and Pakistan, enhancing economic growth, regional stability, and international investment opportunities.

Category: Central Asia