Central Asia’s Emerging Problem with Narcotics Trafficking

This report highlights the significant increase in narcotics trafficking and related law enforcement operations across Central Asia, particularly in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Saudi Arabia’s Investments in Tajikistan’s Education: Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power Recalibration

This report examines Saudi Arabia’s recent $20 million investment in Tajikistan’s education infrastructure, which is part of a larger development program totalling $325 million.
Tajikistan: Economic Vulnerabilities and Bilateral Fiscal Dynamics with Russia

This report evaluates Tajikistan’s response to the economic pressures stemming from Russia’s targeted import restrictions and Dushanbe’s concurrent implementation of a revised fiscal agreement with Moscow.
Geopolitical Risk June 2025: Caucasus, Central Asia, Middle East

This June 2025 report on geopolitical risks in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus focuses on rising tensions, key factors, and future predictions. This helps stakeholders understand emerging threats, thus informing policy, security, and investment decisions.
Russia-Kazakhstan’s Business Dialogue: Updates from SPIEF 2025

This report analyses the current state and plans for Russia-Kazakhstan economic cooperation, as discussed at the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum’s business dialogue.
The Second China‑Central Asia Summit Confirms Beijing’s Regional Strategy

This report evaluates the developing strategic relationship between Beijing and the Central Asian republics in the context of the Second China–Central Asia Summit in June 2025 considering also recent trends in Eurasia such as the Israeli-Iranian conflict.
Israel-Iran Conflict: Central Asia’s Reactions and Concerns for Regional Security

This report analyses the Israeli-Iranian conflict’s potential impact on Central Asian nations and their reactions. Central Asian governments express concern and advocate for de-escalation, while public opinion largely rejects military support for Iran.
Kyrgyzstan’s National Development Program Until 2030: Economic Outlook and Risk Assessment

This report examines the Kyrgyzstan’s economic development following the adoption of its National Development Programme until 2030. Bishkek has introduced ambitious growth targets, including a doubling of GDP and deep structural reforms across industry, logistics, agriculture, tourism, and green energy.
Rising Cybercrime Alarms Uzbekistan’s National Security

This report assesses the strategic implications of the sharp rise in cybercrime in Uzbekistan between 2019 and 2024. The report details how this trend threatens Uzbekistan’s internal security, economic stability, and broader modernisation goals.
First “Central Asia + Italy” Summit Confirms the Regional “New Great Game”

This report assesses Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s official visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in May 2025 and its participation in the first “Central Asia + Italy” summit as well as imperative and constraints of Rome’s engagement in the region.
Giorgia Meloni’s Official Visit to Tashkent Marks Strengthening of Uzbekistan–Italy Strategic Partnership

This report provides an analytical overview of the official visit by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Uzbekistan, which marks a significant advancement in the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Visit to Central Asia: Why Matters?

By the end of May, Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, will visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The visit, postponed from April because of the death of Pope Francis, marks a formal shift in Italy’s approach to Central Asia.
Kazakhstan’s Geopolitics and International Relations: Interview with H.E. Yerbolat Sembayev

SpecialEurasia met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Italy, H.E. Yerbolat Sembayev, to acquire deeper insight into this Central Asian republic following the recent visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella to Astana and the first EU–Central Asia summit held in early April 2025.
Kazakhstan and UAE Cement Strategic Partnership through Maritime, Financial, and Trade Infrastructure Expansion

The report examines the deepening of economic and strategic relations between Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates, highlighted by the signing of nine bilateral agreements worth $5 billion. These include major investments in port infrastructure at Kuryk and Aktau, expansion of agri-food trade, and significant financial integration through the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).
Kazakhstan: Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and Economic Outlook

Kazakhstan recorded a foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow of $15.7 billion in 2024, marking an 88% increase over 2023 and the highest figure in its post-Soviet history. The inflow consolidates its position as the primary investment destination in Central and Northern Asia.

Category: Central Asia