Tajikistan: Even Russia feels pain as pandemic wreaks havoc on migration lifeline Food prices have jumped this year and there are few jobs, but out-of-work migrants can’t get to where they are desperately needed. Dec 17, 2020
Armenia prepares to ban Turkish imports Following Ankara’s strong backing of Azerbaijan in the recent war, Yerevan is banning many Turkish goods. Ani Mejlumyan Dec 16, 2020
Kazakhstan to get $1.3Bln payout from Karachaganak consortium The company has pledged not to let annual production slip below 10-11 billion tons of liquid hydrocarbons. Almaz Kumenov Dec 14, 2020
Uzbekistan’s heating calamity revives the art of burning dung The public is livid that the government has been so hapless in prepping for the heating season. The response from officials has been to dissemble or threaten those who try to report on the situation. Dec 11, 2020
Here’s Looking at EAEU: What a gas! Unemployment, post-COVID hopes, and moving gas: This and more in our monthly briefing on the Eurasian Economic Union. Here’s looking at EAEU Dec 10, 2020
Perspectives | How China gains from Armenia-Azerbaijan war The distant war may play a role in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. Nima Khorrami Dec 2, 2020
Kazakhstan: Nazarbayev-linked billionaire sucked into UK court battle The surprise asset freeze has sparked speculation of possible elite infighting. Joanna Lillis Dec 2, 2020
Tajikistan: Emomali’s Russia visit signals his emerging role Any breakthrough in improving the lot of labor migrants will be touted as sign of his political heft. Nov 26, 2020
Kazakhstan to borrow $1.8Bln for COVID fight The government is eager to stress that the loan is all but interest free. Almaz Kumenov Nov 24, 2020
Turkmenistan: The dammed united Travel bans, dams and Russian fans. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Nov 24, 2020
China diversifies in Central Asia Beijing has adopted a new economic model for the region, investing less in major infrastructure and spreading its risk. Dirk van der Kley Nov 23, 2020
Kazakhstan’s independent media losing advertising battle with bloggers, influencers The government will help outlets that publish its propaganda. Almaz Kumenov Nov 20, 2020
Azerbaijan starts rebuilding in newly won territories Experts estimate that reconstruction could take 10 years and tens of billions of dollars. Ulkar Natiqqizi Nov 19, 2020