Kyrgyzstan: COVID-19 brings pain, but no gain, to fitness industry New precautions make exercising an unappealing undertaking – for those who can still afford it. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jun 15, 2020
Kazakhstan changes methodology, lowers COVID count The government has altered how it tallies infections and deaths to favor rosier statistics. Zholdas Orisbayev Jun 12, 2020
Kazakhstan: New study uses COVID-19 lockdown to isolate causes of air pollution Pollution fell along with traffic during quarantine, but airborne levels of several toxic chemicals rose far above WHO limits. Aliya Uteuova Jun 11, 2020
Uzbekistan: Heartbreak and despair for expat laborers trapped by COVID Tens of thousands of Uzbek workers are trying to get home. In Uzbekistan itself, however, not everybody is eager to see them. Jun 5, 2020
Chinese business briefing: Working overtime Many Chinese workers have been stuck in Central Asia during the coronavirus lockdown, forced to work overtime to meet production quotas. Niva Yau Jun 4, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: President pleads for sovereign debt restructuring Debt has risen to $4.6 billion this year. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 29, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Draft bill threatens to drive NGOs against the wall The bill appears intended to force independent activism out of existence Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 22, 2020
Kazakhstan: Controversial law portends struggle over coronavirus vaccine Without credible media, a lack of trust in government seems to be fueling anti-vaccination campaigns, pandemic be damned. Zholdas Orisbayev May 20, 2020
Kazakhstan to allow free export of food products Restrictions had been put in place to prevent deficits during the coronavirus outbreak. Almaz Kumenov May 20, 2020
Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks cautiously, anxiously, eye return to familiar patterns Newly restored freedoms in the three countries have not come without problems and worries. Almaz Kumenov, Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 18, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Rapper voices nation’s angst in the time of coronavirus Sayasat is based on stories pulled straight from the headlines. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 13, 2020
Kyrgyzstan’s coronavirus tracking app alarms privacy advocates There is anecdotal evidence that although the app is voluntary, many people are being pressured into loading it on their phones. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 8, 2020
Rubles in the Near Abroad: Eurasian economic disunion Even with coronavirus serving as a belated impetus to push through long-stalled reforms, the five members of the Eurasian Economic Union show limited willingness to help each other. Maximilian Hess May 6, 2020
Kazakhstan: Coronavirus prompting many to reassess priorities Post-coronavirus life will bring fewer debts and more time with the family. Maybe. Almaz Kumenov Apr 30, 2020
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan implement tentative coronavirus exit strategies Businesses are being allowed to reopen and people to take in some fresh air. Apr 30, 2020