COVID and the new debt dynamics of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Before the pandemic, Central Asia’s poorest countries had been managing their Chinese debts quite well. Now they are asking for help. Dirk van der Kley Oct 2, 2020
Here’s looking at EAEU #4: Belarus backs itself into trade corner Hypocritical election congratulations underscore the cold strategic underpinnings of a bloc that is as much about politics as it is about trade. Here’s looking at EAEU Sep 3, 2020
Chinese hydroelectric investments in Central Asia: A snapshot The first in a series of briefings on Beijing's investments in Central Asian renewables. Niva Yau Aug 31, 2020
Russian tourists flood into newly reopened Abkhazia The territory's public health officials have warned against opening up to tourism, and the arrival of tourists has coincided with a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases. Joshua Kucera Aug 11, 2020
Kazakhstan squeezes China critics as Xinjiang anxieties spread Kazakh activists are outraged at how their government kowtows to Beijing. Chris Rickleton Aug 10, 2020
China business briefing: Unclear borders, uneasy neighbors Our monthly briefing on China in Central Asia. Niva Yau Aug 3, 2020
After reopening, Armenian economy continues to struggle “It was the pandemic that hit the economy hard, not the lockdown itself.” Ani Mejlumyan Jul 30, 2020
Tajikistan: Coronavirus brings bonanza of aid, but zero accountability $300 million has been given and another $70 million may be on the way Jul 29, 2020
Kazahkstan: Coronavirus alarm forcing quick fixes for China trade The Nur Zholy crossing has seen lines up to 50 kilometers long. Jul 23, 2020
Tajikistan: Coronavirus taking heavy toll on remittances Transfers have fallen by at least 15 percent so far this year. Jul 22, 2020
Perspectives | Time to rethink supply chains; the Eastern Partnership zone is an option Realignment would put the EU on sounder economic footing, and reduce the possibility of Chinese economic bullying down the road. Anatoly Motkin, Debra Cagan Jul 10, 2020
Chinese business briefing: Getting back on track Beijing wants its neighbors to believe it is not abandoning them. Niva Yau Jul 6, 2020
Despite stimulus efforts, many Armenian workers fall through the cracks In several cases, the employers themselves have been the ones thwarting their workers from getting stimulus money. Ani Mejlumyan Jun 11, 2020
The mystery of Tajikistan’s “win” on COVID-19 Officials are poised to reopen the country only weeks after the crisis began. Jun 9, 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