Uzbekistan: Second lockdown imposed, bringing specter of more economic pain The economy is set to contract sharply this year as a result of the crisis. Jul 8, 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
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
Uzbekistan: Dam collapse raises uncomfortable questions Developments since the tragedy are prompting questions about the extent to which the Mirziyoyev government welcomes real scrutiny. May 15, 2020
Uzbekistan’s small businesses counting days to post-coronavirus freedom Before the pandemic, small businesses accounted for around 56 percent of Uzbekistan’s GDP. May 11, 2020
Armenians protest premier for failing to stand up to Gazprom Protestors violated the state of emergency to say Pashinyan broke his promise. Ani Mejlumyan Apr 29, 2020
Uzbekistan: President nixes helicopter money idea, appeals to business community Mirziyoyev says businessmen can pay money to people themselves. Apr 22, 2020
Coronavirus leaves Tajikistan’s labor migrants high and dry Those who made it to Russia before the scale of the crisis became evident are now stranded. Apr 20, 2020
As it attempts to reopen economy, Armenia juggles stimulus plans Businesses complain the plans do not address the scope of coronavirus-related economic damage. Ani Mejlumyan Apr 15, 2020
Uzbekistan shores up food defenses as coronavirus rages Mirziyoyev wants his country-people to grow more of their own vegetables. Apr 14, 2020
Armenia seeks to weaken environmental information law Watchdogs fear the change would allow the government to limit the release of mining-related information. Ani Mejlumyan Apr 10, 2020
Kazakhstan: Nazarbayev wealth ruling dismays transparency campaigners A British court has unfrozen $99 million in property belonging to the former president’s daughter and grandson, only after they spoke more candidly about the sources and scope of their wealth than they have ever done at home. Peter Leonard Apr 9, 2020
Rubles in the Near Abroad: Testing a testy union Russia’s shipment of PPE to New York violated Moscow’s pledge to its closest allies. Maximilian Hess Apr 3, 2020