Uzbekistan poised to start trials on Chinese COVID-19 vaccine 5,000 people are taking part in the trials. Dec 10, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Only 15 percent of infected healthcare workers compensated Medics say they are actively discouraged from seeking the compensation. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Dec 8, 2020
Uzbekistan to begin Chinese vaccine trial 5,000 volunteers have been mobilized for the phase-three trial. Nov 9, 2020
Uzbekistan to take part in COVID-19 vaccine trials Officials say Uzbekistan plans to produce its own vaccine when tests are done. Sep 30, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Authorities mulling return to lockdowns Batken has already reimposed restrictions. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Sep 29, 2020
Central Asia: Belt and Road takes back seat in Chinese envoy’s tour Beijing is eager to show solidarity as the coronavirus pandemic rumbles on. Chris Rickleton Sep 16, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: COVID-19 body blow leaves Issyk-Kul tourism operators reeling The tourist season was a disaster, with visitors down almost 90 percent. The taxman has not been sympathetic. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, Photos by Danil Usmanov Sep 11, 2020
High-profile COVID wedding highlights Azerbaijani political schism A longtime gray cardinal is in trouble after violating social-distancing laws. But breaking rules is what bigwigs do in Azerbaijan. Aug 26, 2020
Kyrgyzstan opens up to Kazakhstan’s tourists. In theory Kyrgyz officials have drawn up a list of 31 countries from which people can visit. Almaz Kumenov Aug 24, 2020
Abkhazia calls for volunteers to help with COVID outbreak Many in the territory blame the rising numbers of coronavirus cases on the authorities’ decision to open up to Russian tourists. Joshua Kucera Aug 19, 2020
Fighting COVID in Kyrgyzstan: Dog fat, ginger and bloodletting Some of the purported cures spreading on social media are dangerous. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Aug 13, 2020
Ukraine’s census attempt crashes and burns yet again Independent Ukraine has held only one census, almost 20 years ago. Mariya Chukhnova Aug 12, 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
Azerbaijani president slams State Oil Company, announces privatization In an unprecedented speech, Ilham Aliyev blasted the “socialist economic model” behind his country’s largest companies. Aug 9, 2020
China business briefing: Unclear borders, uneasy neighbors Our monthly briefing on China in Central Asia. Niva Yau Aug 3, 2020