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
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
Tajikistan sees unusual protests, authorities react with force Chinese workers rallied with a demand to be allowed to travel home. May 21, 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
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
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
Chinese business briefing: Aid and trade China has a lot to brag about. And a few things to hide. This and more in our monthly report on Chinese business in Central Asia. Niva Yau May 4, 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
Uzbekistan’s coronavirus information lockdown prompts questions Officials are jealously maintaining control over information while orchestrating suspiciously rosy accounts of a country on the mend. Apr 29, 2020
Kyrgyzstan’s sewing industry reorients to survive coronavirus slump Some enterprising souls have seized the moment to keep their businesses alive. Their main problem now is government flip-flopping and bureaucratic hurdles. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Apr 27, 2020
Kyrgyzstan law enforcement abusing coronavirus restrictions, activists say Some of the restrictions are creating public health hazards. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Apr 24, 2020