Uzbekistan: Civil society hindered in ability to contain COVID-19 corruption The chair of the Senate says $171,000 have gone missing. Aug 10, 2020
China business briefing: Unclear borders, uneasy neighbors Our monthly briefing on China in Central Asia. Niva Yau Aug 3, 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
Tajikistan: Coronavirus taking heavy toll on remittances Transfers have fallen by at least 15 percent so far this year. Jul 22, 2020
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
Georgia’s tourism reopening to be selective Georgia is getting ready to host tourists, but would-be backpackers should not get their hopes up. Giorgi Lomsadze Jun 10, 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
Emerging from lockdown: Time for Georgian food? Georgia is cautiously returning to normal life, but wondering if opening up will threaten its hard-won success in stemming the spread of coronavirus. Giorgi Lomsadze Jun 8, 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
Georgia hopes to sell its pandemic response to tourists The nation is working on a coronavirus-conscious tourism plan. Giorgi Lomsadze May 21, 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
Eurovision shines a light into Caucasus identity politics This year, Azerbaijan embraces both the Orient and bisexuality, while Georgia complains about the West. Joshua Kucera May 14, 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
Uzbekistan: President nixes helicopter money idea, appeals to business community Mirziyoyev says businessmen can pay money to people themselves. Apr 22, 2020