Kazakhstan: Chinese cement plant brings jobs and dust A pioneer Chinese factory in southern Kazakhstan is an environmental disaster, locals say, while the company and the government are tongue-tied. Daniyar Moldabekov and Nazerke Kurmangazinova Mar 17, 2022
Explainer | The South Caucasus braces for Russia’s hard landing Their economies are exposed, but political concerns remain paramount. Maximilian Hess Mar 16, 2022
Uzbekistan lays out the red carpet for fleeing Russian IT specialists The government is offering streamlined work visa and residency application procedures. Mar 16, 2022
Russia-Central Asia flights resume after interruptions Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, which plans to go public this year, has halted all flights to Russia. But the country’s budget airlines are stepping up. Zholdas Orisbayev Mar 15, 2022
Kazakhstan restricts export of foreign currency and gold Security is being bolstered at borders to ensure compliance. Almaz Kumenov Mar 15, 2022
Kazakhstan: Bolat Nazarbayev named and shamed over bitcoin mining Authorities are expanding their bitcoin crackdown to include powerful figures close to the old regime. Joanna Lillis Mar 15, 2022
Turkmenistan: New president, old ideas The dauphin becomes president. This and more in our weekly briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Mar 15, 2022
Armenia: Russian mining takeover bears hallmarks of old regime The prime minister promised to do business differently. But he owes Moscow. Arshaluis Mgdesyan Mar 14, 2022
Sanctions-hit Russian oligarch quits Uzbek bank, but associates snap up stakes The billionaire had bought his stake only months ago from the president’s son-in-law. Joanna Lillis Mar 14, 2022
Tidal wave of austerity crashing against Tajikistan as Russian economy nears precipice Tajikistan has hitched itself firmly to the Russian economy. Now it’s in deep trouble. Kamila Ibragimova Mar 14, 2022
Central Asia frets as Russia suspends grain, sugar exports Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan both rely heavily on Russia for their grain and sugar needs. Almaz Kumenov Mar 11, 2022
Central Asia to suffer as remittances from Russia nosedive The migrant-dependent countries face a double whammy. Joanna Lillis Mar 11, 2022
Kyrgyzstanis flee Russia fearing military recruitment and salary collapse Perennially unstable Kyrgyzstan is seeing a surge of unemployed young men return from Russia. Bakyt Ibraimov Mar 11, 2022
Explainer | The ruble’s rubble: Economic fallout on Central Asia Local currencies rise and fall with the ruble. Maximilian Hess Mar 10, 2022
Armenia anticipates influx of Russian businesses, capital As they struggle to manage the new sanctions regime, many Russian IT firms are looking at Armenia as a potential new home. Arshaluis Mgdesyan Mar 10, 2022
Tajikistan: Ruble collapse taking tolls on living standards Sanctions on Russia are hurting savers in Tajikistan. Kamila Ibragimova Mar 9, 2022
Russia sanctions prompt Kazakhstan to increase exports via Caspian Kazakhstan's ports had been operating at a fraction of capacity since the trans-Caspian route was opened. Almaz Kumenov Mar 8, 2022
Turkmenistan: Vote early, vote often International sanctions against Russia will provide some unanticipated upside developments for Turkmenistan. This and more in our weekly briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Mar 8, 2022
Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan: Trade with China bounces back after corona-slump The news is welcome with the countries about the feel the full knock-on impact of sanctions against Russia. Joanna Lillis Mar 8, 2022
Ukraine war threatens Kazakh oil exports Kazakhstan relies on Russia to export most of its crude oil. Buyers are wary. David O'Byrne Mar 7, 2022
Uzbekistan, Pakistan unite for Afghanistan sanctions relief Both are seeking to get ambitious transportation projects off the ground. Joanna Lillis Mar 7, 2022
Explainer | What about the EAEU? Why Russia’s trade bloc is not a sanctions backdoor The idea that the Eurasian Economic Union can help Moscow violate sanctions is exaggerated. Maximilian Hess Mar 4, 2022
Kazakhstan redirecting import-export from Russia to Latvia Businesspeople worry that Kazakh reliance on Russian export routes is going to harm the economy. Almaz Kumenov Mar 4, 2022
China’s “Uber Slayer” leaves Kazakhstan, licking its wounds DiDi entered the Central Asian country last May amid hype it would kill off the competition. Joanna Lillis Mar 4, 2022
Kazakhstan braces for impact of Russia sanctions regime The economies are closely linked – and the trouble could not have come at a worse time. Almaz Kumenov Mar 3, 2022