Kazakhstan
TIIF 2026: Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries ramps up Central Asian operations
Russia’s largest e-commerce operator Wildberries became the largest retailer of any sort when it overtook MasterSport in 2019 and took Russia into a new age of e-commerce. Now it is expanding into Uzbekistan's fast-growing economy.
Commentary: Kokand and Forgotten Origins of Soccer in Central Asia
Local institution, not foreign import.
TIIF 2026: Central Asia, new Asian tiger
Central Asia used to be thought of as sitting at the “navel of the world,” about as far away from everywhere as it was possible to be. Today that perception has changed as once again it finds itself at the centre of things.
Will US take up Kazakhstan’s offer to host Iran’s uranium stockpile?
Geopolitics experts see plan as entirely realistic. Central Asian country is a nonproliferation-minded middle power Tehran could accept without seeming to capitulate to Washington.
Isolated surges mask weak FDI trend in emerging Europe
wiiw research shows slight rise in FDI inflows with gains concentrated in a handful of economies. Romania stands out with a 45% hike.
New initiative launched to redirect Gulf energy flows away from Strait toward Mediterranean
Syria envisioned as key cog in new energy distribution network.
Kazakh president’s pet project gets boost from China
China-Central Asia Monitor: June 5-11, 2026.
Kazakhstan advances reform agenda to attract investment and diversify economy
Kazakhstan is pursuing a broad programme of economic reforms aimed at attracting long-term investment, deepening capital markets and accelerating diversification beyond extractive industries.
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Iran's Solico to build large cheese plant in Kazakhstan in $66mn dairy deal
Iranian food group Solico will build a 155,000-tonne cheese plant in Kazakhstan's Almaty region under a KZT35.2bn deal, deepening Astana-Tehran ties, with the plant due to be commissioned in 2029.
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EU-regulated CI Ratings assigns BBB international rating to EDB with stable outlook
Highlights strong capital position, robust asset quality, comfortable liquidity profile and low refinancing risk.
US officials avid in commitment to Central Asia critical minerals at Astana meeting
Trump special envoy to region says deals will be "win-win". Russia, meanwhile, is not amused.
From oil wells to code: can Central Asia become the world's next technology hub?
For most of the post-Soviet era, Central Asia's economic story was written in commodities. Now technology is starting to challenge that stereotype.
New Pakistan-Iran road routes and Central Asian trade
A Eurasianet partner post from the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst.
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Supply chain disruptions are back at 2022 levels – Statista
Global supply chain pressures have risen again in recent months, returning to levels last seen during the height of pandemic-related disruptions, Statista reports.
The world's record heatwaves - Statista
According to NASA, there is “unequivocal evidence that Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate”, Statista reports.
Hong Kong delegation to Uzbekistan promotes "hub-to-hub" cooperation
Visa-free travel, direct flights and trade and investment ramp-ups could be on the way.
PMI shows back-to-back expansions in Kazakhstan's services activity
Job shedding, however, strongest since November 2023.
“Penaltystan” label for Kazakhstan used by those who hold country in contempt, says president
Tokayev rejects claims of excessive fines and penalties, says in turbulent times people need public order and security.
Central Asia to turn mineral wealth into strategic influence
Central Asia is moving to convert its vast reserves of critical minerals into economic and geopolitical leverage as governments seek to position the region at the centre of global supply chains increasingly shaped by geopoliitcal competition.
Middle East conflict and energy shock slow growth across EBRD regions
Bank warns higher energy costs are reigniting inflation, weakening industrial competitiveness and straining already fragile public finances