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	<title>Last news - Сentralasianlight.org</title>
	<link>https://centralasianlight.org/rss/</link>
	<description>Economy</description>
	<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:58:25 +0600</pubDate>
	<copyright>centralasianlight.org</copyright>
	<ttl>60</ttl>
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		<title>Kyrgyzstan Imports Five Times More Than It Exports</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Kyrgyzstan's foreign trade turnover for January–July 2026 reached $10 billion, an increase of 7.7% compared to the same period last year, Akchabar.kg reported.

Imports accounted for the majority of foreign trade—$8.3 billion, or 83.4% of total turnover. Over the year, imports grew by 8.7%. Exports amounted to $1.7 billion, or 16.6% of total turnover, an increase of 2.7%.

Thus, the growth in foreign trade was primarily driven by increased imports. The difference between import and export volumes for the seven months amounted to approximately $6.6 billion.

Kyrgyzstan's trade with the Eurasian Economic Union countries reached $3.7 billion during the reporting period, a 5.4% increase compared to the previous year. Exports to the EAEU countries decreased by 2%, while imports from them increased by 7.2%.

Kyrgyzstan's main trading partners within the EAEU remain Russia and Kazakhstan, accounting for 65.1% and 32.4% of mutual trade with the union's countries, respectively.

Meanwhile,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:12:47 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstan-imports-five-times-more-than-it-exports/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstan-imports-five-times-more-than-it-exports/</guid>
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		<title>Kyrgyzstan’s Telecom and IT Sectors Prop Up the Media Industry</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Kyrgyzstan's real sector enterprises operating in the information and communications sector posted a net financial result of 11.4 billion soms ($130.35 million) for January–June 2026, Akchabar.kg reported.

According to the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the profits of profitable companies reached 13.4 billion soms ($153.2 million), while losses of unprofitable enterprises amounted to approximately 2 billion soms ($22.86 million).

Communications were the main source of profit: this segment accounted for 6.4 billion soms ($73.17 million). Computer equipment and information services companies contributed another 5.2 billion soms. Meanwhile, publishing, video and sound recording, television, and radio broadcasting collectively reported a loss of almost 150 million soms.

This indicator demonstrates a structural shift within the information sector: telecommunications and IT services are becoming the most resilient,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:49:59 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstans-telecom-and-it-sectors-prop-up-the-media-industry/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstans-telecom-and-it-sectors-prop-up-the-media-industry/</guid>
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		<title>Bitcoin Output quadruples in Kazakhstan as Tax Revenue Hits $50 Mln</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In 2025, approximately 3,600 bitcoins were mined through accredited mining pools in Kazakhstan, four times the 2023 figures. This was announced at a government meeting by Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Gizzat Baitursynov, Kazinform reports.

Currently, 76 licensed miners and five pools are legally operating in the country, with an inventory base of approximately 470,000 units of equipment. At the same time, tax revenues from the industry increased almost 2.5-fold – from 9 billion tenge ($20 million) in 2023 to 22.4 billion tenge ($49.85 million) in 2025, while crypto exchange trading volume increased more than 30-fold, attracting over 215,000 active users.

The sharp increase in mining and tax revenues in Kazakhstan demonstrates the success of the policy to legalize the crypto industry and transition from gray mining to strict state accounting.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:56:54 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/bitcoin-output-quadruples-in-kazakhstan-as-tax-revenue-hits-50-mln/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/bitcoin-output-quadruples-in-kazakhstan-as-tax-revenue-hits-50-mln/</guid>
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		<title>Tajikistan Positions Green Energy as Anchor for AI Infrastructure and Digital Growth</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Tajikistan's State Investment Committee has presented an infographic of its digital economy and AI development priorities. As part of the announced "Years of Digital Economy and Innovation Development" (2025-2030), the ICT sector will be a key focus for attracting capital into the energy, industry, agro-industrial complex, and logistics sectors, Avesta.tj reported.

The country is actively developing a national ecosystem for digitalization and technology entrepreneurship. More than 250 AI and IT companies (Zypl.ai, Epsilon3.ai, IT Park, Smart City) are already operating in the country's emerging market. Investment priorities include digital infrastructure (data centers, clouds), AI platforms, FinTech, e-commerce, and Smart City projects.

The country's main competitive advantage for energy-intensive AI infrastructure is green energy: 98% of electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants. This provides investors with an environmentally friendly, low-]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:18:43 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-positions-green-energy-as-anchor-for-ai-infrastructure-and-digital-growth/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-positions-green-energy-as-anchor-for-ai-infrastructure-and-digital-growth/</guid>
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		<title>Kyrgyzstan Inflation Reaches 7.6% in Jan–Aug 2026 as Service Tariffs Surge</title>
		<description><![CDATA[From January to August 2026, consumer prices in Kyrgyzstan increased by 7.6% compared to December of the previous year. According to official data from the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, inflationary pressure has affected absolutely all key sectors of the economy, Economist.kg reported.

The largest contribution to the price increase was made by higher tariffs for services, which rose by 11.4%. Prices for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products increased by 7.7%, food and soft drinks by 6.4%, and non-food items by 6.1%.

In the food sector, the most significant increase affected the basic basket: fresh meat, chicken eggs, fresh fruit, fish, dairy products, sugar, and flour. The only restraining factor was the seasonal decline in prices for fresh vegetables, rice, potatoes, and draft milk. Price increases were recorded in all regions of the republic,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 16:18:25 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstan-inflation-reaches-7.6-in-jan-aug-2026-as-service-tariffs-surge/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstan-inflation-reaches-7.6-in-jan-aug-2026-as-service-tariffs-surge/</guid>
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		<title>Tajikistan Could Attract Up to $1.8 Billion Under New World Bank</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Tajikistan could receive up to $1.8 billion in concessional and private financing over seven years under the World Bank's new country program for fiscal years 2026–2032. However, the maximum amount of funding is not guaranteed and will depend on the implementation of economic reforms, the availability of resources, and an improved investment climate, Asiaplus.tj reported.

Under the International Development Association (IDA), the country could receive $1–1.2 billion. Starting in fiscal year 2027, Tajikistan is expected to transition from grants to concessional loans. This is due to rising per capita income and a gradual change in the conditions for access to grant financing.

Another $600 million could be mobilized through the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), including IFC's own investments and funds from private investors.

For Tajikistan,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:52:23 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-could-attract-up-to-1.8-billion-under-new-world-bank/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-could-attract-up-to-1.8-billion-under-new-world-bank/</guid>
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		<title>Kyrgyzstan Steps Up Efforts to Attract Chinese Investment in New Industries</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Kyrgyzstan has invited 19 major Chinese companies to consider investment projects in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, mining, and processing industries, according to the National Investment Agency under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Akchabar.kg reported.

Agency Head Ravshanbek Sabirov discussed the possibility of implementing joint projects and introducing modern technologies with Chinese business representatives. Participants included companies supplying components and technology solutions to major international corporations, including Tesla and Apple.

The Kyrgyz side emphasized its interest not only in attracting capital but also in localizing technologies, creating new production facilities, and creating jobs. The National Agency stated its readiness to support investors at all stages of project implementation. Chinese companies, in turn, confirmed their interest in the Kyrgyz market,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 13:41:14 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstan-steps-up-efforts-to-attract-chinese-investment-in-new-industries/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstan-steps-up-efforts-to-attract-chinese-investment-in-new-industries/</guid>
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		<title>Kazakhstan Expands Oil Exports to China and via Caspian Sea</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Kazakhstan continues to increase the volume of oil transportation via alternative export routes. In January–August 2026, the export of Kazakh oil to China via the Atasu-Alashankou oil pipeline reached 863 thousand tons, which is 24% more than the same figure in 2025. In total, 7.6 million tons of oil were pumped in this direction, which is 3% more than last year’s level, Kursiv.kz reports.

At the same time, the importance of the Caspian route is growing. In January-August, 2.4 million tons of oil were loaded into tankers through the port of Aktau, an increase of 6%. At the same time, the volume of transshipment in the direction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline increased by 12% and reached 1 million tons.

In general, KazTransOil transported 31.9 million tons of oil and petroleum products over eight months, 4% more than a year earlier.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:31:16 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstan-expands-oil-exports-to-china-and-via-caspian-sea/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstan-expands-oil-exports-to-china-and-via-caspian-sea/</guid>
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		<title>Tajikistan to Launch Iron Production in 2027</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Tajikistan will begin producing iron for the first time since independence in 2027, marking a new stage in the country's industrial modernization. President Emomali Rahmon announced this on September 8 in Dushanbe, speaking on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the republic's independence, Asiaplus.tj reported.

According to President Rahmon, the development of metallurgy is part of a policy of accelerated industrialization and expansion of the domestic production base. Since independence, Tajikistan has already mastered the production and export of copper, as well as the production of concentrates of lead, zinc, antimony, and other metals.

The launch of iron production is of strategic importance for the country's economy. It will increase the processing depth of mineral resources, reduce dependence on imported metal products, and create additional sources of export revenue. Furthermore, the development of metallurgy can stimulate related industries such as construction, mechanical engineering,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:44:24 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-to-launch-iron-production-in-2027/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-to-launch-iron-production-in-2027/</guid>
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		<title>Kazakhstan Balances Production and Market Risks</title>
		<description><![CDATA[OPEC+ countries decided to maintain their current oil production quotas until October 2026. The decision was made on September 6 by the alliance's seven key members—Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman—amid ongoing uncertainty in the global energy market, Forbes.kz reported.

Previously, these countries agreed to increase production by a total of 188,000 barrels per day. Kazakhstan's increase was 10,000 barrels, with the October quota set at 1.628 million barrels per day.

OPEC+'s decision comes amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, which is disrupting oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and increasing global market instability. At the same time, the alliance seeks to avoid excess supply, which could put pressure on prices.

Kazakhstan is not an OPEC member, but is the largest oil producer in Central Asia and is among the top ten largest oil producers in the world. At the same time, the country remains a significant exporter,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 20:14:23 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstan-balances-production-and-market-risks/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstan-balances-production-and-market-risks/</guid>
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		<title>Tajikistan to Build New Oil Refining Line in Jaikhun</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In the Jaikhun district of the Khatlon region of Tajikistan, construction of a new oil processing line with a capacity of 50 thousand tons of petroleum products per year has begun. The first stone was laid on September 6 on the territory of Salosa LLC. It was laid by Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan Sharifa Khudobakhsh and Chairman of the Jaykhun District Azizullo Alizoda, Asiaplus.tj reported.

After installing modern equipment, the enterprise, which today primarily produces bitumen, plans to also produce gasoline and diesel fuel. The company has been operating since 2003, developing several oil fields in the Khatlon region and employing more than 100 specialists. The project is of strategic importance for the country, since Tajikistan remains a major importer of petroleum products.

The launch of the new line is important primarily against the backdrop of Tajikistan’s continued dependence on imports of fuel and lubricants. In 2025,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 18:51:50 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-to-build-new-oil-refining-line-in-jayhun/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-to-build-new-oil-refining-line-in-jayhun/</guid>
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		<title>Kazakhstan’s Debt-Service Costs May Exceed Education and Healthcare Spending in 2027</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Kazakhstan's government debt servicing costs in 2027 may exceed the combined national budget expenditures on education and healthcare, Kursiv.kz reports.

According to the draft budget for 2027–2029, 3.561 trillion tenge (approximately $7.1 billion) is planned for debt servicing, while healthcare spending will total 2.673 trillion tenge ($5.3 billion) and education spending will total 857.7 billion tenge ($1.7 billion). Combined, social spending will reach 3.530 trillion tenge ($7.1 billion), approximately 30.4 billion tenge ($61 million) less than debt servicing costs.

This represents a significant improvement compared to previously approved parameters. The current 2027 budget allocated 4.19 trillion tenge (approximately $8.4 billion) for debt servicing, and approximately 3.19 trillion tenge ($6.4 billion) for education and healthcare. This narrowed the gap by more than 1 trillion tenge.

However, the debt burden remains a serious challenge. In the first half of 2026,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 21:11:42 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstans-debt-service-costs-may-exceed-education-and-healthcare-spending-in-2027/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstans-debt-service-costs-may-exceed-education-and-healthcare-spending-in-2027/</guid>
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		<title>Tajikistan Ramps Up Antimony Production Amid Rising Global Demand</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Tajikistan intends to significantly increase antimony exports: in 2027, it plans to export approximately 15,100 tons worth $737.7 million, and by 2029, to increase export revenue to almost $949 million. These plans are accompanied by the introduction of new production capacity and a gradual transition to deeper processing of the metal, Asiaplus.tj reported.

In 2025, Tajikistan exported $499.9 million worth of antimony and antimony products, almost 1.9 times more than the previous year. According to USGS, in 2024, the country ranked second in the world for antimony production, accounting for approximately 18% of the global total.

Increasing production is particularly important amid growing global demand for critical minerals. Antimony is used in batteries, electronics, fire-resistant materials, and special alloys, and its importance in modern technology is gradually increasing.

Tajikistan, which has significant antimony reserves,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 20:18:50 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-ramps-up-antimony-production-amid-rising-global-demand/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistan-ramps-up-antimony-production-amid-rising-global-demand/</guid>
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		<title>GSP+ Opens New Opportunities for Uzbekistan to Expand Exports to Europe</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The European Union is providing Uzbekistan with customs preferences, including zero rates, on more than 6,200 types of goods under the GSP+ regime. This was announced by Umidjon Azamkhodjaev, General Director of UzbekExpertiza JSC, as reported by Daryo.uz.

More than 1,600 Uzbek enterprises are registered in the REX system and enjoy preferential terms when supplying to the European market. Exports include textiles, chemicals, agricultural products, and food products.

In 2025, Uzbekistan's exports of goods and services to Europe reached $2.3 billion, and in the first half of 2026, they exceeded $1.1 billion. Uzbekistan joined the GSP+ in April 2021. The current trade regime is valid until December 31, 2027.

GSP+ is of strategic importance for Uzbekistan, as it allows the country to gradually reduce its dependence on traditional export markets and more actively pursue European markets.

It is particularly important that the preferential regime applies not only to raw materials but also to higher-value-]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 20:37:06 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/gsp-opens-new-opportunities-for-uzbekistan-to-expand-exports-to-europe/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/gsp-opens-new-opportunities-for-uzbekistan-to-expand-exports-to-europe/</guid>
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		<title>TAPI: A Strategic Gas Route That Could Transform Turkmenistan’s Economic Position</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The implementation of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline will give Ashgabat direct access to one of the world's largest and fastest-growing energy markets—South Asia. According to National Leader of the Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, once completed, TAPI will be able to provide energy resources for decades to a country with a combined population of approximately two billion people, Turkmenportal.com reported.

Diversifying export routes is of strategic importance for Turkmenistan. Currently, a significant portion of Turkmen gas is oriented toward a limited number of markets and routes, so TAPI potentially reduces dependence on traditional export routes and strengthens the country's position as an independent supplier in the South Asian market.

The project's economic impact is particularly significant. The new route has the potential to provide Turkmenistan with long-term export revenues,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 20:05:57 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tapi-a-strategic-gas-route-that-could-transform-turkmenistans-economic-position/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tapi-a-strategic-gas-route-that-could-transform-turkmenistans-economic-position/</guid>
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		<title>Kazakhstan Seeks to Turn Its Mineral Wealth into a New Driver of Economic Growth</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Kazakhstan is consistently increasing geological exploration, viewing its subsoil wealth as a key resource for long-term economic and technological development. Fifty-four new deposits were registered with the state between 2024 and 2025, bringing the total number of registered deposits in the country to nearly 10,000, Forbes.kz reported.

Geological exploration has increased resources of gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, chromium, iron and phosphate ores, as well as oil and gas. However, particular attention is currently being paid to rare and rare earth metals, which are becoming strategically important for the production of electronics, batteries, energy, and high-tech equipment.

Explorations have identified 935,400 tons of probable rare earth metal resources. The Kuirektykol site in the Karaganda region is considered one of the most promising.

The scale of the work demonstrates Kazakhstan's strong interest in developing the geological sector. In 2026, 20 detailed geological survey projects began,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 21:22:50 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstan-seeks-to-turn-its-mineral-wealth-into-a-new-driver-of-economic-growth/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstan-seeks-to-turn-its-mineral-wealth-into-a-new-driver-of-economic-growth/</guid>
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		<title>Central Asia Economic Review: August 22–29, 2026</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The final week of August showed that Central Asia's economic agenda is increasingly shaped by three interconnected trends: diversification, investment and regional connectivity. While Kazakhstan is dealing with rising public debt, Uzbekistan is expanding non-gold exports, Kyrgyzstan is trying to improve energy efficiency and attract Chinese capital, Tajikistan is looking for new investment and energy partnerships, and Turkmenistan remains focused on strengthening its energy sector while cautiously exploring new areas of cooperation. The following review summarizes the most notable economic developments reported by CentralasianLIGHT.org during August 22–29.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's economy continues to demonstrate significant strength, but the country is also facing growing pressure on public finances. According to data published by CentralasianLIGHT.org on August 27, Kazakhstan's external public debt increased by 6.5% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, reaching $17.2 billion. Total public debt,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:19:23 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/central-asia-economic-review-august-22-29-2026/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/central-asia-economic-review-august-22-29-2026/</guid>
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		<title>Uzbekistan Resumes Gold Exports as Economy Gradually Reduces Dependence on Precious Metal</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Uzbekistan resumed gold exports in July 2026 after a hiatus, supplying approximately $1.3 billion worth of the precious metal. Since the beginning of the year, gold exports have exceeded $2.8 billion, according to preliminary data from the National Statistics Committee published by Gazeta.uz.

Overall, the country's foreign trade turnover for January–July reached $49.5 billion, an increase of 8.1% compared to the same period last year. Exports, however, decreased by 3.6% to $19.9 billion, while imports increased by 17.8% to $29.6 billion. The negative foreign trade balance amounted to approximately $9.7 billion.

At the same time, the structure of exports is changing significantly. Exports of goods excluding gold increased by 27.7%, reaching $9.8 billion. Textile exports increased by 26.6%, reaching $1.9 billion.

The decline in the role of gold is particularly significant: its share of total exports fell from 36.7% to 14.1%. At the same time, the share of services increased to 36.8%,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 19:18:12 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/uzbekistan-resumes-gold-exports-as-economy-gradually-reduces-dependence-on-the-precious-metal/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/uzbekistan-resumes-gold-exports-as-economy-gradually-reduces-dependence-on-the-precious-metal/</guid>
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		<title>Chinese Investment in Kyrgyzstan Reaches $1.85 Billion Over Five Years</title>
		<description><![CDATA[From 2021 to 2025, Chinese foreign direct investment in Kyrgyzstan amounted to approximately $1.85 billion, Deputy Prime Minister Erlist Akunbekov announced at the Kyrgyz-Chinese Investment Forum in Bishkek on August 28. According to him, the two countries are gradually shifting from primarily trade cooperation to joint investment and production projects, Economist.kg reported.

The scale of China's investment presence in Kyrgyzstan is still significantly smaller than that of the largest economies in Central Asia. In Uzbekistan, Chinese investment has reached approximately $10.7 billion over the past five years, while in Kazakhstan, the accumulated volume of Chinese direct investment as of 2021 stood at $5.46 billion.

Akunbekov named the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway as one of the key projects for Kyrgyzstan. In addition to transport and logistics, the parties are considering cooperation in energy, industry, agriculture, digital technologies, artificial intelligence,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:54:42 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/chinese-investment-in-kyrgyzstan-reaches-1.85-billion-over-five-years/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/chinese-investment-in-kyrgyzstan-reaches-1.85-billion-over-five-years/</guid>
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		<title>Kazakhstan’s External Public Debt Rises 6.5%, Fastest Growth in EAEU</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In the first half of 2026, Kazakhstan's external public debt increased by 6.5% year-on-year to $17.2 billion, demonstrating the highest growth rate among the EAEU countries. This is evidenced by data from the Eurasian Economic Commission, Kursiv.kz reported.

By comparison, Russia's external public debt increased by 2.2% to $55.5 billion, while in Armenia it decreased by 4.2% to $6.6 billion, and in Kyrgyzstan by 0.5% to $5.2 billion.

Kazakhstan's total public debt, including domestic liabilities, increased by 14.8% to 38.5 trillion tenge ($82.9 billion). Domestic debt increased by 20% to 30 trillion tenge, reflecting the ongoing trend of replacing external borrowing with domestic debt.

At the same time, Kazakhstan's budget deficit increased by 38.8% year-on-year to $4.4 billion. Public debt servicing costs amounted to 2.1 trillion tenge, an increase of 26.3%.

The 6.5% increase in Kazakhstan's external debt alone does not indicate a debt crisis,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:43:17 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstans-external-public-debt-rises-6.5-fastest-growth-in-eaeu/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstans-external-public-debt-rises-6.5-fastest-growth-in-eaeu/</guid>
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		<title>Uzbekistan’s Money Supply Reaches Record 434.5 Trillion Soums</title>
		<description><![CDATA[As of August 1, 2026, the money supply in Uzbekistan reached a record 434.5 trillion soums (approximately $36.8 billion) for the first time, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan reported. Over the year, this figure has grown by 118.8 trillion soums ($10.1 billion), or 37%, with more than 83% of the money supply in the national currency, Daryo.uz reported.

In June, the money supply exceeded 400 trillion soums for the first time, reaching 411.4 trillion soums ($34.8 billion), compared to 300 trillion soums ($25.4 billion) the previous year. This figure has more than doubled over the past three years. The volume of cash in circulation reached 76.3 trillion soums ($6.5 billion) by early August, an increase of 16.4 trillion soums ($1.4 billion) over the year.

The dynamics are particularly noticeable over the long term. In February 2013, the money supply was 24.4 trillion soums ($2.1 billion), and by the beginning of 2024, it was 242.2 trillion soums ($20.5 billion). Thus, over 11 years,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:24:20 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/uzbekistans-money-supply-reaches-record-434.5-trillion-soums/</link>

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		<title>Kyrgyzstan’s Non-Tax Budget Revenues Rise by $1 Billion in a Year</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Kyrgyzstan is seeing significant growth in non-tax revenues for the state budget. According to the Ministry of Finance's report on the country's fiscal and investment policy for 2027–2031, such revenues increased by 88 billion soms ($1 billion) in 2025, reaching 189.5 billion soms ($2.16 billion), 24.kg reported.

Amid this growth in non-tax revenues, their share of the country's gross domestic product increased from 6.4% to 9.6% over the year. The main sources include dividends from government-owned shares, the National Bank's profits transferred to the budget, paid government services, as well as various fees, payments, and other revenues.

The Ministry of Finance of Kyrgyzstan's medium-term forecast projects a slight decline in non-tax revenues in 2027, to 149.2 billion soms. This figure is expected to gradually increase in the future, reaching 189.9 billion soms by 2031.

The growth in non-tax revenues demonstrates that the state is seeking to expand its budget base beyond traditional tax revenues.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:03:05 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstans-non-tax-budget-revenues-rise-by-1-billion-in-a-year/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstans-non-tax-budget-revenues-rise-by-1-billion-in-a-year/</guid>
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		<title>Kyrgyzstan Cuts Economic Electricity Intensity Nearly 2.5-Fold in Five Years</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The electricity intensity of the Kyrgyz economy has decreased significantly over the past five years. In 2024, the production of goods and services worth 1 million soms ($11,400) required 9,300 kWh of electricity, compared to 23,100 kWh in 2019. Thus, to generate the same volume of GDP, the economy now uses almost 2.5 times less electricity, Akchabar.kg reported.

According to the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, this indicator has decreased by almost 60% over the past five years, and by 10.6% in 2024 alone. Electricity intensity characterizes the volume of electricity required to produce goods and services of a given value and can therefore be used as an indicator of energy efficiency.

Positive trends were also observed in industry. While in 2019, for every 1 million soms of industrial output, there were 23,600 kWh, in 2024 this figure will be 14,200 kWh. The decline over five years was almost 40%, and over the past year, it was 18.9%.

In agriculture, forestry, and fisheries,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 19:35:32 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstan-cuts-economic-electricity-intensity-nearly-2.5-fold-in-five-years/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kyrgyzstan-cuts-economic-electricity-intensity-nearly-2.5-fold-in-five-years/</guid>
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		<title>Tajikistan’s Average Wage Rises 21.3%, but Remains Among Central Asia’s Lowest</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The average monthly nominal wage of employees in Tajikistan in June 2026 reached 3,804.63 somoni, or approximately $411. This represents a 21.3% increase compared to June last year, according to the Agency of Statistics under the President of Tajikistan.

The minimum wage in the country is 1,000 somoni ($108.3). The highest incomes are traditionally recorded in the financial sector, information technology, and energy. A significant gap remains between different sectors of the economy: specialists in the highest-paid fields earn several times more than agricultural workers.

Despite significant annual growth, Tajikistan continues to rank among the lowest in terms of average wages among Central Asian countries. This reflects persistent differences in labor productivity, economic structure, and income levels in the region.

Wage growth is accompanied by increased government spending. In the first half of 2026, Tajikistan's state budget expenditures exceeded 30.3 billion somoni ($3.28 billion),]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 19:53:55 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistans-average-wage-rises-21.3-but-remains-among-central-asias-lowest/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistans-average-wage-rises-21.3-but-remains-among-central-asias-lowest/</guid>
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		<title>Uzbekistan’s Public Debt Rises, but Its Share of GDP Declines</title>
		<description><![CDATA[As of July 1, 2026, Uzbekistan's public debt reached $48.3 billion, an increase of $4.8 billion over the past year. Its share of GDP, however, decreased from 29.6% to 27%, Daryo.uz reports.

The bulk of the debt is foreign borrowing—$40.7 billion, or 84% of the total. Domestic debt is $7.6 billion (16%).

The largest amount of the external public debt—$27.4 billion—is in US dollar loans. Another $3.9 billion equivalent was raised in euros, $2.7 billion in Japanese yen, $2.1 billion in Uzbek soums, and $1.5 billion in Chinese yuan.

Who lent to Uzbekistan?

$22.5 billion of the external debt, or 55%, is owed to international financial institutions. The largest creditors are:


	World Bank — $9.1 billion;
	Asian Development Bank — $8.2 billion;
	Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank — $2.3 billion;
	Islamic Development Bank — $1.2 billion.


Another $11.45 billion came from foreign financial institutions. Specifically, $3.9 billion was provided by Chinese banks,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:03:45 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/uzbekistans-public-debt-rises-but-its-share-of-gdp-declines/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/uzbekistans-public-debt-rises-but-its-share-of-gdp-declines/</guid>
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		<title>Turkmenistan Cuts LPG Exchange Sales by 31% in January–July 2026</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sales on the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan in January–July 2026 decreased by 31% compared to the same period last year, reaching 120,500 tons, KZ24news reported.

The main reason for the decline was a sharp decline in sales at the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery, one of the largest LPG producers in the country. During the reporting period, the company sold 36,500 tons of gas through the exchange, a 64% decrease compared to the previous year.

Against this backdrop, other producers increased their sales. Turkmenhimiya's Akhal refinery increased sales from 18,200 to 26,000 tons, and Turkmengaz's Nayip refinery increased sales from 56,000 to 58,000 tons. However, the increase in their deliveries was unable to offset the significant decline in sales at the Turkmenbashi Refinery.

Thus, the decline in exchange-traded LPG sales is primarily due not to a general reduction in production in the country,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:43:55 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/turkmenistan-cuts-lpg-exchange-sales-by-31-in-january-july-2026/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/turkmenistan-cuts-lpg-exchange-sales-by-31-in-january-july-2026/</guid>
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		<title>Kazakhstan to Process Russian Oil</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Kondensat oil refinery in the West Kazakhstan region will accept Russian crude oil for processing, with up to 70% of the gasoline and diesel fuel produced planned to be supplied to the Russian market. This was announced by Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov at a briefing following a government meeting on August 25, Forbes.kz reports.

According to the minister, an agreement has been reached under which up to 30% of in-demand petroleum products—gasoline and diesel fuel—will remain in Kazakhstan, while the remainder will be shipped to Russia. The timing and actual volumes of deliveries will depend, in particular, on the capacity of the railway infrastructure.

Akkenzhenov noted that the Russian side has officially offered to supply the refinery with Russian crude. Oil will be delivered to the facility by rail. Concurrently, work continues at Kondensat to reconstruct and expand production capacity.

The minister also emphasized the absence of direct sanctions risks for the project.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:57:17 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstan-to-process-russian-oil/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/kazakhstan-to-process-russian-oil/</guid>
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		<title>Foreign Direct Investment in Kyrgyzstan Rises 27% in 2025</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The volume of foreign direct investment in Kyrgyzstan in 2025 reached $1.31 billion, an increase of 27% compared to the previous year. This was announced by President Sadyr Japarov on August 24 at the opening of the renovated Ak Keme Hotel, Akchabar.kg reported.

According to him, the growth in investment demonstrates increased confidence among foreign businesses in the Kyrgyz economy and their interest in long-term projects. At the same time, the public-private partnership portfolio is expanding: it currently includes more than 90 projects worth over 456 billion soms ($5.2 billion), 70 of which are already underway.

Investment projects cover energy, transport, regional development, and environmental issues. More than 273,000 jobs were also created in the country in 2025.

Authorities specifically highlight the prospects for tourism and hotel infrastructure. The renovated Ak Keme Hotel is being considered as a venue for international events and business meetings,]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:14:09 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/foreign-direct-investment-in-kyrgyzstan-rises-27-in-2025/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/foreign-direct-investment-in-kyrgyzstan-rises-27-in-2025/</guid>
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		<title>Uzbekistan’s Metallurgical Production Reaches $14.4 Billion</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In Uzbekistan, production in the metallurgical industry from January to June 2026 amounted to almost 183 trillion soums, or approximately $14.4 billion, an increase of 1.3% compared to the same period last year. This was stated in a report by the National Statistics Committee, UzDaily.uz reported.

The main production volume was accounted for by the Navoi and Tashkent regions, as well as the city of Tashkent. Navoi region produced metallurgical products worth 120.7 trillion soums (approximately $9.5 billion), Tashkent region produced 44.9 trillion soums ($3.5 billion), and Tashkent produced 10.3 trillion soums ($810 million).

Significantly lower volumes were recorded in the Samarkand region – 4.8 trillion soums ($378 million), Namangan – 659.8 billion soums ($52 million), Syrdarya – 621.4 billion soums ($49 million), and Jizzakh – 262.6 billion soums ($21 million).

In the remaining regions, production was measured primarily in the hundreds of billions of soums.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 20:19:00 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/uzbekistans-metallurgical-production-reaches-14.4-billion/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/uzbekistans-metallurgical-production-reaches-14.4-billion/</guid>
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		<title>Tajikistan’s Foreign Trade Turnover Rises 42%, but Trade Deficit Continues to Widen</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Tajikistan's foreign trade turnover for January-July 2026 amounted to $7.94 billion, an increase of 42.3%, or $2.36 billion, compared to the same period last year. This was announced by the Agency of Statistics under the President of Tajikistan, Asiaplus.tj reported today.

Despite the growth in foreign trade, the trade balance remains negative: imports exceeded exports by $4.38 billion. A year earlier, the deficit was approximately $3.31 billion, meaning it increased by approximately $1.07 billion over the year.

Moreover, exports grew faster than imports. Over the seven months, the country exported $1.78 billion worth of goods, a 57.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Imports reached $6.16 billion, an increase of 38.6%. Thus, imports are approximately 3.5 times higher than exports.

The main driver of export growth was a sharp increase in shipments of precious and semi-precious stones and metals—from $3.2 million to $519 million.]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 20:01:20 +0600</pubDate>
		<link>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistans-foreign-trade-turnover-rises-42-but-trade-deficit-continues-to-widen/</link>

	<guid>https://centralasianlight.org/news/tajikistans-foreign-trade-turnover-rises-42-but-trade-deficit-continues-to-widen/</guid>
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