Energy and Economy

 

China Rejects Gazprom’s Central Asia Expansion Plan, Deepens Financial Crisis

China has firmly rejected Gazprom’s plan to export an additional 35 bcm of natural gas via Kazakhstan’s pipeline network, citing infrastructure limitations and cost concerns. On April 15, Chinese envoy to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, emphasized that the only feasible expansion route remains the delayed Power of Siberia 2 pipeline via Mongolia. This setback compounds Gazprom’s worsening financial crisis, since the company struggles to offset the loss of its European markets due to sanctions on Russia because of the Russia-Ukraine war. With projected losses reaching $179 billion over the next decade, and a $10 billion deficit in 2024 alone, Gazprom is being forced to exit projects in countries like Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Bolivia.

Source: Eurasianet

Kazakhstan Prioritizes National Interests over OPEC+ Quotas, Risks Bloc Discipline

On April 24, Kazakhstan’s new Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov indicated that the country will prioritize national interests over OPEC+ production limits, challenging the bloc’s cohesion. With 70% of Kazakhstan’s oil output controlled by Western-led ventures at Kashagan, Karachaganak, and Tengiz, Akkenzhenov claimed that Astana has limited control over volumes. Kazakhstan’s production hit 1.85 million bpd in March, significantly exceeding its 1.468 million bpd quota, driven by Tengiz expansion. Rejecting a proposed compensation plan to offset overproduction, Akkenzhenov’s remarks suggest Astana will not scale back output, even under pressure.

Source: bne Intellinews

Uzbekistan Launches Initiative to Modernize Public Services with EU and UNDP Support

Uzbekistan has launched a €4.9 million initiative to modernize its public services, with support from the EU, UNDP, and the Ministry of Justice. The project aims to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of public services, particularly for rural communities. Key areas of focus include improving legal and regulatory frameworks, strengthening institutional capacity, driving digital transformation, and enhancing local governance systems. By 2029, the initiative plans to digitally transform at least 35 public services, train 1,000 civil servants, and establish 34 new public service zones.

Source: Daryo

Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Set $1 Billion Trade Goals

On April 22, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Head of the Turkmen People’s Council Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow met in Kazakhstan’s Turkistan region to discuss energy and transport projects. The two leaders highlighted the importance of increasing mutual trade turnover to $1 billion in the coming years. Discussions also focused on the energy sector, including Kazakhstan’s potential involvement in developing Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas field. Additionally, Tokayev spoke on the potential of the proposed Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway line.

Source: Caspian News, Business Turkmenistan

Kazakhstan Becomes the Largest Supplier of Wheat to Azerbaijan

Speaking at the fourth Kazakh-Azerbaijani expert council in Baku Azerbaijan, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan Alim Bayel stated that in the first quarter of 2025, Kazakhstan became the largest source of wheat imports for Azerbaijan. Bayel emphasized that this achievement was realized due to effective cooperation and coordination between the relevant structures in both countries.

Source: KazInform

Politics and Security

 

Interior Ministry Reshuffled in Tajikistan

On April 22, President Emomali Rahmon announced a series of personnel changes within Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, continuing a broader pattern of government reshuffles that began earlier this year. Officially described as measures to improve professionalism within the ministry, the changes come amid growing attention to the political role of Rahmon’s son, Rustam Emomali, who currently serves as mayor of Dushanbe and the speaker of the Senate. Rustam has recently taken on higher-profile responsibilities, including delivering the national New Year’s address, traditionally reserved for the president since 1994.

Source: Eurasianet

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan Deepen Military Cooperation Through Strategic Talks in Baku

On 25 April, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan held a working meeting in Baku as part of their 2025 bilateral military cooperation plan, according to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense. The session featured a presentation by Azerbaijan’s Department of Military Strategy and Defense Planning on recent progress in defense planning and project management within the Azerbaijani Army. Both delegations discussed opportunities for further cooperation and addressed specific questions posed by Uzbekistan.

Source: AzerNews

European Commission Vice President Visits Azerbaijan

On April 25, Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union and the Vice-President of the European Commission, paid an official visit to Baku, Azerbaijan. During the press conference with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, Kallas highlighted that the EU and Azerbaijan have agreed to resume negotiations on a new partnership and cooperation agreement.

Netanyahu to Visit Azerbaijan

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Baku, Azerbaijan on May 8. While in Baku, Netanyahu is expected to meet with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and members of the Jewish community. According to the Times of Israel, the two leaders will reportedly discuss plans to formally connect Azerbaijan with the Abraham Accord framework and various initiatives, and to strengthen bilateral ties as well as trilateral ties with the US.

Source: The Times of Israel 

Tajikistan Launches National Reintegration Program for Former Extremists

Tajikistan has launched a five-year state program (2025-2029) aimed at reintegrating citizens convicted of extremism and terrorism into civilian life, with the goal of preventing recidivism and promoting national stability. Backed by 38.5 million somoni (about $3.6 million) in funding, half of which is from the state budget and the rest from international and extra-budgetary sources, the initiative includes rehabilitation, vocational training, employment assistance, and cultural engagement. Local authorities and the Ministry of Justice will oversee the initiative. Experts note that radicalization in Central Asia stems from complex factors beyond poverty and migration, with three high-risk groups identified: individuals experiencing identity crises, those with criminal backgrounds, and marginalized citizens from remote areas. The program focuses on this last group, aiming to reduce their vulnerability to extremist recruitment through education and post-incarceration support.

Source: The Times of Central Asia