Central Asia News & Analysis

Central Asia

Russia-Central Asia 2025 showed growth volumes surpassing US$45 billion and Russian energy (gas, LPG) exports significantly up, driven by Central Asian states balancing ties with Russia and China. Key developments include increased Russian gas & LPG supplies, new integration initiatives like CIS+ formats, and Central Asia’s multi-vector foreign policies amidst sanctions pressure, highlighting Moscow’s continued economic push despite competing global interests. Master the business environment of Central Asia with a Russian focus. Analyze EAEU market integration, investment projects, and trade dynamics for businesses operating in or with this strategic region.

Global South Trade
Featured September 23, 2026

Russia’s Trade With The Global South Hits US$299 Billion In H1 2026: Country By Country Analysis  

Russia’s trade with the Global South and ‘friendly’ countries now accounts for 85% of its total, reaching about US$299 billion in H1 2026. The West provides just 15% of Russia’s economic trade and continues to decline. We examine the main Global South trade partners in all regions, and provide the latest H1 2026 trade data. There are some surprising results for those who assume Russia only trades oil with China and India. The non-energy sector on a worldwide basis is increasingly dominant as Global South trade volumes continue a Russian growth trajectory.

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Mongolia Working
Featured September 23, 2026

Russia, Mongolia Form Working Group To Examine Feasibility Of A Western Rail Corridor

Russian, Mongolian and Chinese officials have agreed to set up a working group to study the potential of a proposed Russia-Mongolia-China Western Railway Corridor that would link Russia’s Tuva region with Mongolia’s Uvs Province, and onto China’s Xinjiang Province in the countries Far West.
New railway construction is part of China’s latest 5 year development plan, while Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh also discussed the project with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the SCO summit last month.

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Kyrgyzstan Agricultural
September 23, 2026

Kyrgyzstan Looks For Agricultural Processing Opportunities From Russian Investors

Kyrgyzstan is looking for more cooperation with Russian investors in food processing in order to add value rather than just import and export raw products. The Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister, Erlist Akunbekov, and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev have also agreed to work out roadmaps for joint fisheries projects.

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SCO Summit
September 5, 2026

What Russia Gained From The 2026 SCO Summit: Results & Analysis

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation annual Heads of State summit has now ended, with a major emphasis on trade development. We provide a deep-dive analysis on the 29 agreements signed, including in the security, AI, energy, environment, trade, tourism, diplomatic relations and the SCO’s institutional development sectors. With the SCO possessing nearly a third of global GDP and 50% of the world’s population, this report will be of significant interest to anyone involved in Eurasian affairs.

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