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.

December 16, 2025

The Eurasian Transport Framework Observatory – Showcasing US$231 Billion Of Central Asian-Middle East Silk Road Infrastructure Projects 

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has released a Eurasian Transport Framework (ETF) Observatory, being an analytical tool for monitoring and systematising infrastructure projects related to Eurasian international transport corridors and routes, covering 13 countries: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan, Belarus, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It currently lists 325 projects at various stages of implementation, […]

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December 7, 2025

Russia and Pakistan—Accelerating Regional Integration in Eurasia Through the INSTC and Enhanced Trade

Although the recent Modi-Putin India-Russia summit has grabbed all the headlines, it should not be forgotten that Russia also has significant diplomatic and trade relations with Pakistan. The coming years are poised to become a defining chapter in Pakistan–Russia relations, with a similar transition from episodic engagement to a structured, forward-looking partnership anchored in connectivity, […]

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December 5, 2025

US$55 Billion Investment Milestone Marks Deepening Uzbekistan–Russia Economic Integration

This week’s meeting of the Russia-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Tashkent has illustrated that the two countries are rapidly deepening their economic partnership and achieving new historic milestones in trade, investment, and industrial cooperation. Significant capital investments are being made. Co-chaired by Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev and Russian First Deputy Prime […]

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December 4, 2025

Russia, Uzbekistan Discuss Joint Investment Projects & China Trade

Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov has discussed with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev the implementation of joint projects in priority sectors of the economy during a Russian business delegation and working visit to Tashkent. Manturov said that “the key subjects of the discussion were the implementation of joint projects in priority economy sectors, interaction […]

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December 1, 2025

New INSTC Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran Deal Is Hugely Significant: Analysis

Railway executives from Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan have met in Baku to hold the 83rd meeting of the Transport Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States. So far, so routine.   But what was actually agreed – and signed off – at that meeting has significant implications. In agreeing a new strategy and signing an MoU […]

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November 28, 2025

Russia Looking To Develop Agricultural Trade With Afghanistan

Russia’s Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut has been discussing cooperation in the agricultural sector with Mawlavi Ataullah Omari. Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock.  Lut stated that “In recent years, agricultural trade between Russia and Afghanistan has been growing. Russian exports form the basis of this mutual trade—flour, sunflower oil, and sugar are supplied […]

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November 19, 2025

Vladimir Putin Speech At Shanghai Cooperation Organisation 2025 Moscow Summit: Comments and Analysis

Russia is the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and has been hosting the Council of Heads of Government in Moscow. The Russian Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, chaired the event, while the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, also addressed the attendees. These included China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. This is […]

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November 17, 2025

Oman Makes Tracks To Join INSTC; Russia Views Overland Reach To Afghanistan and Shipping To Africa

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Marat Khusnullin, has been attending the Russia-Oman business forum held in Muscat and has provided updates on Oman becoming an additional destination on the southern part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). He stated that “We have a very interesting project with Oman in port infrastructure development. The connection between […]

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