Kazakhstan
Turkmenistan: A shining city in a book of records
Russia is proposing a major reconfiguration of the Central Asian gas market. Eurasianet’s weekly Turkmenistan briefing.
Global wage growth fails to beat inflation for the first time in 20 years
The global inflation crisis paired with lacklustre economic growth and an outlook clouded by uncertainties have led to a decline in real wages around the world, a new report published by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has found.
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Kazakh manufacturing PMI signals renewed growth in November
Severe supply chain disruption continued, however, with muted rates of improvement across the sector.
Kazakh CPI inflation up 19.6% y/y in November
Impacts of Ukraine invasion still driving price growth in economy.
Kazakh President Tokayev meets with Putin, Macron on first foreign tour after re-election
Tokayev highlights symbolism of visits as he reaches out to Europe but indicates Russia is still Kazakhstan’s main strategic partner.
Russia proposes Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan join “gas union”
Goal of proposed union is to coordinate transport of Russian gas across Central Asia as Moscow seeks new markets in response to Western sanctions.
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Kazakh retail sales up by 1.4% y/y in Jan-Oct
Kazakh retail sales rose by 1.4% y/y in January-October, registering a value of Kazakhstani tenge KZT12.09tn ($25.8bn), according to data published by Kazakhstan's State Statistics Committee.
Kazakh authorities threaten to nationalise energy firms over ongoing blackouts
Warning issued after accident at a power plant in northern Kazakhstan that left thousands without electricity amid freezing temperatures in the city of Ekibastuz.
PANNIER: Might Tokayev be the real deal?
Kazakhstan’s re-elected president has seven years to show he really does understand the meaning of the word he mouths so often, “reform”.
Kazakh authorities swiftly crack down on short-lived protest against Tokayev’s inauguration
Protesters, reportedly organised by businessman Marat Abiyev's Architects of the Future, were arrested after altercations with police.
Fast food fans fear McDonald’s has left Kazakhstan
Franchisee introduces indefinite closure of all restaurants. Supply issues are cited, but details are scarce.
Ukraine faces one of worst declines in GDP from a war, says EBRD
The contraction in Ukraine’s GDP will be among the worst 10-20% of those in conflicts in the last 200 years, the development bank predicts in its 2022/23 Transition Report.
EBRD warns of risk of 'zombification'
Development bank recommends countries should now gradually dial down help to vulnerable companies, so they can either learn to adapt to the new climate of higher interest rates or exit the market by going into insolvency.
Tokayev sweeps to victory in Kazakh election with only lightweight opposition
In seven-year term ahead, president faces prospect of rebalancing relations with Russia, China and the West.
Europe woos Central Asia as Russia’s appeal wanes
EU’s foreign policy chief is latest high-level Western official to visit Central Asia.
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COMMENT: Tokayev to win Kazakhstan election but then face most testing years of his presidency
Incumbent does not aspire to become a political reformer, but an economic one with a Singapore-style focus on economic modernisation under authoritarian rule.
PANNIER: Russia will be the elephant in the intray for Kazakhstan’s re-elected Tokayev
With victory in this weekend’s snap poll a formality, the president will already be thinking about how to rebalance relations with Russia, China and the West.
Asia-to-Europe Digital Silk Way investors to lay ‘internet corridor’ across bottom of Caspian Sea
Fibre-optic lines crucial part of project set to benefit up to 1.8bn people from Frankfurt to Mumbai.
World population hits 8bn. Where do we go from here?
Greying of populations big dilemma for developed countries. Share of people on planet aged 65 years or above projected to rise from 10% now to 16% in 2050.
Kazakhstan: Old-school presidential debate stokes election cynicism
The incumbent’s absence from the debate will bear him no political cost. His five rivals will all lose soundly this weekend.
