Presenting TCA’s Central Asia Balance Sheet: a composite view of a $0.5T economy of 80M+ people that has attracted $220B in foreign investment. The five states have different economic profiles, with varying strengths & vulnerabilities. timesca.com/central-asia-b…

Spotlight on Central Asia podcast examines cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States following President Aliyev’s absence from the Ankara summit ow.ly/3wON5102zsm @SLonCentralAsia @BrucePannier @MikeHilliardAus

From Kazakhstan to Seoul, KESU brings Kazakh and Korean martial arts talent together on the big screen. Featuring spectacular taekwondo fight sequences and a tribute to pioneer Mustafa Öztürk, the action film now sets its sights on South Korean cinemas. (timesca.com/kazakh-korean-…)

Kazakhstan’s U.S. exports are largely energy products and metals, not the manufactured goods typically associated with tariff evasion. Daniel A. Witt (@DanWitt_ITIC) calls for a more precise assessment of transshipment risks in U.S. trade policy.
timesca.com/a-deeper-under…

Kazakhstan and Türkiye are two key anchors of the Middle Corridor, connecting Central Asia with Europe. Their partnership extends far beyond transport, with cooperation deepening in energy, trade, and investment.
timesca.com/kazakhstan-and…

Kazakhstan’s Tokayev and Azerbaijan’s Aliyev held separate meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Baku. Hudson's @kenmoriyasu on how Central Asia and the South Caucasus pursue their own interests amid the Turkey–Israel rivalry.
timesca.com/the-middle-eas…

Kazakhstan’s construction sector takes center stage in President Tokayev’s State of the Nation address, with plans to accelerate development and strengthen the country’s infrastructure and economic growth.
timesca.com/kazakhstan-sta…

Tajikistan’s security concerns are testing the CSTO’s commitment to collective defense, as the Russian-led alliance shows little urgency to respond. The hesitation raises questions about the bloc’s role in Central Asia’s regional security. @BrucePannier
timesca.com/csto-in-no-hur…

Prince William has praised Kazakhstan’s efforts to restore its saiga antelope population, highlighting a conservation success story that demonstrates how sustained protection measures can help bring a threatened species back from the brink.
timesca.com/prince-william…

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang received an honorary judo black belt in Astana during his visit to Kazakhstan for AI talks. The International Judo Federation recognized his contributions to technology and innovation. timesca.com/nvidias-jensen…

A big thank you to @l_seiitbek of @Freedom4Eurasia for being on @SLonCentralAsia to discuss human rights in Central Asia
open.spotify.com/show/3GmkiQKV0…
Thanks also to our sponsors, @OxusSociety & @thetimesoca!

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang visited Kazakhstan and met President Tokayev as the country advances AI infrastructure plans including a $10bn project using NVIDIA technology.
timesca.com/huang-backs-ka…

The Taliban has completed a 121-kilometer road to China, but the border remains closed. Security concerns and infrastructure gaps threaten Afghanistan’s plan to open a new trade route. @BrucePannier
timesca.com/the-talibans-r…

Maksim @mksm is the most modest founder I know, admire his achievements

his last startup was acquired by OpenAI

more in my article on @thetimesoca

timesca.com/maksim-stepane…

My latest :

Her teachers wanted her to paint. Batima Zaurbekova chose tapestry and became one of Kazakhstan’s most celebrated artists. At 80, she tells her story to TCA. (timesca.com/threading-a-ne…)

Small modular reactors are emerging as a new focus of U.S. energy engagement with Uzbekistan. @StephenMBland explores the technology’s role in Uzbekistan’s nuclear ambitions and Washington’s push to expand cooperation.
timesca.com/u-s-promotes-s…

In his latest analysis, @RobertMCutler examines Uzbekistan’s $12 billion U.S. package, breaking down the agreements behind the headline figure and what they signal about the country’s expanding economic ties with Washington.
timesca.com/uzbekistans-u-…

Central Asian countries are deepening engagement with Afghanistan to expand trade and connectivity, but persistent security threats continue to complicate regional cooperation and long-term plans for stability.
timesca.com/central-asias-…

Read our interview with Kazakhstan’s Science and Higher Education Minister Sayasat Nurbek (@SayasatNurbek) on his AI vision and how to embrace new technologies while preserving human creativity and critical thinking.
timesca.com/kazakhstans-ed…

Uzbekistan announced $12 billion in agreements with U.S. partners during Marco Rubio’s visit, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in energy, technology, finance, and critical minerals.
timesca.com/uzbekistan-ann…