Energy and Economy

U.S.-Central Asia TIFA Council Meeting Takes Place in Astana

The 15^th meeting of the U.S.-Central Asia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 13. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai co-chaired the meeting with officials from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. During the talks, the sides emphasized the need to coordinate joint efforts to ensure sustainable growth of TIFA economies and jointly develop traditional supply chains. 

Source: The Times of Central Asia

Kazakhstan will Begin Production at New Processed Food Plant in 2026

Kazakhstan is set to invest $160 million in a new processed food production facility, partnering with American multinational, PepsiCo. It aims to produce up to 16,000 tons of snack foods annually and plans to increase that amount to 21,000 tons by 2027. The construction phase will employ around 1,000 people and sustain 350 jobs, once it is operational.

Source: The Astana Times

New Agreement between SOCAR and Baker Hughes

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Baker Hughes signed a Cooperation Agreement on June 14 focusing on the assembly, repair, and upkeep of electric submersible pumps in Azerbaijan. The agreement will lay the groundwork to create a new facility to assemble the equipment, with the first 50 out of an expected 150 arriving this year. SOCAR seeks to elevate its operations and reach new achievements by leveraging strategic alliances, exchanging expertise, and implementing cutting-edge technologies.

Source: Azertag

Security and Politics

South Korean President Tours Central Asia 

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited Central Asia June 11-15, holding bilateral meetings in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. During his visits, President Yoon signed various bilateral agreements in the energy and mineral sectors aimed at enhancing economic partnerships in the region.

Source: Reuters

Dozens Injured in Armenian Protests Over Peace Deal with Azerbaijan

On June 12, violent clashes broke out between Armenian protestors and security forces at Armenia’s national assembly building, resulting in dozens of injuries. The protests were sparked by opposition to a peace deal with Azerbaijan and directly followed an announcement by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that a deal was almost finalized. 

Source: EurasiaNet

High-level Officials Participate in Central Asian Forum on Water and Climate Change

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan and the European Union (EU), hosted a forum aimed at addressing the region’s pressing water and climate crisis. The 3^rd High-level forum was held on June 14 in Dushanbe and focused on diminishing water resources and regional cooperation to address and mitigate climate change. 

Source: UNDP

Sources: The Astana Times, Azertag, CNN, EurasiaNet, Reuters, The Times of Central Asia, UNDP