Eurasia / Features
PANNIER: China’s big push into Uzbekistan
Wave of projects in energy, mining, factories and construction and water conservation. Critical minerals could be next.
Rail link to supercharge Mongolia’s coal exports to China
Mongolian trade minister tells bne IntelliNews the mega-project is a “game-changer” due to his country’s historic reliance on trucking.
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.
INTERVIEW: New growth drivers for Kazakhstan’s economy, says BCC Invest
BCC Invest head of research Sultan Zhumagali says trade and construction have emerged as engines of growth in an economy that is no longer purely resource-driven.
Azerbaijan moves to erode media freedom
The suspension of BBC News Azerbaijani’s operations and the financial collapse of Turan Information Agency — within days of each other — signal an accelerating erosion of independent journalism.
Mongolia on a soft power jolt to develop tourism, cultural exports take to stages worldwide
From horsehead fiddles at Sydney Opera House to hard rock at Glastonbury, a Davos pop-up and Broadway, you can’t miss the invitation.
PANNIER: Prince Karim Aga Khan IV obituary
Spiritual leader who mingled with heads of state and royalty leaves behind tremendous amount of grassroots work that will benefit Ismaili Muslim communities for generations to come.
“Unchained” Trump is main risk to broadly positive Emerging Europe growth prospects
Steep US tariffs on the EU or a sudden cut in support for Ukraine are the major downside risks for the region, says new wiiw report.
Georgian wine renaissance defies political turmoil
Georgia’s centuries-old winemaking heritage positions it to cater to growing international demand for premium products.
EU sanctions envoy takes on delicate “compliance” issues on visit to Kazakhstan
Given Russian-Kazakh economic integration, Europe cannot hope to stop every illicit shipment from the Central Asian country to Moscow’s war economy, but there are some notable successes.
Kazakhstan: Authorities aren’t joking about prosecuting satirical social media channel
Satirist facing seven-year prison sentence.
Uzbekistan’s Saneg turns flared gas into fuel
By utilising associated gas produced at oilfields rather than flaring it, Saneg is bolstering Uzbekistan's energy supply while tackling emissions.
Pakistan, Bangladesh strengthen ties in post-Hasina era
For much of the 54 years since Bangladesh gained its independence from Pakistan, ties between the two countries have remained strained at best. Now things are starting to look up.
Families of Karabakh Armenian leaders condemn sham trials in Azerbaijan
Trials of Russian-Armenian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan and fellow former Karabakh leaders draw little Western attention despite Azerbaijan’s poor human rights record.
Iran visa-free agreement with Tajikistan goes into effect
Iran and Tajikistan implemented a visa-waiver agreement on February 2 in a boost to the two Persian-speaking countries' relations.
Tajikistan: Personnel reshuffle creates glide path for dynastic transition of power
Will 2025 be the year of a father-son political handoff?
Protesters in rural Georgia aim to sap the security forces’ strength
Even small regional demonstrations may prove crucial in preventing police reinforcements being sent to Tbilisi.
Tbilisi actors breathe new life into Georgia’s resistance movement
The Vaso Abashidze Theatre in Tbilisi staged a powerful protest performance on the 57th consecutive day of Georgia’s anti-government, pro-EU protests.
India’s doubts over TAPI Pipeline persist amid security and geopolitical concerns
The TAPI pipeline project, upon completion, will span 1,814 kilometres, beginning at the Galkynysh Gas Field in Turkmenistan, the world’s second-largest natural gas reserve
OUTLOOK Small Stans & Mongolia 2025
What is in store for the Small Stans and Mongolia in 2025? bne IntelliNews’ annual OUTLOOK: Small Stans & Mongolia 2025