Kazakh Machinery Sector Strengthens Ties with Deutsche Bahn Kazakh machinery enterprises are enhancing partnerships with top European companies. A delegation led by Vice Minister of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Saparbekov, recently met with representatives from Deutsche Bahn AG in Berlin. Discussions centered on industrial cooperation prospects, certification procedures, and opportunities for Kazakh companies to enter Deutsche Bahn's supply market. The meeting emphasized Kazakhstan's engineering potential and efforts to meet international quality standards. Deutsche Bahn stressed the complexity of product certification for the European market and offered guidance to Kazakh manufacturers. Two memorandums of cooperation were signed, aiming to expand collaboration and consider joint projects in railway infrastructure, enhancing Kazakhstan's industrial position in foreign markets.

Kazakhstan Plans Expansion of Coal Generation with Clean Technologies Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, Erlan Akkenzhenov, announced plans to enhance coal generation using clean coal technologies following the President's directive. The ministry aims to implement eco-friendly projects with minimal environmental impact and high operational flexibility. A tender has been held to choose an investor for constructing Ekibastuz GRES-3 (2,640 MW), with another tender scheduled for a thermal power plant in Kurchatov (700 MW). In collaboration with Samruk-Energy JSC, the Ministry is working on projects in Kokshetau, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk, incorporating advanced smoke gas filtration systems and heavy metal capture systems. These initiatives signify Kazakhstan's commitment to modernizing its energy sector and embracing cleaner technologies, aligning with global efforts towards sustainability and environmental protection.

Kyrgyz Residents Prefer Russian Goods for Construction and Food Residents of Kyrgyzstan are increasingly buying products from Russian manufacturers, with a particular interest in construction materials and food. Analysts attribute this trend to the influence of labor migrants who are familiar with the quality and variety of Russian products. These items are consistently in demand across both urban centers and rural areas. Apart from construction materials and food, household chemicals, clothing, and footwear are also popular, but the greatest interest lies in everyday necessities like food and materials for repairs. Buyers in Kyrgyzstan are drawn to Russian goods due to factors such as convenient supply chains, product availability, and a preference for well-known brands. These aspects heavily influence consumer preferences in the country.

Ministry of Economy and Commerce Proposes Measures to Enhance Kyrgyz Pension Funds The Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic has put forward a draft resolution to the Cabinet of Ministers to approve actions regarding Accumulative Pension Funds in the country. The goal is to boost the development of these funds, improve their sustainability, and increase efficiency. The main aim of the initiative is to fortify the non-state pension system, establish effective investment mechanisms for pension savings, and implement risk management tools such as an investment declaration and the formation of a Risk Committee. Currently, Kyrgyzstan has two operational accumulative pension funds: OJSC "NPF Kyrgyzstan" established in 1995 and CJSC "NPF Dordoi Salym" founded in 2019. These funds offer citizens the ability to manage their accumulative pension portion, select a management company, or opt to have their funds managed by the Social Fund of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Solo Exhibition "Return to the Roots" by Boobek Arykov to Open in Bishkek On October 30, the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev will host a solo exhibition titled "Return to the Roots" by Boobek Arykov. Born in 1965 in Kyzyl-Sai, Bakay-Ata district of the Talas region, Arykov gained recognition for his creation of a bust of Chinghiz Aitmatov. He led a team of sculptors in adorning the hall at "Manas-2" airport with bronze sculptures, busts of renowned figures, and a 12-meter monument honoring fallen Afghan soldiers. The exhibition aims to honor Arykov's heritage and ancestry, featuring elements that delve into his roots. Through this showcase, the artist pays homage to his cultural legacy by delving into ancient scripts (runes), monumental stone sculptures, the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan, and contemporary art movements from around the globe.

Russia - Myanmar: Direct Flights to Resume in November Air travel between Russia and Myanmar is set to resume in November, starting with flights from Novosibirsk, with potential expansion in the future. According to Tolmachevo Airport's schedule, flights to Mandalay and Yangon from Novosibirsk are scheduled for November 2 and 11, as confirmed by the airport's press service. The reopening of this route highlights a growing interest in the destination, although experts caution that it remains challenging and costly for many tourists due to its logistical complexities. The previous attempt to restore air travel between the two countries in spring 2023 saw minimal flights, with an average occupancy rate of around 25% in December 2024, following a 30-year hiatus influenced partly by a significant earthquake in Myanmar. Photo: Paul Spijkers

Trump Invites Central Asian Leaders to Summit in Washington President Donald Trump has officially invited the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to participate in the "Central Asia - US (C5+1)" summit set for November 6 in Washington. This summit will be the second of its kind in the "C5+1" format at the head of state level, following the inaugural meeting in 2023 in New York during the UN General Assembly, attended by then-US President Joe Biden. Washington aims to strengthen cooperation with Central Asia and mark the tenth anniversary of the "C5+1" diplomatic platform, a key component of US foreign policy in the region. The upcoming summit will provide a forum for discussions on various topics including security, economy, energy, infrastructure, trade relations, and the exploration of potential new partnerships between the US and the Central Asian countries involved.

Foreign Nationals Detained in Almaty for Foiled Terrorist Attack The National Security Committee (KNB) of Kazakhstan successfully prevented a terrorist attack planned by five foreign nationals in Almaty. The suspects were apprehended during the preparation phase, and investigations are ongoing. In September and October, eight Kazakh citizens were also arrested on suspicion of terrorist activities. The KNB emphasized that details of the investigation are confidential under Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Furthermore, six individuals have been convicted of terrorist and extremist offenses during this period. Since the start of the year, a total of 89 individuals, including six foreigners, have been charged with similar crimes.

Serbian President Visits Uzbekistan to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is set to visit Uzbekistan on an official trip from October 28 to 31. The visit aims to enhance cooperation between the two countries, with a focus on areas such as engineering, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, and organized labor migration. The discussions during the visit will center on bolstering partnerships in various sectors including engineering, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, digitization, and tourism. Additionally, topics like organized labor migration, cultural exchanges, and education will be on the agenda. The visit is expected to lead to the signing of several bilateral agreements, with President Vucic also attending the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand as an honorary guest. For more news and updates, please visit the Caravan Info website at: caravan-info.pro.

Extensive Reconstruction of Central Stadium Underway in Kochkor District In the Kochkor district of the Naryn region, the central stadium is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction. The project, led by the state enterprise "Kyrgyzkurulush" under the Ministry of Construction of the Kyrgyz Republic, is a directive from President Sadyr Japarov and is overseen by Kamchybek Tashiev, the Chairman of the State Committee for National Security. The primary goal of the reconstruction is to establish a modern sports facility that aligns with national standards. Once completed, the upgraded stadium will serve as a key venue for hosting both district and national competitions, in addition to promoting sports activities among the youth. Notably, the stadium, initially constructed in 1980, has not seen significant renovation since its establishment.