In an interview with the Anadolu Agency, the head of the Center for Strategic Connectivity, Nargiza Umarova, analyzed the prospects for Tajikistan’s new transportation initiatives, including the Tajikistan–Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan–Iran–Turkey–Europe route. In her assessment, this corridor is still in the early stages of development but already reflects Dushanbe’s desire to overcome its transportation isolation, expand its transit capacity, and integrate into new Eurasian logistics chains. Of particular importance here is the connection with Uzbekistan, for which the diversification of foreign trade and transportation routes is also a priority. Umarova emphasizes that the feasibility of the new route does not negate existing problems. Key challenges remain: differences in the regulatory and transportation systems of the participating countries; the need to standardize transport documents, tariffs, and technical requirements; and the digitization of logistics procedures. The expert pays particular attention to the infrastructure factor: since the Tajik section of the route currently relies mainly on road transport, the development of modern road infrastructure is becoming a key condition for the competitiveness of the entire corridor. The interview also discusses the Tajikistan–China-Pakistan route. Umarova clarifies that this route differs from the one to Europe: while the first corridor is geared toward connecting China to European markets by land, the Pakistan route is primarily linked to Tajikistan’s access to the southern seas and Pakistan’s port infrastructure. In her view, these routes should not be viewed as competing: they operate along different geographical axes and can simultaneously strengthen Tajikistan’s role as a link between China, Central Asia, Europe, and South Asia. Read the interview on the Anadolu website * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Nargiza Umarova took part in a special episode of the “Rennesans yo‘lnomasi” program on Mahalla TV, dedicated to the transformation of Uzbekistan’s relations with neighboring countries in the region. During the discussion, particular attention was paid to how Tashkent’s updated foreign policy, based on trust, pragmatic dialogue, and the expansion of regional cooperation, has contributed to strengthening good-neighborly relations in Central Asia. In her remarks, Nargiza Umarova noted that the improvement in the political climate in the region has been a key factor in developing Uzbekistan’s transport connectivity with the outside world. Expanded cooperation with neighboring countries has made it possible to intensify efforts to modernize transport corridors, develop rail and road routes, and increase the country’s transit capacity. It was particularly emphasized that Uzbekistan’s regional openness creates new opportunities for accessing international markets, strengthening ties between Central and South Asia, and diversifying foreign trade routes. The expert’s participation in the program helped convey to a wider audience the importance of transport diplomacy and good-neighborly policies for Uzbekistan’s long-term development. * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

The article examines how China’s large-scale poverty alleviation experience has become an important reference point for Uzbekistan as the country seeks to reduce poverty, expand employment, strengthen local development mechanisms and gradually build a broader middle class. It highlights that China’s success in lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty, as well as its targeted poverty reduction model, has attracted significant attention in Uzbekistan, particularly in the context of the country’s ongoing social policy reforms based on the principle of human dignity. The article pays particular attention to the growing practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in the field of poverty reduction. It notes the establishment of bilateral mechanisms, the signing of inter-agency memoranda, expert exchanges, pilot projects in Uzbekistan’s regions and the adaptation of China-inspired approaches such as infrastructure development, local industrialisation, entrepreneurship support, agricultural value chains and the “One Village, One Product” model. These initiatives are presented as part of Uzbekistan’s effort to develop its own national poverty alleviation model while drawing selectively on China’s experience. At the same time, the article emphasises that Uzbekistan is not simply copying the Chinese model, but adapting it to its own socio-economic conditions, administrative system and local realities. By combining China’s targeted poverty reduction methods with cooperation from international development institutions, Uzbekistan is seeking to build a more comprehensive and sustainable system of social support, grassroots governance and regional economic development, with the long-term goal of eliminating absolute poverty by 2030. Read on People’s Daily (China) * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Dr. Abbos Bobokhonov, Head of the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies at the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS), contributed to an international expert survey conducted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) as part of its publication titled “A Global Perspective on Energy Policy: China’s Approach and New Opportunities for the Global South”. In his contribution, the expert noted that growing geopolitical uncertainty and the transformation of global energy markets are increasing the importance of energy security while accelerating the development of renewable energy sources. Particular attention was given to China’s cooperation with Central Asian countries in the fields of green energy, energy infrastructure modernization, and digitalization of the energy sector. Read the interview * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

On The Crossroads, Ali Adili, Non-Resident Policy Fellow with The Andiana Foundation and Non-Resident Fellow with New York University’s Center on International Cooperation, hosts Aziza Mukhammedova, Leading Research Fellow at the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies, for a deep-dive discussion on the evolving relationship between Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and the wider Central–South Asian region. The conversation focuses on the Trans-Afghan Corridor, the Termez Dialogue, and Uzbekistan’s broader approach to regional connectivity, where Afghanistan is viewed not only through a security lens but also as a potential land bridge linking Central Asia with South Asia. The discussion also examines the major political and security constraints facing regional connectivity projects. Ms Mukhammedova highlights that the viability of the Trans-Afghan Railway depends on predictable relations between Kabul and Islamabad, while persistent security threats from militant groups continue to complicate long-term regional planning. Against this background, the conversation presents the Termez Dialogue as an emerging multilateral platform aimed at transforming Afghanistan from a source of regional uncertainty into a subject of structured dialogue, infrastructure cooperation, and economic interdependence. * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

A webinar by Topchubashov Center (Azerbaijan) brought together regional experts and analysts to examine how the war is affecting C6 positioning, inter-regional dynamics, and relations with major external actors. Odilbek Manabov shared his insights on how instability in the Middle East is affecting Central Asia. He noted that the region has so far remained largely resilient, with no major disruptions observed. Unlike countries such as Japan, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, Central Asian states have avoided significant energy-related challenges. However, Turkmenistan has faced localized inflationary pressures. Manabov emphasized that current geopolitical tensions are more likely to encourage deeper regional cooperation rather than vice versa. In particular, the growing importance of alternative transport routes, such as the Middle Corridor, is reinforcing economic interdependence among C6. He concluded that while short-term impacts remain limited, ongoing developments may scale up regional cooperation and enhance Central Asia’s strategic role in Eurasian connectivity. * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.