KABUL, Afghanistan — Authorities in Afghanistan’s Panjshir province have sold 3,703 carats of emeralds for $28,500 at the province’s ninth auction, underscoring the growing role of gemstones in connecting the country to international markets. According to Pajhwok Afghan News, officials described Panjshir emeralds as among the highest quality ...
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Uzbekistan is preparing to introduce Islamic banking into its financial system, with lawmakers advancing a draft law designed to expand access to credit, diversify financial instruments, and draw foreign investment. The draft legislation was approved in its first reading during a plenary session of the Legislative...
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Uzbekistan has opened its first fully domestically built hydropower plant, a landmark in both industrial self-reliance and renewable energy expansion. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inaugurated the facility on 16 September during a visit to Namangan region, describing it as a strategic step toward energy sovereignty...
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — Afghanistan has started work on the Toti-Maidan gas fields in Jawzjan province, a vast energy basin near the border with Turkmenistan that has long been considered one of the country’s most promising natural gas reserves. Officials say the project could mark a turning point in reducing Afghanistan’s reliance on imp...
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Uzbekistan is moving to deepen energy ties with South Korea as officials discuss joint projects aimed at modernizing the country’s heating infrastructure and expanding renewable energy solutions. Uzbekistan’s investment Minister Laziz Kudratov met with a delegation from the Korea District Heating Corporation (KDHC...
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan has announced an ambitious plan to expand its protected natural areas from the current 30.9 million hectares to 34 million hectares by 2035, positioning itself as a regional leader in biodiversity conservation. The new commitment was outlined during the final seminar of the SPACES Kazakhstan project, whic...
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan’s national boxing team emerged as the standout force at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, capturing seven gold medals and cementing its reputation as one of the sport’s global leaders. The tournament, which concluded on September 14, was the first world championship organized by World Boxi...
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — A cycling qualifying competition featuring 70 athletes has begun in Kabul, as Afghan sports officials seek to revive national-level tournaments despite the country’s political and economic turmoil. The National Cycling Federation (NCF) said the race started from the National Olympic Committee headquarters and stretc...
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Uzbekistan is preparing to launch pilot projects using stablecoins for payments and tokenized assets in its capital markets, signaling the country’s push to modernize its financial system through blockchain technologies. The plan was announced following a September 10 meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoye...
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — A Kazakh historical drama about one of the country’s darkest periods is competing this week at China’s Golden Panda Awards, highlighting Central Asia’s growing presence on the international film circuit. Qash (“Run”), the debut feature by director Aisultan Seitov, has been nominated in four categories: Best Actor in...
