Two dead, eight injured in San Diego plane crash- officials
A tragic plane crash early Thursday morning shook a quiet residential neighborhood in San Diego, California. According to officials, there are two dead, eight injured.
Islamic finance assets in Central Asia are forecast to grow from $285 million in 2022 to $6.3 billion by 2033, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan leading the regional expansion due to high demand, population growth, and policy reforms.
Islamic finance in Central Asia is on the verge of major expansion, with projections showing a twentyfold increase in assets over the next decade. According to the Islamic Development Bank and the Eurasian Development Bank, the volume of Islamic financial assets in the region could grow from $285 million in 2022 to $2.5 billion by 2028 and reach $6.3 billion by 2033.
The forecast assumes that governments in the region will implement supportive legal and tax frameworks and promote public awareness of Islamic financial services.
Kazakhstan is expected to lead growth, leveraging strong infrastructure and recent policy efforts. Islamic banking assets in Kazakhstan are projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2028 and $3.3 billion by 2033. Sukuk (Islamic bonds) could total $1.3 billion by 2028 and $3.3 billion by 2033. The country has already approved a strategic development plan for Islamic finance and estimates potential retail demand for Islamic deposits at around $6.3 billion.
Uzbekistan, the region’s most populous country, is forecast to reach $1.1 billion in Islamic banking assets by 2028 and $2.4 billion by 2033. Sukuk volumes are expected to grow from $601 million in 2028 to $1.9 billion in 2033. The government is preparing to launch the Tashkent International Financial Center and integrate Islamic finance into its reform agenda, with plans to implement Islamic banking principles in at least three commercial banks by 2030.
Kyrgyzstan is targeting a 5% share for Islamic banking in its total financial sector. Although the current market share is just 1.5%, assets are forecast to grow to $58 million by 2028 and $67 million by 2033. Its sukuk market is expected to rise from $67 million to $170 million over the same period.
Tajikistan also shows strong potential, with forecasts indicating that Islamic banking assets will increase to $132 million by 2028 and $562 million by 2033. Sukuk assets are projected to rise from $57 million in 2028 to $155 million in 2033. Companies like Alif Bank and Tavhidbank are leading growth in the country.
Turkmenistan remains at an early stage. Although 93% of its population is Muslim, there are currently no Islamic financial institutions operating in the country.
Tensions flare in the India-France Rafale deal as France refuses to share the fighter jet’s source code, limiting India’s ability to integrate indigenous weapons and reducing its combat autonomy.
France has rejected India’s request to share source codes needed to integrate indigenous weapons into Rafale fighter jets. Despite repeated appeals, French manufacturer Dassault Aviation has refused to compromise on the issue
AnewZ and Kazakhstan’s Jibek Joly/Silk Way TV channel co-hosted a special AnewZ Talks in Astana at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), uniting global experts and young leaders at Silk Road Media Group’s journalism school to explore the growing intersection of media and diplomacy.
The Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025, scheduled for May 18–19, will host 200 international guests, including 40 current and former European officials.
Anton Kobyakov, adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claimed at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum that the USSR’s dissolution was legally invalid and that the Soviet Union still exists under constitutional law, framing the Ukraine war as an “internal process.”
The second meeting of customs leaders from Central Asia and China was held in Almaty, focusing on digitalization, AI integration, border crossing agreements, and expanding cooperation to strengthen regional trade and logistics.
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank Group, with the 2026 Annual Meeting set to take place in Azerbaijan.
During President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Slovenia, Uzbekistan and Slovenia signed several important agreements covering visa exemptions for diplomats, education, transport, smart cities, water management, and tourism to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will make urgent visits to Iran, Azerbaijan, and Türkiye next week to hold high-level talks and express gratitude for recent support.
In a region long defined by conflict and complex history, AnewZ set out to hear the voices that matter most- those of the people.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment