Central Asia’s growing relevance in the global critical minerals supply chain took center stage at the U.S.–Central Asia Forum hosted by the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center on June 4.
As geopolitical tensions reshape trade alliances, policymakers and industry leaders emphasized the region's potential to become a key U.S. partner in securing vital raw materials essential for energy transition and national security.
Andrew D’Anieri of the Atlantic Council called it “an opportune time to do more in the region,” citing strong growth forecasts and increased geopolitical independence among Central Asian states. World Bank projections show Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan poised for 5–7% growth in 2025, with Turkmenistan slightly lower at 2.3%.
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana), who has visited all five Central Asian republics, stressed widespread regional enthusiasm for deeper ties with Washington. He also called for the removal of outdated barriers like the Jackson-Vanik amendment that still affects U.S. trade with Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yerzhan Ashikbayev, emphasized the country’s role as a global mining leader, producing 20 of the 50 U.S.-listed critical minerals—eight of which the U.S. is entirely import-dependent on. “Kazakhstan aims to play a vital role in strengthening global supply chain resilience,” he said, citing abundant reserves, midstream processing capacity, and political stability.
However, Ashikbayev criticized legislative hurdles such as lack of free trade status, EV tax credit exclusion, and the “foreign entities of concern” classification, which penalizes Kazakhstan for its proximity to China and Russia. “It’s outrageous,” he said, urging legal reform to unlock investment.
Uzbekistan’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Alisher Akhmedov, echoed the need for greater U.S. engagement, calling critical minerals a central pillar of bilateral cooperation. “This partnership isn’t just about development—it’s about building trust,” he noted.
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Geoffrey Pyatt underscored the urgency of reducing U.S. dependence on adversarial powers in strategic sectors. He pointed to Kazakhstan’s copper and uranium as key to diversifying supply chains, especially with rising demand and security concerns in the civilian nuclear sector.
Reed Blakemore of the Atlantic Council emphasized that infrastructure—electricity, transport, and logistics—is essential for turning resource potential into economic performance. He warned that focusing solely on extraction would leave the U.S. supply chain strategy incomplete.
He also highlighted the Middle Corridor transport route linking Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea as an underutilized asset, noting a 62% increase in freight traffic last year. Kazakhstan aims to double that volume by 2027 and is expanding its rail network and Caspian fleet to support the effort.
The forum concluded with calls for a comprehensive U.S. strategy that goes beyond raw material access to include infrastructure, midstream development, and investment-friendly policy reform—positioning Central Asia not just as a resource provider, but as a strategic partner in global supply chain resilience.
European foreign ministers agreed to increase pressure on Russia by imposing new sanctions targeting its energy and banking sectors amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
As G7 leaders prepare to meet, most member states are ready to cut the Russian oil price cap to $45 even without U.S. backing.
NVIDIA unveiled plans on Wednesday to build the world’s first industrial AI cloud in Germany, aiming to revolutionize European manufacturing with a 10,000-GPU facility and partnerships with industry leaders like BMW, Siemens, and Mercedes-Benz.
EU Council President Antonio Costa celebrated the 40th anniversary of Portugal's EU accession, hailing it as the catalyst for the nation's most significant period of social and economic development and a testament to European solidarity.
Kazakhstan and the European Union are bolstering their economic partnership, with a recent high-level meeting paving the way for expanded collaboration in trade, investment, and sustainable development.
European foreign ministers agreed to increase pressure on Russia by imposing new sanctions targeting its energy and banking sectors amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
As G7 leaders prepare to meet, most member states are ready to cut the Russian oil price cap to $45 even without U.S. backing.
NVIDIA unveiled plans on Wednesday to build the world’s first industrial AI cloud in Germany, aiming to revolutionize European manufacturing with a 10,000-GPU facility and partnerships with industry leaders like BMW, Siemens, and Mercedes-Benz.
Azerbaijan is advancing its green energy agenda, with bold targets and regional projects discussed at the IEA’s global energy efficiency conference.
EU Council President Antonio Costa celebrated the 40th anniversary of Portugal's EU accession, hailing it as the catalyst for the nation's most significant period of social and economic development and a testament to European solidarity.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Kazakhstan and the UK are strengthening defense ties with a new Military Cooperation Plan, focusing on peacekeeping and military education.
A 30-year-old woman was shot by police in Munich on Saturday evening after stabbing two people at Theresienwiese, a central park best known for hosting Oktoberfest.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
European foreign ministers agreed to increase pressure on Russia by imposing new sanctions targeting its energy and banking sectors amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
As G7 leaders prepare to meet, most member states are ready to cut the Russian oil price cap to $45 even without U.S. backing.
NVIDIA unveiled plans on Wednesday to build the world’s first industrial AI cloud in Germany, aiming to revolutionize European manufacturing with a 10,000-GPU facility and partnerships with industry leaders like BMW, Siemens, and Mercedes-Benz.
EU Council President Antonio Costa celebrated the 40th anniversary of Portugal's EU accession, hailing it as the catalyst for the nation's most significant period of social and economic development and a testament to European solidarity.
China is set to eliminate tariffs for all 53 African countries it has diplomatic ties with, offering duty-free access not just to the poorest nations but also to middle-income economies.
European foreign ministers agreed to increase pressure on Russia by imposing new sanctions targeting its energy and banking sectors amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
As G7 leaders prepare to meet, most member states are ready to cut the Russian oil price cap to $45 even without U.S. backing.
NVIDIA unveiled plans on Wednesday to build the world’s first industrial AI cloud in Germany, aiming to revolutionize European manufacturing with a 10,000-GPU facility and partnerships with industry leaders like BMW, Siemens, and Mercedes-Benz.
Azerbaijan is advancing its green energy agenda, with bold targets and regional projects discussed at the IEA’s global energy efficiency conference.
EU Council President Antonio Costa celebrated the 40th anniversary of Portugal's EU accession, hailing it as the catalyst for the nation's most significant period of social and economic development and a testament to European solidarity.
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