Iran’s new edition of the Bahar Azadi gold coin was sold for about $1,690, up slightly from the previous day, while older versions of the coin continue to trade at lower prices. One gram of 18-carat gold was priced around $155, reflecting ongoing fluctuations in the market following Iran’s adoption of a floating exchange rate system for foreign currencies.
Between September 2024 and July 2025, Kazakhstan significantly increased its exports of wheat, wheat flour, and feed flour compared to the previous year. The main buyers were Uzbekistan, China, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, with most showing notable growth in purchases.
Azerbaijan’s banking sector saw a rise in external liabilities driven by short-term foreign borrowing, alongside steady growth in the national money supply, signaling increased financial activity and external engagement.
Azerbaijan’s banking sector demonstrates solid growth in assets and loan portfolio, with a notable increase in national currency lending, reflecting strengthening financial stability and credit demand.
Azerbaijan’s insurance sector raked in approximately 938 million manat in premiums during the first seven months of the year, marking an increase of about 105 million manat compared to last year.
Azerbaijan’s compulsory insurance market collected 221 million manat in the first seven months of the year, reflecting steady growth. Payouts rose to 81 million manat, while overall insurance premiums reached 938 million manat, up 91 million manat from the previous year.
In the first four months of the current Iranian year, Iran exported around $1.7 billion worth of non-oil products to T
All products were offered under prepayment terms, with FCA or FOB delivery points across Turkmenistan, including international ports and specialized storage terminals.
Tender proposals will be accepted until October 2, 2025, at 16:00 local time. Late submissions will not be considered. Tender packages will only be issued after confirmation of payment.
Iran’s imports from Russia rose sharply in the first four months of the Iranian year, reaching roughly $450 million and 900 thousand tons, driven by petrochemicals, agricultural products, and industrial goods.
Azerbaijan’s trade with China surged in the first seven months of the year, reaching around $2.5 billion, up roughly $530 million or 27% compared to last year. Exports to China jumped to about $53 million, while imports climbed to nearly $2 billion, making China Azerbaijan’s top import partner.
Fitch notes that these structural and financial indicators provide context for assessing Turkmenistan’s resilience, fiscal flexibility, and capacity to manage external shocks relative to peer countries across the B, BB, and BBB rating spectrum.
Liquids production in OECD countries, excluding Mexico, is expected to see steady growth over the next two years, according to OPEC’s latest monthly outlook.
Uzbekistan has strengthened its position as one of the region’s leading apricot suppliers, exporting more than 23,000 tons of fruit worth $18.8 million to 14 countries between January and July 2025, with Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan remaining the top buyers
S&P Global Ratings upgraded the long-term credit rating of Azerbaijan’s Business Development Fund (ABDF) from "BB-" to "BB" with a stable outlook. As of mid-2025, ABDF’s total assets reached 1. 42 billion manat (about $835 million).
From March 21 through July 22, 2025, Iranian banks issued 7. 48 quadrillion rials ($13 billion) in loans to the industry and mining sectors, up 43. 8 percent from last year. Most of the loans—6. 88 quadrillion rials ($11.
Iran has launched the collection of flare gas from eight oil fields, according to Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad. The newly commissioned NGL-3100 plant is designed to process up to 240 million cubic feet of gas daily.
From January through July 2025, 9.8 million tons of cargo were transported by rail in Azerbaijan. This marks a 9.5 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2024. In contrast, rail passenger numbers rose by 21.1 percent, reaching 5.5 million people.
Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) has wrapped up its latest coupon payments on bonds that hit the market in February 2024. The $50 million bonds, with a six percent annual yield, brought in a tidy sum of $1.
Consumer prices in Kyrgyzstan climbed 4.7 percent in the first seven months of 2025, driven largely by sharp increases in fresh produce, meat, and non-alcoholic beverages, Trend reports. While some items such as eggs and milk saw price declines, all regions experienced overall inflation, with Talas and Osh reporting the highest growth.
Liquids production from countries outside the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) is projected to see moderate growth over the next two years, according to OPEC’s latest monthly outlook.
In the first seven months of 2025, 16. 2 million tons of oil were transported through the BTC pipeline, down 5. 9 percent from last year. Azerbaijani oil made up 83. 6 percent (13. 5 million tons), with 16.
In the first seven months of 2025, 21. 5 million tons of oil were transported through Azerbaijan’s main pipelines, down 5. 3 percent from last year. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline accounted for 75 percent of this volume, transporting 16.
Work is progressing on the strategic China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. Construction is already underway on three major tunnels, each exceeding 12 kilometers in length.
On August 13, Iran’s new Bahar Azadi gold coin was sold for 837 million rials (about $1,436), up from 827 million rials ($1,418) the day before. The older version sold for 756 million rials ($1,297).
Interested participants must submit a written application detailing their full name, legal status, country of registration, and other relevant information. The deadline for submitting offers is September 1, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
From March 21 through July 22, 2025, Iran’s Kurdistan customs handled 1.67 million tons of goods worth $2.1 billion, up 4% year-on-year. Exports were 406,000 tons worth $171 million, and imports 40,000 tons worth $208 million. Transit goods reached 835,000 tons worth $595 million.
Precious metals markets showed a mixed performance during the trading period of August 4-8, 2025, with gold, silver, and platinum experiencing upward momentum while palladium exhibited a significant downward trajectory.
Iran purchased 7. 44 million tons of wheat worth $2. 68 billion from farmers under a guaranteed contract between April 5 and August 8. So far, $1. 14 billion has been paid to farmers, with payments still ongoing.
On August 2–7, IME sold 3.26 million tons of goods worth $921 million, up from 1.84 million tons and $598 million the week before. Industrial sales reached 1.03 million tons worth $364 million. Other sales included $161 million in petroleum, $151 million in exports, $238 million in auctions, and $8 million in the sub-market.
The number of active bank cards in circulation has grown consistently since the beginning of the year. As of January 1, 2025, there were 5,996,326 active cards in use.
In the first half of 2025, Uzbekistan imported over 15,500 tons of tea worth $23. 3 million, with China emerging as the largest supplier. The country's overall imports also saw a notable rise, increasing by $835.
Iran’s solar and wind power plants significantly boosted electricity production in early 2025, with renewable energy capacity rising by 636 megawatts over the past year, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to expanding its clean energy sector.
In total, 929 businesses across Turkmenistan are now linked to the e-commerce platform. This reflects the country’s ongoing progress in expanding digital financial services and supporting the growth of online transactions across all regions.
From January through July 2025, container turnover of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) through Baku International Sea Port reached a record high. The volume totaled 60,429 TEU, marking a 54. 2% increase year-on-year.
The data reflects Kazakhstan’s emergence as a noted producer of silicon - a mineral essential for the solar industry, semiconductors, and other high-tech applications. Eni’s inclusion of the country in its critical minerals review highlights Kazakhstan’s growing role in global mineral supply chains.
The most notable jumps occurred between 2018 and 2022, a period marked by substantial expansion in solar and wind power projects. The continuous rise reflects Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
While fluctuations remained limited, the metal’s performance reflects a cautious investor outlook amid mixed global economic signals. The movements align with ongoing shifts in automotive industry demand, where palladium remains a critical component.
The tender will be conducted in Turkmen manats and Russian rubles. Interested parties are invited to participate by submitting a written application addressed to the director of the branch.
Data indicates that reserves have remained unchanged since 2015, when they rose to their current level
The listed products, manufactured at the Turkmenturba plant, include pipes of various diameters and pressure ratings. All lots are offered on a prepayment basis under EXW conditions and are priced in US dollars.
Sales of NICICO rose by over one third in the first four months of the current Iranian year, reaching about $1.1 billion. The company’s monthly figures also showed strong performance, with both domestic sales and exports contributing significantly to the total.
Kazakhstan saw particularly sharp increases between 2018 and 2020, with annual growth rates exceeding 150 percent. These gains underscore the country’s strategic focus on solar energy investment.
On August 2, Iran’s new Bahar Azadi gold coin rose to 825 million rials ($1,438), up from 801 million rials ($1,396) on July 31. The older version sold for 747 million rials ($1,302), while half and quarter coins traded at 444 million rials ($774) and 262 million rials ($456). One gram of 18-carat gold cost 74 million rials ($129).
Both consignments are located in Turkmenabad and are intended for industrial or pharmaceutical processing. Turkmenistan continues to utilize its exchange platform to market agricultural and medicinal raw materials to global buyers.
One of the deals was signed with entrepreneurs from Kyrgyzstan for the export of cotton fabric, highlighting growing trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The agreement marks another step in promoting Turkmenistan’s textile products on international markets.
Iran processed over 8 billion cubic meters of gas at the second refinery of the South Pars Gas Company between March and July, contributing significantly to the national gas network. The plant currently produces about 59 million cubic meters of gas per day, with a portion supplying raw materials for the petrochemical sector.
All items are of German origin and are currently located in Ashgabat, with sales handled by local brokers on behalf of the government.
As of July 1, 2025, government Eurobonds make up 27.7% ($1.4 billion) of Azerbaijan’s external public debt, with maturities extending to 2029 and 2032 and coupon rates of 5.125% and 3.5%, respectively.
The figures represent a gradual change in consumption patterns over the seven-year period. Total oil consumption in the country has steadily grown, the per capita metric has moderated, reflecting broader demographic and economic developments.
Mastercard has unveiled a series of new fintech initiatives in Uzbekistan, including the launch of the country’s first virtual BNPL card — ZOOD Card. In an exclusive interview with Trend, Denis Filippov, General Manager of Mastercard, shares insights on the company’s latest digital solutions, partnerships, and plans to enhance cross-border payments and financial inclusion across the region.
In August 2025, Croatia saw a slight rise in tourist arrivals but a small drop in overnight stays, with domestic and foreign visitors showing different trends. Overall, the first eight months of the year show modest growth in both arrivals and nights compared to 2024.
Exchange-based transactions in Azerbaijan’s financial markets reached about 10.4 billion manat in the first nine months of the year, marking a notable rise compared to the previous year.
The Mortgage and Credit Guarantee Fund (MCGF) has issued government-backed loans totaling around 3.7 billion manat to more than 55,000 borrowers.
ING forecasts 2025 prices at $3,128 per unit for gold, $39 for silver, $2,615 per ton for aluminum, and $2,840 per ton for zinc. In 2026, prices rise to $4,150 for gold, $49. 75 for silver, $2,738 for aluminum, and $2,938 for zinc.
Uzbekistan’s communication and informatization sector continues to expand, reaching 48.2 trillion soums ($4.19 billion) in January–August 2025.
U.S. natural gas production in the Lower 48 states is expected to increase slightly in 2026, driven primarily by growth in the Appalachia, Permian, and Haynesville regions, according to the latest outlook from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
As of early September 2025, the volume of loans issued to medium-sized businesses in Azerbaijan showed significant growth compared to previous periods.
The volume of loans issued to small businesses in Azerbaijan continues to grow.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is expanding its efforts in Central Asia, aligning its operations with European Union policy priorities under the Global Gateway strategy.
Kyrgyzstan’s High-Tech Park aims to connect IT companies with Kazakhstan’s market. Kazakhstan is viewed as a key regional partner.
The number of active MasterCard payment cards in Kazakhstan reached 3.38 million as of September 1, 2025, according to the National Bank of Kazakhstan.
Total household deposits in Azerbaijani banks rose to around 15.5 billion manats, driven by growth in both local and foreign currency holdings.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is intensifying its support for Central Asia’s shift to a low-carbon economy, focusing on reliable, secure, and affordable energy.
Uzbekistan’s inflation continued to ease in September, supported by falling prices for seasonal fruits and vegetables, even as key food items, fuel, and healthcare costs saw moderate increases
The EPCA is expected to provide a comprehensive framework for cooperation in areas such as economic development, education, energy, climate action, digital technologies, and the rule of law.
Azerbaijan recorded 850,900 active taxpayers as of December 1, reflecting a 5.4 percent annual increase. The number of active VAT payers also climbed by 9.8 percent to 57,900. Meanwhile, active economic entities grew by 6.4 percent, reaching 231,300.
Uzbekistan expanded its gold reserves in November, adding to its position as one of Central Asia’s leading holders of the precious metal.
The construction sector contributed 8. 1% to Turkmenistan's 6. 3% GDP growth from January to November, while the transport and communications sector contributed 10%. Trade contributed 9. 7%, agriculture accounted for 7%, and services for 7.
Large enterprises continued to dominate Georgia’s economy in the third quarter of 2025. The labour market also reflected the weight of larger companies.
According to SMC, the actual delivery of apartments depends on the completion timelines of buildings, which may shift due to technical or construction-related delays.
Commercial bank lending in Uzbekistan surged 14% year-on-year to nearly $50 billion by November 2025, driven by strong household and sectoral loans, while industrial and transport lending saw slight declines, according to the Central Bank.
According to BCG, Uzbekistan has an opportunity to attract significant investments and accelerate growth in the next 5-10 years as a result of changes in global commerce and increasing demand for dependable commodities suppliers.
Uzbekistan plans to double its chemical industry output and increase exports to $1 billion by 2030, with initiatives focused on modernizing production, reducing costs, and implementing energy-efficient technologies across the sector.
In October, the demand for international air travel took off like a rocket, with global revenue passenger kilometers soaring by 9%. This surge was driven by robust growth in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, proving that the sky's the limit for these areas.