Economy

Armenia Sinking into Poverty

Nearly 50 per cent of government expenditure goes on welfare payments, which say officials has prevented poverty from reaching catastrophic levels.

Dodgy Food Standards in Badakhshan

Afghan Pipeline Dream One Step Closer

Analysts see Pakistani support as key to guaranteeing security of pipeline through insurgent heartlands.

Uzbeks Pressured to Take Up Farming

Kazak Police Threaten Dissidents With Psychiatric Confinement

Image-conscious government avoids labelling critics as mentally unstable, but police in provinces still use forcible committal as threat.

Uzbekistan's Economic Dilemma

Authorities want to boost private sector to offset raw materials dependence – but will the strategy work?

Afghanistan More Open About Finances

Budget transparency is said to have improved, but corruption remains a big headache.

Kyrgyz Petrol Price Cuts Fail to Curb Inflation

Reduced prices at pumps offset by wider economic problems.

Yerevan Street Sellers Protest Trading Ban

Mayor says he won't back down on "health hazard" street stall ban as traders mount daily protests.

Winter Gas Shortages in Uzbekistan

Citizens of gas-rich state rig up wood-burners as fuel cuts take winter toll.