Day: September 17, 2025

The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) has reported a continued decline in dollarization within the country’s banking sector, reflecting growing public confidence in the national currency.

As of early September, the share of foreign currency loans in the banking sector dropped to 18%, down from over 20% at the start of the year. The decrease is even more pronounced in the deposit base: the share of foreign currency deposits fell from 43% to 38% during the first eight months of 2025. NBKR officials say households are increasingly moving away from the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies as trust in the national currency, the som, strengthens.

Despite the reduction in foreign currency lending and deposits, the sector overall continues to grow. Since the beginning of the year, deposits in Kyrgyz soms have increased by 21%, reaching 717.6 billion KGS ($8.2 billion). The total loan portfolio rose by 26% to 430 billion KGS ($4.9 billion).

However, commercial banks are reporting weaker profitability. Financial statements for January to August 2025 indicate a steep drop in earnings from foreign exchange operations. During this period, turnover in foreign currencies fell by more than 2 billion KGS ($23 million), totaling 18 billion KGS ($206.5 million).

Analysts note that the current environment contrasts sharply with conditions just a few years ago. After the onset of Russia’s war in Ukraine in 2022 and the introduction of Western sanctions, Kyrgyzstan’s currency market experienced significant volatility. Banks then benefited from heightened demand for exchange operations. But with today’s more stable ruble and reduced fluctuations, those profits have diminished.

Just five years ago, the National Bank was actively urging citizens to use the som more broadly. At the time, dollar-denominated loans were more expensive, yet remained popular among Kyrgyz borrowers. Now, the trend has reversed, with households increasingly choosing the national currency over foreign alternatives.

DJI Launches Mini 5 Pro Drone with Enhanced Features

DJI has introduced its Mini 5 Pro, a compact drone boasting a 50-megapixel one-inch sensor, significantly improving video quality and battery life over its predecessor, the Mini 4 Pro. The launch marks a potential game-changer in the drone market, although the model will not be officially available in the United States, reports 24brussels.

The Mini 5 Pro features a larger sensor than the Mini 4 Pro, increasing the light-capturing capacity and offering up to 14 stops of dynamic range. DJI claims that this drone could outshine the capabilities of the pricier Air 3S model, particularly in portrait performance and handling low-light conditions.

Battery life has also seen improvements, with the Mini 5 Pro offering 36 minutes of flight time compared to 34 minutes in the Mini 4 Pro. Notably, an extended battery option can push flight time to 52 minutes, although this version will not be made available for sale in Europe due to regulatory restrictions.

Additionally, the Mini 5 Pro incorporates upgraded obstacle avoidance technology and enhanced flight capabilities, such as a maximum climbing speed of 10 meters per second (22 mph) and improved horizontal speeds of 42 mph. The drone also supports 4K video shooting features with an expanded ISO range that rivals DJI’s higher-end models.

While the Mini 5 Pro has many advancements, customers in the United States face challenges in purchasing it. It will not have a dedicated product page on the DJI US website, and supply may be limited leading to potential markups at third-party retailers. DJI spokesperson Daisy Kong stated that warranty claims may still be honored for units purchased from authorized sellers outside of the US, contingent on the circumstances surrounding the purchase.

In international markets, the Mini 5 Pro is priced at $769 in Canada, £689 in the UK, €798 in Europe, and ¥106,700 in Japan. The pricing strategy indicates that DJI is maintaining relative price levels compared to previous models, despite fluctuations in tariff-related costs in the US.

The Mini 5 Pro is packaged with options for enhanced accessory bundles, geared towards ensuring customer satisfaction by including additional batteries and screen-equipped controllers. However, customers should note that batteries from previous models are not interchangeable with the Mini 5 Pro.

Kazakhstan has inaugurated Central Asia’s first-ever rowing canal in the southern city of Turkestan. Opened on September 15, the facility is the only one of its kind in the region and meets the standards of both the International Canoe Federation (ICF) and the International Rowing Federation (FISA).

Spanning 100 hectares, the canal stretches 2.5 kilometers and is equipped to host international competitions, including World Cup and Asian Cup events in rowing and canoeing. It will also serve as a dedicated training base for athletes.

The complex includes spectator grandstands, a one-kilometer city beach, and an on-site hotel. In addition to its sporting function, the canal will contribute to environmental sustainability by supplying water for irrigating Turkestan’s green belt.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, more than 6,000 people in Kazakhstan regularly participate in rowing and canoeing. Officials highlight rowing as one of the most “medal-rich” sports, with 14 medal sets awarded at the Olympic Games and more than 20 at the World Rowing Championships, offering strong opportunities for national athletic achievement.

Authorities expect the new facility to significantly advance the development of rowing in Kazakhstan and to strengthen Turkestan’s profile as a regional hub for both culture and sports.