Azimzhan Khitakhunov
Senior Research fellow
Azimzhan Khitakhunov is a research fellow at the Eurasian Research Institute. He has received his bachelor, master and Ph.D. degrees from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Ph.D. degree was completed in cooperation with the Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies, Bologna, Italy). Currently, he is a senior lecturer at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Higher School of Economics and Business, Economics Department, where he teaches macroeconomics related disciplines. His research experience includes participation as a research fellow in the government financed f
Staff's Publications
January 9, 2023
Food is a key product in international trade. Global trade in agricultural products improves food security, affects prices, and directly influences many agricultural input-dependent industries. Higher supplies of agricultural and food products keep prices low and stable, which is important for low-income economies. Therefore, the political stability of the global […]
November 25, 2022
Inflation remains one of the most important challenges for the global economy. Demand and supply shocks, supply chain issues, changes in fiscal and monetary policy, higher production costs, labor market shocks, geopolitical crises, and external instability, including wars and sanctions, cause higher prices. High inflation affects the well-being and expectations […]
November 1, 2022
The political situation in the Eurasian countries is one of the frequently discussed issues given the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which led to unprecedented sanctions from the Western countries on Russia. This invasion brought food security risks, especially in low-income countries, an energy crisis in Europe, disruption of supply chains, […]
October 25, 2022
Russia is one of the key economic partners of Kazakhstan in terms of trade and investments. The countries jointly implement many important projects. However, since the Ukrainian invasion and international sanctions and pressure, economic cooperation with Russia may bring substantial costs for Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. Therefore, this […]
July 30, 2022
Uzbekistan’s foreign economic policy plays an important role in the implementation of its economic reforms. The country actively supports Central Asian integration, became an observer state in the Eurasian Economic Union, and deepens its cooperation with the European Union and China. At the same time, Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the countries […]
June 20, 2022
Russia’s economy is under severe pressure after it decided to invade Ukraine. The United States, members of the European Union, and other countries imposed sanctions against Russia. Many representatives of the global corporations, which have been working in Russia for decades, left the country. Russia’s major corporations and banks are […]
May 16, 2022
Uzbekistan remains one of the key countries in Central Asia. Since the implementation of the new economic policy, the country’s economic cooperation with external powers, including Russia, China, and the countries of the European Union has deepened considerably. In this sense, China’s presence in Uzbekistan increased significantly. Therefore, this commentary […]
May 13, 2022
China’s economic and political rise was driven mainly by its economic reforms, which stimulated a significant inflow of foreign direct investments. These investments allowed China to develop its key sectors, increasing the country’s competitiveness and contributing to the growth of trade. The rise of China’s economy and the accumulation of […]
April 28, 2022
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations noted in February 2022 that its global food index hit an all-time high and averaged 140.7 points, up 5.3 points (3.9%) from January and as much as 24.1 points (20.7%) above its level a year ago. Vegetable oils were up 8.5% year over […]
February 28, 2022
Central Asia is one of the most important regions for China in terms of economics, politics, and security. China’s role in the region is permanently increasing. It remains a key trade partner for all Central Asian countries. Moreover, China provides the region with substantial investments, primarily in the energy sector. […]