29.11.11 Caspian Focus November issue: Table of contents

REGIONAL FOCUS

• Caspian pipeline saga begins a new act: Nabucco under fire (again); Morningstar was not the only official to get cold feet
• IMF revises regional growth figures: The biggest risk for exporters is overheating

AZERBAIJAN

• US navy secretary discusses oil rig protection: It is unclear how real the threat of terrorism to
• Socar plans to enter foreign production… and spreads distribution wings in Switzerland
• Oil continues to dominate exports: The government is eager to emphasise the diversification process

GEORGIA

• Billionaire enters the political ring: The billionaire started funding Georgian opposition movements in late 2007
• Australians suspend Mukhiani-1 drilling

KAZAKHSTAN

• Terror fears on the rise: The first attack involved two bombs; An Afghan connection?
• Credit ratings upgraded: The main risks cited by both S&P and Fitch are Kazakhstan's vulnerability to fluctuations
• Parliament to dissolve for early elections
• Jupiter Energy lists on AIM with big plans ahead
• Indian consortium breaks up as Kashagan saga rolls on
• KMG profits rise, despite strikes: Although the disputes are still rumbling on
• Max comes up empty, but narrows losses

TURKMENISTAN

• Berdymuhammedov becomes 'Hero of Turkmenistan', restores Niyazov statue
• Reserves boost unveiled at investment summit
• Talks start on East-West pipeline tender: No word has been released yet on which international companies are being approached
• Moscow and Ashgabat in new war of words: The comments are yet another sign that Ashgabat is unwilling to brook Russian interference; Berdymuhammedov goes to Beijing
• Dragon Oil looking to ramp up output

KYRGYZTAN

• Atambayev faces an uphill struggle: Accusations of fraud prompted an ominous reaction from his leading rivals
• Investors will be cautiously watching the new government's approach to foreign companies

UZBEKISTAN

• Tethys signs MOUs with Uzbekneftgaz: The agreement, signed on 18 November, gives until 1 May next year for the two sides to complete negotiations
• Railway explosion prompts terror fears: It adds to concerns that militant groups are returning.