Waking up from the smokes and mirrors, Russia is out to win Uzbekistan's heart again, with loads and JVs, while the mood in the neighbouring area is around building trust and bridges.

With the first week of January behind us, we are all in anticipation of what is to come, and there are a few things brewing in Central Asia.

Half-sitting at the confetti-covered table, we scavenge over the remains of Olivier salad, while trying to sober up and recover the memory of what just happened, and prepare for what’s going to come next? In this two-part issue, we share our 20 notes from 2020, and try to extrapolate what is in store in 2021.

Eager to unlock new development avenues, and less bothered by the woes posed by the pandemic in the West, the Central Asian states are ready to go big.

While the ping pong match of who will raise more before the year is out continues, the onlookers adopt a precautious approach.

Things seem to be going back to a regular pace, more together and focused in light of potential discords and worries over the looming second wave of the pandemic.

Decisive measures lead to more friction, and new power sharing, as alliances are reshaped, re-evaluated and reformed in the Stans.

As the Stans recover from a troublesome summer, they shift focus on promising projects and an ambitious year end.

Now that the worst is behind them, the Stans, with thanks to the help of their friends, slowly get back to business. And in so doing, some are making a ruckus.

The boat continues rocking, and most Central Asian states realise that and lockdowns are no longer a viable option to tackle the COVID-19 spread, choosing economic health and relying on support from reliable friends instead.