Source: Asia Development Bank
This paper examines how households in the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan adapt their cooling strategies to power outages and increasing temperatures. It highlights the importance of reliable power and the potential of solar panels to meet summer energy demands.
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ismail Albayrak, Professor of Islam and Catholic Muslim Relations, Australian Catholic University
In our guides to the classics, experts explain key literary works.
Ibn Battuta, was born in Tangier, Morocco, on February 24, 1304. From a statement in his celebrated travel book the Rihla (“legal affairs are my ancestral profession,”) he evidently came from an intellectually distinguished family.
According to the Rihla (travelogue), Ibn Battuta embarked on his travels from Tangier at the age of 22 with the intention of performing the Hajj (the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca) in 1325. Although he returned to Fez (his adopted home-town) around the end of 1349, he continued to visit various regions, including Granada and Sudan, in subsequent years.
Over the course of his almost 30 years of travel, Ibn Battuta covered an astonishing distance of approximately 73,000 miles (117,000 kilometres), visiting a region that today encompasses more than 50 countries. His journeys covered much of the medieval Islamic world and beyond, excluding Northern Europe.
In 1355, he returned to Morocco for the last time and remained there for the rest of his life. Upon his return he dictated his experiences, observations and anecdotes to the Andalusian scholar Ibn Juzayy, with a compilation of his travels completed in 1355 or 1356.
The work, formally titled A Gift to Researchers on the Curiosities of Cities and the Marvels of Journeys, is more commonly referred to as Rihlat Ibn Battuta or simply Rihla.
More than a travelogue or geographical record, this book provides rich insights into 14th-century social and political life, capturing cultural diversity across nations. Ibn Battuta details local lifestyles, linguistic traits, beliefs, clothing, cuisines, holidays, artistic traditions and gender relations, as well as commercial activities and currencies.
His observations also include geographical features such as mountains, rivers and agricultural products. Notably, the work highlights his encounters with over 60 sultans and more than 2,000 prominent figures, making it a valuable historical resource.
His travels began after a dream. According to Ibn Battuta, one night, while in Fuwwa, a town near Alexandria in Egypt, he dreamed of flying on a massive bird across various lands, landing in a dark, greenish country.
To test the local sheikh’s mystical knowledge, he decided if the sheikh knew of his dream, he was truly extraordinary. The next morning, after leading the dawn prayer, he saw the sheikh bid farewell to visitors. Later, the sheikh astonishingly revealed knowledge of Ibn Battuta’s dream and prophesied his pilgrimage through Yemen, Iraq, Turkey and India.
At the time, the Middle East was under the rule of the Mamluk sultanate, Anatolia was divided among principalities and the Mongol Ilkhanate state controlled Iran, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
Ibn Battuta initially travelled through North Africa, Egypt, Palestine and Syria, completing his first Hajj in 1326.
He then visited Iraq and Iran, returning to Mecca. In 1328, he explored East Africa, reaching Mogadishu, Mombasa, Sudan and Kilwa (modern Tanzania), as well as Yemen, Oman and Anatolia, where he documented cities like Alanya, Konya, Erzurum, Nicaea and Bursa.
His descriptions are vivid. Describing the city of Dimyat, on the bank of the Nile, he says:
Many of the houses have steps leading down to the Nile. Banana trees are especially abundant there, and their fruit is carried to Cairo in boats. Its sheep and goats are allowed to pasture at liberty day and night, and for this reason the saying goes of Dimyat, ‘Its wall is a sweetmeat and its dogs are sheep’. No one who enters the city may afterwards leave it except by the governor’s seal […]
When it comes to Anatolia (in modern-day Turkey), he declares:
This country, known as the Land of Rum, is the most beautiful in the world. While Allah Almighty has distributed beauty to other lands separately, He has gathered them all here. The most beautiful and well-dressed people live in this land, and the most delicious food is prepared here […] From the moment we arrived, our neighbors — both men and women — showed great concern for our wellbeing. Here, women do not shy away from men; when we departed, they bid us farewell as if we were family, expressing their sadness through tears.
Since Ibn Battuta dictated his work, it’s difficult to assess the extent of the scribe’s influence in recording his narratives. Despite being an educated man, he occasionally narrates like a commoner and sometimes exceeds the bounds of polite language. At times, he provides excessive detail, giving the impression he may be quoting from sources beyond his own observations.
Nevertheless, the Rihla stands out for its engaging style and captivating anecdotes, drawing readers in.
Ibn Battuta later journeyed through Crimea, Central Asia, Khwarezm (a large oasis region in the territories of present-day Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), Bukhara (a city in Uzbekistan), and the Hindu Kush Mountains. In 1332, he met Byzantine Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos and travelled to Istanbul with the caravan of Uzbek Khan’s third wife. He mentions a caravan that even has a market:
Whenever the caravan halted, food was cooked in great brass cauldrons, called dasts, and supplied from them to the poorer pilgrims and those who had no provisions. […] This caravan contained also animated bazaars and great supplies of luxuries and all kinds of food and fruit. They used to march during the night and light torches in front of the file of camels and litters, so that you saw the countryside gleaming with light and the darkness turned into radiant day.
Ibn Battuta arrived in Delhi in 1333, where he served as a judge under Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq for seven years. He married or was married to local women in many of the places he stayed. Among his wives were ordinary people as well as the daughters of the administrative class.
The Sultan’s generosity, intelligence and unconventional ruling style both impressed and surprised Ibn Battuta. However, Muhammad bin Tughluq was known for making excessively harsh and abrupt decisions at times, which led Ibn Battuta to approach him with caution. Nevertheless, with the Sultan’s support, he remained in India for a long time and was eventually chosen as an ambassador to China in 1341.
In 1345 his mission was disrupted when his ship capsized off the coast of Calcutta (then known as Sadqawan) in the Indian Ocean. Though he survived, he lost most of his possessions.
After the incident, he remained in India for a while before continuing his journey by other means. During this period, he travelled through India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. He served as a judge in the latter for one and a half years. In 1345, he journeyed to China via Bengal, Burma and Sumatra, reaching the city of Guangzhou but limiting his exploration to the southern coast.
He was among the first Arab travellers to record Islam’s spread in the Malay Archipelago, noting interactions between Muslims and Hindu-Buddhist communities. Visiting Java and Sumatra, he praised Sultan Malik al-Zahir of Sumatra as a generous, pious and scholarly ruler and highlighted his rare practice of walking to Friday prayers.
On his return, Ibn Battuta explored regions such as Iran, Iraq, North Africa, Spain and the Kingdom of Mali, documenting the vast Islamic world.
Back in his homeland, Ibn Battuta served as a judge in several locations. He died around 1368-9 while serving as a judge in Morocco and was buried in his birthplace, Tangier.
Ibn Battuta’s travels revealed intriguing insights into the status of women across regions. In inner West Africa, he observed matriarchal practices where lineage and inheritance were determined by the mother’s family.
Among Turks, women rode horses like raiders, traded actively and did not veil their faces.
In the Maldives, husbands leaving the region had to abandon their wives. He noted that Muslim women there, including the ruling woman, did not cover their heads. Despite attempting to enforce the hijab as a judge, he failed.
He offers fascinating insights into food cultures. In Siberia, sled dogs were fed before humans. He described 15-day wedding feasts in India.
He tried local produce such as mango in the Indian subcontinent, which he compared to an apple, and sun-dried, sliced fish in Oman.
Ibn Battuta’s accounts of the Hajj (pilgrimage) rituals he performed six times provide a unique perspective. He references a fatwa by Ibn Taymiyyah, prominent Islamic scholar and theologian known for his opposition to theological innovations and critiques of Sufism and philosophy, advising against shortening prayers for those travelling to Medina.
Ibn Battuta’s accounts, particularly regarding the Iranian region, offer important perspectives into religious sects during a period when Iran started shifting from Sunnism to Shiism. He describes societies with diverse demographics, including Persians, Azeris, Kurds, Arabs and Baluchis. His observations on religious practices are especially significant.
Inclined toward Sufism, Ibn Battuta often dressed like a dervish during his travels. He offers a compelling view of Islamic mysticism. He considered regions like Damascus as places of abundance and Anatolia as a land of compassion, interpreting them with a spiritual perspective.
His accounts of Sufi education, dervish lodges, zawiyas (similar to monasteries), and tombs, along with the special invocations of Sufi masters, are important historical records. He also observed and documented unique practices, such as the followers of the Persian Sufi saint Sheikh Qutb al-Din Haydar wearing iron rings on their hands, necks, ears, and even private parts to avoid sexual intercourse.
While Ibn Battuta primarily visited Muslim lands, he also travelled to non-Muslim territories, offering key understandings into different religious cultures, for instance interactions between Crimean Muslims and Christian Armenians in the Golden Horde region.
He also documented churches, icons and monasteries, such as the tomb of the Virgin Mary in Jerusalem. His observation of Muslims openly reciting the call to prayer (adhan) in China is significant.
Other anecdotes include the division of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus into a mosque and Christian church. Most importantly, his encounters with Hindus and Buddhists in the Indian subcontinent and Malay Islands provide rich historical context.
His accounts of death rituals reveal diverse practices. In Sinop (a city in Turkey), 40 days of mourning were declared for a ruler’s mother, while in Iran, a funeral resembled a wedding celebration. He observed similarities in cremation practices between India and China and described a chilling custom in some regions where slaves and concubines were buried alive with the deceased.
Ibn Battuta’s Rihla, widely translated into Eastern and Western languages, has drawn some criticism for containing depictions that sometimes diverge from historical continuity or borrow from other works. Ibn Battuta himself admitted to using earlier travel books as references.
Despite limited recognition in older sources, the Rihla gained prominence in the West in the 19th century. His legacy remains vibrant today. Morocco declared 1996–1997 the “Year of Ibn Battuta,” and established a museum in Tangier to honour him. In Dubai, a mall is named after him.
Notably, Ibn Battuta travelled to more destinations than Marco Polo and shared a broader range of humane anecdotes, showcasing the depth and diversity of his experiences.
Ismail Albayrak does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century judge and ambassador, travelled further than Marco Polo. The Rihla records his adventures – https://theconversation.com/ibn-battuta-a-14th-century-judge-and-ambassador-travelled-further-than-marco-polo-the-rihla-records-his-adventures-246148
Source: IMF – News in Russian
June 24, 2025
Washington, DC – The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the 2025 Article IV Consultation1 and the Second Review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI)2 with Tajikistan on June 23, 2025. The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.3
Tajikistan’s twenty-two-month program under the PCI was approved in February 2024. The PCI aims to anchor macroeconomic policies and support structural reform implementation to maintain macro-financial stability and foster more sustainable and inclusive growth. Program implementation remains broadly on track, with all but one of the quantitative targets for the second review met and the reform targets broadly implemented.
Tajikistan’s strong growth performance has continued into 2025, accompanied by a steady improvement in macroeconomic fundamentals. Large financial inflows have contributed to a favorable external position, with FX reserves amounting to 7 months’ import coverage, while prudent fiscal policy has anchored a continued reduction in public debt to 25 percent of GDP at end-2024. Inflation remains well-contained at 3.6 percent (y/y) in April 2025. The near-term outlook remains positive, but subject to considerable regional uncertainty that could result in a less favorable external environment.
Tajikistan’s favorable economic performance creates an opportunity to implement needed reforms to address structural vulnerabilities and support domestic job creation. Improving revenue mobilization and spending efficiency is critical to increasing space for development priorities. Monetary policy should remain vigilant and manage liquidity proactively in the context of large foreign exchange inflows and strong credit growth. Broad-based governance and transparency reforms are key to strengthening the business climate to foster more diversified private sector-led growth.
At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Okamura, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:
“Tajikistan’s strong growth performance in recent years has continued into 2025, accompanied by a steady improvement in macroeconomic fundamentals. Large financial inflows have contributed to a favorable external position, while prudent fiscal policy has anchored a continued reduction in public debt. The medium-term outlook remains positive, but subject to considerable regional uncertainty that could result in a less favorable external environment.
“The authorities’ economic program under the Policy Coordination Instrument focuses on policies to anchor macroeconomic stability and strengthen resilience against shocks while advancing governance reforms to foster more diversified and inclusive growth. Program implementation remains broadly on track, with most of the quantitative targets for the second review met and the reform targets broadly implemented.
“The fiscal deficit target of 2.5 percent of GDP remains an important anchor to keep public debt on a favorable medium-term trajectory. Improved revenue mobilization and spending efficiency are key to increasing fiscal space for social and development projects. The authorities have taken steps to strengthen oversight of state-owned enterprises, but greater efforts are needed to reduce quasi-fiscal losses in the electricity sector.
“Inflation remains well contained, but strong credit growth in the context of large financial inflows requires continued vigilance. Greater exchange rate flexibility and proactive liquidity management are essential to help manage financial inflows. The banking system has strengthened its balance sheet in recent years, supporting financial deepening, but strong lending to households warrants careful oversight to ensure prudent lending standards.
“Tajikistan’s favorable economic performance creates an opportunity to deepen reforms to address structural vulnerabilities and support domestic job creation. Broad-based governance and transparency reforms are key to foster more diversified private sector-led growth. Reform efforts should focus on enhancing anti-corruption frameworks, improving extractive sector transparency, and strengthening institutional oversight.
Executive Board Assessment4
Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed Tajikistan’s continued strong economic performance and positive medium‑term outlook. At the same time, amid considerable regional and global uncertainty, the country remains vulnerable to a less favorable external environment, given its reliance on remittances and narrow export base. Against this background, Directors stressed that Tajikistan’s favorable economic performance creates an opportunity to deepen reforms under the PCI to support job creation and improve resilience.
Directors welcomed the authorities’ commitment to a fiscal deficit anchor of 2.5 percent of GDP to keep public debt on a favorable medium‑term trajectory. They noted that improved revenue mobilization and spending efficiency are key to building buffers and increasing fiscal space for social and development projects. In that context, Directors encouraged the authorities to streamline tax expenditures, strengthen project oversight to enhance the efficiency of public investment, and improve targeting of social assistance. Directors welcomed the authorities’ efforts to develop the domestic debt market and expand the investor base to further deepen the market.
Directors noted that inflation remains well contained but cautioned that strong credit growth in the context of large financial inflows requires continued vigilance. Stressing the importance of exchange rate flexibility and proactive liquidity management to help manage these inflows, they encouraged continued efforts to deepen the FX market and strengthen liquidity absorption and monetary policy transmission. Directors also emphasized that strong lending to households warrants careful macroprudential oversight and sound financial sector regulation and supervision.
Directors welcomed the authorities’ focus on improved transparency and governance of state‑owned enterprises and noted recent steps to strengthen financial oversight and monitor fiscal risks. While welcoming the corrective measures to address the sizeable accumulation of arrears of the public electricity company, Directors emphasized that greater efforts are needed to improve collection rates for the largest electricity consumers and cost controls to strengthen its financial performance and reduce quasi‑fiscal losses.
Directors emphasized the importance of broad‑based governance and transparency reforms to foster more diversified private sector‑led growth. They welcomed the authorities’ focus on strengthening the investment climate and noted that reform efforts should continue to focus on enhancing anti‑corruption and AML/CFT frameworks, improving extractive sector transparency, and strengthening institutional oversight. It will also be important to close data quality gaps.
It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Tajikistan will be held on the current 24‑month cycle.
|
Tajikistan: Selected Economic Indicators, 2023–2030 |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
2027 |
2028 |
2029 |
2030 |
|
|
|
|
Proj. |
Proj. |
Proj. |
Proj. |
Proj. |
Proj. |
|
|
|
|||||||
|
National Accounts |
(percent change) |
|||||||
|
Real GDP |
8.3 |
8.4 |
7.0 |
5.0 |
4.8 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
|
CPI inflation (end-period) |
3.8 |
3.7 |
4.5 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General government finances |
(percent of GDP) |
|||||||
|
Revenue and grants |
27.1 |
27.9 |
28.0 |
28.0 |
28.2 |
27.5 |
27.5 |
27.5 |
|
Tax revenue |
19.4 |
19.0 |
19.4 |
19.8 |
20.1 |
20.9 |
21.2 |
21.4 |
|
Expenditure and net lending |
28.0 |
27.7 |
30.5 |
30.5 |
30.7 |
30.0 |
30.0 |
30.0 |
|
Current |
16.7 |
17.3 |
17.2 |
16.8 |
16.5 |
16.3 |
16.3 |
16.4 |
|
Capital |
11.4 |
10.4 |
13.3 |
13.7 |
14.2 |
13.7 |
13.6 |
13.6 |
|
Overall balance |
-0.9 |
0.3 |
-2.5 |
-2.5 |
-2.5 |
-2.5 |
-2.5 |
-2.5 |
|
Total public and publicly guaranteed debt |
29.9 |
24.9 |
24.7 |
24.8 |
24.8 |
25.6 |
26.3 |
26.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monetary sector |
(percent change, unless otherwise indicated) |
|||||||
|
Broad money |
-0.8 |
28.8 |
17.0 |
11.3 |
11.3 |
11.3 |
11.3 |
11.3 |
|
Reserve money |
-5.6 |
27.0 |
18.2 |
10.0 |
10.0 |
10.0 |
10.0 |
10.0 |
|
Credit to private sector |
31.9 |
27.4 |
15.0 |
12.0 |
11.0 |
10.0 |
10.4 |
10.0 |
|
Refinancing rate (percent, eop) |
10.0 |
9.0 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
External sector |
(percent of GDP) |
|||||||
|
Current account balance |
4.8 |
6.2 |
2.5 |
-0.5 |
-1.9 |
-2.6 |
-2.2 |
-2.4 |
|
Trade balance (goods) |
-27.2 |
-31.8 |
-30.5 |
-30.6 |
-30.1 |
-30.4 |
-29.9 |
-29.8 |
|
FDI (net) |
0.8 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
1.3 |
|
Total public and publicly guaranteed external debt |
26.7 |
22.3 |
22.2 |
22.4 |
22.5 |
23.1 |
23.7 |
24.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sources: Data provided by the Tajikistan authorities, and Fund staff estimates. |
||||||||
1 Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.
2 The PCI is available to all IMF members that do not need Fund financial resources at the time of approval. It is designed for countries seeking to demonstrate commitment to a reform agenda or to unlock and coordinate financing from other official creditors or privateinvestors. (see https://www.imf.org/en/About/Factsheets/Sheets/2017/07/25/policy-coordination-instrument).
3 Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/Tajikistan page.
4 At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chair of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.
PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/25/pr-25216-tajikistan-2025-article-iv-consultation-and-second-review-of-the-pci
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ULAN BATOR, June 24 (Xinhua) — Mongolia and Uzbekistan have signed a package of documents on further development of bilateral relations and cooperation, the press service of the President of Mongolia said on Tuesday.
Documents, including a joint declaration on the establishment of comprehensive partnership relations between Mongolia and the Republic of Uzbekistan and a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of mineral resources, were signed in Ulaanbaatar.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, arrived in the capital of Mongolia on Tuesday afternoon for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh.
This is the first state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Mongolia since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. –0–
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002447/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sabrina Repp (S&D)
The Kyrgyz Republic has repeatedly proposed the creation of a European university in Central Asia as part of its national education and digitalisation strategies. This initiative is reflected in several joint EU-Central Asia documents, including the EU-CA Roadmap 2021-2023 and the 2022 Foreign Ministers’ Joint Communiqué. It is also aligned with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the EUR 300 million allocation for education and digitalisation in the region.
Submitted: 18.6.2025
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
As the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) marks its 10th anniversary, the multilateral development bank is playing an increasingly prominent role in advancing connectivity, green growth, and sustainable development across regions.
Founded in 2015, AIIB has grown from 57 founding members to 110 across six continents, covering 81 percent of the world’s population and 65 percent of global GDP.
Over the past decade, it has approved over 60 billion U.S. dollars in financing for 320 projects, leveraging more than 200 billion U.S. dollars in infrastructure investment.
From electrifying rural Bangladesh to building roads in Cote d’Ivoire, AIIB-supported projects are narrowing infrastructure gaps and improving lives across continents.
Infrastructure transforming lives
In Padmo Para village near Dhaka, Bangladesh, local resident Najma Aktar recalls a time when her family studied by the light of a kerosene lamp. That changed in 2016, when the AIIB provided a 165 million U.S. dollar loan to upgrade the local power grid.
As the bank’s first standalone financed investment, it brought electricity to 12.5 million rural residents, transforming their daily lives.
By the end of 2024, AIIB has supported over 51,000 kilometers of transport infrastructure — enough to circle the Earth more than once — and benefited more than 410 million people.
In Indonesia, AIIB supported the upgrading of urban slums, improving the lives of nearly 10 million people. In China’s Yunnan Province, airport expansion enhanced flower exports and boosted farmers’ incomes by 25 percent. In Uzbekistan, AIIB helped extend access to clean water for 660,000 residents.
“AIIB’s concrete actions have effectively helped bridge global infrastructure investment gaps, advanced regional development, and contributed positively to global economic growth,” said Lu Feng, professor at Peking University.
Multilateral platform for cooperation
“AIIB was established on the principles of multilateralism and high international standards,” the bank’s president Jin Liqun told Xinhua in a recent interview, noting that these principles have enabled the bank to earn broad trust and participation across the globe.
AIIB’s investments span not only Asia but also Africa, Latin America, and beyond, reflecting its commitment to promoting global sustainable development.
“Asia cannot thrive in isolation,” Jin said, noting that while the bank’s primary focus is Asia, its work also supports broader cooperation that contributes to meaningful development outcomes around the world.
Reflecting this vision, AIIB has actively expanded its global partnerships and collaborative financing efforts. It is now the largest co-financing partner of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, and has built partnerships with over 100 organizations, including multilateral and regional institutions, policy banks, private sector players and philanthropy foundations.
On the capital markets side, AIIB had issued over 54 billion U.S. dollars equivalent bonds in multiple currencies as of the end of May, and has consistently maintained triple-A credit ratings from Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch. Moody’s, for instance, credited the bank’s top rating to its strong financial footing, well-performing assets, and ample liquidity.
“AIIB has become a new model for multilateral cooperation through its innovative operations and collaborative approach,” said Bai Chong’en, dean of the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University, noting its flexible and pragmatic support for infrastructure development in developing countries.
Investing in infrastructure for tomorrow
Amid rising global challenges, AIIB is positioning itself as a future-oriented development bank that supports both traditional and digital infrastructure for the long haul.
In 2020, the bank launched its corporate strategy themed “Infrastructure for Tomorrow,” with priorities including green infrastructure, technology-enabled infrastructure, connectivity and cross-border cooperation, and private capital mobilization.
By 2025, at least 50 percent of its approved financing was expected to support climate-related projects, a target the bank achieved in 2022, three years ahead of schedule.
In Cote d’Ivoire, an AIIB-financed rural road project approved in 2023 has made it easier for villagers to reach hospitals and sell cashews and cocoa, even during flood seasons. Local project coordinator Gilbert Ekpini said residents were thrilled with the changes.
By the end of 2024, AIIB-supported projects had added 21.3 gigawatts of installed power generation capacity of renewable energy, helping to reduce nearly 30 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions annually.
The bank is increasingly helping its members embrace the digital era. Last year, AIIB launched InfraTech Portal, a digital platform that shares comprehensive, neutral and free information on infrastructure technologies.
“Artificial intelligence holds vast potential and offers developing countries an opportunity to leap ahead in their development,” Jin said.
“That’s why our infrastructure investments must evolve with the times. We should ensure that emerging technologies like AI help narrow, but not widen, the digital divide, especially for the developing world,” he added.
Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Tuesday, 24 June 2025
Astana (Agenzia Fides) – “Although we are only a small flock, we feel like living members of the Body of Christ and are ready to participate with zeal in the mission of evangelization entrusted to us by the Lord: We want to fish with Peter!”, wrote the Catholic bishops of Central Asia in a message to Pope Leo XIV shortly before the Roman Cathedra of the Bishop of Rome was taken possession of on May 25 in the Lateran Basilica (see Fides, 25/5/2025).In the letter (dated May 24, but made public only now), signed by Bishops José Luis Mumbiela Sierra, President of the Central Asian Bishops’ Conference, Jerzy Maculewicz, Vice-President, and Evgeny Zinkovsky, Secretary General, the bishops “from the heart of Central Asia” assure their “constant prayers and unwavering fidelity” to the office of the Successor of Peter: “Trusting in the Love of God, we will fearlessly sow the precious and fruitful seeds of the faith of our Holy Mother Church on the paths of our mission, spreading hope and mercy to all the streets of this world that so desperately need God’s consolation.”And finally, the invitation to visit these countries, a crossroads of peoples and cultures: “The presence of the Popes has left an indelible mark on the memory of our peoples. The visits of Saint John Paul II and Pope Francis to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Mongolia are still fresh in our memory. They strengthened our faith and showed the world the universal character of the Church. Therefore, we cordially invite you to visit us during your Pontificate. It would be a great honor and a blessing for our communities to welcome you and show you the living witness of the Catholic faith in this part of the world.” (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 24/6/2025)
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Source: International Monetary Fund
Uzbekistan has made remarkable progress in its transition to a market-oriented economy. Far-reaching economic reforms have transformed the economy and spurred capital inflows which, combined with buoyant remittances and favorable commodity prices, have driven robust growth. The authorities remain firmly committed to their reform agenda to entrench macro-financial stability, reduce the footprint of the state in the economy, and foster a vibrant private sector.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TIANJIN, June 24 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday met with Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev, who is in north China’s Tianjin for the 2025 Summer Davos.
Li said that under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, China-Kyrgyzstan relations have achieved leapfrog development in recent years, and comprehensive cooperation has reached new heights.
China is willing to work with Kyrgyzstan continuously to enrich the China-Kyrgyzstan comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era, build a closer China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future, and move forward hand-in-hand on the road to modernization.
Noting that China and Kyrgyzstan are neighbors with complementary industries, Li said China is ready to enhance the alignment of development strategies with Kyrgyzstan, focus on key areas, emphasize practical results, and increase the scale and efficiency of cooperation.
Both sides should make good use of the inter-governmental economic and trade cooperation committee mechanism, and strive to reach a high-level agreement on trade in services and investment as soon as possible, Li added.
He called on the two countries to steadily advance the construction of interconnection projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway, and to create highlights of cooperation in emerging fields.
China is ready to import more high-quality and distinctive commodities from Kyrgyzstan, encourages Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Kyrgyzstan, and hopes that the Kyrgyz side will continue to optimize its business environment, Li said.
He also called for personnel exchanges between the two countries to be facilitated further, for multilateral cooperation to be strengthened, for unilateralism and protectionism to be opposed, and for free trade and the stability of global production and supply chains to be safeguarded.
Kasymaliev said that the Kyrgyz side has great appreciation for the remarkable achievements China has made in promoting the development of new quality productive forces, adheres to the one-China principle, opposes any act of interference in China’s internal affairs under the guise of the Taiwan question, and opposes any form of “Taiwan independence.”
Kyrgyzstan is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China in trade, investment, finance, connectivity and other fields, and stands ready to coordinate and cooperate closely within such frameworks as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the China-Central Asia mechanism, he noted. Kyrgyzstan is ready to work with China to oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and promote bilateral relations to reach higher levels, he added.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
The State University of Management won in the special nomination “Agenda Leaders” within the framework of the “University Race” of the youth festival “VuzEcoFest-2025”.
The 11th youth festival “VuzEcoFest-2025” was held throughout Russia, as well as in Armenia, Uzbekistan and the Republic of Belarus. The State University of Management has been actively participating in it since 2017.
The team of the EcoClub named after V.I. Vernadsky of the State University of Management held a series of events on environmental topics: a scientific seminar “Climate Change: Adaptation of the University and the Region of Its Presence”, environmental film screenings, the “Kind Chancellery” campaign, an environmental video relay race, a thematic game library and a quiz “Mysteries of Chukotka”. The key event was an excursion to the “Water Museum”, during which participants were able to get acquainted with the history of the water supply system, as well as learn about modern technologies in the field of water supply and sanitation.
In addition, students of the State University of Management, together with participants from other universities, took part in a survey on attitudes towards climate change. According to the results of the study, 78% of students expressed concern about climate change issues and noted that global warming is a problem.
“As part of the VuzEcoFest-2025 festival, it was important for us to address issues of adaptation to climate change, including at the level of regions where universities are present. The festival helped to increase the interest of young people in the topic and strengthen the desire to share their ideas and scientific developments,” shared Anastasia Okorochkova, director of the Territory of Sustainable Development ANO.
The annual international youth festival “VuzEcoFest” is a cultural and educational project to form a community of leaders-mentors and professionals in the field of sustainable development. The project is carried out by the ANO “Territory of Sustainable Development” with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — The Shaanxi Normal University Press will open an editorial office in Kazakhstan to publish books on Chinese topics, according to the official website of the publishing house, based in Xi’an, the capital of Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province.
The agreement to establish the editorial board was concluded last week within the framework of the 31st Beijing International Book Fair between the said publishing house, the publishing house of the Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi /KazNU/ and the Nomad Culture Foundation.
Director of the SPU Publishing House Liu Dongfeng stated that against the backdrop of the development of the “China-Central Asia Spirit,” the establishment of an editorial office for books on Chinese topics in Kazakhstan is of particular importance.
The said editorial board is reportedly planning to publish a series of books aimed at Central Asian readers. They will include academic works on China’s high-quality development in politics, economics, science and technology, popular readings reflecting the beautiful traditional Chinese culture and the historical background of the Great Silk Road, as well as modern literary classics.
In 2023, the SHPU Publishing House published the scientific work “The Great Silk Road and Civilized Contacts”. This book in Kazakh will soon be published by the KazNU Publishing House. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SEOUL, June 24 (Xinhua) — President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung stressed the need to build peace on the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday, a day ahead of the 75th anniversary of the Korean War.
The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan stated at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers that security issues cannot be overestimated.
“The creation of a world for which no one needs to fight is the most reliable security. Ensuring peace is the task of politics,” he noted.
Lee Zhe-myung said security is directly related to economic issues, stressing that the slogan “The world will build the economy, the world will create food” has now become a reality. –0–
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
The 14th international scientific and practical conference “Modern Mechanical Engineering: Science and Education (MMESE-2025)” was held at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The event was organized by the Department of Theory of Machines and Mechanisms of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU.
The conference brought together teachers, researchers, engineers, postgraduates and students from Russian and foreign educational and scientific organizations. Participants discussed modern approaches to teaching engineering disciplines and current development trends in the mechanical engineering industry.
The conference was organized into thematic sections: teaching engineering disciplines, theory of mechanisms and machines, mechatronics and robotics, gear transmissions, tribosystems, transport and technological systems, machine tool building, materials science, design and industrial innovations, etc. Participants presented reports on the results of scientific research and practical activities, and discussed ways to integrate education, science and industry. Particular attention was paid to the issues of training engineering personnel for high-tech industries and the use of advanced educational technologies.
The first conference “Modern Mechanical Engineering: Science and Education” was held in St. Petersburg in 2011. Since then, it has been held annually and has established itself as an important scientific platform. In different years, MMESE has been attended by researchers and teachers from Poland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, China, India, Syria, Iran, Iraq and other countries. Since 2013, selected conference materials have been published in the Springer collection “Advances in Mechanical Engineering” and indexed in the international Scopus database, — said Alexander Evgrafov, co-chairman of the organizing committee, head of the TMM department.
The conference proceedings of 2025 contain 76 reports. All of them are indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index, each has a digital DOI identifier. The collection is available for reading and downloading inPDF format (access open for 30 days). Selected papers will be recommended for publication in Springer.
The MMESE conference remains an important platform for exchanging experiences and forming a professional community of specialists in the field of mechanical engineering and engineering education.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Turkmen planning authorities build skills in strategic environmental assessment at OSCE seminar in Ashgabat
Turkmen planning authorities at an OSCE seminar for building skills in strategic environmental assessment, Ashgabat, 19 June. (OSCE) Photo details
More than 50 representatives from Turkmenistan’s environmental, health, and sectoral planning authorities strengthened their skills in strategic environmental assessment (SEA) at a two-day seminar organized by the OSCE from 18 to 19 June in Ashgabat.
Participants dove into the ins and outs of SEA, which is a systematic process for integrating environmental considerations into policies, plans, and programmes to support sustainable development and improve decision-making. They learned about the Protocol on SEA under the Espoo Convention and the EU SEA Directive (2001/42/EC), and how to integrate SEA into national and sectoral planning, particularly as a response to climate change.
Sessions also featured presentations on international best practices, case studies from Europe and Central Asia, and the current status of SEA development in Turkmenistan. They also focused on the roles and responsibilities of environmental, sectoral, and health authorities in the SEA process, highlighting inter-institutional collaboration and the importance of early stakeholder engagement, as well as practical exercises and peer learning on drafting strategic documents.
John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, which hosted the seminar, reaffirmed the OSCE’s ongoing support for Turkmenistan in strengthening the application of the SEA protocol. He emphasized that SEA serves as a vital instrument for embedding environmental and social priorities into policy planning, fostering greater transparency, and ensuring alignment with international sustainability commitments.
The seminar was part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project, “Strengthening National and Regional Capacities and Co-operation on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Central Asia – Phase II”, implemented by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and funded by the Advisory Assistance Programme of the German Federal Environment Ministry, under the supervision of the German Environment Agency.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and OSCE conduct Nationwide Campaign “Youth Against Drugs, Vagrancy, and Hooliganism”
Tajikistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and OSCE conduct Nationwide Campaign “Youth Against Drugs, Vagrancy, and Hooliganism” | OSCE
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan’s Air Astana flight KC583 landed at Fenghuang International Airport in Sanya, Hainan Province, at 06:57 on Monday, increasing the frequency of flights connecting Sanya and Astana to four a week, the airport administration said.
Additional flights are operated by Air Astana twice a week – from Astana on Thursdays and Sundays, from Sanya on Mondays and Fridays.
The plane of this airline leaves Astana at 23:20 Beijing time and arrives in Sanya at 06:55 the next day, on the return flight it takes off at 08:00 and lands at Astana airport at 16:00 Beijing time.
The increase in the frequency of flights on the Astana-Sanya-Astana route is a step taken by Sanya to deepen international cooperation and promote high-level openness, according to the Sanya Airport Authority.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — The China-Central Asia Joint Agricultural Laboratory for Dry Areas opened in Kazakhstan last week.
The opening ceremony of the laboratory took place on June 18 at the Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University named after S. Seifullin in Astana, writes the newspaper “Keji ribao”/daily newspaper “Science and Technology”/.
The new organization aims to deepen cooperation between China and Central Asian countries in agricultural science and technology and promote high-quality development in the joint construction of the Belt and Road.
The laboratory will become a platform for joint research, demonstration of technology application, technical training and training of specialists. Its staff will pay special attention to six areas, including crop breeding, high-efficiency crop production, modern livestock technologies, water-saving irrigation in agriculture, improvement of saline-saline soils, food processing and food safety.
According to Huang Siguang, secretary of the Party Committee of the Northwest Agricultural and Forestry University of Science and Technology, the establishment of the laboratory is a key step taken to promote scientific and technological innovation within the framework of the joint construction of the Belt and Road.
The university is ready to further deepen cooperation with stakeholders, he added.
The China-Central Asia Joint Agricultural Laboratory for Dry Areas project was approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China in October 2024. The founders of the laboratory are the Northwest University of Agriculture and Forestry, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University, M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University and Tashkent State Agrarian University. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SHANGHAI, June 24 (Xinhua) — Three days have passed since the winners of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival were announced, but Kyrgyzstan’s “Black, Red, Yellow,” which won the top prize, the Golden Cup, in the competition program, is still attracting keen interest.
In recent years, Central Asian films, as well as their directors and actors, have consistently achieved success at the Shanghai Film Festival. In 2024, the main prize was won by the Kazakh film “Divorce,” and this year’s victory by a Kyrgyz full-length film has further fueled audience interest in the region’s culture and traditions.
“Black, Red, Yellow” tells a story set in a small Kyrgyz village, showcasing natural landscapes, introducing cultural customs and depicting the daily lives of its residents, allowing for a deeper understanding of the country.
In recent days, Shanghai film critics have been publishing rave reviews of this melodrama imbued with national color.
“The film shows the majestic snow-capped mountain peaks around the village, the turbulent muddy rivers flowing through the village, allowing viewers to see the natural environment in which local people live. The melodious melody performed by the wife of the main character Kadir while making flatbreads introduces the uniqueness of folk music and village life. Scenes of nomadic life reveal the unique pastoral culture and the national character it formed…” – famous Chinese film critic Zhao Jianzhong did not skimp on praise in a discussion on social networks.
The film was also highly praised by Li Jianqiang, Vice Chairman of the China Film Critics Society and Professor at Shanghai Jiaotong University. He noted the work of the director of the aforementioned film, Aktan Arym Kubat: “His films usually combine realism with poetic narration, masterfully using exquisite cinematic language to convey the magnificent natural landscapes of Central Asia and the rich palette of human feelings.” Some viewers directly admitted in online comments that they were enchanted by the beauty of the film and are already planning their next trip to Central Asia.
“Black, Red, Yellow” was chosen as the best film out of 12 films in the main competition of the festival, which ended a few days ago. The film tells the love story of a village master of hand-made carpet weaving in the 1990s. The two main characters of the film are, in real life, a theater actress and an experienced film director, respectively.
The jury, chaired by Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore, described the film as follows: “When the lights go on in the hall, they continue to resonate in the heart.”
The film’s director, Aktan Arym Kubat, told journalists at a meeting in Shanghai that hand carpet weaving has long been developed in Kyrgyzstan, and traditionally two colors are most often used in it – red and black. “Our heroine adds her feelings, her love, to these two main colors.”
“I am also open to cooperation with Chinese colleagues and welcome the prospect of Kyrgyz-Chinese co-production,” he added.
The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival ran from June 13 to 22, featuring more than 400 films from around the world. -0-
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to lead a high-level Indian delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting, which will be held in Qingdao, China, from June 25 to 26. The meeting will bring together defence leaders from SCO member states to deliberate on pressing regional and international security issues, with a focus on promoting peace, enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation, and strengthening collaboration among defence ministries.
At the meeting, Defence Minister Singh is expected to reiterate India’s unwavering commitment to the SCO’s principles and goals. He will likely outline India’s strategic vision for bolstering international peace and stability, while emphasizing the urgent need for collective and consistent action to combat terrorism and extremism. Singh is also expected to advocate for deeper economic engagement, enhanced trade, and improved connectivity within the SCO region.
The Defence Minister will also hold bilateral talks with counterparts from several participating nations, including China and Russia. These meetings aim to further deepen defence cooperation and explore avenues for strengthening strategic partnerships.
India views the SCO as an important multilateral platform that fosters regional cooperation across political, security, economic, and cultural spheres. The organisation upholds core principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual respect among its members.
Established in 2001, the SCO has grown into a significant regional bloc. India became a full member in 2017 and held the rotating chairmanship in 2023. The organisation currently includes India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. China holds the SCO chair for 2025 under the theme “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.”
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to lead a high-level Indian delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting, which will be held in Qingdao, China, from June 25 to 26. The meeting will bring together defence leaders from SCO member states to deliberate on pressing regional and international security issues, with a focus on promoting peace, enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation, and strengthening collaboration among defence ministries.
At the meeting, Defence Minister Singh is expected to reiterate India’s unwavering commitment to the SCO’s principles and goals. He will likely outline India’s strategic vision for bolstering international peace and stability, while emphasizing the urgent need for collective and consistent action to combat terrorism and extremism. Singh is also expected to advocate for deeper economic engagement, enhanced trade, and improved connectivity within the SCO region.
The Defence Minister will also hold bilateral talks with counterparts from several participating nations, including China and Russia. These meetings aim to further deepen defence cooperation and explore avenues for strengthening strategic partnerships.
India views the SCO as an important multilateral platform that fosters regional cooperation across political, security, economic, and cultural spheres. The organisation upholds core principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual respect among its members.
Established in 2001, the SCO has grown into a significant regional bloc. India became a full member in 2017 and held the rotating chairmanship in 2023. The organisation currently includes India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. China holds the SCO chair for 2025 under the theme “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) wrapped up Saturday with the Golden Goblet Awards, where the Kyrgyzstani film “Black Red Yellow” won best feature and three Chinese films took top honors in the main competition.
Director Aktan Arym Kubat (center) accepts the best feature film award for “Black Red Yellow” at the Golden Goblet Awards ceremony in Shanghai, June 21, 2025. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]
“Black Red Yellow,” directed by Aktan Arym Kubat, follows a master weaver’s forbidden romance with a horse herder, which ends in silent separation and an unfinished carpet — until its unveiling years later stirs old memories.
“This is a glorious moment for Kyrgyz cinema,” Kubat said in his acceptance speech. He said carpets are an inseparable part of traditional culture and daily life in Kyrgyzstan and noted that the award also marks the birth of his grandson. “Black Red Yellow” was the festival’s closing film.
Chinese filmmaker Cao Baoping won best director for the comedy crime drama “One Wacky Summer,” a decade after earning the same honor for “The Dead End” at SIFF. Cao said the new film, with its dark humor, is sharper, funnier and more down-to-earth than his previous works.
Chinese filmmaker Cao Baoping holds his best director trophy for the comedy crime drama “One Wacky Summer” at the Golden Goblet Awards ceremony in Shanghai, June 21, 2025. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]
The film continues the lighter, comic direction Cao first explored with his 2006 debut, “Trouble Makers.” Set in Tianjin at the turn of the century, “One Wacky Summer” follows a small-time thug who, trapped in debt, impulsively kidnaps his nephew in a failed extortion plot, sparking family feuds and criminal chaos.
Cao thanked SIFF for recognizing his work for the second time in 10 years, saying it “shows the festival’s encouragement for artistic persistence, as well as its diversity and inclusiveness.”
Wan Qian won best actress for her role as a desperate killer posing as a caregiver in Wang Tong’s “Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts.” The film weaves together themes of elder care, love and crime, delivering a stark examination of human nature and morality.
Wan Qian accepts the best actress award for “Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts” at the Golden Goblet Awards ceremony in Shanghai, June 21, 2025. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]
“Turns out there really is a dawn after the wild night,” Wan said on stage. “I’m deeply grateful to the team behind ‘Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts.’ Your professionalism made the film remarkable. As we emerge from the long night and the light shines on us, I hope it’s not just me who is seen, but everyone behind me — because they are the ones truly holding up this trophy.”
“Wild Nights, Tamed Beasts” also won the jury grand prix, an award it shared with the Japanese film “On Summer Sand” by Shinya Tamada.
Director Qiu Sheng (center) holds the outstanding artistic achievement award for “My Father’s Son” at the Golden Goblet Awards ceremony in Shanghai, June 21, 2025. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]
“My Father’s Son,” a co-production between China and France, received the outstanding artistic achievement award. Director Qiu Sheng said the film is a tribute to his late father, who died in 2005.
Additional major awards went to Portuguese actor Jose Martins, who won best actor for “The Scent of Things Remembered.” Korek Bojanowski and Katia Priwieziencew received best screenplay for the Polish film “Loss of Balance,” and Markus Nestroy was awarded best cinematography for “You Believe in Angels, Mr. Drowak?”
Director Bian Zhuo jumps as he and producer Zhang Jie receive the Asian New Talent best feature film award for “As the Water Flows” at the Golden Goblet Awards in Shanghai, June 21, 2025. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]
In the Asian New Talent section, “As the Water Flows” by Bian Zhuo won best feature film, while Liryc Dela Cruz of the Philippines took best director for “Where the Night Stands Still.” Best actor went to Chinese actor Shi Pengyuan for “Water Can Go Anywhere” while Indian actress Meenakshi Jayan won best actress for “Victoria.” Prabath Roshan earned best cinematography for Sri Lanka’s “Riverstone,” with Lalith Rathnayake and Nilantha Perera sharing best scriptwriter.
In other sections, the Spanish film “Constanza” won best documentary, while “The Songbirds’ Secret,” a France-Switzerland-Belgium co-production, took best animation. The Chinese film “Crow” won best live-action short, and the Russian-Kazakh film “Son” was named best animated short.
This year’s Golden Goblet Awards received a record 3,900 submissions from 119 countries and regions. The main jury was chaired by Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore, best known for “Cinema Paradiso.”
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Russian team of the first Open International Geographical Olympiad (openGeo 2025)
The results of the first Open International Geographical Olympiad (openGeo 2025) were summed up at the University Gymnasium of the Lomonosov Moscow State University. The competition brought together 107 participants from 23 countries. The Russian team was represented by six winners of the final stage of the All-Russian School Olympiad in Geography for the 2024/25 academic year. In the team competition at openGeo 2025, they won first place: the Russian team has four gold and two silver medals.
The children were congratulated by Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education of Russia Sergei Kravtsov.
“Our President Vladimir Putin noted that geography serves as the basis for the formation of patriotic values, cultural, national identity and self-awareness. The brilliant victory of our schoolchildren shows that adult outstanding scientific minds have someone to rely on. Thanks to such victories, we see that our common work to fulfill the President’s task – to improve the quality of teaching natural sciences in schools – is bearing fruit. Thank you to everyone who contributed to these high results, and we wish you success in the future!” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
He also added that the national project “Youth and Children” helps to create conditions for realizing the potential and developing the talents of each person.
The head of the Russian Ministry of Education, Sergei Kravtsov, congratulated the children and drew attention to the fact that the Olympiad contributes to strengthening international educational ties.
“Today we pay special attention to developing interest in schoolchildren in studying natural sciences. Participation in the Open International Geographical Olympiad is an opportunity for children not only to test their knowledge, but also to meet young talents from different countries, exchange experiences and ideas. I would like to note that such a competition was held on the Russian platform for the first time. I congratulate our team, their parents and teachers on their brilliant result. I am sure that the success of our schoolchildren will inspire their peers to new discoveries and achievements,” emphasized Sergey Kravtsov.
Gold medals were awarded to:
● Christian Rymarchuk, State Budgetary Educational Institution “School No. 179”;
● Dina Islyamutdinova, State Budgetary Educational Institution of the City of Moscow “School No. 2054”;
● Nikita Rusakov, University Gymnasium of Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov;
● Elizaveta Kiseleva, State Budgetary Educational Institution “Lyceum “Second School” named after V.F. Ovchinnikov”.
Silver medals were won by:
● Tikhon Pulyayev, State Budgetary Educational Institution “Moscow Gymnasium in the South-West No. 1543 named after People’s Teacher of the Russian Federation Yu.V. Zavelsky”;
● Alexey Gorlov, OAO “School of the Center of Pedagogical Excellence”.
The coaches of the Russian team were leading specialists from the Faculty of Geography of the Lomonosov Moscow State University Pavel Kirillov and Dmitry Bogachev, as well as a teacher from the National Research University Higher School of Economics Artur Petrosyan and a teacher from the OANO New School Anna Romashina.
Young geographers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Ghana, Zambia, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, China, Nigeria, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka took part in the Olympiad. Thaddeus Trazo (Philippines) was recognized as the absolute winner of openGeo 2025. Russian schoolboy Christian Rymarchuk shared 2nd place with a participant from Belarus.
All Olympiad tasks were completed in English. The Olympiad competition program consisted of three rounds. During the theoretical round, participants solved five problems in physical and socio-economic geography. The practical round included tasks aimed at analyzing space images, graphic and cartographic tasks. As part of the multimedia test, schoolchildren answered 40 illustrated questions from various areas of geographical knowledge.
The scientific committee and jury of openGeo 2025 included leading scientists and geographers from Russia (representatives of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences), India, Kazakhstan, Serbia and other countries.
Open International Geographical Olympiad (HTTPS: //opengeo. Msu.ru) is an international competition for high school students. Its organizers are the Russian Ministry of Education and Lomonosov Moscow State University.
The competition is held as an open alternative international Olympiad for schoolchildren and students selected based on the results of national geographic Olympiads and other intellectual competitions in the field of geography of the CIS, SCO, BRICS and other countries. The event is aimed at popularizing geographical knowledge and skills among talented schoolchildren and strengthening international educational and academic ties.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: World Health Organisation
The World Health Organization (WHO) today released its report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 at the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin, warning that action is needed to maintain and accelerate progress in tobacco control as rising industry interference challenges tobacco policies and control efforts.
The report focuses on the six proven WHO MPOWER tobacco control measures to reduce tobacco use, which claims over 7 million lives a year:
Since 2007, 155 countries have implemented at least one of the WHO MPOWER tobacco control measures to reduce tobacco use at best-practice level. Today, over 6.1 billion people, three-quarters of the world’s population, are protected by at least one such policy, compared to just 1 billion in 2007. Four countries have implemented the full MPOWER package: Brazil, Mauritius, the Netherlands (Kingdom of the), and Türkiye. Seven countries are just one measure away from achieving the full implementation of the MPOWER package, signifying the highest level of tobacco control, including Ethiopia, Ireland, Jordan, Mexico, New Zealand, Slovenia and Spain.
However, there are major gaps. Forty countries still have no MPOWER measure at best-practice level and more than 30 countries allow cigarette sales without mandatory health warnings.
“Twenty years since the adoption of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, we have many successes to celebrate, but the tobacco industry continues to evolve and so must we,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “By uniting science, policy and political will, we can create a world where tobacco no longer claims lives, damages economies or steals futures. Together, we can end the tobacco epidemic.”
The WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report, developed with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, was launched during the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards for Global Tobacco Control. The awards celebrated several governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) making progress to reduce tobacco use.
“Since Bloomberg Philanthropies started supporting global tobacco control efforts in 2007, there has been a sea change in the way countries prevent tobacco use, but there is still a long way to go,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries. “Bloomberg Philanthropies remains fully committed to WHO’s urgent work – and to saving millions more lives together.”
The WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report reveals that the most striking gains have been in graphic health warnings, one of the key measures under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), that make the harms of tobacco impossible to ignore:
WHO warns, however, that enforcement is inconsistent, and smokeless tobacco packaging remains poorly regulated. The new report is accompanied by a new data portal that tracks country-by-country progress between 2007–2025.
Despite their effectiveness, 110 countries haven’t run anti-tobacco campaigns since 2022. However, 36% of the global population now lives in countries that have run best-practice campaigns, up from just 19% in 2022. WHO urges countries to invest in message-tested and evaluated campaigns.
Taxes, quit services and advertising bans have been expanding, but many improvements are needed:
Around 1.3 million people die from second-hand smoke every year. Today, 79 countries have implemented comprehensive smoke-free environments, covering one-third of the world’s population. Since 2022, six additional countries (Cook Islands, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Uzbekistan) have adopted strong smoke-free laws, despite industry resistance, particularly in hospitality venues.
There has been a growing trend to regulate the use of e-cigarettes or ENDS – Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems. The number of countries regulating or banning ENDS has grown from 122 in 2022 to 133 in 2024, a clear signal of increased attention to these products. However, over 60 countries still lack any regulations on ENDS.
WHO is calling for urgent action in areas where momentum is lagging. “Governments must act boldly to close remaining gaps, strengthen enforcement, and invest in the proven tools that save lives. WHO calls on all countries to accelerate progress on MPOWER and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against tobacco,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion.
Source: Asia Development Bank
Tajikistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate and disaster risks. With help from partners like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the country is working to improve how it prepares for and responds to these challenges. These efforts are focused on building long-term resilience and ensuring a safer future for its people.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE organizes study trip to Poland for representatives of the General Prosecutor’s Office
Meeting between the delegation from the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan and the State Labour Inspection of Poland (OSCE) Photo details
From 16 to 20 June, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) organized a study visit to Poland for a delegation from the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan to gain insights into Poland’s policies, legislative frameworks and best practices in reducing the shadow economy.
During their visit to Poland, the delegation engaged with a range of institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the State Labour Inspection and the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau. Meetings with labour inspectors, prosecutors, anti-corruption bodies and financial regulatory authorities focused on detecting informal employment, evaluating informal economy, improving enforcement mechanisms and strengthening interagency co-ordination.
The delegation explored digital tools for economic monitoring, such as electronic reporting and real-time data exchange systems, as well as customs controls to prevent illicit trade. They also examined how Poland’s Social Insurance Institution uses data and incentives to promote formal employment.
The study visit provided valuable insights into Poland’s integrated approach to tackling the shadow economy through regulation, technology and institutional co-operation. The visit continues the PCUz’s support for Uzbekistan’s good economic governance reforms.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Anton Alikhanov: We are fighting phantom enterprises.
In an interview with RIA Novosti, Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov spoke about how pseudo-Russian brands are identified, what measures the state is introducing to ensure product safety in schools and kindergartens, and the fight against illegal goods.
Anton Alikhanov (photo: Ministry of Industry and Trade)
A. Veselova: Anton Andreevich, what is the situation with illegal turnover of products in Russia today?
A. Alikhanov: I would like to start by saying that ten years ago, by decision of the president, a state commission was created to combat illegal turnover of industrial products. It became the main coordinating link in the comprehensive work in the fight against the shadow market. The activities of all industry and regulatory bodies at the federal level are linked through it.
Various tools are used to reduce the circulation of illegal products. But the most effective has become the digital marking and traceability system of goods “Honest Sign”.
This direction is already being implemented in all EAEU countries and in Uzbekistan. In Russia, 31 product categories are monitored from the conveyor to the consumer on a mandatory basis, with 16 being subject to an experiment. The government is also considering further expansion of the system to various products, especially in the food industry and industrial goods. The Honest Sign mobile application is used by almost 28 million consumers, they have checked more than 300 million products and identified 240 thousand violations. All complaints are sent to regulatory authorities.
A. Veselova: What effect on the economy has been recorded in the country from the introduction of labeling?
A. Alikhanov: According to the Federal Tax Service, over the past five years the economic effect has amounted to 1.2 trillion rubles in the form of tax and other revenues to budgets at all levels. More than half of this amount was achieved by whitening the tobacco market – 627 billion rubles. The results in other product groups are also noticeable. In dairy products – 148 billion rubles, in light industry – 143 billion rubles, in the footwear segment – 85 billion rubles, in perfumery – 35 billion rubles.
In addition to increasing state revenues, legal businesses earned an additional 687 billion rubles by increasing their market share. And according to Rosstat data, the profitability of sales has increased for all bona fide market participants. Since the launch of mandatory labeling by 2023, tobacco products have increased by 17.9%, packaged water by 13.1%, footwear by 5.7%, and dairy products by 3.2%. I would like to note that these effects have been achieved without a noticeable impact on the final price for the consumer. According to the Research Institute of the Ministry of Finance, the share of labeling in the cost price is no more than 1%.
A. Veselova: Since April 2024, a permit regime has been in effect for a number of goods in Russia, which checks the quality of the goods through a special QR code; if the product is of poor quality, the system will not allow the buyer to purchase it. How effective is this mechanism? How does the regime protect consumers?
A. Alikhanov: Due to the introduction of a permit regime at store checkouts, sales of 1.2 billion low-quality or illegal goods have been blocked. Among them: beer – 299 million units, milk – 243 million, tobacco – 311 million, in the light industry – 187 million, soft drinks – 110 million. This system already applies to 16 groups of goods and will be expanded this year to non-alcoholic beer, caviar, veterinary drugs, technical rehabilitation equipment and bicycles.
The labeling system allows for batches of unsafe products to be blocked within an hour by decision of regulatory authorities. For example, Rospotrebnadzor, based on research, did this proactively with respect to six million dietary supplements across the country with dangerous levels of lithium, melatonin, and simethicone. Similarly, due to a poisoning incident, sales of a batch of 2.5 million bottles of water were promptly stopped. Thus, we now have a mechanism for quickly stopping sales of products whose quality and safety are in doubt.
It is important that we not only control the products themselves, but also close illegal production facilities, in particular 56 tobacco factories, using control bodies. At the same time, many enterprises left the shadow sector and began to operate according to the law. This is how more than 550 “new” water producers appeared, the number of legal importers of dietary supplements increased tenfold and those who produce them tripled.
A. Veselova: What is happening now in the sphere of state control over industrial products?
A. Alikhanov: State control is one of the key mechanisms for consumer protection. It ensures quality control and product safety in accordance with established requirements at all stages – during production, delivery and circulation.
Today, the safety of certain types of products is confirmed by a certificate or declaration, while there is no further state control over such products. That is, there may be cases when an unscrupulous manufacturer provides the laboratory with a so-called “golden sample” that fully complies with the requirements. This is how he receives a certificate. And the product goes to the market under this certificate, but it does not comply with the requirements. As a result, unsafe products may end up on the shelf.
A. Veselova: Are you developing additional mechanisms to protect consumers in order to prevent unsafe products from entering the market?
A. Alikhanov: We have developed a set of measures with the Ministry of Economic Development. First of all, these are changes to the legislation to restore state control over certain types of industrial products – I believe that it will be effective. This is confirmed by the experiment that Rosstandart is conducting on certain types of construction products and materials. We are talking about cable products, various types of cement, construction and concrete mixtures, as well as heating convectors and radiators. Over two thousand control measures have already been carried out in a year of the experiment.
According to the inspection results, 57% of cases revealed violations of product quality requirements. Such unsafe products are recalled from the market. For example, in St. Petersburg, about 6 thousand tons of dry construction mixtures worth a total of about 104 million rubles were withdrawn from circulation. And such cases are not isolated.
Another significant initiative in this direction was introduced by the State Duma deputies. They proposed to legislatively enshrine the regulation of technical conditions, according to which manufacturers often release their products. We fully support this approach.
A. Veselova: What is the difference between technical conditions and technical regulations? What effect do you expect from fixing technical conditions?
A. Alikhanov: Technical conditions today are a non-public document in which the manufacturer himself defines the requirements for his products. Formally, they should not be lower than the requirements of technical regulations. But technical regulations establish only minimum safety requirements and do not affect quality parameters. Therefore, the requirements of technical conditions may be lower than GOSTs. A simple example: if a manufacturer puts saury in a can labeled “kilka”, this may not violate safety standards or technical conditions. But it absolutely does not meet consumer expectations and, most importantly, violates GOST requirements.
We are confident that the removal of technical specifications from the unregulated zone will increase transparency and ensure fair competition. In addition, it will involve bona fide manufacturers in the national standardization process. Ultimately, this will have a positive effect on the quality of products released into circulation and will increase consumer confidence.
A. Veselova: What additional measures are being taken to protect products from possible attempts at counterfeiting?
A. Alikhanov: We conducted an experiment with the Ministry of Economic Development and the CRPT, following which the government adopted Resolution No. 837, which comes into force on September 1. It strengthens control not only over the availability, but also the content of permits for goods in the labeling system. This will allow us to confirm their relevance and compliance with the declared products. If the documents do not pass the check, the products will not be allowed on the market.
In addition, a ban on sales at the checkout will be introduced if the permits are declared invalid after the products have been put into circulation. We are currently verifying the contents of the documents with the state registers of Rosaccreditation and Rospotrebnadzor. In the future, we will expand the array of data on the products themselves and whether the company has the right to produce them. We are discussing this decision with the member countries of the association and expect a positive decision from the Eurasian Economic Commission.
A. Veselova: How does the ministry combat pseudo-Russian brands? How acute is this issue today?
A. Alikhanov: We are conducting an experiment to identify such manufacturers and phantom enterprises. For example, more than 2.8 thousand shoe manufacturers are registered in the marking system, of which almost 470 are in Moscow. If the system reveals, based on risk indicators, that the activities of such companies deviate from the norm and raise suspicions, then representatives of the CRPT and Rospotrebnadzor conduct an on-site inspection. In fact, they determine whether there is real production or just a legal entity that legalizes illegal products.
The first results showed that 92% of inspections of footwear, consumer goods and dietary supplements were fake enterprises. Their addresses were found to be vacant lots, residential buildings or abandoned buildings. These companies tried to “legalize” products that did not correspond to the declared documents. In some cases, there is reason to believe that these are imports that are registered as products of Russian origin in order to evade customs duties and control.
Based on the results of the experiment, a mechanism was developed to limit the issuance of marking codes to such legal entities and block their products. Before the traceability system appeared, this was impossible to do. For now, we have extended this algorithm to the least regulated industries – footwear, light industry, perfumery, tires and dietary supplements. Then we will cover other product categories.
A. Veselova: Anton Andreevich, there was information on the Internet about the incorrect operation of the marking system in case of unstable Internet operation? Do you know about this, does such a problem really exist?
A. Alikhanov: Since March 1, 2025, an offline mode has been introduced for a number of product groups that require mandatory labeling, which allows checking the product even without the Internet. To do this, a special local module of the system is installed at the checkout, into which a database of labeled products is loaded. When attempting to make a sale, the system first accesses the online database, and if the check fails, for example, due to the lack of Internet, it loads data from the local module. Thus, the system ensures correct operation even during temporary Internet problems.
A. Veselova: Today, more and more people use marketplaces, but it is difficult to check the quality of goods there. What measures do you plan to take in connection with counterfeit products on marketplaces?
A. Alikhanov: In our opinion, it is necessary to strengthen control over marketplaces in order to exclude violations when selling marked goods on the Internet. The draft law “On the platform economy” provides for the obligations of trading platforms to check the registration of the seller, the product and its code in the marking system. If any of these criteria are not met, the offer should not be reflected in the buyer’s search. While such requirements have not yet been enshrined in law, CRPT has entered into agreements with the largest marketplaces: Yandex, Wildberries, SberMegaMarket, Samokat, Ozon, AliExpress and Russian Post. These online platforms have undertaken to independently check customer complaints received through the Honest Sign application and take action against violators. According to the marking system, 95% of complaints were confirmed. In relation to a third of them, marketplaces applied sanctions: fines, blocking goods or warnings. For the rest, sellers received notifications demanding that they eliminate the violations.
A. Veselova: Today, goods from the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union cross customs under a simplified regime. There are frequent cases where goods illegally enter one of these countries and then travel to Russia. Is the Ministry working on measures to strengthen control in such cases?
A. Alikhanov: Our country is the largest market in the EAEU and, of course, there are cases that you mentioned. Often these goods then end up, for example, in the fake production facilities that I mentioned earlier.
To solve the problem, it is necessary, firstly, to harmonize the list of goods that are subject to mandatory labeling. That is, the nomenclature must be uniform in all EAEU countries. This is what we are discussing with our colleagues.
Secondly, it is necessary to ensure regular verification of information from the labeling system with data from the EAEU member states on goods sent to Russia. This also concerns the verification of mirror customs statistics and the country of origin of the goods.
A. Veselova: What effect do you expect from the experiment to control the supply of unsafe and low-quality food products to social institutions?
A. Alikhanov: With the introduction of a permit regime at cash registers and the integration of the marking system with Mercury, counterfeit products were blocked from entering stores. But we see that dubious products have begun to appear in schools and hospitals where there are no cash registers.
In order to set a barrier for it, at the end of last year, we decided at the state commission to start an experiment in the labeling system to control the supply of food products to the social sphere. So far, it covers several regions – Krasnodar, Perm, Stavropol and Khabarovsk Territories, Moscow and Novosibirsk Regions, St. Petersburg. We will complete it by September, having created criteria and a mechanism for stopping this practice. The experiment affects packaged water and dairy products, which are subject to labeling. In the near future, we will make such control mandatory, since we are already seeing successful results.
A. Veselova: What are the prospects for the development of the labeling system in Russia in the future?
A. Alikhanov: The introduction of labeling is advisable for goods that are most sensitive to illegal trafficking. Therefore, the government will systematically expand the range of products, including industrial products. We are conducting experiments on radio electronics, building materials, and radiators. We are working on traceability issues for the raw materials from which these goods are made.
We will scale and develop the labeling system, supplement it with new functionality. That is, we will continue to narrow the opportunities for various tricks that pose a threat to human health and undermine food and economic security.
Source – RIA Novosti.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 23 (Xinhua) — Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Samarkand, capital of Uzbekistan’s Samarkand Province, established sister city relations following the recently held second China-Central Asia Summit, bringing the number of sister cities of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to 54 from 16 countries in Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, the Xinjiang Daily newspaper reported on Monday, citing a source from the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
According to the report, back in August 2023, the authorities of Urumqi and Samarkand signed an agreement of intent to establish sister city relations, this step is aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation in trade, economy, culture, education, tourism, health care and other fields in various forms in order to stimulate the common prosperity and development of both cities.
To date, sister city relations have been established between Urumqi and 14 cities in 12 countries, including Peshawar in Pakistan, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Almaty in Kazakhstan and Narrandera in Australia.
These facts show Xinjiang’s expanded opening to the outside world, which is also reflected in the region’s foreign trade. According to statistics, in the first five months of this year, Xinjiang traded with 222 countries and regions around the world, with foreign trade turnover amounting to 227.67 billion yuan (about 31.75 billion U.S. dollars), up 22.9 percent year on year. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 23 (Xinhua) — The presentation of the Russian-language documentary prose “Chinese Seeds or How I Grew Wheat in Kazakhstan” took place in Beijing last week.
The event was held as part of the 31st Beijing International Book Fair, which ended on Sunday in the Chinese capital, the Keji Ribao/Science and Technology Daily newspaper reported.
The authors of the new book are Jin Min, chief correspondent of the Nongye Kejibao (Agricultural Science and Technology Newspaper), and Zhang Zhengmao, a leading researcher at the Northwest University of Agriculture and Forestry.
The documentary prose “Chinese Seeds” details the cultivation of high-quality wheat varieties and the results of cooperation between scientific researchers from both sides, which served as a vivid example of the mutual convergence of the aspirations of the peoples of the two countries within the framework of the joint construction of the “Belt and Road”.
“Chinese Seeds or How I Grew Wheat in Kazakhstan” was published in Chinese in March 2023. According to the plan, this book will also be published in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean.
The author of the book, Zhang Zhengmao, who was in Astana, presented to the participants of the presentation via video link the development of the Chinese-Kazakhstani project of the Research Center for Analysis and Testing of Grain Quality.
The new book was published by Guangxi Kesuejishu Chubanshe (Guangxi Science and Technology) Publishing House. Its director, Cen Gang, said the publication of the book will further promote exchanges between China and Kazakhstan. -0-
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Astana, June 23 (Xinhua) — China and Kazakhstan are opening a new chapter in cooperation in the field of sustainable development technologies, Akhilbek Kurishbayev, President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NAS RK) and Rector of the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNAIU), said in an interview with Xinhua.
The Kazakhstan-China Center for Science and Technology Transfer, established in February 2025 at the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan jointly with the Zhejiang University of Technology and leading Chinese high-tech companies, opens a new page in the development of innovative partnership. Within its structure, the International Joint Laboratory of Spatio-Temporal Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainable Development is being formed, which has already outlined priority areas at the launch stage.
“A stable platform will be formed on the basis of the center, on which scientists from Kazakhstan, China and other countries of the Central Asian region will work according to a single program, with clearly defined goals and objectives, concentrating resources on conducting research and obtaining effective results, including adapting Chinese technologies to national conditions,” noted A. Kurishbayev.
According to him, organizational and technical preparatory work is in full swing, and the laboratory will begin full-scale operations in the near future.
“We have high hopes for the work of this center and its laboratory. I am sure that these hopes will be justified,” shared A. Kurishbaev. “The basis for this is our common desire for cooperation and the concentration of common scientific potential to solve a single problem,” he added.
Speaking about his own contribution to the development of bilateral scientific cooperation, A. Kurishbayev recalled that since 2007, as Vice Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, he took the most active part in establishing and developing mutually beneficial cooperation with China. The first steps in developing cooperation in the field of science and trade in agriculture were agreements on phytosanitary and veterinary safety.
According to him, a lot of work has been done since then: joint laboratories have been created, internships have been organized, and the Alliance for Agricultural Education, Science, and Innovation in the Field of Great Silk Road Technologies has been formed.
“I have been to China many times, visited leading research institutes and universities,” he shared. “The scale of development of artificial intelligence, smart cities, green technologies, genetics, as well as approaches to modeling natural disasters are impressive.”
Kazakhstan, according to him, has prospects in such areas as digitalization of the agricultural sector, water technologies, natural resource management and sustainable development of rural areas – it is in these areas that deep and practice-oriented cooperation with Chinese scientific schools is possible.
He also emphasized the importance of environmental partnership: “Our countries are located in a single ecosystem of the Central Asian region, and we are doomed not only to live here together, but also to bear responsibility for its preservation and improvement. Therefore, it is extremely important for us to search for new environmentally friendly technologies that allow us to move away from “dirty” production and take the path of “green” development and, on this basis, create conditions for a more comfortable life not only for the present, but also for future generations. This is our sacred duty, and we have no other way. We all understand this very well.”
A. Kurishbaev also noted the deteriorating environmental situation in the world. According to him, the negative consequences will be felt especially strongly by the fragile ecosystem of Central Asia. “This process can only be stopped by joint efforts, based on the results of research by our scientific organizations. All this is in our hands. This requires not only our joint desires, but also our determination to implement them in practice,” concluded A. Kurishbaev. –0–
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the 16th annual meeting of emerging world leaders of the World Economic Forum (WEF), also known as “Summer Davos”, in north China’s Tianjin from June 24 to 25, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Monday.
Li Qiang will attend the opening ceremony of the meeting and deliver a special speech there, as well as meet with foreign guests and talk with representatives of foreign business circles, the Chinese diplomat added.
According to him, the event will be attended by the President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa, the Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev, the Prime Minister of Senegal Ousmane Sonko and the Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Trinh.
More than 1,700 representatives from political, business, academic and media circles from over 90 countries and regions will also attend the meeting, Guo Jiakun concluded. -0-
