Railway modernization for the Middle Corridor
May 5
On May 5, Georgia’s Ministry of Economy announced that, for the first time in the country’s modern history, a full-scale modernization project of Georgian Railways is being launched. The project includes infrastructure upgrades, renovation of railway lines, and an increase in freight transport capacity.
The main goal is to strengthen Georgia’s role as a key transit hub of the Middle Corridor. Authorities believe the upgraded railway will speed up cargo transportation between Europe and Asia and significantly increase transit flows from China.
In recent years, China’s interest in the Middle Corridor has also grown, as the route connects China with Europe while bypassing Russia. Officials in Tbilisi say the railway modernization will significantly enhance Georgia’s competitiveness in the regional logistics network.
China supports Azerbaijan’s initiative to join the SCO Development Bank
May 5
On May 5, reports indicated that the Chinese side expressed interest in Azerbaijan’s possible accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Development Bank.
The information emerged after a meeting between Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Finance and Chinese representatives, held on the sidelines of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) annual meeting in Samarkand.
The parties discussed expanding Azerbaijan-China economic cooperation, including strengthening trade ties and increasing the involvement of Chinese companies in industrial zones.
The Chinese side stated that relations with Azerbaijan are developing dynamically and that the country’s participation in multilateral financial institutions, including the SCO Development Bank, would contribute to deeper regional cooperation.
The Azerbaijani side confirmed its readiness to further expand its partnership with China in both bilateral and multilateral formats.
Charity event in Beijing dedicated to Heydar Aliyev’s birthday
May 8
On May 8, a charity event was held in Beijing dedicated to the birthday of Azerbaijan’s national leader, Heydar Aliyev. The event was organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the People’s Republic of China, with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
Speaking at the event, the Azerbaijani ambassador to China highlighted Heydar Aliyev’s role in shaping modern Azerbaijani statehood and his contribution to the country’s foreign policy development. According to him, relations between Azerbaijan and China today are at the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The embassy stated that the event had a charitable character and reflected the humanitarian activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation as well as Azerbaijan-China cultural and diplomatic cooperation.
The event marked the 103rd anniversary of Heydar Aliyev’s birth.
Armenia highlights potential for expanding economic cooperation with China
May 6
Armenia stated that China is an important economic partner for the country and that significant untapped potential remains in bilateral relations.
The statement was made during the “Yerevan Dialogue 2026” international forum, where Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Economy Anushik Avetisyan said that the sides are working on expanding trade relations and developing new investment projects.
According to her, Chinese companies are already actively involved in Armenia’s infrastructure projects, contributing to economic diversification and resilience.
The Armenian side emphasized that deepening cooperation with China is one of the country’s priorities, particularly in infrastructure, trade, and regional connectivity.
The “Yerevan Dialogue 2026” forum was held on May 5-6 under the theme “Finding a Path Through Storms”, bringing together politicians and experts who discussed global changes and development challenges.
CGTN produces a report on China-Tajikistan industrial cooperation
May 10
Chinese state media CGTN aired a report on May 10 titled “China-Tajikistan industrial cooperation empowers Central Asia”, describing ongoing economic cooperation between China and Tajikistan and its impact on Central Asia’s industrial development.
According to Chinese state media assessments, Tajikistan’s industrial and energy projects are undergoing a “deep transformation”. The report highlights that China is providing technologies, complete industrial equipment, and engineering expertise aimed at modernizing the country’s production sector and reducing dependence on imports.
The CGTN report outlines several key areas: automated production in modern cement plants, modernization of the aluminum industry, rehabilitation of hydropower infrastructure, including work related to the Rogun hydropower plant.
The media notes that this cooperation serves not only Tajikistan’s domestic industrial development but also a broader regional goal of strengthening energy and infrastructure integration in Central Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative.
According to the report, China’s involvement is creating conditions for the development of new export channels and strengthening the expansion of “green energy” and infrastructure capacity in the region, presented as a long-term economic partnership.
