Georgia
Georgia’s Ambassador Meets with China-Asia Economic Development Association to Boost Economic Ties
13 January
On January 13, 2026, Paata Kalandadze, Georgia’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, held a working meeting with Shunzhi Quan, President of the China-Asia Economic Development Association (CAEDA), to discuss strengthening economic cooperation between Georgia and China.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the current dynamics of bilateral economic relations and explored ways CAEDA could support new investment initiatives. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as logistics, infrastructure, and trade, while promoting Georgia as an attractive destination for Chinese investors.
Shunzhi Quan expressed his readiness to actively promote awareness of Georgia’s market among Chinese business circles and to advance joint activities designed to showcase Georgia’s favorable investment climate to potential investors.
The China-Asia Economic Development Association, operating under the patronage of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to deepen economic and trade ties among Asian countries and facilitate cooperation on major development projects.
Source: EMBASSY OF GEORGIA TO THE PEOPLE`S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan and China agree to expand cooperation in the energy sector
13 January
On January 13, Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR and China’s China National Chemical Engineering Co. (CNCEC) discussed the deepening of cooperation in the energy sector.
The meeting was held at CNCEC’s headquarters and was attended by Kenan Mirzayev, head of SOCAR Turkiye’s oil refining and petrochemicals business unit and CEO of Petkim. The parties reviewed the role of Azerbaijan’s energy sector in international markets and the prospects for developing joint projects.
The Chinese officials emphasized that CNCEC is ready to expand cooperation with SOCAR in the fields of energy and chemical engineering, including within the framework of technological innovation and international projects. According to the company’s representative, Azerbaijan is one of the key energy players in the region, and SOCAR holds a strong position in global oil, gas, and petrochemical markets.
Mirzayev noted that SOCAR is actively pursuing its international development strategy and aims to strengthen Azerbaijan’s role in the regional energy and petrochemical ecosystem. He stated that industrial transformation and innovative projects could form the basis for a new stage of cooperation between Azerbaijan and China.
The sides also discussed the potential of joint initiatives that would contribute to Azerbaijan’s economic development and the international integration of its energy sector.
Source: Azernews
Chinese Student at Baku State University on the Importance of Learning Azerbaijani
16 January
A Chinese student, Zhu Tianxu, studying at Baku State University has described learning the Azerbaijani language as a “great opportunity” that has opened new cultural and educational horizons.
In an interview, Zhu Tianxu highlighted the personal and academic advantages of mastering Azerbaijani, noting that studying the language has allowed deeper engagement with Azerbaijan’s culture, traditions, and society. The experience, he said, has enriched their understanding of the country and strengthened their motivation to pursue further academic and cultural ties with Azerbaijan.
The initiative reflects broader trends in Azerbaijan-China educational cooperation, where increasing numbers of Chinese students are pursuing Azerbaijani language studies as part of cultural exchange and academic mobility programs.
Source: azertag.az
Armenia
The Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra Returns from Tour in China
15 January
The Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Eduard Topchyan, has concluded a large-scale New Year concert tour in China, performing nine concerts between December 27, 2025 and January 7, 2026, Armenpress reports.
The orchestra performed in major cultural venues across China, including concert halls and grand theaters in Changsha, Zhuhai, Liaoyang, Shenyang, Wuhan, Zibo, Baoji, Changshu, and Wuxi. Chinese clarinetist Tian Shen, soprano Wu Bixia, and Armenian violinist Anush Nikoghosyan appeared as soloists during the tour.
According to the orchestra’s chief producer Arman Padaryan, this marked the third consecutive year of large-scale tours in China. He noted that the Armenian National Philharmonic has become a well-known and anticipated ensemble for Chinese audiences, with concerts supported by extensive promotional campaigns. Padaryan emphasized that the tours contribute to strengthening cultural ties between Armenia and China, highlighting China’s long-term state policy promoting classical music.
Violinist Anush Nikoghosyan, for whom this was her fourth visit to China, praised the high level of organization and the audience’s respect for classical music, noting the strong educational role concerts play in the country.
Previous large-scale tours of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra in China took place in 2019–2020 and 2023.
Source: Armenpress.am
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and China Signed Memorandum
14 January
A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the deep processing of chromite ores was signed between the Akimat of Kazakhstan’s Aktobe Region and the Chinese company Suzhou Hunan New Materials during a working visit to Shanghai on January 13-14, 2026.
The agreement was reached following talks between Abzal Abdykarimov, Deputy Akim of Aktobe Region, and representatives of Suzhou Hunan New Materials, held with the support of Kazakhstan’s Consulate General in Shanghai.
During the meeting, the Chinese company presented a two-stage investment project focused on the deep processing of chromite ores. The first stage contains the establishment of a chromite concentrate processing facility with investments of up to USD 150 million. The second stage envisages a transition to the production of metallic chromium.
The project was described as economically significant and fully aligned with Aktobe Region’s industrial development priorities, as well as Kazakhstan’s broader goals of attracting foreign direct investment.
Representatives of Suzhou Hunan New Materials confirmed their readiness to proceed to the practical implementation phase of the project and to continue close cooperation with Kazakhstan’s national and regional authorities.
Suzhou Hunan New Materials is an industrial producer specializing in ferrochrome smelting, with its products widely used in the production of stainless and specialty steels.
Source: Gov.kz
