Georgia joins a joint initiative to develop the Middle Corridor
22 September
On 22 September, Georgia joined a joint initiative to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, participated in a high-level meeting in Beijing held as part of the Global Sustainable Transport Forum.
The initiative provides for coordinating transport policies, developing infrastructure, improving customs and border procedures, and introducing digital systems. Kvrivishvili also spoke about the need to better coordinate infrastructure projects along the corridor.
In her address, the minister outlined Georgia’s infrastructure plans. She said approximately USD 7 billion had been earmarked for priority projects through 2032. The aim is to double the capacity of maritime and rail networks and triple airport capacity. Kvrivishvili also stressed the importance of the Anaklia deep-sea port for the development of the Middle Corridor.
Georgia and China to establish a working group to promote trade
22 September
On 22 September, Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, met with China’s Vice Minister of Commerce, Ling Ji. The two sides agreed to establish a joint working group to promote bilateral trade.
The group will identify priority sectors and plan trade missions accordingly. Its work will support the promotion of Georgian products in the Chinese market and the participation of Georgian manufacturers in exhibitions. The group will also arrange visits by Chinese trade missions to Georgia to familiarise them with local enterprises.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in e-commerce and the importance of the Anaklia port for the Middle Corridor. Ling Ji invited Kvrivishvili to China in the first half of 2027 for a meeting of the Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation.
Air China to explore new air connections with Georgia
22 September
On 22 September, Mariam Kvrivishvili discussed expanding air connections between Georgia and China with Air China President Qu Guangji. According to the Ministry of Economy, the meeting addressed the possibility of launching a direct flight from Beijing.
The two sides agreed that the airline would also explore launching flights to Georgia from other Chinese cities. In its statement on the meeting, the ministry also noted an increase in passenger numbers. According to its figures, Chinese airlines carried 85,669 passengers on direct flights between the two countries in January-August 2026, an increase of 31% compared with the same period of the previous year.
Georgia and China discuss establishing a transport working group
23 September
On 23 September, Mariam Kvrivishvili met with China’s Minister of Transport, Liu Wei, and discussed the possibility of establishing a joint working group to coordinate transport cooperation. If the two sides agree to establish it, the group will bring together relevant agencies and organisations from the rail, maritime, road transport and civil aviation sectors.
The meeting paid particular attention to the Anaklia deep-sea port, railway modernisation and the renewal of rolling stock. The two sides also discussed opportunities to develop direct air routes between Tbilisi and Beijing and between Tbilisi and Guangzhou. According to the ministry, they agreed to continue cooperation between the two countries’ civil aviation authorities to support the expansion of air connections.
Azerbaijan and China present a road transport agreement
22 September
On 22 September, representatives of Azerbaijan and China exchanged documents on an intergovernmental agreement on international road transport in Beijing. The event took place at a high-level meeting on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route held as part of the Global Sustainable Transport Forum.
Azerbaijan’s delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev. Mustafayev spoke about the importance of the Middle Corridor, increasing freight transport with China and expanding transit capacity. During the visit, the delegation also met with executives of Chinese companies. The two sides discussed ongoing projects in Azerbaijan, expanding cooperation in energy and renewable energy, and opportunities for new joint projects.
Aliyev discusses cooperation in artificial intelligence with Chinese companies
24 September
On 24 September, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met in Baku with Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of the Chinese companies 01.AI and Sinovation Ventures. Filippo Malinverno, a representative of Italy’s TEHA Group, also attended the meeting.
The two sides discussed practical applications of artificial intelligence in green energy, cybersecurity and education, as well as opportunities for cooperation with companies working in these fields. Attention was also paid to Azerbaijan’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025-2028. Aliyev highlighted economic ties with China and Italy, noting that businesses from both countries were investing in Azerbaijan.
Bayramov voices support for China’s Global Development Initiative at the UN
25 September
On 25 September, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, addressed a high-level meeting in New York marking the fifth anniversary of China’s Global Development Initiative. The event was held as part of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
The minister described the initiative as an important mechanism for achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and highlighted the comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China.
Bayramov also focused on the development of the Middle Corridor and Azerbaijan’s role in transport between China and Europe. He said modernising the route was intended to reduce trade costs and expand market access for developing countries. The minister also reaffirmed his readiness to strengthen cooperation in support of technology and resource exchanges among these countries.
Chinese premier expresses readiness to deepen cooperation with Armenia
21 September
On 21 September, Chinese Premier Li Qiang congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence and expressed his readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation. In his letter, he referred to Armenia as China’s strategic partner.
Li Qiang focused on developing cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. He said he was ready to work with Pashinyan to deepen cooperation between the two countries and make it more practical.
Chinese parliamentary delegation discusses expanding cooperation in Armenia
22 September
On 22 September, the Speaker of Armenia’s Parliament, Ruben Rubinyan, met in Yerevan with Lou Qinjian, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of China’s National People’s Congress and head of the China-Armenia Friendship Group.
The two sides discussed developing bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation and strengthening ties in education, culture and trade.
On the same day, the Chinese delegation also met with members of the Foreign Relations Committee of Armenia’s Parliament. Committee Chairman Sargis Khandanyan focused on opportunities to expand the presence of Armenian products in the Chinese market. Lou Qinjian thanked Armenia for supporting the One-China principle and said China respected Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Chinese ambassador discusses technology and tourism cooperation
24 September
In an interview published on 24 September, China’s Ambassador to Armenia, Li Xinwei, discussed prospects for cooperation in artificial intelligence, the digital economy and high technology. Speaking to NEWS.am and Armenpress, he said relevant agencies in the two countries were discussing ways to deepen cooperation in these areas.
The ambassador also addressed tourism and direct air connections. He said six flights operated weekly on the Yerevan-Urumqi route, making travel easier. In his view, growing tourist flows could lead to more flights and lower airfares in the future.
Tajik-Chinese Mining Company expands its metallurgical plant
21 September
On 21 September, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon inaugurated the second phase of the Tajik-Chinese Mining Company’s metallurgical plant in the city of Istiklol. The new facility is designed to process local raw materials and produce higher-value products. According to official information, it will employ 250 local and foreign workers.
The plant has an annual production capacity of 30,000 tonnes of refined lead, 1,000 tonnes of copper-containing intermediate products, 40 tonnes of silver and 100 kilograms of gold. Raw materials will be supplied from the Zarnisor deposit, and the products are intended for both the domestic market and export. Rahmon also called for a technology park comprising workshops for further mineral processing to be established alongside the plant.
Tajikistan’s Academy of Public Administration signs a memorandum with a Chinese university
21 September
On 21 September, the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Tajikistan and Lanzhou University of Technology signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the Chinese city of Lanzhou. The Tajik delegation was led by the academy’s rector, Davron Safarzoda. The document provides for cooperation in education, scientific research and academic exchanges.
The memorandum envisages student and lecturer exchanges, study programmes, internships, and joint research on Central Asia and regional economic issues. During the talks, the two sides also discussed short training courses for Tajik civil servants and the creation of a joint educational programme. The academy also proposed a research project to mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027.
Tajikistan discusses expanding exports and industrial cooperation in Xinjiang
24 September
On 24 September, Tajikistan’s Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Rukhshona Nasriddinzoda, accompanied by a delegation, met in Urumqi with representatives of relevant agencies in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. One of the main issues discussed was expanding the range of Tajik products exported to China.
The two sides discussed sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, product standardisation and certification, and the removal of trade barriers. The discussion also covered establishing and upgrading logistics centres, improving the efficiency of freight transport and attracting investment in renewable energy. According to the ministry, the meeting resulted in the preparation of an agenda for the next session of the Subcommission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Tajikistan and Xinjiang.
On the same day, Nasriddinzoda also met with Li Ningping, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Xinjiang People’s Congress. The meeting focused on attracting Chinese investment to establish joint ventures for processing critical minerals. The two sides discussed developing a complete production chain, from raw material processing to finished products, and expanding cooperation within the Central Asia-China format.
