China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway: Russian Deputy Transport Minister: Will Assist in Building China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway
¬ Georgian Prime Minister: Georgia and China Discuss Expanding Free Trade Agreement
¬ Russia-China-Mongolia "New Horizon 2026" Outer Baikal International Economic Forum Opens in Chita, Russia
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Russian Deputy Minister of Transport Dmitry Zvyelev said at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States Ministers of Transport Meeting held in Bishkek that Russia is willing to assist in constructing the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project.
Zvyelev stated: "The development of infrastructure undoubtedly brings benefits. Russia is ready to provide assistance, including technical support, personnel training, and supply of rolling stock."
He reminded that Kyrgyzstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and its railway standards and technical specifications follow those established by the union.
He added: "We warmly welcome the selection of the 1,520 mm gauge (the Russian standard—editor’s note). We believe transportation will be secured, and technical standards will be maintained."
The construction project for railway branches connecting China with Central Asian countries has been under discussion for nearly two decades. Multiple route options have been considered, but consensus has long been elusive regarding the cost and alignment of this railway through the rugged mountainous region.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the railway construction was held at the end of December 2024. The railway will run along the Kashgar-Turkistan-Makmal-Jalal-Abad-Amul route. Experts estimate the main line's annual freight capacity could reach 15 million tons, reducing delivery time to final consumers by seven days. Additionally, modern transit logistics infrastructure, warehouses, and terminals will be developed.
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told reporters that Georgia and China are currently negotiating to expand their free trade agreement, with specific terms to be determined after consultations.
One day earlier, the Georgian Ministry of Economy announced that during her visit to Beijing, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kfetshvili would sign a protocol amending the China-Georgia Free Trade Agreement.
In response to a journalist’s question, Kobakhidze said: "Negotiations on expanding the scope of the agreement are ongoing, and detailed discussions will take place on this issue."
He noted that the Georgian economic minister’s visit to China will inject additional momentum into bilateral economic and trade relations. The prime minister pointed out that specific details of possible revisions will be disclosed after the negotiation process concludes, though discussions will cover a broad range of topics.
The China-Georgia Free Trade Agreement has been in effect since 2018.
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According to Sputnik News reporter, the Russia-China-Mongolia "New Horizon 2026" Outer Baikal International Economic Forum has opened in Chita, Russia.
The forum will take place on April 23–24.
This event, serving as a satellite session of the Eastern Economic Forum, marks its fourth consecutive year and will bring together top experts and representatives from Russia, China, and Mongolia.
The Outer Baikal Krai government noted that this year’s forum agenda includes strengthening trade and industrial ties among the three countries, expanding cooperation in energy and mining sectors, developing transport-logistics and digital infrastructure, and exploring natural resource development.
Outer Baikal Krai Governor Alexander Osipov stated that the "New Horizon" forum, hosted as part of the Eastern Economic Forum activities, has become a significant international event, with consistent participation from business representatives of China and Mongolia.
The forum is jointly organized by the Outer Baikal Krai Government and the Russian Exhibition Foundation, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the Ministry of the Development of the Far East, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Outer Baikal Krai Development Company, and the Outer Baikal Krai Tourism Board.
Source: sputniknews
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863276722489356/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author