ASTANA – The Astana Times has selected articles from global media outlets covering Kazakhstan. This week’s digest highlights the launch of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, expanding ties with Cyprus, and Hong Kong’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway boosts Kazakhstan’s Middle Corridor role The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway entered full-scale operation on June 2, a development expected to increase freight transport along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and support Kazakhstan’s role as a key transit hub between China and Europe, reported The Times of Central Asia on June 4.
The railway is a joint strategic project of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye and serves as one of the main overland links connecting Central Asia with European markets through the South Caucasus. The 827-kilometer line has been operating at limited capacity since 2017.
Full commercial operation became possible following the completion of rehabilitation and construction work on the Marabda-Kartsakhi section in Georgia. Hong Kong forges new opportunities with Kazakhstan and Central Asia A large delegation, led by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), is visiting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan from June 1-6 to forge closer ties with Central Asia, reported EQS News on June 3.
Comprising over 70 business and professional representatives from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, the delegation has already yielded significant results at its first stop in Kazakhstan. Speaking at a business luncheon in Astana on June 2, Lee highlighted that 43 memoranda of understanding (MOU) and agreements have been concluded by the visiting delegation with companies and organizations from Kazakhstan, with more agreements to come.
Hong Kong media groups sign Kazakhstan deals to deepen journalism, business ties The South China Morning Post reported on June 2 that two Hong Kong media organizations have joined forces with one of Kazakhstan’s largest state-owned conglomerates to strengthen collaboration in journalism and information exchange.
The South China Morning Post also signed a partnership with Kazakhstan’s special financial zone to boost ties between Central Asia, Hong Kong and mainland China.