Air India Express has fully restored its Middle East operations by resuming flights to Kuwait and Salalah. Services to Salalah began July 2, and to Kuwait on July 3, with frequencies set to increase on both routes. The airline's Middle East network now covers 13 destinations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Azerbaijan and Armenia next week to strengthen the EU's strategic engagement with both countries. Discussions will focus on energy supplies, regional infrastructure, and economic cooperation, particularly the Middle Corridor trade route.
Armenia and Azerbaijan have signed a significant agreement to transit internet traffic through their territories. This move aims to diversify regional connectivity, enhance network reliability, and foster cooperation in telecommunications, potentially paving the way for further peace process developments.
Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced plans for a new international financial centre operating under English common law principles, offering extensive tax incentives for 50 years. The initiative aims to attract foreign investment by creating a familiar regulatory environment. The country has attracted over $150bn in foreign investment recently, with its economy growing by 7.7% last year.
Uzbekistan announced plans for a new international financial centre and six investment priorities at the Tashkent International Investment Forum. The centre will operate under English common law with significant tax incentives for 50 years. The country has attracted over $150 billion in foreign investment recently.
Turkic states are moving beyond cultural links towards deeper economic integration, focusing on competition policy, digital cooperation, and strategic connectivity. The 3rd Meeting of Heads of Competition Authorities of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in Shusha emphasized practical implementation and cross-border collaboration to prevent monopolies and promote fair trade.
The China-Laos Railway, five years post-launch, has become a vital link for regional trade and tourism. It facilitates faster travel between China and Laos, boosts exports, and transforms Laos from a landlocked to a land-linked nation, demonstrating strong China-ASEAN cooperation.
Leaders of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) met in Kazakhstan to advance joint AI and digital development, and to bolster alternative global supply and energy routes. They stressed the alliance is for economic and technological cooperation, not military or geopolitical aims.
India is set to relaunch seaplane services with SkyHop Aviation receiving its operator's license. The company will initially connect five Lakshadweep islands and the mainland using a 19-seater aircraft. This initiative, supported by government incentives and a modified De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, aims to improve regional connectivity and tourism.
