BISHKEK (TCA) — The Publisher’s note: Central Asia is an important geopolitical area between Europe, Russia and China. It is in Central Asia that world powers have confronted each other for centuries; it is here that China needs to succeed with its new Silk Road Belt for direct access to the Western markets; and it is here that a large wealth of raw materials has its origin. Every week thousands of news appears all over the world in printed and online media and it is quite understandable that many of them may escape the attention of busy readers. At The Times of Central Asia, we strongly believe that more information can better contribute to peaceful development and better knowledge of the region, and for this reason we are presenting this Weekly Digest of Central Asia which compiles what other media have reported during the past week.

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TASHKENT (TCA) — Uzbekistan’s Uzbekipaksanoat Association officials have met with representatives of Chinese companies that intend to invest $276 million this year in the development of the silkworm industry in Uzbekistan, the Jahon information agency reported.

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DUSHANBE (TCA) — Tajikistan has set up a commission to promote clothing the government deems appropriate for citizens of the Central Asian country, an initiative it says is aimed at combating “alien” culture, RFE/RL reported.

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ASHGABAT (TCA) — Over the past few days Turkmenistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov has visited Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Azerbaijan where he held meetings with his counterparts and heads of state, the Chronicles of Turkmenistan independent website reported on July 20. Issues related to cooperation in various areas were discussed in the course of the meetings, but Radio Azatlyk reported with reference to its sources in the government that Meredov was sent on this trip by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov who, via Meredov, requested the heads of the states to provide financial aid to Turkmenistan, as the country urgently needs at least $1.5 billion to host the Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games to be held in Ashgabat this September.

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ASTANA (TCA) — The management of the Belgian company QWAY energy has arrived in Shymkent in the South Kazakhstan region to meet with local businesspeople at the region’s Chamber of Entrepreneurs and discuss a renewable energy project, the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan reported.

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