The II International Forum of Russia-Africa Cooperation "Education. Business. Culture – 2025" will be held within the framework of "Technoprom-2025"

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University –

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In August 2025, the II International Forum of Russia-Africa Cooperation "Education. Business. Culture – 2025" will be held as part of the XII International Forum "Technoprom-2025". The event is organized by the Center for Public Diplomacy, NSU and the Consortium of Russian Universities for the Development of Cooperation with African Countries.

An impressive delegation from African countries plans to take part in the forum:

— Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation of the following countries: Republic of Mali, Republic of Chad, Republic of Guinea, Burkina Faso, Republic of Niger, Rwanda, Namibia, Angola and Ghana.

— Ministers of Education of the Republic of Chad, the Republic of Guinea and Burkina Faso, Ministers of Industry, Digitalization and Agriculture of Burkina Faso.

— The Presidents of the Academies of Sciences of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, the Rectors of the Abdou Moumouni University and the University of Agadez (both from the Republic of Niger).

— Heads of the national oil companies of Burkina Faso and Niger.

— Mayor of the city of Ouagadougou (the capital of Burkina Faso).

Let us recall that the first forum "Russia-Africa" was held last year on the initiative of NSU and the Center for Public Diplomacy. One of the results was the creation of a Consortium of Russian Universities for the development of cooperation with African countries.

This year, the Consortium members will analyze the current interaction of Russian universities with African countries, discuss the challenges and obstacles that hinder mutually beneficial cooperation, identify key areas and formulate a roadmap (work plan) for the Consortium for the next year. The roadmap will be based on a systemic approach that ensures the consolidation of efforts by Russian universities and the unification of actions at all levels – from government agencies to the universities themselves. The implementation of the proposed measures will improve the quality of education and improve the culture of mutual understanding between the regions. The implementation of these initiatives will strengthen Russia's position on the African continent and will become the basis for the further development of bilateral relations.

The Forum also plans to discuss joint work in the areas of school and secondary specialized education. The Center for Public Diplomacy and NSU plan to hold talks with the Minister of Secondary Education, Vocational and Technical Training of Burkina Faso Boubacar Sawadogo on the possibilities of cooperation and to develop an algorithm for joint actions.

The following are promising educational projects in African countries:

— The “Russian Teacher Abroad” program, within the framework of which students from the pilot international class of the African school will study the Russian language.

— A program for training foreign students in working specialties under joint educational programs of African and Novosibirsk colleges. Those who successfully complete the training will be able to continue their studies at Novosibirsk universities. The pilot project includes colleges implementing training in agricultural, technical and natural science areas.

— The African continent is a priority region for the export of Russian education. Since 2024, NSU has been actively developing cooperation with African countries. In this context, agreements were signed with Thomas Sankara University (Burkina Faso) and Abdou Moumouni University (Niger). From December 2024 to July 2025, a preparatory department in the medical and biological profile operated jointly with the Russian House in Niger, in which 24 people studied. From March to the end of July 2025, online courses in the Russian language were opened at Thomas Sankara University, which were completed by 50 bachelors and masters. The next stage will be the organization of preparatory courses in the medical and biological profile, after which students will be able to continue their studies at NSU. The University also plans to organize scientific internships for young scientists and graduate students from Burkina Faso for 3-6 months, said Evgeny Sagaydak, Head of the Education Export Department at NSU.

Another interesting project is the preliminary agreement reached between NSU and the University of Saint Dominic (USDAO) from Burkina Faso on joint training of medical personnel for this West African state. The cooperation agreement between the universities may be signed this summer.

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Analysis of China's Economic Growth Drivers for the First Half of the Year

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

On July 15, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China released data showing that China's gross domestic product (GDP) for the first half of 2025 was 66.0536 trillion yuan. In terms of constant prices, the year-on-year growth reached 5.3%. NBS Deputy Director Sheng Laiyun noted that since the beginning of this year, the national economy has withstood the pressure and, despite the difficulties, continues to develop steadily, accumulating new driving forces for growth and improving the circulation of economic processes.

As the data show, in the first half of the year, the contribution of final consumption expenditure to economic growth was 52%, gross capital formation was 16.8%, and net exports of goods and services was 31.2%. Of these “three driving forces” of the economy, consumption remains the main factor in GDP growth.

According to Wang Xiaosong, professor at the Institute of Economics at Renmin University of China, the data for the first half of the year show that the Chinese economy is developing steadily while maintaining stability, demonstrating its high resilience and potential for future growth. This is mainly due to China's solid industrial base – both the manufacturing and service sectors have made significant progress in recent years. The indicators for the first half of the year show that added value and investment in machinery are growing rapidly, demonstrating the high resilience and potential for development of the Chinese economy. In addition, the government has taken a number of measures to stabilize growth. Both fiscal policy and targeted monetary policy have had a very positive effect.

In the first half of the year, the consumer market continued to gain momentum, and the potential of the super-large Chinese market was steadily unleashed, demonstrating the dynamism of the Chinese economy. In terms of market sales, the total retail sales volume of consumer goods in the first half of the year was 24.55 trillion yuan, up 5% year-on-year.

According to Qi Yunlan, deputy department director and research fellow at the Institute of Market Economy, Development Research Center of the State Council, this year, with the effective combination of policies to actively support consumption and the continued optimization of the consumption structure, the domestic consumer market has improved significantly. The trade-in program has been expanded and improved, which has stimulated the acceleration of growth in commodity consumption.

According to statistics, in the first half of this year, China's industrial production rapidly gained momentum, and the machinery and high-tech manufacturing industries showed good growth dynamics. The added value of machinery increased by 10.2% compared with the same period last year, and that of high-tech manufacturing by 9.5%. From January to May, the number of applications for valid invention patents in China approached 5 million, up 12.8% year-on-year.

According to Lian Ping, chairman of the China Forum of Chief Economists and director of the Guangkai Institute of Industrial Research, the economic performance in the first six months generally exceeded market expectations, with the main feature being the release of pent-up demand and the improvement of the economic structure. Consumption growth was higher than market expectations and significantly recovered from the previous year. In addition, production and investment in the manufacturing industry showed steady positive dynamics, especially in areas related to new-quality productive forces, where the growth rate exceeded the double-digit threshold.

In the first half of the year, the total volume of import and export trade was 21.7876 trillion yuan, up 2.9% year-on-year. Machinery exports grew by 9.5% to account for 60% of total exports.

Qin Tai, deputy director and chief macroeconomic analyst at Huafu Securities Research Institute, said that two key factors played a decisive role in the first half of the year. First, financial subsidies for durable goods provided a significant stimulus effect. Second, China's industrial chain, with its integrity, advanced technology and resilience, performed well.

Sheng Laiyun said that the economy as a whole performed steadily in the first half of the year, showing positive dynamics while maintaining stability, which is a very valuable achievement. Since the beginning of this year, China has been implementing more active and effective macroeconomic policies, which has played an important role in maintaining stability. According to the instructions of the central government, relevant departments will speed up the implementation of a set of measures for the second half of the year in the near future, and they will continue to play a key role in ensuring the stable functioning of the economy.

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On the dynamics of industrial production. June 2025

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Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

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On the dynamics of industrial production. June 2025

23 July 2025 20:01

Date of publication: July 23, 2025

Link: https://economy.gov.ru/material/directions/makroec/ekonomicheskie_obzory/o_dinamike_promyshlennogo_proizvodstva_iyun_2025_goda.html

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Vitaly Savelyev discussed the socio-economic development of the region with the head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov

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Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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Working meeting of Vitaly Savelyev with the head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov

For many years of fruitful cooperation and significant contribution to strengthening the socio-economic potential of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov awarded Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev with the Order of Friendship ("Duslyk").

The Deputy Prime Minister noted the significant dynamics of the main economic indicators of the Republic of Tatarstan in 2024, as well as the systematic development of the transport complex of the subject.

The total number of passengers served at all airports of the republic in 2024 amounted to more than 6 million people (Kazan International Airport – 5.3 million, other airports – 0.7 million).

In 2024, 8.7 million passengers were transported by rail. The volume of transported cargo in 2024 remained generally at the 2023 level and amounted to 16.4 million tons.

As part of the program for the development of unmanned cargo transport, 18 unmanned KamAZ trucks are being used on the M-11 and Central Ring Road highways.

In turn, in the territory of Innopolis, as part of the development of unmanned transport technologies, an experimental legal regime is in effect for Yandex unmanned taxis.

"First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the President of Russia and the Federal Government for their systematic support of our initiatives. Tatarstan is a region with unique tourism and transport-logistics potential, and its development requires comprehensive infrastructure development. We pay special attention to air traffic: the modernization of the Kazan airport, including the construction of a new terminal, will not only increase capacity, but will also give impetus to the economy and tourism development. Water transport is no less important. The length of Tatarstan's inland waterways exceeds 1,000 km. The main rivers – the Volga, Kama and Vyatka – have the status of water bodies of federal significance. We are implementing projects to update the fleet, including the construction of modern high-speed passenger hydrofoils "Meteor-2020". This will create a modern, efficient transport system that meets the challenges of the time," said Rustam Minnikhanov.

"The Republic of Tatarstan has traditionally been one of the leaders in the development of transport infrastructure in the country. The regional leadership and personally Rustam Minnikhanov are consistently working in this direction. According to the results of 2024, growth is observed in all main areas: air transportation, rail transportation, and water transportation. Today, we visited the Kazan Aviation Plant named after Gorbunov, a strategic enterprise for the aviation industry, which produces and maintains the Tu-214 airliner. A number of airlines are interested in purchasing this aircraft. It is important to note that Tatarstan enterprises are participating in the implementation of transport megaprojects. For the construction of the Moscow-St. Petersburg high-speed highway, Natsproektstroy will purchase more than 400 units of special equipment from KAMAZ," said Vitaly Savelyev.

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About the current price situation. July 23, 2025

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

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About the current price situation. July 23, 2025

23 July 2025 19:01

Date of publication: July 23, 2025

Link: https://economy.gov.ru/material/directions/makroec/ekonomicheskie_obzory/o_tekushchey_cenovoy_situacii_23_iyulya_2025_goda.html

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Ministry of Economic Development: The Strategy for the Development of the Creative Economy will take into account business developments

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Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

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The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia continues to work on implementing the decisions taken at the strategic session on the development of the creative economy in the Government of the Russian Federation. One of the key documents will be the Strategy for the Development of the Creative Economy until 2036. It will be based, among other things, on the opinions and practices of the business community. For this purpose, the Center for Strategic Research is conducting a business survey.

Representatives of companies, industry associations, public and expert organizations, as well as individual entrepreneurs and the self-employed can take part in the survey. The best regional practices for developing the creative economy will also be analyzed.

An open dialogue with business is a key part of preparing a strategy, says Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Tatyana Ilyushnikova.

"Systematic work on developing the creative economy is already underway. In 2024, a federal law on the development of creative industries was adopted, and since 2025, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has been officially vested with the functions of a regulator in this area. Developing a long-term strategy is the next logical step. Already during the strategic session, we received proposals from State Duma deputies, specialized associations and experts. But the key part of this work is an open dialogue with businesses and the professional community. The survey conducted by the Center for Strategic Research is one of the most important feedback tools. Its results will form the basis for decisions and mechanisms aimed at creating conditions for the sustainable growth of creative industries in Russia," Tatyana Ilyushnikova emphasized.

To take into account proposals and initiatives onsurvey page It is necessary to fill out a questionnaire and describe the project in detail, including its uniqueness, innovativeness and potential impact on the development of the industry. Information on possible economic effects and social significance will be of particular value. The questionnaire also includes an indication of current/required support measures (tax incentives, subsidies, grant support, educational programs, etc.).

Upon completion of the survey, CSR specialists will collect, summarize and submit proposals to the Russian Ministry of Economic Development for work on the text of the strategy.

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Maxim Reshetnikov: Investments in SEZ reached 2.7 trillion rubles over 20 years

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

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On Wednesday, July 23, the Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Maxim Reshetnikov, presented the main results of the work of special economic zones (SEZ) over the 20 years since the mechanism was created at a meeting of the President with members of the Government.

“Exactly 20 years ago, on your instructions, a law was adopted on Special Economic Zones to create new growth points in the regions and stimulate investment,” the minister noted, addressing the head of state.

Since the mechanism was launched, 59 SEZs have been created in Russia. More than 1,300 resident companies have invested 2.7 trillion rubles and created 110 thousand jobs. Today, the zones are developing in various sectors – from industry, science and logistics to tourism.

"Special economic zones respond to key business needs. It is within the framework of SEZs that production facilities are launched that ensure technological sovereignty and replace imports," emphasized Maxim Reshetnikov.

The development of SEZs has accelerated especially in the last five years. Since 2020, more than half of the zones operating today — 34 — have been created. The influx of residents during this period was a record — 561 companies. Recent examples include the production of trailers in Tatarstan, medical furniture in the Tula region, pet food in the Lipetsk region, air filters and polymer products in the Novgorod region.

The head of the department separately noted the contribution of SEZs to the development of regional economies. The zones become drivers of diversification and create highly skilled jobs. According to the Ministry of Economic Development, the level of wages at resident enterprises is often 30-50% higher than the regional average.

In 2025, six new economic zones were created in Russia, and five more were expanded. Among the new ones are a tourist zone in Kuzbass, a machine-building cluster in the Chelyabinsk region, and an industrial and logistics hub in the Novosibirsk region. Applications for opening new sites are being developed, including a tourist SEZ in Mineralnye Vody.

According to the minister, the effectiveness of the mechanism is also confirmed from the point of view of the return of state investments: "The costs of benefits and the creation of infrastructure are recouped by the growth of the tax base. As of today, the budgetary effect from the work of the SEZ has exceeded 122 billion rubles," the head of the Ministry of Economic Development reported.

During his speech, the minister outlined further priorities for the development of the mechanism. Among them are the simplification of procedures for investors, the integration of infrastructure support measures, the expansion of tourism formats, and the active attraction of foreign companies. Today, more than 100 foreign investors from 34 countries work in Russian SEZs.

"The Institute of Special Economic Zones has become an effective mechanism for the country's economic development. This is the result of the work of regional teams, constant improvement of legislation and, of course, your support," Maxim Reshetnikov noted in conclusion, addressing the President.

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Russia and Ukraine held the 3rd round of peace talks in Istanbul

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

ISTANBUL, July 23 (Xinhua) — Russian and Ukrainian delegations held the third round of peace talks at the Ciragan Palace in Istanbul on Wednesday, which started at 20:30 local time (17:30 GMT) and lasted for almost an hour and a half.

The Russian and Ukrainian delegations were headed by Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, respectively. The talks were chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and head of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization Ibrahim Kalin.

At the end of the negotiations, V. Medinsky told journalists that the Russian side proposed creating three Russian-Ukrainian working groups that would work online to resolve political, humanitarian and military issues.

He also noted that both sides agreed on another round of prisoner exchange.

Before the start of the negotiations, H. Fidan made an opening speech in which he called on the delegations of both countries to engage in productive negotiations aimed at achieving a truce and ultimately ending the war.

“Our goal is to put an end to this bloody war, which has cost too much, as soon as possible,” said H. Fidan.

Two previous rounds of talks in Istanbul, held on May 16 and June 2, resulted in the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the bodies of dead soldiers, but produced little progress on achieving a ceasefire. –0–

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China is ready to stand up for justice and bring positive, stabilizing and constructive forces to world affairs together with its BRICS partners – Chinese Ambassador to Russia

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, July 23 /Xinhua/ — China is ready to uphold justice and bring positive, stabilizing and constructive forces to world affairs together with its BRICS partners, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said in an article titled "Consolidation of Agreements, Joining Efforts, Big BRICS Promotes Transformation of Global Governance," published in the Russian newspaper Izvestia on Wednesday.

“The Chinese side is ready to work with its BRICS partners to uphold justice, bring positive, stabilizing and constructive forces to world affairs, promote peaceful settlement of disputes and develop strategic solutions to eliminate the root causes of problems while objectively assessing the circumstances,” the publication says.

As the Chinese diplomat noted, the 17th BRICS Leaders' Meeting, which recently concluded in Rio de Janeiro, fully demonstrated the responsibility and readiness of the BRICS countries to become the "vanguard" of the Global South, and also emphasized the role of the association in protecting peace and stability throughout the world, promoting global open development, and advancing exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.

Zhang Hanhui stressed that the BRICS countries are the driving forces of economic growth. “In the context of the recession and trade disputes, we must focus on development,” he urged. According to the author of the publication, it is necessary to make efforts to build an open world economy, resolutely oppose unilateralism and protectionism, protect the fundamental principles of the World Trade Organization, promote the liberalization and simplification of trade and investment, and ensure the stability and smoothness of production and supply chains. The ambassador also reported that China has established the China Cooperation Center for the Development of Special Economic Zones in the BRICS Countries.

The Chinese diplomat believes it is necessary to raise the level of international financial cooperation and open up new promising areas of economic growth, expand cooperation in new areas such as digital technology and green development. “China, through the Global Development Initiative, will create the Digital South brand and conduct 200 training programs on the digital economy and artificial intelligence for the countries of the Global South over the next five years,” he said, adding that this year China will establish the China-BRICS Research Center for New Productive Forces and establish a scholarship for BRICS countries to promote the training of personnel in sectors such as industry and telecommunications.

Zhang Hanhui called the BRICS countries the initiators of inter-civilization dialogue and called for promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. He noted that China is ready to work with its BRICS partners to implement the Global Civilization Initiative in line with the civilizational concept of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness. The author of the article called for respecting the diversity of human civilizations, recognizing the right of peoples of different countries to seek ways to realize their values, rejecting any form of a “new Cold War” and ideological confrontation, continuously “enriching the palette” of human civilization, strengthening continuity, innovation and humanitarian exchanges in culture, actively promoting the protection of cultural heritage and the development of culture, and striving to create a harmonious atmosphere of mutual learning, exchanges and coexistence among various civilizations.

Zhang Hanhui also pointed out that against the backdrop of accelerated changes unseen in a century, the concept of global governance put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping is increasingly proving its modern value and practical significance. “In the face of growing conflicts and differences, it is necessary to intensify expanded consultations based on equality and mutual respect. Profound common interests require joint contributions based on solidarity,” the ambassador emphasized.

According to the Chinese diplomat, thanks to the joint efforts of China, Russia and other BRICS partners, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has been continuously developed and strengthened, its representation has expanded, and its international influence has steadily increased. “BRICS provides an important platform for countries in the Global South to assert their right to development, safeguard international justice, and participate in the reform of the global governance system,” he said, adding that China will continue to follow the “BRICS spirit” and work with Russia and other BRICS partners to develop common values and protect common interests, making new contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind. –0–

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Georgia Shows Economic Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty – IMF

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

TBILISI, July 23 (Xinhua) — Georgia continues to demonstrate high resilience amid heightened domestic and geopolitical uncertainty, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in a statement on Wednesday following its annual consultations.

As noted in the statement, the Georgian economy maintains strong growth rates, inflation has stabilized near the target level, and public debt remains moderate. Such results were possible due to consistent macroeconomic policies, as well as stable domestic and external financial positions.

The IMF estimates that growth should slow to potential levels as domestic demand weakens, while inflation and public debt will remain stable if prudent monetary and fiscal policies continue.

Among the key challenges facing the Georgian economy, the IMF named high levels of structural unemployment, low productivity in agriculture, and a shortage of skilled labor. To overcome these difficulties, it recommended developing the vocational education system and increasing support for the agricultural sector. –0–

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