The Yawan high-speed railway will operate 10640 trains in the first half of 2026

On August 12th, Indonesia China High Speed Railway Co., Ltd. announced that a total of 10640 trains will be operated on the Jakarta Bandung high-speed railway in the first half of 2026, with 10574 trains running on time and a punctuality rate of 99.4%. The high-speed railway's high punctuality rate relies on an integrated operation system, and enterprises regularly conduct inspections and maintenance of facilities such as high-speed trains, lines, signals, and contact networks to ensure safe and stable operation. A customer survey conducted during the same period showed that the overall satisfaction rate of passengers reached 95.79%, with satisfaction rates of 97.35% and 97.18% for cabin crew services and safety assurance, respectively, which has been widely recognized by passengers.Editor/Gong Ziwei

Venezuela's public sector shortens working hours to alleviate electricity shortage

On August 12th local time, Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced that the government will shorten public sector working hours to reduce electricity consumption. Rodriguez said that Venezuela's current electricity consumption has reached its highest level in 10 years. On the 11th, the national electricity demand reached its peak this year, about 15726 megawatts, while the current power supply is only about 12000 megawatts. The staff of the public sector will implement the alternate day work system; At the same time, except for personnel working in necessary service departments such as healthcare, half day shifts will be implemented. Editor/Cheng Liting

Central African Aerospace Information Conference held in Kenya

On August 11, 2026, the China Africa Aerospace Information International Conference was held at the Kenya headquarters of the China Africa Center. More than 50 experts and scholars from China and Africa exchanged ideas on topics such as satellite remote sensing and disaster warning, empowering sustainable development in China and Africa.Editor/Gao Xue

Indonesian delegation visits Shanghai to explore cooperation in new energy testing

The government and enterprise delegation visited the New Energy Overseas Valley and SAIC Inspection to exchange ideas on topics such as new energy vehicle testing and compliance certification. China, India, and Nepal plan to jointly build a one-stop certification channel to lower the compliance threshold for overseas operations.Editor/Gao Xue

Thailand's high-speed rail diversified cooperation layout continues to be implemented

The Thai Ministry of Transport has announced that the Bangkok Pangsilo high-speed railway, a joint venture between Japan and Thailand, is scheduled for annual review in 2027, with construction starting in 2030 and operation in 2036. It will be the first phase of the Bangkok Chiang Mai high-speed railway. Thailand's high-speed rail selects partners in different directions, with the northern line connecting to Japan and the northeast Bangkok Langkai project being a Sino Thai cooperation project that can cross-border connect Laos and China. The first phase of the China Thailand high-speed railway is under construction, and negotiations are underway for the second phase. The northern route focuses on local passenger transportation in northern Thailand and has no cross-border function. The implementation cycle of multiple high-speed rail plans in Thailand is long, and the projects still face practical challenges.Editor/Gong Ziwei

CEEC Takes EPC Lead on 166MW PV-ESS Project in Philippines

On August 10, 2026, the 166MW photovoltaic power station in the Philippines officially started construction, accompanied by an 80MWh energy storage system. It was developed by a Singaporean company, with CEEC as the general contractor responsible for the entire construction process. The project is planned to be put into commercial operation in the second quarter of 2027. Editor/Min Jing

China Kazakhstan Deputy Foreign Ministers Meeting

On August 10, 2026, Ambassador to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin met with the First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Achibayev, and exchanged views on close bilateral coordination, deepening cooperation on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, and international and regional issues of common concern.Editor/Gao Xue

Chinese enterprises sign contracts for photovoltaic projects in Kyrgyzstan

China Energy Engineering Xinjiang Institute has signed an EPC contract for a 144MW photovoltaic power station in Naren Oblast, Kyrgyzstan, which is the first photovoltaic project in the state. It is equipped with a booster station and will alleviate the local power supply pressure after completion.Editor/Gao Xue

Goldwind Technology signs contract for 89.7MW wind power project in Thailand

On August 4, 2026, Goldwind Technology signed a contract with Thailand's Wind Energy Holding for the DKT1 wind power project, providing 23 GWH182-3.9MW units with a total installed capacity of 89.7MW and supporting 156 meter hybrid tower structures. After the completion of the project, the annual carbon reduction will be about 120000 tons, and the mixed tower technology will be applied for the first time in Southeast Asia.Editor/Gao Xue

China Railway 19th Bureau plans to win the Laos gold mining service project

Chifeng Jilong Gold's indirectly controlled subsidiary, Wanxiang Mining, plans to sign an open-pit mining service contract with China Railway 19th Bureau Laos wholly-owned company to ensure the production capacity of the Saipan Gold Copper Mine and the development of the Kanon project in Laos. The provisional total amount is 220 million US dollars, approximately 1.501 billion yuan excluding taxes. The contract is for a period of six years and covers the entire process of open-pit mining operations. Monthly progress settlement is required, with additional performance guarantees, warranty periods, and multiple preconditions for effectiveness.Editor/Gong Ziwei

India plans to incentivize over 10GW of polysilicon production capacity

India plans to launch a production linked incentive program to support the local polysilicon industry, covering over 10GW of production capacity. At present, India has built over 200GW of modules and 32GW of battery production capacity. It is expected to add 100GW of battery production capacity within one year, with the goal of achieving 80GW of silicon ingot and wafer production capacity by June 2028.Editor/Gao Xue

Ambassador to Mexico pays a visit to the General Administration of Customs of Mexico

On August 6, 2026, Ambassador to Mexico Chen Daojiang paid a visit to the Director General of the Mexican National Customs, Romero, and the two sides had friendly exchanges on cooperation in the field of China Mexico customs. Ambassador Chen stated that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China Mexico relations have continued to develop in a healthy and stable manner. China and Mexico are important trading partners to each other, and there is enormous potential for customs cooperation between the two countries. China is willing to work with Mexico to strengthen customs cooperation and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership. Romero stated that Mexico attaches great importance to customs cooperation with China and looks forward to working together to promote customs business docking, deepen economic and trade exchanges, and facilitate personnel exchanges. Editor/Gong Ziwei

Ma Resources wins bid for Penang Light Rail System

The consortium of horse resources has won the total contract of Penang light rail system of 5 billion yuan, including vehicle signal and other subsystems, which is transmitted to the partner or Alstom to help the layout of the Belt and Road rail transit.Editor/Gao Xue

Ambassador Li Zhigang Meets with Senegalese Minister of Mines and Geology Seck

On August 6, 2026, Ambassador Li Zhigang met with Senegal's Minister of Mines and Geology, Seck, and had friendly exchanges on mineral resource development cooperation. Both sides stated that they will further explore and deepen practical cooperation in areas such as mineral resource development and industrial chain construction, jointly promote green development of the mining industry, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.Editor/Gong Ziwei

CRCC wins bid for Algeria Railway Three Electricity Project

On August 2, 2026, China Railway Construction and a local Algerian enterprise won the bid for the communication, signal and power system project of the western railway mining line in Algeria. The consortium contract is equivalent to 3.56 billion yuan, covering the entire 950 kilometer railway line that has been opened to traffic. The project is responsible for the integration, debugging, and personnel training of the entire system, as well as improving scheduling, communication, and power support. The railway has a long-term iron ore capacity of 50 million tons per year, connecting the mining, processing, and steel industries to form a comprehensive industrial corridor. At present, the mining capacity is still in the climbing stage, and equipment orders are being released in stages. The subsequent business pace is affected by the progress of supporting projects.Editor/Gong Ziwei

Saudi Aramco's Q2 net profit increased by 44% year-on-year

Saudi Arabian National Oil Company released its financial report on August 4, 2026, showing a net profit of 32.7 billion US dollars in the second quarter of 2026, higher than the 22.7 billion US dollars in the same period last year and a year-on-year increase of 44%. According to the financial report, Saudi Aramco's average crude oil sales price in the second quarter was $108.1 per barrel, up 41% month on month and 62% year-on-year. Editor/Cheng Liting

China Power Construction meets with South African Minister of Electricity

On August 3, 2026, Ding Yanzhang, Chairman of China Power Construction Corporation, met with South African Minister of Electricity and Energy Ramohampa in Beijing. Both sides have reached a consensus on deepening cooperation in clean energy development, power grid upgrading, and infrastructure in South Africa, promoting mutually beneficial and win-win development.Editor/Gao Xue

Sinoma International signs $476 million cement equipment contract with Nigeria

Recently, Sinoma International signed a $476 million equipment supply contract with Dangote Industries in Nigeria to provide core equipment, materials, and a 12-month warranty for two new clinker production lines at Itoli Cement Plant. The production line can produce 6000 tons of clinker per day, and it is planned to produce clinker within 24 months after equipment debugging. The project aligns with Dangote's development vision and will help expand local cement production capacity and increase exports, continuing the cooperation between the two parties and demonstrating the strength of Chinese enterprises' deep participation in African infrastructure.Editor/Gong Ziwei

South Korea's National Artificial Intelligence Computing Center starts construction

On August 3, 2026, the Ministry of Science, Technology, Information and Communications of South Korea held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Artificial Intelligence Computing Center at the Sorasido Data Center Park in Hainan County, Gwangju City, Jeollanam do. The total investment of this project is 2.5 trillion Korean won, covering an area of approximately 48000 square meters. It is planned to construct a two-story building and is expected to be completed and put into use in 2028. Editor/Cheng Liting

Sino-Kazakh Civil Aviation Cooperation Boosts Central Asia Air Network via C909

Kazakhstan's Deputy Minister of Transport Rastayev met with Zhang Liang, Vice President of Urumqi Airlines, to discuss the establishment of a joint venture airline and the opening of three new China Kazakhstan routes, with C909 as the main aircraft model. The route is expected to depart in September, helping domestic regional aircraft deepen their cultivation in Central Asia and improve the air passage between China and Kazakhstan. Editor/Min Jing

China Energy Construction enters Abu Dhabi

Recently, China Energy Engineering Corporation established a project office in Metal Park, Abu Dhabi, to undertake the EPC project of Taweelah C 2.6GW gas turbine power plant. The project is one of the largest power contracts in the Gulf region this year, with a construction period of approximately 32 months.Editor/Gao Xue

The sea rail intermodal special line is put into operation in Xiamen

On July 29, 2026, China's first vertical shoreline direct sea rail intermodal line was put into operation at Xiamen Far Sea Port. The railway line is 1586 meters long and has an annual throughput of 250000 TEUs. Goods can be directly loaded onto the train, eliminating intermediate transportation, reducing logistics costs by 15%, and shortening the time by 2 to 3 days.Editor/Gao Xue

Türkiye and Iraq Sign Crude Oil Transportation Agreement

Türkiye and Iraq signed an agreement on August 1 to ensure that crude oil will continue to be transported through the Kirkuk Ceyhan oil pipeline from Iraq to Türkiye. This agreement was signed on the same day by Türkiye National Petroleum Pipeline Company, Iraq's state-owned oil company - National Petroleum Marketing Organization and Northern Petroleum Company in Ankara, Türkiye's capital, for a period of one year.Editor/Gong Ziwei

CB&I wins Abu Dhabi offshore oil well contract

CB&I Asset Solutions has signed a contract with Cosmo E&P Albahriya to provide drilling, engineering design, and operational support services for Block 4 offshore in Abu Dhabi. This signing further consolidates CB&I's position in the Middle East market, and both parties commit to promoting block exploration and development in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.Editor/Gao Xue

EU plans to invest 10 billion euros to build 7 AI super factories

On July 30, 2026, the European Commission announced the start of bidding for the construction of up to seven AI super factories in various parts of Europe. This initiative is led by the industry and has received up to 10 billion euros in funding support from the European Union and member states, and is expected to drive at least 20 billion euros in private investment across the entire EU. The European Commission stated that it has signed letters of intent with AMD, Nvidia, and Qualcomm to ensure that the AI Gigafactory consortium can smoothly acquire the necessary hardware equipment. Editor/Gong Ziwei

Allseas wins Canadian LNG subsea pipeline contract

In July 2026, Swiss marine engineering giant Allseas won the installation contract for the underwater section of the Canadian PRGT natural gas pipeline, which will lay approximately 50 kilometers of pipelines connecting onshore systems with Ksi Lisims floating LNG facilities. The offshore operation plan is scheduled to start in 2029.Editor/Gao Xue

Sinoma Energy Saving signs contract for Uzi air separation plant EPC project

On July 17, 2026, Sinoma Energy Conservation signed an EPC general contract for an air separation unit in Navoi, Uzbekistan. The project is owned by Linde Joint Venture and Navoi Nitrogen Fertilizer Company, marking the company's expansion from clean energy to the field of chemical engineering.Editor/Gao Xue

China National Heavy Machinery Industry Corporation wins Myanmar Railway Bureau project

On July 20, 2026, China National Heavy Machinery Industry Corporation won the bid for the remanufacturing of 2 battery electric multiple units and the renovation of 4 charging electric vehicles for the Myanmar Railway Bureau. This marks a further deepening of cooperation between the two parties, following the renovation of internal combustion locomotives in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.Editor/Gao Xue

Tajikistan invites China to invest in the construction of industrial parks

On July 27, 2026, Ahmadzada, Chairman of the Sogde region of Tajikistan, met with Song Qian, Chairman of China Antai Information Technology Co., Ltd. The two sides discussed the establishment of a mining and metallurgical industrial park in the Sogde region. The Chinese side has sent a delegation to conduct on-site inspections from July 12th to 18th this year. The construction of the park will introduce advanced technology, create employment, and enhance export potential.Editor/Gao Xue

Chinese made air taxis land in Kazakhstan

On July 24, 2026, Shanghai Fengfei Aviation's self-developed large electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft completed its maiden flight in Astana, Kazakhstan, as a supporting event for the 3rd Future Games. The unmanned demonstration flight had a maximum speed and range of 200 kilometers per hour. Kazakhstan has introduced regulations related to low altitude economy to regulate the development of eVTOL industry. The company plans to expand its logistics, rescue, cultural tourism and other applications in Central Asia by using Kazakhstan as its first stop. The aircraft will also be publicly exhibited on July 29-30, 2026.Editor/Gong Ziwei