Inflow surge propels K-Asset’s AUM to B1.8tn

Kasikorn Asset Management (K-Asset) has emerged as a market leader in Thailand’s mutual fund industry, capturing more than half of total net inflows this year-to-date to drive its assets under management (AUM) close to 1.8 trillion baht.

Executive chairman Win Phromphaet said the company captured inflows of 134 billion baht this year, representing about half of the entire industry’s inflows. The increase was driven primarily by fixed-income funds, which attracted strong demand amid persistently high interest rates.

By year-end, total inflows could reach 170 billion baht, pushing K-Asset’s AUM beyond the 2-trillion-baht milestone, he said.

K-Asset sees signs of stabilisation for Thai equities over the next six months, supported by a rebound in GDP growth and a bottoming out of corporate earnings revisions.

K-Asset projects the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index to finish in a range of 1,300-1,340 points this year.

“While structural challenges, such as demographics, competitiveness and governance, still weigh on long-term growth, near-term sentiment is improving thanks to fiscal stimulus, reduced political risk and tax incentives,” said Mr Win.

He said interest rate policy will remain a key driver for stock market growth. K-Asset expects Thai policy rates to decline by 50 to 75 basis points (bps) over the next 12 months, with the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee meeting on Oct 8 proving pivotal. If rates are cut later than expected, such as in December, the market could respond positively, with each 25-bps cut potentially lifting the SET index by around 40 points, said Mr Win.

K-Asset continues to recommend high-dividend equities, particularly in the banking and energy sectors. The six largest banks and two smaller players offer dividend yields of about 8%, while major energy firms are delivering 6.3-6.5%.

“Historically, dividend-focused stocks have consistently outperformed the broader market,” he said, adding a new government and proactive policies on household debt are expected to further benefit these sectors.

Despite slow economic growth, dividend stocks remain a stable source of income. Average total returns from Thai equities are projected at 5% annually, with dividends contributing around 4%, noted K-Asset.

“Dividend-paying equities can help balance portfolios, generate consistent income, and protect value in a low-growth environment,” said Mr Win.

Long-term bonds have offered yields of 8-10% in 2025, making them particularly attractive to investors wary of the sluggish performance of domestic equities. However, K-Asset expects yields to normalise over the next 6-12 months.

“Bond yields could fall to around 3-4% once the interest rate downcycle takes hold. Investors should adjust their portfolios according to their risk appetite,” said managing director Wajana Wongsupasawat.

With bond returns likely to soften, there may be opportunities to diversify into other risk assets, including foreign equities and fixed income abroad, he said.

State collection undershoots target by B34.1bn

The government’s revenue collection for the first 11 months of fiscal 2025 fell short of its target by 34.1 billion baht due to lower collections than projected from auto excise tax, corporate income tax, and value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods.

According to the Finance Ministry’s report, government revenue collection from October 2024 to August 2025 totalled 2.50 trillion baht, which was 46.8 billion baht or 1.9% higher than the same period the previous year, but still 1.3% below the target.

The shortfall was mainly attributed to weaker auto excise tax collections as the government offered tax incentives to promote the use of electric vehicles, while tax payments from the purchase of internal combustion engine vehicles were less than expected.

In addition, corporate income tax and VAT collected from imported goods were below target due to increased use of free-zone privileges and changing economic conditions.

However, revenue collected by other government agencies and remittances from state-owned enterprises exceeded projections.

Government revenues come from five main sources: the three tax-collecting departments, remittances from state enterprises, and contributions from other agencies such as the Treasury Department.

For the first 11 months of this fiscal year, all three tax departments collected amounts below their targets.

The Revenue Department collected 2.01 trillion baht, down 1.3% from its target, while the Excise Department amassed 489 billion, 11.8% less than its target, and the Customs Department collected 104 billion, a dip of 7.1% from its goal.

State-owned enterprises remitted 169 billion baht to the government for the period, 13.9% above target, while other government agencies contributed 203 billion baht, 26.8% above target.

Government revenue before tax refunds and VAT allocations to local administrative organisations, as required under the Fiscal Decentralization Act, amounted to 2.98 trillion baht. After these deductions, the government’s net revenue was 2.50 trillion baht.

A source at the Finance Ministry who requested anonymity said government revenue as a percentage of GDP has been steadily declining. In fiscal 2015, the percentage was 16.1%, declining to a projected 15% for fiscal 2025.

For fiscal 2026, the estimate is 14.6%, underscoring the need for fiscal reforms of both revenue and expenditure to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability, the source said.

BoT forecasts 0.2% bump from stimulus package

The Bank of Thailand estimates the government’s 66-billion-baht stimulus package will contribute roughly 0.2% to GDP growth.

Chayawadee Chai-anant, assistant governor for corporate relations at the central bank, said the package including the “Khon La Khrueng” (half-half) co-payment scheme is expected to raise nominal GDP by about 0.4%, with the contribution to real GDP growth closer to 0.2%.

“The stimulus will have a limited impact on GDP as the measures are focused mainly on increasing consumption rather than creating employment. Moreover, a portion of the spending is likely to be for imported goods,” she said.

Even so, the package should help improve public confidence. If the co-payment scheme stimulates spending among higher-income groups, it could provide a greater boost to domestic consumption, said Ms Chayawadee.

The regulator reported Thai economic conditions softened in August compared with the previous month, mainly due to weaker agricultural and industrial output, which weighed on trade and freight transport services.

In contrast, the tourism sector improved, supported by both domestic and foreign visitors. Seasonally adjusted foreign arrivals rose 2.8% month-on-month in August to 2.6 million. Tourism income also increased by 2.7% in August, up from 1.1% growth in July. The tourism recovery was driven by short-haul visitors from China, Japan and South Korea off for their school summer break as well as long-haul arrivals from Germany and Russia. Revenue from foreign tourism after seasonal adjustment edged up, in line with the arrival uptick.

Merchandise exports to the US grew 5.5% in August, slowing from 9.7% in July and the first deceleration since the US import tariff was implemented. Exports of electronic products eased slightly after several months of strong growth, noted the central bank.

Exports are expected to continue slowing in the third quarter, though a contraction will depend on global trade conditions and the impact of US tariffs on each country, she said.

Following criticism over proposals to use the central bank’s foreign reserves to establish a sovereign wealth fund, Ms Chayawadee said the structure of reserves varies by country. For Thailand, borrower reserves are relatively high, making it essential for the regulator to maintain a solid buffer against potential capital outflows. She said the central bank remains open to hearing different viewpoints.

Speaking at a ThaiPublica seminar, Supavud Saicheua, chairman of the National Economic and Social Development Council, said Thailand holds excessive foreign reserves amounting to roughly 9 trillion baht, which is kept idle instead of being put to productive use.

He said the IMF assesses Thailand’s international reserve adequacy ratio at 237%, well above the benchmark of 193%.

Briton arrested with 9kg of ‘ice’

Bangkok police arrested a British man with about nine kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ‘ice’, in his hotel room on Tuesday.

Bangkok police chief Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom said that an informant tipped police who then arrested Wilson Allaway, 23, in a room on the fourth floor of Le Fenix Sukhumvit Hotel on Sukhumvit 11 Road in Watthana district on Tuesday.

Police found a total of 9.15kg of crystal meth in 10 tea bags in the room.

According to Pol Lt Gen Sayam, the suspect said he received the drug from another Briton known only as ‘Snoopy’. The latter paid him 20,000 baht to deliver the drug to buyers.

MPs fail Clean Air Bill

The recurring failure to maintain a quorum during the debate on the Clean Air Bill highlights a fundamental lapse in the primary duty of members of parliament.

The long-awaited legislation, initiated by citizen groups demanding action against the worsening PM2.5 pollution back in 2022, was stalled yet again last week.

The House session, which was debating the bill’s content article by article during its second reading, collapsed due to an insufficient number of members being present, resulting in a lack of quorum.

The following blame game reveals an unusual political situation. The arrangement has deepened the political feud between the former coalition leader, the Pheu Thai Party, and the swing vote, the People’s Party.

The government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul from the Bhumjaithai Party, is operating as a minority coalition, commanding only 146 MPs. It only managed to secure the premiership through an agreement with the main opposition People’s Party, with conditions including demands for Mr Anutin to pave the way for a constitutional rewrite and dissolve parliament in four months.

Consequently, the Bhumjaithai-led minority government finds itself in a difficult position to reliably summon the required quorum to pass legislation.

The recent collapse of the Clean Air Bill deliberation attests to the precarious political situation and how partisan manoeuvring can supersede the public interest.

Pheu Thai has taken a heavy beating following the failure. After all, the party’s Chiang Mai MP Jakraphol Tangsuthitham chairs the bill’s drafting committee. More importantly, the party’s core base in the North is composed of people who have suffered most from the seasonal haze and PM2.5 pollution over the past many years.

Sadly, only a few Pheu Thai MPs were present during the Clean Air Bill debate. News reports indicated that only 27% of its total 140 MPs attended the session — a stark contrast to the 90% attendance from the People’s Party and 80% from the Bhumjaithai Party.

Mr Jakraphol has publicly urged all parties to cease blame-shifting and join forces to ensure the law is enacted, establishing a basic human right, holding polluters responsible, and providing funds to provide medical treatment and compensate those affected.

However, other Pheu Thai figures and supporters have adopted a more belligerent stance. Pheu Thai continues to argue that maintaining the quorum is the government’s duty. It also holds a somewhat simplistic position that if Mr Anutin could command 331 votes to secure the premiership, he should be able to control the same number of MPs when it comes to passing essential legislation.

However, these arguments fail to hold against the gravity of the PM2.5 problem, which is set to return this winter. Air pollution is a non-partisan issue that affects every citizen and must be addressed with urgent and sincere action.

This is no time for politicking. The duty to attend parliamentary sessions and facilitate the legislative process is shared by all MPs, regardless of their political party affiliation or whether they are in the government or the opposition. Any MPs who neglect this duty and fail to defend the public interest have fundamentally failed in their role and deserve to be publicly called to account.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrives in Denmark for working visit [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

On October 1, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Denmark for a working visit at the invitation of Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen and President of the European Council António Costa to participate in the 7th European Political Community Summit, Azernews reports.

At Copenhagen International Airport, President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were welcomed by officials.

CIS Games: competitions to be held in seven sports

Competitions on seven sports will be held on October 1 as part of the 3rd CIS Games, Azernews reports.

Trampoline gymnastics tournament will kick off in Shaki.

In Gabala, the shooting competitions will conclude, and mixed team events in badminton will be organized. Also in this city, the Azerbaijani national football team will face Kyrgyzstan. The match will start at 12:00.

Swimming and volleyball competitions will take place in Ganja, while boxing matches will be held in Yevlakh.

Azerbaijan is hosting the third Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games from September 28 to October 8, 2025, marking a significant event in the region’s sports calendar.

This multi-sport competition brings together athletes from CIS member states and invited countries, aiming to promote friendship, cooperation, and athletic excellence.

For the first time in the history of the CIS Games, competitions are being held across seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, Yevlakh, and Khankandi.

Each city hosts events in different sports, with the second-largest city, Ganja, serving as the main hub and officially designated the CIS Sports Capital for 2025.

Around 23 sports are being contested across 12 venues, highlighting a broad and inclusive athletic program.

A total of 1,624 athletes from 13 countries had confirmed participation. Event mascots Babir and Leyla are helping to generate enthusiasm among young fans.

President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and President Sergio Mattarella attend opening of first academic buildings of Italy-Azerbaijan University [PHOTOS]

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, attended the inauguration of the first campus of the Italy-Azerbaijan University in Baku on October 1, Azernews reports.

Rector of ADA University Hafiz Pashayev briefed President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and President Sergio Mattarella on the new campus and the surrounding park. They then viewed an exhibition of agricultural products from Azerbaijan and Italy organized within the campus.

The initiative to establish the Italy-Azerbaijan University was proposed by President Ilham Aliyev during his state visit to Italy in 2020. To implement the project, academic cooperation agreements were signed in 2022 between ADA University and five leading Italian higher education institutions: Luiss Guido Carli University, Sapienza University of Rome, Polytechnic University of Turin, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, and Polytechnic University of Milan. This collaboration brings Italy’s expertise in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, creative industries, craftsmanship, and technological development to Azerbaijan through education and research. It plays a crucial role in training future specialists for key sectors of Azerbaijan’s economy, particularly engineering, agriculture and the food industry, architecture, and design.

The foundation for the university buildings was laid in 2022 in Baku with the participation of the foreign ministers of both countries. Student admissions began in 2023 at the master’s level. Currently, 538 students are enrolled in 8 bachelor’s programs and 102 in 2 master’s programs, including three dual-degree specializations. The programs cover electrical and electronics engineering, architecture, interior and communication design, urban planning, agriculture and food technologies, animal husbandry, and various management fields. In addition to bachelor’s and master’s programs, professional development and certification courses for specialists are also offered.

The campus will feature classrooms along with 6 research laboratories and 7 teaching laboratories developed in collaboration with the University of Bologna and the Polytechnic University of Milan, equipped with modern technologies. It also includes a library with materials related to architecture and urban planning, landscape and photo-video studios, and various design workshops. The teaching workshop serves as a space for practical instruction, providing technological and digital capabilities for working with different materials. It will function as a collaborative space for students and researchers, with the results of their work shared with industry and business structures through a dedicated Design and Creativity Center – a hub where education and research meet the real business world.

The campus also features a ‘market square’ symbolizing Azerbaijan’s historical role on the Silk Road. Once a year, students and faculty will gather here to present their projects to the business community. These exhibitions will foster trilateral cooperation between the university, industry, and the state at both local and international levels.

The implementation of this project is a testament to the high level of humanitarian cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy and reflects the close and sincere relations between the two nations. It also contributes to the development of Azerbaijan’s education system by incorporating Italian expertise.

After touring the campus facilities, President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and President Sergio Mattarella met with leaders of Italian universities visiting Azerbaijan, as well as professors and students of the Italy-Azerbaijan University.

Addressing the meeting, Rector of ADA University Hafiz Pashayev said:

– Dear President Ilham Aliyev,

Dear President Sergio Mattarella,

Dear Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of our country,

I am welcoming you to this new building with immense excitement and pride. I would also like to welcome and applaud the government officials of Azerbaijan and Italy, our professors and teaching staff, and students. I say ‘Welcome!’ to all of you.

Five years ago, during an official visit to Italy, President Ilham Aliyev took the initiative and proposed the establishment of the Italy-Azerbaijan University. Work began back then, and in 2022, in Rome, we signed agreements with five Italian universities, paving the way for those intentions to translate into concrete work. After that, of course, Mr. President gave us a great gift: the Order on the establishment of the new Italy-Azerbaijan University campus in Baku. Today, as you can see, we are at that university. This is a wonderful university, which already has two buildings. One is the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and the other is the Faculty of Design and Architecture. Of course, our achievements to date are not limited to these alone; we have also made progress in organizing education, and I can say that today we have 640 students, including 112 masters, while the rest are bachelors. I can even say that our first admission was in 2023, and its graduates have already completed the Luiss University’s master’s program this year.

Of course, I don’t want to take up too much of your time, but I want to say one thing. Both the Italian side and five Italian universities – Luiss, Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, Sapienza and Bologna – have played an important role in the establishment of this university. That main building belongs to the University of Bologna, which is related to agriculture. What I mean to say is that these tasks have already been accomplished, and many companies have participated in them. Their contributions to this work are highly valuable. I don’t want to list them all now, but I must say that this work truly demonstrates a great enthusiasm for education. We have received significant support from everyone and every company involved in this effort. I should also mention that this work was carried out with great enthusiasm.

Mr. President, I would like to thank you very much for creating this opportunity for us. This was a truly exciting work, and of course, it will be continued. But I think that the progress we have achieved so far has created a certain idea of what our intentions are and where we are heading. In general, we intend to contribute more to the country’s education. I know that a lot of work has been done in both countries in relation to education. Even our partners are interested in helping us with this work and sharing their experience. In this respect, I would like to draw special attention to the fact that currently 26 doctoral students are studying at these two universities – at the University of Bologna, then at Polimi. We also have doctoral students in engineering in Turin.

I would like to specifically note the attention and support given to education by both Presidents. It is no coincidence that both President Ilham Aliyev and President Sergio Mattarella are inaugurating these buildings together with us today. Therefore, on behalf of our university, our students and teachers, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to both Presidents.

Thank you very much.

X X X

Then, the President of Azerbaijan addressed the meeting.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

– Dear Mr. President.

Dear guests, students and teachers.

Ladies and gentlemen.

It is a very significant day in the history of Azerbaijani-Italian relations today, as we are participating in the inauguration of the buildings of the Italy-Azerbaijan University. When I met with President Mattarella in Rome last year, I informed him about this and invited him to pay an official visit to Azerbaijan. I am glad that Mr. President accepted my invitation and has come to Azerbaijan for a second official visit. We are inaugurating this wonderful educational institution together as part of the visit. In fact, the inclusion of this event in the program of President Mattarella’s official visit shows that both Italy and Azerbaijan attach great importance to cooperation in this area. I am sure that the future of the university will be very bright. It will take its rightful place not only in Azerbaijan, but also on a global scale, and graduates of the university will contribute to the development of Azerbaijan. I am sure that those studying here now and those who will study here in the future will provide great support for the development of Azerbaijan in the future, because it is no secret that the development of each country stems from its scientific and educational potential. If we look at the experience of developed countries, we will see that it is knowledge, education, and technology that drive the development of these countries forward. In today’s world, technological development determines the success of every country. As a country rich in natural resources, Azerbaijan has tried, first of all, to channel the revenues from natural resources into the development of human capital because we must look to the future. Let me reiterate that oil, gas and natural resources do not mean that these countries will have long-term sustainable development. This development can be short-term. Long-term sustainable development is built on a foundation of knowledge, technology and education. Therefore, we in Azerbaijan have been paying great attention to this area and have been implementing many important programs for many years.

After I was elected President, I almost immediately issued an order to send Azerbaijani youth to the world’s leading universities at the expense of Azerbaijan, to have all their expenses covered by the government and to have them return to the Motherland as good specialists. To date, thousands of students have gone to the world’s leading universities through government support. At the next stage, we decided to also pay close attention to international cooperation issues related to the development of the education system within Azerbaijan. A university is already operating in Azerbaijan with several foreign partners, and the next university is the Italy-Azerbaijan University. What makes this university quite special is that, as rector Hafiz Pashayev has just noted, this university was established together with five leading Italian universities and ADA University. Of course, taking into account the relations of strategic partnership between Italy and Azerbaijan, we are confident and hopeful that this will become one of the leading educational institutions in Azerbaijan.

Italy has established relations with Azerbaijan on the basis of strategic partnership for many years. We are strategic partners in the true sense of the word, because our cooperation is strategic in nature. It is not short-term, but long-term. At the same time, new areas are added to our cooperation framework every year. Ranging from energy to industrial production and now also covering the field of education, the cooperation is truly strategic in nature.

Yesterday, as part of President Mattarella’s official visit, we noted both in official statements and in our negotiations that Azerbaijani-Italian cooperation has led to great development, for example, in the energy sector. The TAP project, which is part of the Southern Gas Corridor, was made possible, to a large extent, thanks to President Mattarella’s personal involvement and support. If this had not been resolved at that time, we would not have been able to export so much natural resources to Europe today. We would have been suffering from that, and so would Europe. Today, Azerbaijani gas supports the energy security of eight European Union member states, and this geography is expanding. Azerbaijani-Italian cooperation has played a crucial role here.

Azerbaijan is in second place in the Italian market in terms of gas supply and in first place in terms of oil supply. I am sure that Italy will also be our number one partner in the field of education. In any case, what we have seen here and the successes of the university that has already started operating give reason to say so. Hundreds of students are already studying at the university. We also met with the management team here today. An international team of professors works here, both from Italy and Azerbaijan. There are also foreign students, and this creates a very nice atmosphere. I am sure that those studying here and graduates will be ambassadors of Azerbaijani-Italian friendship in the future. In any case, the future of Azerbaijani students going to this university will be connected with Italy. They will get to know Italy, its culture, its development and successes more closely. Many goals will be achieved here. First of all, a strong human resource capacity will be created for the Azerbaijani economy in the future. The issues of improving our education sector will be addressed. We will join the most modern and progressive education system and, at the same time, our friendly relations with Italy, one of the leading countries of the European Union, will be further strengthened. Taking into account all these factors, we once again see that timely and thoughtful steps lead to wonderful results.

It was noted here that the initiative to establish this university was put forward only five years ago. Documents were exchanged in Rome, at the Cultural Center within the Azerbaijan Embassy. Following this, I issued an order. Then, funds were allocated from Azerbaijan’s state budget for the establishment of these buildings and the entire infrastructure, and today, in 2025, we are celebrating the opening of these beautiful buildings.

This is a truly wonderful event. This educational institution will be a center of Azerbaijani-Italian friendship. I congratulate each of you on this occasion. I once again express my gratitude to the President for attending this event together with us. Thank you.

X X X

The President of Italy also delivered a speech.

Speech by President of Italy Sergio Mattarella

– Mr. President,

Dear Madam First Vice President,

I express my deep gratitude to ADA University and its rector for the kind words. I also greet the rectors and vice-rectors of Luiss University, the Universities of Milan and Turin, as well as the Universities of Bologna and Rome, who are also here together with him. Mr. President, I graduated from the University of Rome myself many years ago.

I warmly welcome the associate professors of the Italy-Azerbaijan University, as well as the students, girls and boys, who are studying and will study in such a magnificent campus that we have just reviewed. The campus has left a great impression on me. I highly appreciate the functionality and beauty of its building. I am personally very pleased with this initiative. Italy is proud of having implemented this project jointly with Azerbaijan. This university brings together not only its vast opportunities, resources, research and teaching, associate professors, and young Azerbaijani and Italian students, it is also a reflection of the growing, extensive and broad friendship between Azerbaijan and Italy.

This initiative is both symbolic and exemplary in nature. It is the crown of our cooperation, which, as President Ilham Aliyev recalled, manifests itself in various forms and sectors ranging from energy to the economy and industry. This place is also the embodiment of the culture, scientific research and education that closely bind our countries and their citizens.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for his kind invitation to come to Azerbaijan again. I am honored by his invitation to inaugurate such a magnificent student campus. I am truly grateful.

I see all this as an opportunity to demonstrate the relations between our countries, the relations that are focused on the well-being of their citizens, that care about their lives and about their future. Baku and Rome have not only written the history of contacts in geographical terms, but also the chronicle of the exchange of goods and products through intersecting trade routes, as well as sharing their knowledge, prospects and plans for friendship and cooperation.

Their renewal in such an effective and specific form and with such high quality in the example of the Italy-Azerbaijan University is also a message to the entire international community. This cooperation complements the skills, talents, resources and prospects. I am very pleased to see such a magnificent building of the university together with Mr. President. This educational institution will not only provide associate professors and students with the opportunity to conduct research, work, study and actively expand their knowledge, but will also create an opportunity to experience university life in this area. When thinking about development prospects, I would wish for such development trends to spread widely throughout all regions of Azerbaijan. I would like to see many significant international initiatives implemented here. Such joint prospects will further enhance the role of our Italy-Azerbaijan University. The culture that the University reflects and expresses will turn its messages into an even more effective carrier of knowledge.

On this occasion, I extend my warmest congratulations to the students, girls and boys, who are studying and will study here. They will not only study at an educational institution in their own country, but will also have the opportunity to communicate with students, associate professors and researchers from other educational institutions of their country not virtually, but in a real and effective way. Our students, associate professors and researchers will also establish contact with their Azerbaijani colleagues. This is how knowledge deepens and the scale of opportunities expands. Under such circumstances, that experience and initiative become an incredibly valuable tool.

I would like to inform you that President Ilham Aliyev and I have already spoken about the achievements of the participating universities, including that extraordinary initiative that has yielded significant results. All this goes to show how correct the initiative and the intention behind the establishment of that educational institution have been.

We thank you for your efforts. Italy is proud to participate in this initiative together with Azerbaijan. Mr. President, I am truly pleased that we are setting such an important example at the international level, namely, the deepening and development of cooperation and the education of our talented youth. Against the background of the current international situation characterized by serious conflicts and clashes, we are happy to cooperate, working not only in the economic and industrial spheres, but also in the fields of culture and youth education, the formation of the youth. And humanity should always be on this path. Only young people will lead humanity forward. We have done a lot of work at the global level. It will not be possible to face these challenges without the deepening of culture, education and research. The Italy-Azerbaijan University appreciates this endeavor and carries out cooperation in the name of that.

Thank you for your work. Congratulations to the rectors, associate professors and students!

Kazakhstan launches AI research university

A specialized research university focused on artificial intelligence will be established in Kazakhstan to train highly qualified professionals in the field, Azernews reports.

This directive was issued by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the inaugural meeting of the Council for the Development of AI held in Astana.

‘The educational institution should be granted a special status. Moreover, it is essential to involve leading universities from around the world as partners,’ Tokayev emphasized.

The head of state also stated that the government is expected to present detailed proposals on the matter by the end of the year.

‘The primary goal of the new university is to train experts capable of applying AI technologies across all sectors of the economy. The institution should serve as a hub for knowledge, research, innovation, and international collaboration,’ the President added.

Kazakhstan aims to become a regional leader in AI development, leveraging its unique position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, and plans to integrate AI solutions into industries such as energy, agriculture, and smart city infrastructure.

Day 3 of Baku Climate Action Week 2025 kicks off

The third day of Baku Climate Action Week 2025 has officially begun.

Azernews reports that today’s session will feature keynote speeches by COP29 President and the Azerbaijani President’s Special Representative on Climate Issues, Mukhtar Babayev, as well as Azerbaijan’s Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov, among other high-level officials.

The day’s agenda will focus on critical climate-related challenges, including agriculture and food security in the context of climate change, climate technologies, and the sustainable management of regional water resources.

It’s worth noting that Azerbaijan successfully hosted the first Baku Climate Action Week in 2024, held in partnership with London. That inaugural event served as a nationwide call to mobilize society in the lead-up to COP29, scheduled for November 2024.