The Chinese-Uzbek joint venture UTK International Logistics recently began its first block train shipment from China to Tajikistan, according to its co-founder Uztemiryulkonteyner (UTK).

The new transport corridor was launched in pilot mode as part of agreements aimed at deepening regional cooperation between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

The Chinese-Uzbek joint venture UTK International Logistics has began its first block train shipment from China to Tajikistan, its co-founder UTK said.
The new transport corridor was launched in pilot mode as part of agreements aimed at deepening regional cooperation between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Uzbekistan Railways is backing the initiative by offering tariff preferences for the route.

The inaugural train carrying consumer goods and construction equipment departed Lanzhou and is following a multi-modal transport corridor passing through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to reach Dushanbe in Tajikistan. The route covers over 3,500 kilometres and is expected to take 18 to 20 days.

Uzbekistan Railways is backing the initiative by offering tariff preferences for the route, according to regional media reports.

UTK International Logistics, set up in July 2025, focuses on cargo consolidation and the development of freight transportation between China and Central Asia.

A UTK assembly point has also been opened in the Lanzhou Free Economic Zone. The company signed an agreement with Gansu International Logistics to organise transit operations through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, extending the corridor to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

KARL LAGERFELD unveils its Spring–Summer 2026 campaign, From Paris with Love, starring cultural icon Paris Hilton for the second consecutive season. Captured through the lens of long-time brand collaborator Chris Colls at the Maison’s headquarters, 21 Rue Saint-Guillaume in Paris, the global campaign spans the KARL LAGERFELD, KARL LAGERFELD JEANS, and KARL LAGERFELD PARIS collections.

“Shooting the campaign at 21 Rue Saint-Guillaume was incredibly inspiring,” says Paris Hilton. “Stepping into Karl’s world felt personal and true to the DNA of both Karl and the brand. It wasn’t about looking back but being present in a space where his legacy continues to evolve.”

Karl Lagerfeld launches its Spring–Summer 2026 campaign, From Paris with Love, starring Paris Hilton for a second season.
Shot by Chris Colls at 21 Rue Saint-Guillaume, the campaign spans three collections, blending black-and-white classics with vibrant seasonal tones.
Sean O’Pry fronts menswear, while the K/Autograph range returns as a signature highlight.

Moving through the Maison with ease and confidence, Paris Hilton brings her signature glamour and charisma to KARL LAGERFELD’s universe through playful digital storytelling. The still imagery balances her personality with the House’s timeless codes: the main campaign embraces signature black-and-white, KARL LAGERFELD JEANS introduces pop-inflected colors, and the KARL LAGERFELD PARIS US campaign reflects a colorful, fresh spring attitude and assured femininity. Across all collections, Paris’ energy elevates the Maison’s aesthetic, creating a modern, empowered expression of style.

Sean O’Pry fronts the men’s collection with sleek, understated presence. His refined yet relaxed approach, combined with his natural chemistry with Paris Hilton, brings contemporary energy across ready-to-wear and accessories, anchored by the hero image outside the Paris Maison HQ.

The K/Autograph range returns as the season’s centerpiece, its iconic graphic hardware showcasing Karl’s original autograph and reinforcing the Maison’s signature aesthetic.

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)

The new government in Bangladesh will seek to defer the country’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) status by at least three years as per the ruling party’s policy position, according to Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir.

Bangladesh is scheduled to graduate from the LDC category to developing-nation status on November 24 this year, having already met all three UN criteria—income, human assets and economic and environmental vulnerability.

Bangladesh will seek to defer graduation from the least developed country status by at least three years as per the party’s policy position, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said.
The Economic Relations Division will lead the process, while the commerce ministry will formally initiate the procedure.
Domestic businesses had been lobbying the last interim government for such a deferral.

The Economic Relations Division (ERD) will lead the process, while the commerce ministry will formally initiate the procedure, he said.

The country’s businesses had been lobbying the last interim government for such a deferral.

Sixteen major business chambers and trade bodies had sent a letter to the interim government requesting LDC graduation be postponed for at least six years, citing high interest rates and the economic challenges faced by various sectors due to the fallouts of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)