Experts of the Kyrgyz Agriculture Ministry made an official statement today. Apparently, more than a hundred tons of flour imported to the country from China may contain melamine additives and is possibly infected by khapra beetle worms. The found worms had been photographed and sent to the Russian Scientific Research Center. The Russians will send their conclusion to the Kyrgyz government after a thorough analysis.

The replacement of mechanical devices with electronic ones will introduce a new system of payments as well. Until now consumers paid for consumed gas, and now they will be able to make advanced payments. Bishkekgaz accounting office shows how the new electronic meters will work. During the payment, a magnetic card registers data on the volumes of purchased gas. Now all the consumer has to do is to insert the device into the meter. The system is similar to the one of mobile phone advanced payment.

Three of the best service providers in Kyrgyzstan were rewarded with a prize by the Prime Minister Igor Chudinov today. This year the contest was limited to organizations working in the healthcare sector. The award committee received applications from around 100 candidates, including medical centres, laboratories and even massage and cosmetic treatment clinics.

A Tajik-Russian Business Forum was opened in Dushanbe today. It is being attended by parliamentarians and representatives of business communities of both countries. The forum’s agenda includes issues of trade and economic, as well as culture and science cooperation. The Tajik President Emomali Rahmon took part in the opening ceremony.

The Russian Military Airbase is located in a small town of Kant, about 20 kilometers away from the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Su-25 and Su-27 jet fighter planes have been brought here five years ago, as part of the CSTO partnership agreement, to provide security in the Central Asian region. Representatives of the Russian Air Force Command and a delegation from St. Petersburg, Kant’s sister city, have come to the base today to celebrate the fifth anniversary of its opening.

About 300 items were displayed during the Fair in Osh city in southern Kyrgyzstan, which featured products of Chinese companies from neighboring Xinxiang province. The ceremony was accompanied with speeches of local and foreign officials, as well as performances of Chinese artists. The fair features products of around 80 companies from China, including farming equipment, electrical generators, and even fruits and berries.

Four families were expected to be evicted from a hazardous dormitory in Almaty today. But the court officers did not arrive to the scene on time and the works were postponed. Residents still do not know what affected the situation - the celebration of the Republic Day or the actions of a political party Nur Otan.

150 economic crimes have been solved in the Sogda region of Tajikistan since the beginning of this year. The damage done to the regional budget is estimated by the regional anti-corruption agency at 9 million dollars. According to the agency, most of the crimes involve state officials. Employees of the sanitary and epidemic agency and Tajikstandard have been arrested on the spot, while accepting bribes.

The Fourth International Tashkent Photo Biennale is featuring three sections: “Mind Plus Feelings,” “Gestures and Mimicry,” and “Youth and Time.” 29 participants from 15 countries of the world are presenting their works at the exhibition.

Lately, the indexes of world stock markets are fluctuating at alarming and unpredictable rates. Meanwhile, the Kazakh Stock Exchange mirrors this global trend. According to experts, oil and natural gas sector is suffering the most. At the moment, Kazakh analysts advise non-career speculators to refrain from buying stocks at all. It is not the time for bull-market players, they say.