TRIPP/Zangezur Corridor: Armenia’s FM Ararat Mirzoyan says TRIPP construction could start next spring, and electricity transit may begin earlier than the railway since it’s “easier” to implement. Peace & Connectivity: In Bishkek at the SCO summit, Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev agreed to keep pushing the Washington peace track, highlighting Azerbaijani petroleum exports to Armenia, grain and third-country transit, and TRIPP connectivity steps. Eurasian Deal-Making: PM Narendra Modi met both Pashinyan and Azerbaijan’s leadership on SCO sidelines, signaling growth in defense, IT, pharma, mining, education and trade, while also meeting Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to expand minerals, agriculture and infrastructure cooperation. Mining & Local Impact: Lydian Armenia will allocate $7–9M annually to communities affected by the Amulsar gold mine, with ore production slated to begin in September. Gold Trade Watch: Armenia’s gold exports plunged 82.2% in 2025 (to 13,794.4 kg) after a surge in 2024, with the UAE taking 84.7% of exports. Construction Safety/Urban Pressure: Yerevan’s Aeration neighborhood faces attempted demolition of residential buildings, while a separate balcony collapse injured one person, underscoring ongoing housing infrastructure stress. Macro Outlook: The EDB expects Armenia’s GDP to grow about 6% in 2026, with services, construction and industry leading.