From February 4 to 7, 2025, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, paid a state visit to the People's Republic of China, reaffirming the high level of strategic partnership between the two nations. During meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, key issues related to trade, economic cooperation, investment, and infrastructure development were discussed.

On the Ala-Too 24 state television channel, during the Ala-Too Live program, Uluk Kydyrbaev, Head of the Secretariat of the Investment Council under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, spoke live to highlight the visit’s significance and its economic impact.

Uluk Kydyrbaev emphasized that Kyrgyz-Chinese cooperation has entered a new phase, marked by tangible economic transformation. Previously, bilateral discussions were primarily strategic and political, but today, we see real investment and infrastructure projects that are either being implemented or are in the final stages of approval.

Key Projects Transforming the Kyrgyz Economy

"China – Kyrgyz Republic – Uzbekistan" Railway

A project that had been in development for over 20 years has finally moved into active implementation. This railway will become a major transport corridor linking Central Asia with the Middle East and Europe, creating new logistics opportunities, expediting trade flows, and generating thousands of new jobs in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Expansion of Trade and Infrastructure

China remains the Kyrgyz Republic’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching a record $22.71 billion in 2024. Additionally, the Toruugart and Irkeshtam border checkpoints have been upgraded and now operate 24/7, significantly facilitating cross-border trade and improving business conditions.

Development of Cross-Border and E-Commerce

The "Two Countries – Two Parks" project aims to enhance cross-border trade, develop digital commerce, and expand exports of Kyrgyz goods to the Chinese market. This initiative will increase the country’s export potential and simplify access for Kyrgyz products to international markets.

Additionally, the completion of the "North-South" highway will become a key component of national transport infrastructure, connecting northern and southern regions and significantly reducing travel times.

According to Uluk Kydyrbaev, ongoing transformations in Kyrgyz-Chinese relations are already having a direct impact on the country’s development. These projects enhance economic stability, create employment opportunities, and open new prospects for businesses.

Furthermore, partnership with China provides the Kyrgyz Republic with greater integration into global economic processes, particularly within the "Belt and Road Initiative," which is shaping new transport and logistics routes across Eurasia.

The Kyrgyz Republic and China demonstrate a high level of trust and long-term cooperation. The implementation of joint projects will not only contribute to economic growth in both countries but also strengthen regional stability and facilitate Central Asia’s integration into global markets.

The full version of the interview is available here (in Russian)