Construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is advancing steadily, with work underway on 28 of 29 planned tunnels and 47 of 50 bridges along the 305-kilometer Kyrgyz section. Tunnel excavation is currently 21.5 percent complete, earthworks are 67% complete, and bridge pile foundations are 95% complete. The railway is scheduled to launch in 2031 but contractors aim to finish earlier.
Once complete, the 530-kilometer line will provide China with a shorter, faster, and cheaper rail route into Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan is also building a new airport in Manas to handle air cargo, envisioned as part of a major air, rail, and road freight network. The first tunnel, “Kosh-Dobo-2,” was fully excavated in August, and the first bridge structures are expected to be installed in 2027.
Central Asia Sees Growing Chinese Investment
Beijing recently hosted the signing of the Central Asia and Caucasus Private Equity Fund, co-sponsored by entities like the China Investment Corporation and Oman’s Investment Authority. The fund aims to invest in companies across the region, though details remain undisclosed.
In Kazakhstan, China Energy Engineering Corporation is building a 700 MW solar power project in the Almaty Region.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s ADM Global is investing $100 million to upgrade its factory for assembling hybrid and electric cars from Chinese brands like Changan and Chery. A 500 MW wind power plant by China’s Universal Energy is under construction in the Samarkand Region.
These projects reflect China’s deepening economic ties with Central Asia, positioning the region as a key link in its global trade and investment strategy. The railway, in particular, could significantly reduce transit times and costs for goods moving between China and Europe, bypassing traditional routes.
In Kyrgyzstan, China’s Ganfeng Lithium Group has shown interest in mining lithium, a critical material for batteries. While no agreements are signed, the interest from the world’s largest lithium producer is notable.
Advertising and Logistics Partnerships Expand
The Kyrgyz Marketing Association and Tajikistan Advertising Association signed MoUs with the China Advertising Association. These agreements aim to exchange best practices and increase bilateral investment in advertising.
Kazakhstan’s PTC Holding partnered with Chinese railway logistics company International Freight Trains to expand cross-border railway freight services and attract more Chinese cargo through Central Asia.
Energy and Infrastructure Projects Progress
A Chinese-backed green-energy equipment service center opened in Astana, Kazakhstan. It will support power plant maintenance and modernization, with equipment deliveries expected in early 2027.
The project is expected to generate 1.752 billion kWh annually, with full capacity by 2027.
Kazakhstan and China signed an agreement to enhance security and law enforcement at the Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center. The draft law is open for public consultation until November 18.
Turkmenistan’s state energy firm and China National Offshore Oil Corporation agreed to expand cooperation in Caspian energy development.
Chinese Companies Advance Energy and Infrastructure Projects in Central Asia
Kazakhstan China Energy Engineering Corporation’s international engineering subsidiary has announced the signing of an engineering, procurement and construction contract for a 700 MW solar power project in Kazakhstan’s Almaty Region. The facility will use high-efficiency 720-watt bifacial solar modules and single-axis tracking systems to increase electricity generation. The Chinese contractor’s announcement did not disclose the project owner, contract value, exact signing date, construction schedule or expected commissioning date.
In Alatau City, the $800 million Iconic Complex, featuring two towers measuring 272 and 78 meters, is under construction by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, with completion set for late 2029.
In Kazakhstan, Tianchen, a Chinese engineering company, completed cold commissioning tests for a calcium chloride production unit at a chemical complex, moving closer to operational readiness.
InDrive, Pony.ai, and NVIDIA signed an MoU to explore deploying autonomous taxis in Astana, targeting trials in the first half of 2027, pending government approval.
Uzkimyosanoat and China Tianchen Engineering Corporation agreed to jointly study a deep-coal processing project for ammonia and urea production.
Educational and Technological Collaborations
Tajikistan and China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region will construct a new laboratory in Dushanbe. An MoU also aims to expand Tajik students’ opportunities to study in China.
In Turkmenistan, Chinese universities provided training for faculty and students in petroleum and seismology. Agreements were also reached to enhance medical education and research with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
Uzbekistan’s agricultural institutions signed cooperation agreements with Shaanxi A&F University in China. Joint educational programs and professional development training are planned.
