China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway to expand Kyrgyzstan's transit opportunities

Edil Osmonbetov, director of the Center for Analysis of International Relations at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the Kabar news agency that construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway will expand the country's geoeconomic opportunities and open new transit corridors. He spoke on 22 October 2026 in Bishkek, where the VI forum of China–Central Asia analytical centres is being held.

Chinese experts highly value President Sadyr Japarov's 2024–2025 decision to begin the railway's construction, Osmonbetov said. Once completed, the railway could increase trade turnover, expand economic opportunities in Naryn and Jalal-Abad regions, and create a new transit route from the region to the South Caucasus and Europe. As Kyrgyzstan has no direct access to the sea, developing transport and economic links with China is of special importance.

Osmonbetov also said Kyrgyzstan has developed significantly over the past five years. The forum, themed “High-quality development and joint modernization,” aims to raise cooperation between China and Central Asian countries to a new level.