Uzbek Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov discussed the development of the new China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan multimodal transport corridor with Wang Jinxi, Deputy Chairman of China State Railways. The parties discussed prospects for improving the route's efficiency, including the possibility of granting the Kashgar border station "export" status, Daryo.uz reports.
Experts estimate that this will reduce railway tariffs on the Chinese section of the route by 30-45%. The meeting participants also discussed the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, emphasizing its importance for increasing freight flows, developing regional logistics, and strengthening trade and economic cooperation.
Analytical Commentary
The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is considered one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Central Asia, with the potential to transform traditional regional trade flows.
The new route will provide China with a shorter route to markets in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while strengthening the transit capacity of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
The development of the Kashgar hub is particularly important. The station's status as an export hub will allow it to consolidate cargo clearance, containerization, and logistics operations in a single location, reducing delivery times and lowering business costs.
Compared to existing routes through Kazakhstan, the new route could become more competitive for some Chinese and Uzbek cargo.
Currently, a significant portion of China's trade with Central Asian countries is carried through Kazakhstan. In 2025, rail traffic between China and Central Asian countries exceeded tens of millions of tons, with Kazakhstan remaining China's main transit partner in the region.
After the new line's launch, a shift in cargo flows is expected to favor the route through Kyrgyzstan. According to preliminary estimates, the railway will enable the annual transportation of several million tons of cargo, including industrial equipment, agricultural products, raw materials, and container shipments.
The project is of strategic importance for Uzbekistan, as it will provide a direct rail link to China, bypassing existing transit restrictions.
This will increase the attractiveness of Uzbek products in foreign markets and strengthen the country's role as a regional logistics hub.
For Kyrgyzstan, the highway will be an opportunity to transform its geographic location from a transit constraint into an economic advantage.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 21, 2026