The Kyrgyz section of the future China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway will become the basis for the creation of major industrial and logistics hubs. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Erlist Akunbekov announced this in Beijing at a meeting with Chinese transport and logistics companies, the press service of the Kyrgyz Government reported.
Free economic and industrial zones are planned to be established near key stations along the route: Torugart, Jerge-Tal, Makmal, and Jalal-Abad. Bishkek has offered Chinese businesses investment in the associated infrastructure under state priority conditions. To integrate the domestic network with the international corridor, work is simultaneously underway on the Balykchy-Kochkor-Makmal line.
During negotiations with the management of China Communications Construction Group and CRBC, the modernization of the Irkeshtam, Torugart, and Bedel road checkpoints and the expansion of associated road corridors were also discussed.
Bishkek's infrastructure initiative reflects a strategic shift: Kyrgyzstan seeks to transform its status as a "passable transit corridor" into a full-fledged industrial and logistics hub.
The creation of free economic zones around key stations and the connection of the new highway with the Balykchy-Kochkor-Makmal domestic railway section allow for the localization of added value within the country.
The attraction of Chinese contractors like CRBC, along with national preferences for investors, reduces the financial burden on the Kyrgyz budget and transforms the highway into a driver of regional industrialization.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 22, 2026