Published
10/21/2026, 16:35The city of Manas is set to be granted special status as Kyrgyzstan’s second economic centre. It is set to become a key transport and logistics hub and a business centre for the south of the country. President Sadyr Zhaparov announced this on 21 October at a national conference on the socio-economic development of Kyrgyzstan up to the end of 2030.
The authorities intend to continue working to equalise regional development levels, improve inter-budgetary relations and expand the resource base of the newly formed administrative-territorial units.
Particular attention is to be paid to cities as key centres of economic growth.
The President emphasised that state support should be more substantial in areas where conditions for investment and doing business are more challenging. At the same time, the support provided must deliver tangible economic results.
The development of Manas is intended to be linked to transport logistics and business activity in southern Kyrgyzstan. This approach is in line with the authorities’ overall objective of integrating the national transport system into international corridors and expanding exports of goods and services.
In parallel, there are plans to improve spatial planning, develop compact settlements and promote multi-storey construction where seismic, engineering and natural conditions permit.
In accordance with the stated priorities, housing construction must be accompanied by the development of utilities, transport and social infrastructure.
The speech did not specify the legal mechanism for granting Manas special status, the levels of additional funding, tax incentives or the specific infrastructure projects planned for the city.
To assess the economic impact of the initiative, information will be required on the city’s new powers, sources of funding and plans to attract business and develop logistics facilities.
