Published
09/22/2026, 09:16Along the Kyrgyz section of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, there are plans to develop not only the railway infrastructure but also major industrial and logistics centres. The key hubs will be the ‘Torugart’, ‘Zherge-Tal’, ‘Makmal’ and ‘Jalal-Abad’, near which free economic and industrial zones are to be established. This was announced by Erlist Akunbekov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, at a meeting with transport and logistics companies from Kyrgyzstan and China in Beijing.
According to him, the Kyrgyz side is keen to attract partners to establish industrial enterprises, logistics centres and other related infrastructure along the new railway line. Thus, the project is viewed not only as a transit route, but also as a basis for the emergence of new economic hubs along the railway corridor.
The authorities have previously announced plans to establish economic zones in Torugart, Makmale, Zherge-Tale and Jalal-Abad. It is anticipated that their development will proceed in parallel with the construction of the railway itself.
Kyrgyzstan has also invited Chinese companies to participate in the development of transport infrastructure under various terms of cooperation. Akunbekov noted that the state is prepared to provide support for major infrastructure projects, including those designated as priority national projects.
At the same time, the republic is continuing the construction of the Balykchy–Kochkor–Makmal railway line, which is intended to expand the domestic rail network and, in the long term, link it to the new international route.
In addition to the railway, the parties discussed the development of road corridors via the ‘Irkeshtam’, ‘Torugart’ and ‘Bedel’.
During his visit to Beijing, Akunbekov also met with the leadership of the China Communications Construction Group and the China Road and Bridge Corporation. The parties discussed participation in infrastructure projects and the development of new international transport and logistics routes.
