Kyrgyz Parliament Ratifies China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Agreement
The Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Jogorku Kenesh, has ratified an agreement involving the governments of China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan to collaboratively advance the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Yrysbek Bariev provided details about the bill, stating that the new railway corridor will serve as the southern branch of the Eurasian continental bridge. This development will facilitate access to markets in Southeast Asia, Western Asia, and the Middle East.
The railway route aims to enhance the delivery of goods from China to Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries, including Turkey and the European Union. By shortening the distance and delivery time for cargo, the project will boost competitiveness in the international transit transportation market.
After discussing the proposal, the deputies approved the bill, ratifying the agreement in three readings consecutively.
In January 2023, an office to coordinate the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway was established in Bishkek. This office oversees joint efforts to expedite construction. The China Railway Construction Corporation’s design and survey institute is currently developing a feasibility study for the project.
The total project cost is estimated at $4.7 billion. To finance the construction, the Kyrgyz Republic plans to secure a loan from Chinese banks.
