Bishkek, Aug. 28, 2026 /Kabar/. From 2021 to 2025, direct investment from China to Kyrgyzstan totaled $1.85 billion. Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Agriculture Erlist Akunbekov announced at the Kyrgyz-Chinese Investment Business Forum.
According to him, one of Kyrgyzstan's key objectives is to transition from a predominantly trade-based cooperation model to investment-based production, technology localization, and joint access to third-country markets.
"One of the main symbols of the new stage of cooperation is the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway." "It is forming a new economic corridor, creating opportunities for the development of logistics, industrial parks, and exports. Kyrgyzstan views the Belt and Road Initiative as a critical platform for infrastructure development, trade, and investment," he noted.
Erlist Akunbekov emphasized that the country is modernizing its industry, energy, and digital infrastructure, and that priority areas for attracting Chinese capital include industry and production localization, energy and the green economy, agriculture and processing, as well as digitalization and technology.
"There are 968 enterprises with Chinese participation registered in Kyrgyzstan's industrial sector, of which 190 are operational. In 2025, approximately 75% of Chinese direct investment, or almost $466 million, was directed to the manufacturing industry. Our next step is large-scale localization of production, transportation technologies, and the manufacture of products for the markets of Kyrgyzstan, the EAEU, and neighboring countries," the Deputy chairman said. Speaking about energy and the green economy, he noted the implementation of joint projects with Chinese partners.
"A 100 MW solar power plant project with an investment of $55.8 million is being implemented jointly with Chinese partners. Installation work is also nearing completion on the 21 MW Orto-Tokoy small hydroelectric power plant. We intend to attract new Chinese investment and technology in power generation, infrastructure modernization, and green energy," Erlist Akunbekov emphasized.
He also focused on the development of agriculture and processing.
"From January to May 2026, Kyrgyzstan's agricultural exports to China reached $73 million. Our goal is to increase the share of high-value-added products through joint ventures in deep processing, food production, and logistics development," he said.
According to the Deputy chairman, digitalization is also a promising area of cooperation.
"We are ready to implement joint projects in the field of artificial intelligence, data centers, digital services, and the training of qualified personnel," said Erlist Akunbekov.
