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According to the bank, by the end of 2025, the volume of accumulated foreign direct investments from China in the economy of Kyrgyzstan reached $2.1 billion. There has been a growing interest in investments over the past five years, with a sharp increase after 2022. At that time, the volume of Chinese investments amounted to $326 million, which allowed China to take second place among the main investors in Kyrgyzstan. In 2024, Beijing became the main source of capital for the country's economy, initiating projects worth over $1 billion.
The EDB notes that Chinese investments are mainly directed towards infrastructure and the industrial sector. About $150 million has been allocated for the modernization of highways in Kyrgyzstan, and another $120 million will go towards the construction and reconstruction of energy facilities, including 15 small and medium-sized hydroelectric power stations. Approximately $85 million has been invested in the mining sector.
The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway remains a key strategic project. The project involves the company China Railway International, with China's share being 51 percent. The total amount of Chinese investments in the project is estimated at $3.5 billion, of which more than $2 billion is provided in the form of concessional loans.
A significant portion of investments is also directed towards the manufacturing industry. In the cement sector, the Kant Cement Plant, controlled by the Chinese company Yatai, plays a key role, producing over 1.2 million tons of cement per year. Investments in its development amount to approximately $100 million. In the metallurgy sector, one of the main projects is the LLC "Alliance Altyn" in the Talas region, where Chinese investments have exceeded $200 million.
However, EDB analysts warn that the high concentration of Chinese investments in key sectors may lead to the formation of quasi-monopolies and an increased dependence on imported equipment and labor, which could negatively impact the development of local businesses in the long term.
