According to forecasts from the World Bank, Kyrgyzstan, along with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, will rank among the leaders in GDP growth rates among 22 developing economies in Europe and Central Asia by 2026. This information was presented in the January report "Global Economic Prospects."
Central Asia continues to be the region with the highest economic growth rates within ECA. In 2025, the total GDP of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan increased by 6.2%. It is expected that growth rates will slightly decline to 5% in 2026.
Due to high inflation in the subregion, a decrease in private consumption is forecasted. A slowdown in economic activity in Russia may also negatively affect exports from Central Asian countries. The introduction of stricter migration policies in Russia is likely to lead to a reduction in remittance flows to this region.
In addition, climate change, including frequent and severe weather events such as droughts and high temperatures, poses additional threats to economic growth in ECA countries. These factors may negatively impact agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure, especially in Central Asia.
Nevertheless, deepening regional integration and the conclusion of new international agreements may contribute to economic development and trade. The report also mentions the signing of a declaration on strategic partnership between the EU and Central Asia in April 2025 in Samarkand, as well as a joint statement of intent for economic cooperation between the USA and Central Asia, which will take place in November 2025 in Washington.
