Central Asia has become the place where the "One Belt, One Road" initiative was first proposed. The region also serves as a demonstration platform for high-quality joint construction within the framework of this initiative.
According to statistical data, in 2025, the trade turnover between China and Central Asia reached 106.3 billion US dollars, which is 12% more compared to the previous year. This event is significant as it marks the first time the threshold of 100 billion dollars has been surpassed. Positive dynamics have been observed for five consecutive years. China is now the largest trading partner of all countries in the region, highlighting the resilience and internal potential for the development of trade and economic cooperation.
The mechanisms for cooperation between China and Central Asia continue to improve. At the second "China-Central Asia" summit, important documents were signed, such as the "Action Plan for Strengthening Trade and Economic Cooperation" and the "Memorandum of Understanding on Deepening Cooperation in Unimpeded Trade." An agreement was reached to make more active use of the Working Group on Unimpeded Trade, which should contribute to improving the quality of cooperation and maintaining a multilateral trading system led by the World Trade Organization. Additionally, in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, a platform for unimpeded trade in the "China-Central Asia" format officially began operations. One of the effective tools for promoting unimpeded trade has been the "Silk Road E-commerce" project, which adjusts the management mechanisms of border crossing points and develops warehousing infrastructure and cooperation in cross-border payments, helping to better meet market demand.
The structure of trade is also undergoing changes. In 2025, China's exports to Central Asia amounted to 71.2 billion dollars, an increase of 11% compared to the previous year. The largest growth is observed in the field of machinery and high technology, and the share of "new trio" goods continues to grow, indicating an increase in the environmental friendliness of exported goods. Imports from Central Asia to China reached 35.1 billion dollars, increasing by 14%. The structure of imports is becoming increasingly diverse, including not only traditional resources but also chemical products, metallurgical products, and agricultural goods. More than 4,000 enterprises from Central Asia have gained access to the Chinese market, over a hundred types of agricultural and food products have been officially approved for supply, and an increasing number of goods from the region are in demand among Chinese consumers.
Investment and trade-economic cooperation is also developing in an interconnected manner. High-quality joint construction within the framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative between China and Central Asia continues to deepen. Chinese investments and technologies contribute to the economic revival and sustainable development of the countries in the region. The implementation of the strategic project of the railway "China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan" is accelerating, as well as other initiatives in the fields of transport connectivity, equipment manufacturing, and modern agriculture. These projects contribute to the stability of production and distribution chains and economic growth in Central Asian countries, while also increasing the volume of mutual trade.
Trade between China and Kyrgyzstan shows particularly noticeable growth. Kyrgyzstan has become China's second-largest trading partner in Central Asia, with the volume of bilateral trade accounting for about a quarter of the total turnover with the regions. In 2025, the trade volume reached 27.2 billion dollars, which is 20% more compared to the previous year, setting a new record. Imports from Kyrgyzstan increased by 86%, while the trade balance continues to improve. The agencies of the two countries are actively implementing the agreements reached and accelerating negotiations on signing the "Agreement on Trade in Services and Investments," which will create a more solid foundation for expanding cooperation.
"Boldly overcoming difficult frontiers, we move forward, starting from a new beginning." At this new historical stage, China is ready to move forward together with Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries, relying on favorable development trends and strengthening the alignment of China's "15th Five-Year Plan" with the national strategies of its partners. This will significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of trade and economic cooperation and create a community of shared destiny for China and Central Asia.
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in the Kyrgyz Republic, Liu Jiangping
