Work on the China–Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway has been given the go ahead following the election of Kyrgyzstan’s new Prime Minister Zhantoro Satybaldiyev (pictured).
Talks To Conclude At End Of Year
It has been indicated that talks on the $2bn project will be wrapped up by the end of the year.
Beijing, despite interest in another line that would run from Western China to Iran, has favoured the Uzbekistan route. This route would provide a link to Kara-Suu bazaar, a regional distribution hub for consumer goods. It would also allow China to build greater relations with Uzbekistan, who are, incidentally, an exporter of gas, uranium and other commodities.
Groundbreaking Development
The new line would be a groundbreaking development for Kyrgyzstan, whose current rail structure is minimal. The project would mean a huge economical boost for the mountainous country.