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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
The year 2025 marked a turning point in the development of relations between China and the countries of Central Asia. Against a backdrop of global economic instability, the two sides demonstrated sustained growth in trade and investment, as well as significant institutional strengthening of the regional cooperation framework.
According to Chinese customs data, trade between China and the five Central Asian countries exceeded $100 billion for the first time in 2025, reaching $106.3 billion. This represents a 12% increase compared to 2024, and trade turnover has virtually doubled over the past four years. China strengthened its position as the largest trading partner of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, and in 2025, it also became the largest trade partner of Tajikistan for the first time.
Experts note that, amid fragmented global trade, cooperation between China and Central Asia is becoming an example of commitment to the principles of openness and multilateralism. Joint promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as the development of new logistics routes and multimodal transportation, have played a significant role in this.
Trade: From Raw Materials to Technology
The structure of mutual trade continues to change. China's exports to the region in 2025 amounted to $71.2 billion (11%). Industrial equipment, high-tech products, and goods related to green development accounted for the majority of these. Imports from Central Asia reached $35.1 billion (14%). In addition to energy, supplies of chemical products, metals, and agricultural goods with higher added value are growing, demonstrating the gradual diversification of the region's economy.
Investments: Growth, Drivers, and Risks
Along with growing trade, Chinese investment is also increasing. China's accumulated foreign direct investment in Central Asia increased from $19.6 billion in 2016 to $35.9 billion by mid-2025. Approximately 90% of this investment is concentrated in three countries: Kazakhstan (32%), Uzbekistan (30%), and Turkmenistan (27%). Kazakhstan remains the largest recipient of Chinese capital ($11.4 billion).
Uzbekistan emerged as the most dynamic recipient, with Chinese investment increasing to $10.7 billion in the first half of 2025. Experts attribute this growth to institutional liberalization, the size of the domestic market, and active political dialogue between Tashkent and Beijing.
As analysts note, Chinese investments remain attractive due to the relatively simple conditions for attracting them and their focus on infrastructure, energy, and industry.
Why Central Asia is Betting on China
For a number of countries in the region, China has become a key investor. For Tajikistan, Chinese capital plays a leading role due to its geographic proximity, developed logistics links, and the absence of stringent political conditions. Experts note that, unlike Western investment, Chinese projects are often implemented more quickly and with fewer associated requirements.
Kyrgyzstan: From Agreements to Practical Projects
The development of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China deserves special attention. In 2025, cooperation within the China-Central Asia format transitioned to the practical implementation of previously reached agreements. China remains one of Kyrgyzstan's key trade and economic partners, and the range of Kyrgyz exports is expanding, including agricultural and processed products.
Transport infrastructure development remains a priority. Preparations for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which is of strategic importance for the country's transit potential, will continue in 2025. At the same time, road corridors and border crossings are being modernized.
In the energy sector, cooperation focuses on grid modernization and the development of renewable energy sources, such as small hydroelectric power plants and solar power. In the industrial sector, projects are being implemented to create industrial zones and logistics centers with Chinese capital, focused on processing products and job creation.
Institutional strengthening and future plans
The China-Central Asia mechanism, including the work of the Secretariat, ministerial formats, and specialized platforms, has become an important element of regional cooperation. The second China-Central Asia Summit, held in June 2025, identified key priorities for the coming years: developing industrial cooperation, green energy, the digital economy, and innovation.
Cooperation between China and Central Asian countries is shifting from quantitative growth to a more qualitative and diversified model. Amid global challenges, this format is strengthening as a key factor in economic stability, regional connectivity, and long-term development.
Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kyrgyzstan Tolon Turganbaev
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