Uzbekistan and China Accelerate Efforts to Fast-Track Kyrgyzstan Railway Deal

Delegates from both countries deliberated on matters like augmenting the quota for cargo transport permits, expediting the transit of containers at Chinese ports and borders, and enhancing the frequency of flights for Uzbek airlines to China.

Photo: Uzbekistan's Ministry of Transport

Uzbekistan and China have engaged in intensive discussions to finalize a trilateral concession agreement, marking a significant step toward the development of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. The project is poised to be officially launched with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, symbolizing the beginning of this major infrastructure initiative, The Caspian Post reports citing Trend.

This came to light during a meeting between Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport, Ilkhom Makhkamov, and China’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Yu Jun.

The sides also reviewed a range of issues related to enhancing transport logistics cooperation between the two countries during the meeting.

Delegates from both countries deliberated on matters like augmenting the quota for cargo transport permits, expediting the transit of containers at Chinese ports and borders, and enhancing the frequency of flights for Uzbek airlines to China.

To note, Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover with China totaled $10.2 billion from January through October of this year. This is 3.5 percent less compared to the same period last year ($10.8 billion from January through October 2023).

On top of that, China emerged as the guiding star in the constellation of Uzbekistan's most significant trading allies during the specified timeframe.