A renewed vision for cross-border tourism between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan has been unveiled in Bishkek, as officials presented an updated master plan for the Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor (ABEC).

Developed with support from the Asian Development Bank, the new strategy places strong emphasis on sustainable development and green tourism, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

According to Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy, the master plan covers territories in both countries and aims to boost tourism clusters, improve transport connectivity, and attract investment projects along the corridor.

The presentation brought together representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Tourism Department, relevant agencies, regional administrations of Chuy and Issyk-Kul, as well as business leaders and international organizations.

Originally approved in 2019, the master plan has been revised to reflect post-pandemic changes in the tourism market and to incorporate stronger sustainability components.

Key priorities include:

expanding eco-tourism and environmentally sustainable infrastructure;

integrating renewable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions;

digitalizing border procedures and enhancing transport links;

developing cross-border tourist routes connecting destinations in both countries.

Participants at the roundtable discussed flagship initiatives and priority projects expected to anchor the corridor’s development. Officials say the updated plan could help mobilize financing from international financial institutions, governments, and the private sector.

The Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor is widely regarded as one of Central Asia’s flagship regional integration projects, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and unlocking the region’s tourism potential.