China is stepping up its technological footprint in Kyrgyzstan, with plans to build a drone manufacturing plant and deepen cooperation in smart agriculture.

The announcement came after talks between Erlist Akunbekov and representatives of Chinese tech firm Quanyibao, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

As part of the growing partnership, the Chinese side donated 12 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Kyrgyz authorities. The drones are expected to transform agricultural operations-supporting crop protection, real-time field monitoring, and even precipitation induction.

Officials say this is just the beginning. Both sides are exploring the creation of a dedicated training center to develop local expertise in drone operations, signaling a push toward long-term capacity building.

The most ambitious plan, however, is the proposed construction of a full-scale drone production facility in Kyrgyzstan-potentially turning the country into a regional hub for agri-tech innovation.

The move reflects a broader trend across Central Asia. In neighboring Uzbekistan, 100 Chinese-made drones have already been deployed with support from the World Bank, highlighting rising demand for precision agriculture technologies.

With food security and climate challenges mounting, experts say such partnerships could reshape farming across the region-bringing efficiency, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology to Central Asia’s fields.