Kyrgyzstan is in talks with China on joint projects in the oil and gas sector, including the potential construction of an oil refinery and pipeline between the two countries.

Kyrgyz Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Erlis Akunbekov held talks in Beijing with executives from China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec).

The discussions covered plans to build an oil refinery in Kyrgyzstan, explore and develop oil and gas fields, and construct an oil pipeline linking the two countries.

The sides are also considering the construction of oil storage facilities near the Irkeshtam and Torugart border checkpoints to help reduce logistics costs.

The talks come as Kyrgyzstan and China continue expanding cooperation in infrastructure, transport and trade. During Akunbekov’s recent visit to Beijing, the two sides also discussed developing transport corridors connecting China with Kyrgyzstan and broader Central Asian markets.