Southwest China’s Chongqing Triples Trade with Turkmenistan

Trade turnover between Chongqing, one of China’s largest industrial centers, and Turkmenistan saw a dramatic increase of 193.3 per cent in the first seven months of 2025, totaling 43.9 million yuan ($6.124 million).

The surge marks a significant development in economic ties between southwest China and Central Asia, reflecting a growing appetite for bilateral trade and strategic cooperation, The Caspian Post reports via Turkmen media.

Overall, Chongqing’s trade with Central Asian countries expanded by 90 per cent -the highest growth rate among all emerging markets. In contrast, trade with Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa recorded slower gains during the same period.

Top regional trade growth figures include:

Tajikistan: +319.3 per cent (105.43 million yuan or $14.708 million)

Kyrgyzstan: +158.9 per cent (1.09 billion yuan or $152.070 million)

Turkmenistan: +193.3 per cent (43.9 million yuan or $6.124 million)

Kazakhstan: +70.8 per cent (1.93 billion yuan or $269.261 million)

Uzbekistan: +63.3 per cent (899.13 million yuan or $125.441 million)

Chongqing, known for its robust manufacturing base, remains a national leader in the export of laptops, motorcycles, and mobile phones. The city’s growing trade engagement with Central Asia underscores its strategic role in the Belt and Road Initiative and other cross-border infrastructure projects linking China with its western neighbors.