New trade route to bypass Kazakhstan in China-Uzbekistan trade

Cargo from China to Uzbekistan will soon bypass Kazakhstan, traveling instead through Kyrgyzstan. The construction of a new railroad connecting China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan is scheduled to begin on Dec. 27, according to Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, who made the announcement during the third People’s Kurultai (Assembly) in Bishkek.

«The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railroad project, which remained only a concept for decades, is finally becoming a reality. When we initiated this project, many doubted it and even mocked it, calling it a fairy tale. Now, it is clear to everyone that this is no fairy tale but a tangible project. Construction will officially begin on Dec. 27,» Japarov said.

The president highlighted that the project will open up new opportunities for trade, tourism and industry. The 454-kilometer railroad, with an estimated cost of $8 billion, will include 18 stations, 81 large and medium-sized bridges and 41 tunnels.

According to the KazTAG news agency, the primary route for cargo traveling from China to Uzbekistan currently passes through Kazakhstan. Goods cross the border at the Alashankou-Dostyk or Khorgos-Altynkol checkpoints, then travel through Almaty, Aktogay or Turkestan in southern Kazakhstan before reaching Uzbekistan.