What role does Kyrgyzstan play in Central Asia? Analysis

Russian President Vladimir Putin is paying a state visit to Kyrgyzstan on November 25-27. Together with President Sadyr Japarov, he laid wreaths at the Eternal Flame memorial, held Russian-Kyrgyz talks the next day, and signed a package of documents. This visit was organized at the invitation of the Kyrgyz leader. A meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council is also scheduled. What role Bishkek plays in Central Asia is described in the Izvestia article.

Kyrgyzstan's role in the region

• Kyrgyzstan is located in the center of Eurasia, at the intersection of the routes connecting China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This makes the Territory an important link in the transit route system. Kyrgyzstan's trade relations with neighboring countries in the region are showing a noticeable increase: in three years, the volume of mutual trade has grown by almost a third, and in January-August 2025 it reached $1.7 billion.

• In order to strengthen economic relations with the countries of the region, Kyrgyzstan is striving to eliminate administrative barriers to trade and gradually move away from dependence on commodity exports. To achieve these goals, Bishkek pays special attention to the development of electronic commerce and strengthening joint cybersecurity.

• Improved transport infrastructure will also help strengthen Bishkek's position in the region. The railway under construction, which will connect China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, will become a key route in Central Asia. By 2030, it will open a fast path to major trade zones in Europe and Asia.

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Multi-vector policy

• Kyrgyzstan's policy is characterized by a multifaceted approach. Close ties with Russia and China occupy a central place, which is reflected in joint projects, economic cooperation and security coordination. At the same time, the country participates in the activities of major international organizations, including the EAEU, the CSTO, the SCO and the CIS. This allows her to influence decision-making in a regional context.

• Within the region, Bishkek positions itself as a center of interaction and coordination, capable of uniting neighboring countries in joint initiatives and infrastructure projects, which strengthens its importance and authority at the Central Asian level.

• Kyrgyzstan retains the status of one of Russia's key economic partners in Central Asia. Thus, in 2022, the trade turnover between the two countries increased by 40%, reaching $3.2 billion. Russia continues to play a crucial role in Kyrgyzstan's economic development. About 700 enterprises have been jointly established, and Russian investments are actively supporting the energy and manufacturing industries, increasing the republic's export potential.

• Cooperation also covers strategic areas of security. In 2023, Moscow and Bishkek signed an agreement to include Kyrgyzstan in the unified air defense system. Russia has handed over S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to the republic.

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• In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, the situation is changing towards a reduction in the use of the Russian language, since in the summer of 2023 a law was passed making Kyrgyz mandatory for most public and private sectors. Despite this, Russia continues its efforts to support cultural ties.: The countries have signed an agreement on the establishment of Russian-language schools.

• Beijing is also actively investing in the energy sector of Kyrgyzstan: in the summer of 2023, an agreement was signed on the creation of the Kazarman cascade of hydroelectric power plants on the Naryn River worth about $ 3 billion, part of the electricity produced is expected to be supplied to China. Additionally, an agreement was signed on the construction of a solar power plant in the Issyk-Kul region.

• Turkey exerts influence primarily in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, using ethnic and religious ties to implement educational projects. Ankara's military presence is also increasing. In particular, more than 1,600 Kyrgyz students have graduated from Turkish military universities, and cooperation in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles is developing. Trade, economic and investment ties in the infrastructure and transport sectors are gradually expanding.

Economic sustainability

• In recent years, the Kyrgyz economy has been showing a noticeable acceleration. By the end of the year, GDP may exceed $25 billion. The average rate of GDP growth exceeds 7% annually, while in 2024 the figure reached a record 9.6%. This growth was made possible by investments in the energy sector, including the Kambar Ata-1 hydroelectric power plant under construction, as well as increased cooperation with Russia, Turkey, China, Kazakhstan and the UAE. Also in 2021, Bishkek nationalized the Kumtor Gold Company (KGC) gold mining company, whose contribution to the country's GDP is about 10%.

• Food production, construction, and hotel and restaurant services remain the most dynamic sectors of the economy. According to the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the largest share in the gross product structure is occupied by the service industry — 51,1%, the share of commodity production is 32,8%, and taxes on products bring 16,1%.

• Investments in fixed assets increased due to internal sources, while external investments decreased. More than 85% of investments are directed to the construction of mining facilities, manufacturing enterprises, transport infrastructure, energy, educational institutions and housing.

• The main growth factors are also domestic demand, an increase in household incomes, an increase in retail trade, an influx of remittances ($1.5 billion in January—June 2025), foreign direct investment (for example, $279.3 million from Russia in 2024) and government spending on infrastructure projects, including the construction of hydroelectric power plants. At the same time, the decline in exports reduces the sustainability of this growth. Against the background of high rates, the National Bank raised the discount rate by 0.25% to 9.25% to curb inflation.

• The National Plan for 2030 is focused on the future, which involves bringing GDP to $30 billion and increasing per capita income to $4.5 thousand. The sustainability of the economy in the future will depend on the ability of the government and the Central Bank to manage the risks of "overheating" and structural imbalances.

When writing the material, Izvestia talked and took into account the opinions of:

• Daria Saprynskaya, Researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Laboratory of Modern Studies of Central Asia and the Caucasus;

• expert of the Department of Foreign Policy of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan Aybek Tilebaliev.