Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway is a strategic decision by the three governments to promote regional connectivity, prosperity, and stability.
The commencement ceremony was held in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan, with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in attendance. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent a congratulatory message, and Xi’s special envoy Zheng Shanjie also participated.
The CKU railway aims to establish a Eurasian corridor connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe, boosting trade, economic development, and regional integration. It is projected to handle 15 million tons of cargo annually, according to local reports.
Scheduled to officially start construction in July 2025, the railway is a flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project and will involve contributions from all three countries. China will construct its section, Uzbekistan will renovate its portion, and the Kyrgyz section will be managed by a joint venture.
Xi emphasized high standards and collaboration in building the railway, positioning it as a model for BRI cooperation and fostering economic and social development in the region.
