Chinese companies are intensifying their presence across Central Asia, with Kazakhstan emerging as a focal point. Zhejiang Mining Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. recently signed a conditional agreement to acquire JV Alaigyr LLP for 29.15 billion Kazakh tenge (approximately $57 million). Alaigyr holds mining rights to a major silver and lead field, along with exploration licenses for two additional sites. The deal includes assuming the company’s existing significant debt.
Elsewhere, a consortium of Chinese firms acquired Spetzpostavka Absolute for $1.8 million, securing rights to tungsten and uranium deposits in the Jambyl region, as well as exploration permits for rare and precious metals. Observers note the low purchase prices reflect the limited capitalization of local Kazakh companies rather than the intrinsic value of the resources.
In addition, Chinese enterprises plan to launch 14 manufacturing projects in West Kazakhstan worth 52.2 billion tenge (around $102 million), demonstrating a broader push into industrial and production sectors. Uzbekistan has seen a dramatic increase in Chinese investment. The number of Chinese-Uzbek joint ventures and companies more than doubled from 2,337 in 2023 to 5,044 in 2025, representing over a quarter of all foreign enterprises in the country. Investment spans industrial production, logistics, and trade, reflecting deepening economic integration.
Regional Cooperation Initiatives
The China-Central Asia Cooperation Center for Desertification Prevention and Control recently toured Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan to promote joint projects in water management and modern agriculture. The Center announced plans to organize training seminars both in China and Central Asia for specialists from the region.
Similarly, China’s Weinan Vocational and Technical College has trained over 300 Central Asian farmers in advanced agricultural technologies over the past three years, demonstrating Beijing’s broader strategy of exporting expertise alongside capital.
Transport and Trade Infrastructure Expansion
Kazakhstan:
- Bilateral rail traffic between Kazakhstan and China rose 11% in 2025, totaling 35.6 million tons, including a 15% increase in intermodal container traffic via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
- Chinese Ambassador Han Chunlin and Kazakhstan’s railway chief discussed easing freight bottlenecks and expanding rail links, though no binding commitments were made.
- Chery, a leading Chinese auto brand, plans to introduce its C8 crossover in Kazakhstan despite expected double-digit price hikes driven by VAT, recycling fees, and exchange rate fluctuations.
Uzbekistan:
- Cargo volumes through Uzbek segments of the Middle Corridor doubled from 500,000 tons in 2020 to over 1 million tons in 2025, while trade via Kyrgyzstan soared from 34,000 to 1.8 million tons.
- Agreements were signed for a joint storage, logistics, and exhibition center to facilitate trade.
- Uzbekistan ratified a law establishing a permanent C5+China cooperation secretariat, further institutionalizing bilateral engagement.
- Cultural and historical cooperation is also expanding, highlighted by the archaeological discovery of Kuva, a Silk Road city in the Ferghana Valley.
Kyrgyzstan: Investments and Energy Projects
China’s net investments in Kyrgyzstan reached $2.1 billion by the end of 2025. Key projects include the Kambarata-2 hydropower unit, led primarily by Chinese contractors. Preparations continue for Xi Jinping’s visit in 2026, signaling high-level diplomatic engagement. Agricultural inspections note minimal compliance issues, with China accounting for only three of 112 border violations in 2025.
Tajikistan: Security and Educational Cooperation
Infrastructure work along the Qalai-Khumb-Vanj section of the Dushanbe-Khorog-Kulma highway remains temporarily suspended due to security concerns on the Afghan border. Meanwhile, collaborations between Tajik and Chinese higher education institutions are expanding, including plans for joint degrees, exchanges, and scientific cooperation.
Turkmenistan: Logistics and Municipal Investments
Turkmenistan is preparing for a Turkmen-Chinese business forum and exhibition in April 2026, showcasing growing trade and industrial collaboration. Ashgabat recently received 194 Chinese vehicles for municipal services, including garbage trucks, street sweepers, and public transit buses.
