President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov on 27 December participated in the ceremony, marking the start of construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway in Jalal-Abad region, his press service said.
The first step of this regional project was laid in the village of Tosh-Kutchu of Jalal-Abad city.
Speaking at the event, Sadyr Japarov emphasized that the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway was not just a transport corridor, but an important strategic bridge connecting the countries of the East and West.
“This route will ensure the delivery of goods from China to Kyrgyzstan, as well as to the countries of Central Asia and the Middle East, including Turkey, and further to the European Union. The project will strengthen interregional ties, help diversify transport routes and increase the region’s competitiveness as an international transport and transit hub, aligning with the goals of Central Asian countries,” Sadyr Japarov highlighted.
Then, chairperson of the State Committee for Development and Reforms of China Zheng Shanjie read the address from president of China Xi Jinping.
He noted that this project would create a new land corridor connecting Asia and Europe, significantly improving the movement of people and goods between the three countries. The project will efficiently develop industry, harness resources, promote trade and attract investment.
The address from president of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was read by deputy prime minister Jamshid Khodjaev.
“This is truly a historic event that our friendly countries have been striving toward for almost 30 years. A new transport artery of international significance is being formed. It will connect Central Asia with China via the shortest land route,” the message from president of Uzbekistan stated.
The head of the state expressed gratitude to president of China Xi Jinping and president of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov for their personal contribution and active efforts to advance the project.
“I would like to especially note the significant benefits of constructing the new railway for the economies of our countries and our vast region. This major infrastructure project envisages broad cooperation based on advanced engineering, innovative and digital solutions, while adhering to high environmental standards,” the president emphasized.
Along the route Kashgar-Torugart-Makmal-JalalAbad-Andijan, 20 stations, 42 bridges and 25 tunnels will be built. In addition, modern transit-logistics infrastructure, warehouses and terminals will be created.
It is estimated that the commissioning of this railway will multiply the scale of regional trade and investment, significantly reduce transportation costs and unlock Central Asia’s enormous transit potential.
Annual freight volumes along the new corridor are expected to reach up to 15 million tons. The distance and delivery times for goods from China to European countries will be reduced by several thousand kilometers and nearly a week. Regular passenger transport services will also become possible.
In the future, the integration of this railway line with the Trans-Afghan corridor will effectively connect and strengthen transport and communication links between China, Central and South Asia, the statement said. Hundreds of new enterprises and tens of thousands of jobs will be created.
“Of course, this project will contribute to the revival of the Great Silk Road, the development of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, as well as the further unification of our peoples,” the president’s message emphasized.
“Uzbekistan intends to actively participate at all stages of railway construction, fully utilizing all available technical and intellectual resources. I am confident that through joint efforts, this transport corridor will become another symbol of our strong friendship, partnership and progress,” the message concluded.
