Chinese and Central Asian officials convened in Tashkent during early November for discussions on aviation expansion under the C5+1 framework. Kazakhstan agreed to increase permitted weekly flights to China from 150 to 180 and add routes to Chengdu and Kashgar, while Uzbekistan committed to raising weekly flights from 100 to 114. Uzbekistan also proposed establishing new regional routes and expanding service between major cities. Prior to the conference, Air Astana and China Southern Airlines finalized a strategic partnership, with Kazakhstan reporting a 52 percent year-on-year increase in flights between the two countries. Kazakhstan announced work on a 25-year civil aviation master plan with the International Civil Aviation Organization and is undertaking airport modernization and construction projects across multiple cities. Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are implementing their own aviation safety and infrastructure programs to accommodate growing air traffic.
On economic cooperation, Kazakhstan and China discussed establishing a joint investment fund with initial capitalization of up to $200 million and consolidating financing mechanisms into a single project-finance window. Kazakh manufacturers signed agreements valued at approximately $100 million at the China International Import Expo. Kazatomprom secured new natural uranium supply agreements with utilities in India and China. Negotiations continue on Kazakhstan’s second nuclear power plant, with discussions potentially expanding to include small modular reactors. Kazakhstan is preparing to participate in digital freight documentation testing between China and the Eurasian Economic Union and is developing a data-driven fiscal system to strengthen tax collection and spending oversight.
Transportation infrastructure projects are advancing across the region. The Bakhty-Ayagoz railway line in Kazakhstan is expected to launch in 2027 and carry 20 million tons of freight annually. Tajikistan contracted a Chinese company for reconstruction of a 54.1-kilometer road in Khatlon Province, with construction underway at multiple locations. A feasibility study for a 90-kilometer highway stretch in Tajikistan received approval, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and funded by a Chinese grant.
Lithium and technology cooperation expanded with Ganfeng Lithium Group, the world’s largest lithium producer, signing a memorandum with Kyrgyzstan’s National Investment Agency. Kyrgyzstan’s Eldik Bank and China’s Export-Import Bank established a cooperation agreement to attract financing for infrastructure and technology projects. Kyrgyzstan’s Chamber of Commerce signed a memorandum with the China-Central Asia Technology Transfer Center to promote technology exchanges and park development. Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Industry and a Chinese construction company, along with an energy company and China’s TBEA Shenyang Transformer Group, finalized cooperation memoranda during an industry conference.
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