The partnership between Kyrgyzstan and China is becoming stronger every year. This is evidenced by the many agreements between the countries, particularly over the past year. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project has attracted much attention from experts and stakeholders. However, it is not the only large-scale project. On the eve, Prime Minister Akylbek Zhaparov and Chinese Ambassador Du Deven laid a capsule for the Manas trade and logistics town, which may later become an international trade centre.

"We are witnessing an important event - a significant step towards the country's economic future. We have gathered for the festive ceremony of laying a time capsule within the investment and construction project - the ‘Manas’ Trade and Logistics Town. We all realise the increased importance of trade, and the fact that trade is the foundation of the market economy and logistics is a key element of the modern economic system. We are embarking on a significant project - not just the trade and logistics centre construction, but an entire town. This Centre can be compared to the largest seaports in terms of its importance and functions,' the Head of the Cabinet said.

The town will be located in the 700-hectare area. In general, the project envisages the modern retail and warehouse complexes construction. It will also include residential complexes, 10 % of which will be donated to the state. In addition, there will be one 400-bed hospital focused on Chinese medicine, two schools and an expocentre equipped with modern technologies.

"We have chosen a special location for the construction. It is located at the intersection of important trade routes - just 15 kilometres from the Manas International Airport. There is also a direct road from here to the Dordoi market and the border with Kazakhstan is close by. This makes it an ideal point for creating an international logistics hub,' Kairat Kerimbekov, Director General of Kyrgyz-Chinese Investment Holding, noted.

It is planned to invest $700 million in the construction of shopping centres and logistics warehouses in the first stage. Total investment in the project will be up to $4bn, with the completion of the first phase and the launch of key facilities scheduled for next year.

"Logistics is a key area for cooperation between neighbouring countries. Kyrgyzstan occupies an important place not only in Central Asia but also in logistics links with Europe, being a strategically important region,' Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Du Deven pointed out.

She also touched on the railway construction between China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. According to her, experts expect that this railway will significantly reduce the goods delivery time from Shanghai to Paris, and in general, it is predicted that this route will be more economically favourable than the previous one.

"The major capital investments will come from China. The design and construction will also be performed by Chinese specialists and workers. We also have such towns in our country and, as a rule, they are very functional and economically developed,' the Ambassador noted.

Ms Du Deven also stressed that this project will bring significant benefits to Kyrgyzstan and strengthen cooperation with China in various spheres.

It is worth noting that trade turnover between our countries for the first eight months of this year reached more than $4 billion, the bulk of which is imports.