The enormous Manas logistic-commercial centre located in the village of Leninskoe, approximately 30 kilometers from Biškek, is emerging as a pivotal link designed to facilitate trade between East and West, potentially serving as a significant alternative to the more traditional Russian routes. Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Žaparov has already characterized this ambitious project as the ‘great seaport’ for a nation without direct access to ocean shipping routes.
Biškek (AsiaNews) – China is intensifying its engagement in Kyrgyzstan, undertaking several infrastructure initiatives that reflect a growing confidence to act independently of Russian influence. The forthcoming construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway line, awarded to the ‘Kyrgyz-Chinese Investment Holding Company’, is set to commence shortly, following Biškek’s commitment to initiate the project last October. This vital railway aims to enhance connectivity along the Middle Corridor, offering a viable alternative to both the Northern Corridor through Russia and Kazakhstan and the South Asian Corridor.
Simultaneously, numerous large-scale projects, amounting to billions of dollars in value, have been actively developed in Kyrgyzstan over the years, predominantly funded by Chinese investments. A report from a Swedish consultancy back in 2007 declared Kyrgyzstan the ‘most convenient country for Santa Klaus’, highlighting its geographical advantage that facilitates global distribution, backed by a significant influx of financial resources. However, while Santa might travel effortlessly through the sky, Kyrgyzstan continues to grapple with substantial challenges regarding land transport, characterized by inadequate road infrastructure, treacherous mountainous routes, and a scarcity of bridges.
Despite these infrastructural limitations, Chinese investors remain undeterred, perceiving Kyrgyzstan as a viable alternative to the traditional transport routes through Russia and Kazakhstan, where collaboration on various development projects is also taking place. The envisioned trans-Eurasian railway demands an investment of several billion dollars, with the potential to revolutionize trade dynamics between East and West by significantly shortening the transport time for Chinese goods en route to Europe.
The most emblematic project presently underway is the colossal Manas logistic-commercial centre in Leninskoe, under the auspices of the Hunan Construction Investment Group (Hcig). The project’s first phase is estimated to cost around USD 700 million, with total expenses anticipated to rise to at least USD 4 billion. The sprawling site covers 700 hectares, designed to accommodate extensive storage, logistics, sales, and trade functions. Although not originally included in the approved plans, there is a high likelihood that a major station on the new railway will be strategically positioned here, as Leninskoe lies adjacent to the Kazakh border rather than the more challenging mountainous areas.
During the recent foundation stone ceremony for the future railway on 17 October, China’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Du Dewen, commended Kyrgyzstan as a ‘uniting country’ vital not only for Central Asia but also for broader continental connectivity with Europe. The ambassador emphasized the significance of this trade hub for enhancing rail transport, wherein additional markets, warehouses, and logistics centres are slated for development. Moreover, discussions are currently underway for 49 similar projects that could complement the existing Manas initiative, which is named after the legendary hero of Kyrgyz folklore.
Prime Minister Akylbek Žaparov has drawn a parallel between the centre and a ‘great seaport’; this highlights the project’s potential impact on the nation despite Kyrgyzstan’s landlocked status and the fact that over 25 percent of trade with China occurs via maritime routes. The project is anticipated to significantly advance local sectors, including agriculture, industry, mineral extraction, and the adoption of innovative technologies. Ultimately, the Manas centre is poised to provide formidable competition to the well-established ‘land port’ Khorgos, a major Chinese facility located along the border between Xinjiang and Kazakhstan that exemplifies the ‘Northern Corridor’.
As this ambitious expansion takes shape, Russia appears increasingly sidelined, observing China’s growing influence in Central Asia with a sense of helplessness. This trend seems destined to continue as Beijing’s ongoing support of Moscow’s geopolitical interests becomes crucial amid the escalating conflict in Ukraine, marking a significant shift in the regional power dynamics that appears irreversible.
How does the integration of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway impact the overall effectiveness of the Manas project?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Vasiliev, Expert on Central Asian Trade and Infrastructure**
**Interviewer**: Dr. Vasiliev, thank you for joining us today. The Manas logistic-commercial center in Leninskoe is being touted as a game-changer for trade routes in the region. What is your take on its significance for Kyrgyzstan?
**Dr. Vasiliev**: Thank you for having me. The Manas center represents a strategic pivot for Kyrgyzstan as it seeks to broaden its trade relations beyond traditional routes dominated by Russia. Prime Minister Akylbek Žaparov’s reference to it as the ‘great seaport’ is quite apt, given that it will function as a crucial logistical hub facilitating East-West trade, especially since Kyrgyzstan lacks direct access to ocean shipping.
**Interviewer**: Could you elaborate on how this project integrates with China’s increased investment in Kyrgyzstan?
**Dr. Vasiliev**: Certainly! China is significantly expanding its involvement in Central Asia, viewing it as a vital link for its Belt and Road Initiative. The upcoming China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is particularly noteworthy. It complements the Manas center by improving connectivity along the Middle Corridor, which is poised to rival the Northern Corridor through Russia and the South Asian routes. This further underscores Kyrgyzstan’s strategic geographical advantage as a transit point for goods heading towards Europe.
**Interviewer**: Despite these ambitious projects, Kyrgyzstan faces challenges, particularly with its infrastructure. How do you see these issues impacting the effectiveness of the Manas project?
**Dr. Vasiliev**: That’s a critical point. Kyrgyzstan’s transportation infrastructure is indeed inadequate—with poor road conditions and treacherous mountain passes. While the Manas center’s location near the Kazakh border is advantageous, the overall success of such large-scale initiatives depends heavily on improvements to the existing infrastructure. If not addressed, logistical inefficiencies could undermine the center’s potential.
**Interviewer**: With billions of dollars already invested and more on the horizon, what do you predict for Kyrgyzstan’s economic future in light of these developments?
**Dr. Vasiliev**: If managed well, Kyrgyzstan could emerge as a major logistics hub in Central Asia, attracting further investments and creating jobs. However, it will also require careful regional diplomacy, particularly in balancing relations with China and Russia. Infrastructure improvements, regulatory reforms, and political stability will be essential to harness these opportunities fully.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Vasiliev, for your insights. It’s clear that while the Manas project holds great promise, it will need to navigate significant challenges to reach its full potential.
**Dr. Vasiliev**: Thank you for having me. It will be interesting to watch how this all unfolds!