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Kazakh and Kyrgyz Prime Ministers Discuss Trade, Transport, and Water Cooperation

On February 24, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held talks in Astana with Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan. The visit marked Kasymaliyev’s first official foreign trip since his appointment as Kyrgyzstan’s prime minister in December last year. Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation The discussions covered trade, transit, water and energy cooperation, investment, and cultural ties, according to the Kazakh government’s press service. Bektenov noted that bilateral trade reached $1.7 billion last year, underscoring Kazakhstan’s role as one of Kyrgyzstan’s key trading partners. Kasymaliyev reaffirmed both governments' commitment to raising trade volume to $3 billion by 2030, a goal set by the presidents of both countries. He also revealed that Kazakhstani companies invested nearly $49 million in Kyrgyzstan’s economy in the first nine months of 2024. New Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex Kasymaliyev emphasized the importance of the Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex at the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border, which aims to streamline cargo transportation and enhance trade efficiency. The complex, located near the Karasu and Ak-Tilek road checkpoints, will be one of the largest cargo hubs in Central Asia, facilitating consolidation, processing, and distribution of goods. Land plots have already been allocated, and the Alatau industrial zone has been established in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region to support the project. Energy Cooperation and Food Security Kasymaliyev highlighted the potential duty-free supply of Kazakh oil to Kyrgyzstan, which would bolster Kyrgyzstan’s energy security and lower fuel costs for consumers. Additionally, both sides discussed building a trade and logistics warehouse in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region to store and distribute fruits and vegetables, ensuring stable fresh produce supplies and improving food security. Kasymaliyev stressed that these initiatives would create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen economic cooperation. Improving Transport and Border Infrastructure In the transit and transport sector, both governments focused on modernizing automobile checkpoints to boost cargo capacity at the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border. Water Cooperation Water resource management was another key topic, particularly irrigation water supplies from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan for the upcoming growing season. Discussions centered on the Shu (Chu) and Talas rivers, which are crucial for agriculture in both countries. Tourism and Education The talks also explored expanding cross-border tourism, including: Developing eco-routes Improving active tourism infrastructure Attracting investment in the hotel industry Additionally, the two leaders discussed preparations for opening branches of Kazakh universities in Kyrgyzstan to enhance educational cooperation. The meeting underscored Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to deepening economic, energy, and infrastructure ties, while also addressing key water and environmental concerns. The successful implementation of these initiatives will boost regional integration and economic growth for both nations.

Visits of Chinese Tourists to Kazakhstan Surged in 2024

In 2024, 655,000 Chinese tourists visited Kazakhstan, representing a 78% increase compared to the previous year, Nurtas Karipbayev, chairman of the Tourism Industry Committee at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan, announced at a press conference on February 6. The surge in visitors comes as Kazakhstan declared 2024 the "Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China", an initiative aimed at strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two countries. The program promoted Kazakhstan as a travel destination and facilitated collaborations between tourism industry stakeholders from both nations. As part of the initiative, leading Chinese media and social networks - with a combined audience exceeding 1.3 billion people - broadcast and published content about Kazakhstan, significantly boosting its appeal among Chinese travelers, Karipbayev stated. He noted that Almaty was the most popular destination for Chinese tourists in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan also participated in four major tourism exhibitions in China: ITB China, ITE Hong Kong, COTTM, and the China International Medical Tourism Fair. These events helped establish new partnerships with leading Chinese tour operators. "Throughout the year, various Kazakh cities and regions hosted 10 major presentation tours. These events further heightened interest in Kazakhstan. Participation in tourism exhibitions and the organization of informational tours remain key priorities in our collaboration," Karipbayev said. The increase in tourist flow was further supported by the mutual visa-free travel regime, which took effect in November 2023. Under this arrangement, Kazakh and Chinese citizens can travel visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum stay of 90 calendar days within a 180-day period. The agreement covers tourism, medical treatment, business trips, and transit travel. Following the success of 2024, the governments of Kazakhstan and China have designated 2025 as the "Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan", aiming to further expand travel and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

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Kyrgyzstan Facilitates Group Travel Tourism from China

On February 4, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce and China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism signed a memorandum in Beijing aimed at facilitating organized group travel from China to Kyrgyzstan. The agreement was signed during Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov’s state visit to China and is expected to boost Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry and contribute to economic growth. According to Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce, 127,956 Chinese citizens visited the country in 2024, marking a 56% increase from 70,842 visitors in 2023. China has also included Kyrgyzstan on its list of recommended destinations for individual Chinese travelers. In October 2024, Kyrgyzstan introduced a visa-free regime for organized Chinese tour groups for stays of up to 21 days. The move aims to strengthen Kyrgyz-Chinese public diplomacy and enhance the country’s appeal to one of the world’s largest outbound tourism markets. Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry has been experiencing steady growth in recent years. The country was expected to welcome more than 10.5 million foreign tourists in 2024, up from 8.5 million in 2023. In the first eight months of 2024, Kyrgyzstan recorded 6.1 million foreign visitors, with the majority coming from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Other significant sources of tourists included Turkey, China, India, Germany, Pakistan, the United States, and South Korea.

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Kyrgyzstan Simplifies Entry Rules for Foreign Citizens

Kyrgyzstan has introduced significant changes to its visa policy, eliminating several visa categories, including business, tourist, and mountain tourism visas, as part of efforts to improve its investment climate and boost tourism. These visas will now be replaced with a streamlined system centered around a new “Sapar visa”, which can be issued within 24 hours of application. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sapar visa will be available to foreign citizens traveling to Kyrgyzstan for business, tourism, or private purposes, such as visiting friends or undergoing medical examinations. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days and offers both single-entry and multiple-entry options. The changes will take effect on January 22, 2025, with applications submitted through the government’s Electronic Visa portal. The e-visa portal, launched five years ago, was developed to simplify the visa application process, particularly for tourists and investors. The system is user-friendly, requiring only an internet connection, a credit or debit card for payment, and scanned copies of necessary documents. By modernizing its visa policies and making the process faster and more accessible, Kyrgyzstan hopes to attract more foreign investors and tourists, bolstering economic growth. The government’s approach reflects a commitment to removing bureaucratic hurdles and positioning the country as an attractive destination for both business and leisure travel.

Kazakhstan Named Most Promising Destination for Chinese Travelers

Kazakhstan has affirmed its credentials as a tourist destination for Chinese travelers, receiving the award for “Most Promising New Destination of 2025” from Tongcheng Travel, China's largest online travel agency. Demand for travel to Kazakhstan surged by 300% year-on-year in 2024, according to Tongcheng. This growth trend is expected to continue in 2025, fueled in part by the Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China. During this campaign, the number of tourists from China increased by 78%, reaching 655,000 visitors. Kazakhstan’s natural diversity, historical landmarks, and rich cultural heritage have proven to be major draws for Chinese travelers. “We have recorded a two-fold increase in the number of tourists from China and intend to maintain this positive dynamic. Our cooperation with leading Chinese platforms will expand,” said Kairat Sadvakasov, Chairman of Kazakh Tourism. Kazakhstan’s appeal as a tourist destination extends beyond China. Western travel journalists have also acknowledged the country’s potential. The British publication Lonely Planet included Kazakhstan in its list of the best travel destinations for 2024, whilst CNN Travel named Almaty as one of the top tourist destinations for 2025. These accolades reflect Kazakhstan’s efforts to establish itself as a major global tourism hub, leveraging its unique natural beauty and cultural heritage to attract visitors from around the world. Kazakhstan’s recognition by Tongcheng Travel underscores its growing reputation in the Chinese market, which has immense potential given the scale of outbound tourism from China. By fostering partnerships with major Chinese platforms and continuing to promote its diverse offerings, Kazakhstan is poised to solidify its position as a leading destination for travelers in the region.

Kyrgyzstan Launches Sustainable Tourism Development Program

The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a new Program for Sustainable Tourism Development which is set to run until 2030. The program aims to significantly enhance the country's tourism sector, focusing on sustainable growth, regional development, and environmental preservation. Program Priorities The program outlines several key areas for development: Strengthening state policy, improving regulations, and enhancing strategic management in tourism. Boosting the attractiveness of tourism services for both domestic and international travelers. Leveraging digital technologies to simplify access to tourism products. Ensuring the safety and security of tourists. Preserving and promoting Kyrgyzstan’s historical, cultural, and natural heritage while maintaining ecological balance. Stimulating regional development and supporting local economies through tourism initiatives. Improving transport, hotel, and tourism infrastructure. Encouraging the adoption of green technologies and supporting environmentally friendly practices. Promoting niche tourism markets such as medical, sports, and health resort tourism. The program has ambitious goals, including increasing tourism's contribution to the national GDP to 7% and achieving a 10% annual growth in the number of domestic and foreign tourists. Currently, tourism accounts for 2.7% of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP. Rising Tourism Numbers Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry has seen steady growth in recent years. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the country is expected to have attracted more than 10.5 million foreign tourists in 2024, up from 8.5 million in 2023. In the first eight months of 2024 alone, Kyrgyzstan welcomed 6.1 million foreign visitors. The majority of tourists came from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, followed by travelers from Turkey, China, India, Germany, Pakistan, the United States, and South Korea. Infrastructure and Investment On January 11, the First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Daniyar Amangeldiev, chaired a meeting on tourism development. The discussions centered on improving tourism infrastructure, creating favorable conditions for investment in the sector, and designing new tourist routes. Amangeldiev emphasized the pivotal role of tourism in driving economic growth and creating jobs. As part of the government's plans, 40 new tourist bases are expected to open across the country by 2025. These will be developed in cooperation with local communities and investors. “We must improve services, develop unique routes, and ensure tourists’ safety throughout their journey in Kyrgyzstan,” Amangeldiev stated. A Vision for the Future With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and growing global recognition, Kyrgyzstan is positioning itself as a major tourism destination in Central Asia. The new program aims to transform the sector into a key driver of sustainable development, while preserving the country’s natural and cultural treasures for future generations.