Kyrgyzstan eyes role as Asia–Europe logistics hub PHOTO

Kyrgyzstan is positioning itself as a logistics bridge between Asia and Europe, as discussions advance on a new international cargo route linking China to European markets via Bishkek’s Manas International Airport.

Chinese logistics firm ZTO Express is in talks with the airports of Kyrgyzstan to establish a multimodal transport corridor that would combine road and air freight, according to company statements cited by local media.

Under the proposed model, cargo would be transported overland from China into Kyrgyzstan, where it would be processed and transshipped at Manas International Airport before being flown onward to destinations across Europe.

Officials say the project could significantly reduce transit times between Asia and Europe, improve the efficiency of global supply chains and boost air cargo volumes. It is also expected to attract additional transit traffic and generate new employment opportunities.

Airports of Kyrgyzstan said the country’s recent removal from the European Union’s aviation safety list has been a key factor in enabling closer cooperation with international logistics operators.

Manasbek Samidinov, chairman of the company’s board, said the expansion of cargo aviation remains a strategic priority.

By Tamilla Hasanova