China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway expected to facilitate regional logistics

The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway, a major project under the Belt and Road Initiative that began construction this year, is expected to facilitate logistics between China and Central Asia, said a logistic provider from Uzbekistan.

Alex Jasur Mavlyanov, CEO of Shanghai CHK International Logistics, has spent the past decade helping to ship heavy equipment from China to Central Asia, with his business growing month by month.

"A lot of infrastructure is being built in central Asia, including Uzbekistan, so, we're trying to take on project logistics more," he said.

In 2018, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway was opened, which allowed Mavlyanov's company to transport in a more convenient way. But trucks also face challenges of unpredictability and delays.

"When the infrastructure, the roads are smooth and everything, it's fine. But unfortunately, when you use land transportation, it's seasonal. So for example, during winter time, there's heavy snow in central Asia, in the desert and there's a lot of unpredictability," he said.

With China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway now under construction, Mavlyanov has high hopes for faster, more reliable shipping in the future.

"As a railway, it provides one thing definitely — the stability. It doesn't really matter, there's snow or rain. It doesn't stop, it just goes from A to B without any problems," he said.

The construction of the railway will not only boost trade between China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. It will also facilitate cargo transport to the other three Central Asian countries.

In 2024, China's trade with Central Asian nations reached some 94.8 billion US dollars, with large amounts of cargo shipped every day between the two sides.

Though the railway is expected to be completed in six years, Magliano's long-term plan of staying in China won't make the waiting time that difficult.

"I'm seeing my future here for the next at least 10, 15, 20 years and maybe we will make the company into Forbes, make it public very soon. That's the plan," he said.

China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway expected to facilitate regional logistics

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu has called for a stronger voice and greater representation for countries in the Global South, as well as better protection of their rights and interests in global affairs.

This is essential to building a more just and equitable global governance system, Miao said at a press conference held on Wednesday to present a white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions".

"In international affairs, listening to the voice of countries in the Global South, expanding their representation, and protecting their rights and interests are essential for building a more just and equitable global governance system. China will remain committed to the right direction of enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in UN Security Council reform. We should also push for more UN agencies and international organizations to establish their headquarters in developing countries," said Miao. Miao said that China's heart is with the Global South as it is rooted in the Global South.

"As a natural member of the Global South, China will continue to work closely with fellow developing countries to advance hand in hand toward modernization and push forward reform of the global governance system," he said.

China calls for enhanced Global South voice, representation