Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Economy and Commerce Bakyt Sydykov has underscored China's unrivaled position as the nation's largest trading partner and leading foreign investor.
Speaking in a recent interview with China Global Television Network ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2026 in Bishkek, Sydykov expressed gratitude for China's support for his country's large projects.
"China is the largest trading and economic partner of Kyrgyzstan. The share of trade with China in our total trade turnover exceeds 31 percent. At present, China continues to maintain the leading position in the foreign economic activity and external trade of Kyrgyzstan," he said.
"By virtue of our standing as close neighbors and by virtue of our historical ties, China also holds a leading position as a source of foreign investment inflows. It is through Chinese investment that large-scale -- and one might venture to say mega-scale -- national projects are being implemented," said the minister.
China-Kyrgyzstan trade reached 11.7 billion U.S. dollars in the first seven months of this year. Besides, China's direct investment across all sectors in Kyrgyzstan exceeded 2 billion U.S. dollars at the end of July, with projects involving major infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture and green development progressing smoothly, said Huang Ling, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce at a press conference on Thursday.
China's investment in other SCO members has continued to expand, with its direct investment across all sectors reaching 3.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2025. The investment covered areas including oil and gas, mineral resources, infrastructure, new energy, automobiles and chemicals, she said.
China has also invested in and built more than 30 economic and trade cooperation zones, helping SCO member states build capacity for industrial development, Huang said.
China is Kyrgyzstan's largest trading partner, leading foreign investor: Kyrgyz minister
Canada-headquartered athletic apparel brand Lululemon is embracing the vast Chinese market through a deepened presence at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which opened in Shanghai on Thursday.
This year's expo has drawn 4,144 overseas exhibitors from 152 countries and regions. As the guest country of honor, Canada brought a delegation of about 120 companies.
This year also marks Lululemon's third consecutive participation at the CIIE. Andre Maestrini, president and chief commercial officer of Lululemon, brought a global debut product to the booth -- a runner's vest that seamlessly integrates insulation with ventilation.
"You see the fabrics here, the perforation, the double layering and different inclusions of technical materials to be able for air to flow, but still protecting and keep you warm in extreme conditions," said Maestrini.
He also noted that while the product is designed domestically, its inspirations and effectiveness are honed and validated in China, a market featuring rapid evolution and highly diversified consumer demands.
"Outdoor, outwear, China is seeing a lot of progress, so it's very interesting to see what China guests require. If you know what China guests want, and [combined with] people that living in Vancouver or Whistler near Canada, because we have a lot of mountains and outdoors -- the combination makes it a global product," he said.
Beyond product development, global companies are increasingly regarding China not only as a destination for bilateral trade, but as a springboard for broader global investment.
"China speed, in terms of innovation [and] in trends, is so intense that if we are present in China, and we have teams here developing the products that's needed for the China market, we see the potential to export them," said Maestrini.
Launched in 2018, the CIIE is the world's first national-level expo dedicated to import, and has become an important gateway for foreign businesses seeking access to China's vast consumer and industrial markets. This year's exhibition is held from Nov. 5 to 10.
Canadian athletic apparel brand deepens China presence with proactive CIIE showcase
Canadian athletic apparel brand deepens China presence with proactive CIIE showcase
