THE PHENOMENON OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES ON THE EXAMPLE OF KYRGYZSTAN
https://doi.org/10.48137/26870703_2026_35_3_76
Abstract
Today, the countries of Central Asia demonstrate stable economic growth, within the economic growth of Kyrgyzstan stands out particularly. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the macroeconomic dynamics of the Kyrgyz Republic, including its structural shifts, such as an increase in the share of commodity-producing sectors alongside a gradual decline in the share of agriculture. A separate section examines infrastructure and hydropower projects as factors of long-term development, as well as Kyrgyzstan’s geo-economic role in the context of the reconfiguration of trade ties in Eurasia.
In this regard, the aim of the study is to determine whether the observed economic upswing in Kyrgyzstan, which has illustrated significant economic growth in 2025, constitutes a long-term trend or a conjunctural phenomenon of macroeconomic dynamics; as well as to identify prospects for sustainable development amidst growing geopolitical turbulence and the reconfiguration of global trade and economic relations. Based on this objective, the methodological framework of the research is founded on a systemic analysis and includes examination of statistical data, macroeconomic forecasts, and sectoral reviews. The paper sequentially analyses GDP dynamics, structural shifts in industry and construction, foreign trade performance, flows of foreign direct investment and remittances, as well as ongoing hydropower and logistics projects.
The article notes that, despite positive structural changes and record growth rates, the current upswing is largely of a conjunctural nature, being driven by post-pandemic recovery, re-export effects, and temporary geopolitical factors. Key risks remain sanctions pressure, declining exports to traditional partner countries, and high dependence on external shocks. A transition to sustainable long-term growth is possible provided that strategic stability in foreign policy is strengthened, critical sectors (especially hydropower) are developed, and dependence on external shocks is reduced.
About the Author
M. D. KonovRussian Federation
Mikhail D. KONOV, Laboratory researcher at the Laboratory of Contemporary Studies on Central Asia and Caucasus
12, Rozhdestvenka str., Moscow, 107031
References
1. Baiboriev A. Z., Bokoeva E. T., Tulemysheva B. I., 2024. Hydropower Potential of Water Resources of Kyrgyzstan // Economics and Business: theory and practice. No. 3-1 (109). Pp. 32–36. DOI: 10.24412/2411-0450-2024-3-1-32-36. (In Russ.)
2. Migranyan A. A., 2025. Water resources of Central Asia: specifics of water supply for upstream countries and water-scarce countries // Geoeconomics of energetics. No. 1 (29). Pp. 91–117. DOI: https://doi.org/10.48137/26870703_2025_29_1_91. (In Russ.)
3. Rakhimov K. K., Jorobekova A. E., 2025. Hydrotrust in Central Asia // Bulletin of the RUDN University. Series: Political Science. T. 27. No. 1. Pp. 55–65. DOI: 10.22363/2313-1438-2025-27-1-55-65. (In Russ.)
4. Rosatom will start construction of a 100-megawatt wind farm in Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan in 2026 // https://e-cis.info/news/568/132493/, accessed 03.07.2026. (In Russ.)
5. Construction of one of the largest cascades of hydroelectric power plants launched in Kyrgyzstan // https://rg.ru/2026/07/01/kazarman-v-ogniah.html, accessed 03.07.2026. (In Russ.)
6. In January-December 2025, growth of gross domestic product was ensured // https://www.stat.gov.kg/ru/news/v-yanvare-dekabre-2025-goda-obespechen-rost-valovogovnutrennego-produkta/, accessed 02.07.2026. (In Russ.)
7. Gross domestic product per capita // https://stat.gov.kg/ru/opendata/category/27/, accessed 02.07.2026. (In Russ.)
8. State banks of Kyrgyzstan stop working with companies due to sanctions // https://rg.ru/2026/07/01/fakt-davleniia.html, accessed 06.07.2026. (In Russ.)
9. EDB signed an agreement on financing the construction of one of the largest solar power plants in Kyrgyzstan // https://eabr.org/press/releases/eabr-podpisalsoglashenie-po-finansirovaniyu-stroitelstva-odnoy-iz-krupneyshikh-solnechnykhelektros/, accessed 03.07.2026. (In Russ.)
10. EDB: Central Asian countries have significant hydropower potential, but use only 10% of it // https://eabr.org/press/releases/eabr-strany-tsentralnoy-azii-obladayutznachitelnym-gidroenergeticheskim-potentsialom-no-ispolzuyut-/, accessed 03.07.2026. (In Russ.)
11. In two months, 147 billion soms: the industrial sector of Kyrgyzstan showed growth // https://e-cis.info/news/567/135112/, accessed 02.07.2026. (In Russ.)
12. Macroeconomic forecast 2025–2027 // https://eabr.org/upload/iblock/c98/EDB_Macroreview_2025_2027_June_RU_f.pdf, accessed 02.07.2026. (In Russ.)
13. The volume of investments in the economy of Kyrgyzstan exceeded 1.3 billion dollars // https://rg.ru/2026/07/01/dengi-v-razvitie.html, accessed 02.07.2026. (In Russ.)
14. According to the results of 2025, GDP growth amounted to 11.1 percent // https://stat.gov.kg/ru/news/po-itogam-2025-goda-rost-vvp-sostavil-111-procenta/, accessed 02.07.2026. (In Russ.)
15. New type of sanctions imposed against Kyrgyzstan // https://rg.ru/2026/05/06/nakazali-za-druzhbu.html, accessed 06.07.2026. (In Russ.)
Review
For citations:
Konov M.D. THE PHENOMENON OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES ON THE EXAMPLE OF KYRGYZSTAN. Geoeconomics of Energetics. 2026;(3):76-91. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.48137/26870703_2026_35_3_76
JATS XML
