A STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF CHINA-UZBEKISTAN TRANSPORTATION CONNECTIVITY PROJECTS ON REGIONAL TRADE COSTS (E.G., THE CHINA-KYRGYZSTAN-UZBEKISTAN RAILWAY)
Keywords:
China-Uzbekistan transportation connectivity; China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway;, regional trade costs; trade facilitation; Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)Abstract
This study investigates the impact of China-Uzbekistan transportation connectivity projects
(with a focus on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway, CKU Railway) on regional trade costs between
2013 and 2024. By analyzing 38 key transportation projects, trade cost data from the World Bank’s Trade
Costs Database, and bilateral trade statistics, the research reveals core findings: transportation
connectivity projects have reduced Uzbekistan’s regional trade costs by 28.3% on average, with the CKU
Railway (under construction) expected to further lower land transport costs between China and
Uzbekistan by 42%. Sectorally, manufacturing and agricultural trade have benefited most, with cost
reductions of 31.7% and 26.5% respectively. The study also finds that infrastructure complementarity and
customs facilitation are critical for amplifying the cost-saving effects. Policy recommendations include
accelerating CKU Railway completion, harmonizing regional transport standards, and strengthening
cross-border customs cooperation.
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