Kyrgyzstan and China are exploring expanded cooperation across oil and gas exploration and development, refinery construction and logistics infrastructure at border crossings. The plans were discussed during a meeting between Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Erlist Akunbekov and Secretary of the Communist Party of China Committee of Xinjiang Chen Xiaojian.
During the talks, the two sides examined potential oil and gas projects focused on the exploration and development of oil and gas fields in Kyrgyzstan, alongside plans for the construction of oil refineries.
Chen Xiaojian expressed readiness to support all projects of mutual interest and highlighted China’s interest in further developing trade with Kyrgyzstan through Xinjiang. The Chinese side also expressed readiness to work actively on new areas of cooperation with Kyrgyzstan.
Chinese Companies Expand Role in Kyrgyzstan’s Energy Sector
Chinese companies already maintain a significant presence in Kyrgyzstan’s oil and gas sector, with existing operations covering both refining and upstream activities. China Petroleum Company Junda operates the oil refinery in Kara-Balta, where a major modernization project is underway. The facility has a processing capacity of 800,000 tons of oil per year, while investment in its modernization was increased to $193.8 million. The project is being implemented with the participation of China’s Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Corporation and is aimed at increasing the depth of oil processing and strengthening Kyrgyzstan’s energy security. The refinery modernization therefore remains part of the broader set of oil and gas projects involving Chinese companies in Kyrgyzstan.
China Huarong Energy is also active in upstream operations of the oil and gas projects in the country. The company operates six oil and gas fields in the Fergana Basin and holds a 60% operated stake in the assets.
New Refinery Investment Moves Ahead
More recently, Kyrgyzstan signed an investment agreement in July 2026 for the construction of a new oil refinery in Kochkor-Ata. The project has planned investment of $25 million and a design capacity of 450,000 tons of petroleum products annually. Construction has already begun, with the first phase expected to be commissioned by the end of 2026.
