Central Asian Five Nations’ GDP Exceeds US$500 Billion in 2025, Leading Global Growth

According to a macroeconomic assessment by the Eurasian Development Bank, the combined gross domestic product of the five Central Asian countries exceeded US$500 billion in 2025, with the region’s average economic growth rate reaching approximately 7%, roughly double the average level of developing economies. Analysts noted that 2025 was one of the strongest years for the economies of Central Asia in recent times.

Key drivers of growth included robust global demand for mineral resources, expanding trade flows and the gradual formation of a common regional economic space. Domestic factors also played an important role, with double‑digit growth in both investment and consumption across the countries. The development of transport corridors, internal reforms, regional cooperation and enhanced investment attractiveness are turning the region into a new investment hub.

The performance of individual countries was remarkable. Kazakhstan, as the largest economy in Central Asia, recorded its highest economic growth in nearly 13 years in 2025, with GDP expanding by 6.5%. Sectors such as transport, construction, mining and trade made significant contributions. Uzbekistan’s economic growth was particularly notable, with GDP growth reaching 7.7% and the country’s GDP totalling US$147 billion. Retail trade grew by 14.7%, services by 14.8% and construction by 14.2%, serving as major driving forces. Kyrgyzstan maintained its position as the fastest‑growing economy in the region, with its growth rate rising further from 9% in 2024 to 11.1% in 2025. Tajikistan’s economy grew by 8.4%, while Turkmenistan’s growth remained stable.

Regional economic integration has accelerated. Bilateral trade between China and the five Central Asian countries reached US$106.3 billion in 2025, surpassing the US$100 billion mark for the first time, up by 12% year‑on‑year. The heads of the six countries signed a Treaty on Permanent Good‑Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation and declared 2025–2026 as the “Year of High‑Quality Development of China‑Central Asia Cooperation”.

Looking ahead, experts expect the region’s growth momentum to continue in 2026, with the annual economic growth rate likely to exceed 6.5% and the region’s total GDP expected to surpass US$600 billion for the first time. Key drivers of sustained growth include transport and logistics development, rising investment, internal reforms, regional cooperation and expanding exports. Central Asian countries are demonstrating their fastest development pace in decades, with regional economic vitality continuing to strengthen.