Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Chinese and Kyrgyz workers involved in the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway have developed professional cooperation and close friendships through their joint work, China's Xinhua news agency reported.
Construction of the railway began in late 2024. The project is regarded as a landmark cooperation initiative under the joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative and is being advanced with the support of the leaders of China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Xinhua highlighted the cooperation between Chinese engineer Yang Dong and Kyrgyz construction worker Zholboldu Korchubayev as one example. Yang Dong has more than 40 years of experience in railway construction and serves as the project's technical director, with responsibilities including the training of Kyrgyz specialists.
Korchubayev, 32, is from Kyrgyzstan's Jalal-Abad region and works on the project alongside Chinese specialists. He considers his participation in the construction of the new railway one of the most significant events of his life.
“We have never had such a modern railway. For me, this is not just a job, but a way to grow personally and fulfill my dream,” Korchubayev said.
At the beginning of the project, he found it difficult to learn how to use new equipment and technologies and considered withdrawing from the project. According to Korchubayev, Yang Dong gradually taught him the necessary skills and demonstrated the correct working methods. Through constant practice, Korchubayev learned to weld reinforcement bars, operate various types of equipment, and follow railway construction standards and regulations.
“He generously shares his experience, and together we are working on a great project. This friendship is especially valuable,” the Kyrgyz worker said.
Yang Dong, in turn, said he was proud of his trainee's independence. The Chinese engineer also had to adapt to local conditions during his first days working in Kyrgyzstan.
He identified the harsh winter and language barrier as among the main challenges. Korchubayev helped him adjust to the climate and become familiar with local customs. Yang Dong said that working together had helped him better understand people from a different culture and with a different mentality.
According to the Chinese engineer, once the railway enters operation, travel between China and Kyrgyzstan will become easier. He also expects the project to contribute to the development of infrastructure, education and healthcare in communities along the railway and improve the quality of life of local residents.
Korchubayev called the new railway a “road of hope” for Kyrgyzstan. In his view, more convenient freight transportation could contribute to the emergence of new businesses and jobs, while creating more opportunities for young people.
Both workers believe the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is not only a transport project but also a platform for strengthening friendship and cooperation among the peoples of the three countries.
“In a little over a year of work, the builders from our countries have already become one big family,” Yang Dong said.
Korchubayev said the joint work had allowed him to better appreciate the diligence and kindness of his Chinese colleagues.
According to him, construction of the railway is bringing peoples closer together and contributing to further strengthening cooperation among the countries.
