Navigating Investments in Central Asia as Chinese Investors: A Case Study of Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Although Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan have promised to work with Chinese companies as they show growing interest in entering the region in light of the Belt and Road Initiative, considerable risks remain. Systemic political fragility and growing anti-China public sentiment in Kyrgyzstan pose considerable threats to investment success. Prospective Chinese investors can better navigate the non-business risks in the regulatory and social contexts through aligning their business objectives well with the incentives and needs of both the Kyrgyz government and local communities.