According to forecasts, Kyrgyzstan, along with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, will be among the countries with the highest GDP growth rates in 2026 among 22 developing economies in Europe and Central Asia (ECA). This is evidenced by the January report of the World Bank titled "Global Economic Prospects."
The Central Asian subregion continues to demonstrate the highest economic growth rates within the ECA. In 2025, the total GDP of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan increased by 6.2%. However, in 2026, this growth is expected to slow down to 5%.
The region is predicted to see a decline in private consumption against the backdrop of continuing high inflation. Additionally, the slowdown in the Russian economy is likely to negatively impact exports from Central Asian countries. The tightening of migration policies in Russia may also lead to a decrease in remittance flows to the subregion.
The increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts and abnormal heat, poses additional threats to economic growth in the ECA. These factors may negatively affect agricultural production, water resources, and infrastructure, especially in Central Asia.
Nevertheless, deepening regional integration and new international agreements may contribute to trade growth and economic development. In particular, the report mentions the signing of a joint declaration on strategic partnership between the EU and Central Asia in April 2025 in Samarkand, as well as a joint statement of intent for economic cooperation between the USA and Central Asia, which took place in November 2025 in Washington.
