From 2016 to the first half of 2025, this figure increased from $19.6 billion, indicating a significant rise in interest from Chinese investors in the region.
However, the investment portfolio continues to show significant geographical concentration: approximately 90% of all investments are directed towards Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
As noted by EDB experts, despite the predominance of the raw materials sector, which accounts for 46% of the total investment volume (equivalent to $16.7 billion), the structure of investments is beginning to change.
The share of projects in manufacturing and energy has significantly increased, and now these sectors make up more than one-third of all Chinese foreign direct investments in the region.
Particular activity is observed in the energy sector, which, starting from an almost zero base in 2016, reached $6.6 billion by mid-2025. This is associated with the growth of initiatives in alternative energy, especially in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
