Kyrgyzstan Leads Central Asia in GDP Growth Per Capita
Kyrgyzstan saw the fastest per capita GDP growth in Central Asia. Income per person rose by 85% from 2022 to 2024, according to economist Mirkhomil Kholboev. If the trend continues, Kyrgyzstan may surpass Uzbekistan in average income by 2027.
What fuels this surge
Kholboev says regional tensions created favourable conditions for Kyrgyzstan’s economy. It grew by 9% annually — the highest in the region. In the same period, per capita growth was 49% in Tajikistan, 42% in Kazakhstan, and 37% in Uzbekistan.
2025 growth gains speed
In Q1 2025, Kyrgyzstan’s economy expanded by 13.1%. The IMF expects 6.8% growth for the year. But the government targets 8%, driven by large industrial and infrastructure projects.
GDP per capita for Central Asia: Will it surpass Uzbekistan
If momentum continues, Kyrgyzstan could match Uzbekistan’s income per capita by 2026. In 2027, it may pull ahead. By 2030, the income gap could widen to 50% in Kyrgyzstan’s favour.
Global context matters
Kholboev’s research ranks Kyrgyzstan near global leaders like Guyana, Armenia, and Georgia in per capita growth. World Bank data also shows a strong increase of 79.2% since 2021.
«These trends show our neighbours are growing too. That is a positive signal for Central Asia.» Kholboev says.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that from August 1 the United States will impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Kazakhstan.
