This year China and Kyrgyzstan elevated their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries have been increasing cooperation in many areas – including transportation as some Kyrgyz citizens are enjoying the benefits of riding eco-friendly Chinese buses in Bishkek. CGTN's Michal Bardavid reports.
Following an agreement between China and Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek is set to benefit from the introduction of an extensive fleet of buses. These distinctive green and white buses have already commenced operations, enhancing transportation services within the capital city.
BAKYT TEMIKEEV Director, Bishkek Passenger Motor Transport Enterprise "At the initiative of our President Sadyr Japarov, we signed an agreement in March of this year for the supply of one-thousand buses. To date, three-hundred buses have already been delivered. Next year five-hundred buses will arrive."
A segment of this bus shipment, totaling 128 buses, is part of a project supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
BAKYT TEMIKEEV Director, Bishkek Passenger Motor Transport Enterprise "Chinese-made buses from the Golden Dragon company will also be supplied through the EBRD. Eighty buses have arrived. And those three-hundred-seventy buses that I spoke about earlier were manufactured by Zhongtong. The process of their customs clearance and registration is underway, and they will soon be operational."
These natural gas buses offer environmental benefits with automatic transmission, 77-passenger capacity with seating for 29 individuals, and eight USB charging points.
TALАNT ABYKEEV Bishkek resident "These buses are very convenient for us, for the Kyrgyz people, as they are clean, safe, and wide. We can say that they are comfortable. It's very good that they brought it."
NURLANBEK KYZY GULDANA Bishkek resident "The buses are very convenient. There is also space for strollers for the disabled. It is very comfortable and the capacity is very good."
As China and Kyrgyzstan plan to boost cooperation in the upcoming year – new projects – especially within the scope of the Belt and Road Initiative are expected to be implemented in different industries.
Michal Bardavid, CGTN.
