Central Asia’s economic landscape is increasingly shaped by Kazakhstan’s dominance and the gradual industrial expansion of its neighbouring economies. Together, the five Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) constitute a region that remains relatively small in global economic terms but is gaining strategic importance due to its resource base, industrial growth and location along major Eurasian trade corridors.

Kazakhstan is the clear economic anchor of the region. With a GDP of around USD 300 billion in 2025, the country accounts for the majority of Central Asia’s economic scale and external trade. Its manufacturing value added reached approximately USD 36 billion in 2024, while exports totalled USD 82 billion, representing over half of regional manufacturing output and nearly 70% of exports. Much of this strength is linked to Kazakhstan’s energy and metals sectors, which continue to underpin the broader regional economy.

At the same time, Uzbekistan is emerging as the region’s most dynamic industrial economy. With GDP growth projected at 6.8% in 2025, the country is expanding manufacturing activity and strengthening its export base. Uzbekistan’s manufacturing value added reached USD 23 billion in 2024, while exports stood at USD 20 billion, making it the region’s second-largest industrial producer.

Manufacturing value added across Central Asia has steadily expanded since the early 2010s, while exports, though volatile due to commodity cycles, have rebounded strongly since 2020, approaching USD 120 billion in recent years.

For global businesses, the region’s importance lies not only in its resource sectors but also in its evolving industrial base and its growing role as a strategic transit corridor linking China, Russia, the Caspian region and Europe.