At-Bashi citizens oppose construction of $289 million worth logistical center

AKIPRESS.COM - Dozens people rallied outside At-Bashi district administration today in protest against construction of the At-Bashi industrial, trade and logistical center, Turmush reports. Protesters say the land should not be given to Chinese citizens and this project could be carried out by citizens of Kyrgyzstan solely.
Naryn free economic zone director Gulzat Abdirasulova said the agreement for construction of the logistical center was signed between private investors. The Kyrgyz authorities have right to terminate the agreement if the Chinese investor breaches its conditions, she said.
The agreements were prepared by the Bishkek free economic zone and Ata-Bashi Kyrgyz-Chinese Trade House. 200 ha of land on the territory of Ak-Tala district was alloted for the project.
The government said the project is estimated at $289 million.
Vice Prime Minister Zamirbek Askarkov met the locals last week. He said people do not have complete information on the center, this is why false information is spread.
"People think the land will be ceded to Chinese entrepreneurs. We told them the work will be carried out line with the effective legislation. In case of violations, we have all tools to react promptly," he said.
The cornerstone laying ceremony at the site of construction of the At-Bashi logistical center was held in mid-December 2019.
The government expects the project will become Central Asia's biggest logistical center and at least 10,000 work places will be created.