In the mountains of southern Kyrgyzstan, the sound of heavy machinery is becoming part of a much bigger story.
Excavators and loaders made by Chinese manufacturer LiuGong are working on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway in Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan, where construction is moving ahead on a route that was under discussion for nearly three decades. The machinery is being used for earthwork excavation and material transport as the cross-border railway takes shape.
For local worker Marsel Chokoev, the project has also meant learning something new. He joined LiuGong's Kyrgyzstan team in February 2026 with little knowledge of construction machinery. Six months later, he was able to provide basic technical support and consultation to local customers, working alongside Chinese colleagues and helping bridge communication gaps between the company and local clients.