Kyrgyzstan is projected to record economic growth of 8.8% in 2026, placing it among Asia's fastest-growing economies, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The forecast was published in UNCTAD's Trade and Development Report 2026, released on October 9.
According to the report, Kyrgyzstan's projected growth rate exceeds those of several other Asian economies. Uzbekistan's GDP is expected to increase by 7.9%, followed by India at 7.3%, Mongolia at 7%, Tajikistan at 6.6%, Indonesia at 5.2% and China at 4.5%.
Kyrgyzstan's projected economic expansion comes amid expectations of slower global growth. UNCTAD forecasts that the global economy will grow by 2.6% in 2026, compared with 2.9% in 2025. Economic growth in developing countries is also expected to decline from 4.7% to 4%.
Despite the slowdown, Asia is expected to remain a major contributor to global economic activity, accounting for approximately 59% of worldwide economic growth. UNCTAD identified several factors affecting international trade and economic development, including geopolitical conflicts, rising energy prices, trade restrictions and higher borrowing costs.
According to the report, these developments create additional challenges for developing economies. Nevertheless, global trade in goods and services is projected to expand by approximately 4% in real terms in 2026. The report also highlights changes in the factors determining countries' access to international markets.
Alongside product competitiveness, technological capabilities, access to financing and geopolitical conditions are playing increasingly important roles in global trade. Against this background, UNCTAD projects that Kyrgyzstan will maintain one of Asia's highest economic growth rates in 2026, exceeding the global growth forecast of 2.6%.