The Mamai border crossing between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, closed for the past six years, may soon reopen, Kyrgyz news outlet 24.kg reported.
Bakyt Torobaev, the Kyrgyz president's special envoy, reviewed progress on the Mamai international crossing project in Jalal-Abad province on August 18. He said talks are underway both to reopen the checkpoint and to build the Karben-Mamai highway connecting to it.
Torobaev said the initiative would boost trade, economic ties and tourism not only in Aksy district but across the wider Uzbek-Kyrgyz border province.
Once operational, the crossing would allow residents on both sides to export locally produced goods to the neighboring country, while also giving a lift to tourism. Officials expect the reopening to draw more visitors to nearby scenic sites, including Padishah-Ata, Sary-Chelek and Kara-Kamysh. Torobaev said the move would spur greater economic activity among local communities.
The Mamai checkpoint on the Uzbek-Kyrgyz border was closed in 2020. In the years since, lawmakers in Kyrgyzstan's parliament, the Jogorku Kenesh, have repeatedly called for it to reopen. In July 2026, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan agreed to nearly double the number of operating border crossings between the two countries, from 15 to 30. The two countries have also agreed to extend the visa-free registration period for each other's citizens to up to 15 days.
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