Kyrgyz Government Signs Agreement With Controversial Chinese Investor

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov signed agreements on August 16 during a visit to China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region with the Chinese company Tebian Electric Apparatus (TBEA) for the construction of hydropower plants along the Sary-Jaz River and high-voltage powerlines in the country's northern regions. TBEA was involved in the modernization of the Bishkek Thermal Power Plant in 2014-17. A massive accident at the plant in January 2018 left Bishkek without heating for several days. Dozens of high-profile politicians were subsequently arrested for corruption in connection with the plant. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service, click here.