BISHKEK: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to deepen economic ties by expanding bilateral trade, encouraging investment and strengthening business-to-business links between the two countries.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek, where the two leaders reviewed a broad range of bilateral and regional issues.
Speaking at a joint press stakeout after the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the two sides would prepare a comprehensive action plan to gradually take bilateral trade to $200 million.
The plan will focus on improving trade procedures, developing joint investment ventures, expanding industrial collaboration and creating greater opportunities for direct interaction between businesses in both countries.
Shehbaz said Pakistan was keen to see stronger links between Pakistani companies and financial institutions and their Kyrgyz counterparts, describing private-sector engagement as an important driver of economic cooperation.
Transit agreement to improve regional trade
The prime minister said enhanced connectivity was at the heart of Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan’s vision for closer economic integration between South and Central Asia.
He welcomed the newly signed transit trade agreement, saying it would streamline the movement of goods, improve logistics and open additional avenues for regional commerce.
Pakistan, he added, viewed Kyrgyzstan as an important gateway to Central Asian markets and remained committed to developing efficient trade and transport links.
Energy cooperation gains momentum
Energy was identified as another key area of bilateral cooperation.
Shehbaz said both countries had reiterated their commitment to the timely completion of the CASA-1000 electricity transmission project.
He also welcomed the formation of a joint working group on energy, which will explore practical cooperation in electricity generation, hydropower, renewable energy, energy infrastructure and modern technologies.
Broader cooperation in social sectors
The prime minister expressed satisfaction with growing cooperation in education, science and technology, healthcare, culture and tourism.
He particularly welcomed the agreement establishing sister-city relations between Lahore and Osh, saying such initiatives would strengthen people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges.
The two sides also agreed to enhance collaboration on environmental protection and climate-related challenges.
Security ties also discussed
Security and defence cooperation featured prominently in the leaders’ discussions.
Shehbaz said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan had reaffirmed their determination to work together against terrorism, extremism and emerging security threats.
He said the two countries also shared the view that stronger multilateral cooperation was essential to addressing global challenges and promoting international peace and stability.
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, he added, would continue coordinating their positions at the United Nations and other international forums.
Shehbaz described Kyrgyzstan as one of Pakistan’s “most important and valued” partners in Central Asia.
Japarov calls economic cooperation a priority
President Sadyr Japarov said closer friendship and stronger mutual understanding had become increasingly important amid growing international tensions.
He said the joint statement signed by the two countries reflected their shared commitment to expanding bilateral relations and identified key areas for cooperation in the coming years.
Japarov stressed that economic relations should remain a central pillar of the Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan partnership.
He said the two sides had agreed to take systematic measures to increase trade, diversify the range of products exchanged and encourage greater investment.
According to the Kyrgyz president, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan are also ready to pursue joint ventures in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, light manufacturing, tourism, the digital economy, virtual assets and other sectors.
Pakistan’s ports offer trade route to South Asia
Japarov highlighted Pakistan’s seaports as an important opportunity for Kyrgyzstan, saying they could provide the landlocked Central Asian country with a natural route towards South Asian markets and international trade networks.
He also pointed to the longstanding cooperation between the two countries at the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Economic Cooperation Organisation.
Both sides, he said, agreed to maintain regular political consultations and coordinate closely on international platforms.
Japarov congratulated Pakistan on assuming the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Multiple agreements signed
Earlier, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding covering several areas of mutual interest.
The agreements include cooperation in transit trade, combating illicit narcotics trafficking, education, academic research, science and technology, environmental protection and climate change.
The two countries also reached understandings on virtual assets, postal services and e-commerce.
An agreement establishing sister-city relations between Lahore and Osh was also signed.
At the conclusion of the talks, President Japarov and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed a joint statement outlining the shared priorities and future direction of bilateral relations.
