Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan target $100 Million trade boost
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have reaffirmed their commitment to boosting bilateral trade to $100 million, following the fifth session of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation held on Monday.
Addressing the session, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Leghari, highlighted the urgent need to revive economic ties between the two nations. Despite long-standing cultural and historical connections, trade between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan has seen a sharp decline—from $11.2 million in 2022–23 to just $5.18 million in 2024–25.
Leghari emphasized expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, tourism, agriculture, energy, science, and education. He appreciated Kyrgyzstan’s consistent engagement and welcomed its interest in Pakistan’s mining sector. He also expressed gratitude for granting access to Kyrgyzstan’s At-Bashi Logistics Centre to Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation.
One of the key developments highlighted was the early signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for electronic customs data sharing. Leghari also encouraged stronger business-to-business (B2B) ties through the reactivated Pakistan-Kyrgyz Joint Business Council and called for fast-tracking the Pakistan-Kyrgyz Transit Trade Agreement to improve regional connectivity.
Several MoUs were also on the table, covering halal trade, agriculture, tourism, and higher medical education. Leghari pointed to a recent MoU between Kyrgyzstan’s National Investments Agency and Pakistan’s Board of Investment as a significant step forward—especially in sectors like textiles, IT, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. He stressed the importance of using digital platforms to showcase investment opportunities and attract private sector participation, particularly in Special Economic Zones and other high-potential industries.
Focusing on Tourism, Education, and Youth:
Tourism and cultural exchange were described as key ways to strengthen people-to-people ties. Leghari called for the signing of a tourism MoU and enhanced cooperation between tour operators and international tourism boards. On the education front, he advocated for collaboration in STEM education, academic research, and increased support for Kyrgyz students under Pakistan’s Technical Assistance Programme.
Improved infrastructure for transportation and communication was also identified as essential for economic growth. Leghari urged both countries to move forward on postal agreements, e-commerce cooperation, and enhanced air, rail, and motor transport links, particularly under the framework of their 1995 agreement.
He also welcomed recent collaboration between the State Bank of Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan’s central bank in Islamic banking training—describing it as a step toward financial modernization.
In healthcare, Leghari pointed to joint opportunities in vaccine production and pharmaceutical exports and emphasized the need to ease regulatory processes for better market access. He also highlighted potential collaboration in veterinary standards to strengthen food trade.
Joint Vision for Green Energy and Connectivity:
Looking to the future, both nations discussed launching green energy projects, including the proposed 500kV Torugart–XUAR–Gilgit-Baltistan transmission line that could connect Kyrgyzstan, China, and Pakistan. Leghari expressed optimism that this partnership could contribute significantly to a shared regional energy network.
In his closing remarks, Leghari called on both nations to translate their shared vision into practical, lasting outcomes. He emphasized the importance of building an integrated and resilient partnership based on mutual respect, sustainable development, and regional peace.
The session underscored Pakistan’s broader regional ambitions—placing people, prosperity, and partnership at the heart of its evolving relationship with Kyrgyzstan.
