Naved Miraj, Ahmed Mukhtar Naqashbandi, and Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: Kyrgyzstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Ulanbek Totuiaev, revealed on Tuesday plans for the imminent signing of a bilateral Transit Trade Agreement between Islamabad and Bishkek, aimed at facilitating smoother trade between the two countries via road networks.
During an exclusive interview with WE News at its Head Office in Islamabad, Ambassador Totuiaev highlighted the significance of the upcoming agreement, underscoring the potential to enhance mutual trade beyond the existing quadrilateral transport agreement involving Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
With flight durations of less than 2 hours and truck travel spanning 3 to 12 days across varied routes through mountainous terrain, the bilateral agreement promises to address trade challenges effectively.
Trade Between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan Sees Significant Surge
Moreover, Ambassador Totuiaev announced Kyrgyzstan’s intention to extend an invitation to Pakistan’s newly-elected leadership following the general elections 2024, underscoring the importance of strengthening diplomatic ties.
Addressing the current trade volume, which has surged from a modest $1-2 million to $20 million in recent years, the Ambassador stressed the need for further improvement.
Furthermore, he highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s pivotal role in medical education, with twelve thousand Pakistani students currently enrolled in its esteemed medical institutes renowned for delivering world-class education since 1939.
Despite the close fraternal ties between the two nations, trade relations have not fully reflected the depth of their relationship. However, recent initiatives, such as the trade mission involving 40 Pakistani companies to Bishkek, have contributed to a significant boost in bilateral trade.
Kyrgyzstan’s cultural outreach in Gilgit, along with its participation in projects like CASA-1000 for electricity production and export, further illustrates the multifaceted collaboration between the two countries.
Trade dynamics include Pakistan’s export of pharmaceuticals, textiles, sports goods, chemicals, and agricultural products to Kyrgyzstan, while Kyrgyzstan reciprocates with coal, stones, dry fruits, agricultural products, and stone machinery.
National Logistic Cell (NLC) has been instrumental in facilitating coal imports and other commodities from Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan, transporting 2000 tons of coal last year alone.
Ambassador Totuiaev emphasized the strategic importance of trade diversification for both nations, facilitating access to promising markets and fostering economic growth.
In a separate development, the 4th session of the Kyrgyz-Pakistani Inter-Governmental Commission on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation was convened in Bishkek, with a focus on enhancing collaboration across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, halal industry, tourism, culture, and sports.
SEO Heads of States Meeting
Additionally, Pakistan’s assumption of the Chair of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) from 2023 to 2024 underscores its commitment to promoting collective prosperity and development in the region. Efforts will be directed towards bolstering connectivity, transport infrastructure, youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, and investment in high-potential sectors, such as agriculture, mining, energy, and information technology.
