ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Energy Muhammad Ali has said that the Kyrgyz-Pakistan Inter-Governmental Commission is pivotal in establishing a stronger economic foundation and fostering enhanced mutual cooperation between the two nations.
He was speaking during the fourth Session of Kyrgyz-Pakistan Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) on Trade- Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation organized in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 10 November, a Commerce Ministry press release said on Tuesday.
The Co-Chairs for the session of the IGC were the Minister for Energy of Pakistan and Baisalov Edil Zholdubaevich, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan.
The Energy Minister led the Pakistani delegation, comprising key officials from the ministries of Economic Affairs, Commerce, and Energy, at the ICG session.
The minister, referring to the enduring historical and cultural bonds between the two countries, expressed the readiness of the Pakistani side for an active dialogue and practical actions to further deepen the cooperation.
Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan collaboration in energy
Highlighting collaboration in the energy sector, he reaffirmed its crucial role in shared growth.
Stressing the significance of the CASA-1000 regional project, Muhammad Ali emphasized the commitment from both sides to its expeditious completion to realize shared goals.
While underlining a remarkable trade surge from $1.14 million in January 2017 to $11.23 million, the minister stressed the need for a robust Plan of Action to address trade barriers, with the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment playing a key role.
He commended the ongoing talks for the Transit Trade Agreement, citing the year-round accessibility of the Karakoram Highway as a big opportunity for facilitating transit trade and fortifying bilateral economic relations.
Muhammad Ali also reiterated Pakistan’s interest in fostering cooperation for a bilateral e-commerce platform, recognizing Kyrgyzistan’s growing role as an e-commerce and logistics hub.
Delving into cultural and people-to-people connections, he spotlighted the presence of more than 15,000 Pakistani students pursuing higher education in Kyrgyzstan and the growing influx of tourists to the country, illustrating a shared affinity for Kyrgyz heritage, culture, and scenic landscapes.
He also acknowledged the importance of the agriculture sector and advocated for collaboration in value addition, food processing, research, and joint ventures.
Baisalov Edil Zholdubaevich, in his opening remarks, warmly welcomed the Pakistani delegation and underlined the session’s significance in enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
He emphasized Kyrgyzistan’s interest in utilizing the potential of Pakistani seaports of Gwadar and Karachi, given the country’s lack of direct access to the open sea. He said that it would provide the shortest access to Central Asian nations and the Eurasian Economic Union to the open sea.
In addition to economic considerations, Baisalov underlined the growing collaboration in culture and humanitarian efforts, especially noting the rapid development of joint training centers in fields such as distance learning, law, medicine, and finance.
