Kyrgyzstan envoy stresses bilateral trade

Says country interested in helping Pakistan solve energy crisis

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan Erik Beishembiev said his country wants to improve bilateral relations with Pakistan, stressing that there exists potential to increase bilateral trade.

The envoy stated this while addressing a delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) led by vice-president Nisar Ahmed Mirza.

“Both countries enjoy good relations that are growing with the passage of time,” said Beishembiev. “We have historical roots, common religion, similar traditions and world views on many issues. In recent years, leadership of both countries has shown motivation to further strengthen and develop bilateral and regional cooperation.

He said Kyrgyzstan is interested in solving Pakistan’s energy crisis and actively promoting the CASA-1000 power export project. He added that bilateral trade potential has not been realised and there is a dire need of strong measures to improve the existing volume.

Speaking at the occasion, Mirza said that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan enjoy excellent political relations that should be transformed into growing trade and economic relations. “Kyrgyzstan should consider launching direct flights to Pakistan that would help in improving relations,” said Mirza. “Being members of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC), both countries can jointly achieve goals in the areas of transport, energy and trade policy to alleviate poverty from the region.”

Mirza said the two countries should focus on developing strong linkages between their private sectors so that business community is able explore all untapped areas.

“Both countries should also focus on developing better interaction between trade promoting organisations. Many Pakistan products including pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, textiles, sports and cutlery products can find a market in Kyrgyzstan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 11^th, 2018.

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