Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan forge economic ties

Envoy stresses potential for trade in agriculture, tourism

ISLAMABAD:

The Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, Mr Totuiaev Ulanbek said that his country is enjoying friendly relations with Pakistan and is interested in further boosting their business ties to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

He stressed that both countries should develop sustainable business relations as they have good potential to cooperate in many sectors of the economy. He suggested that a business delegation from Pakistan should visit Kyrgyzstan to explore joint ventures and business partnerships.

Kyrgyzstan is importing pharmaceuticals, sports goods and some other products from Pakistan, while exporting dry fruits, and agricultural products to Pakistan. The ambassador said he encouraged business of more products between both countries as there is a lot of potential.

He assured that his embassy would cooperate with Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) in the initiatives for promoting business linkages between the private sectors of both countries. Speaking at the occasion the ICCI President, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan can cooperate in many areas including agriculture, industry, energy and tourism.

He further said that the geographical location of both countries offers them good potential to increase collaboration and play a role in promoting regional trade in their respective regions.

Pakistan can provide Kyrgyzstan with easy access to many promising markets including the Middle East and South Asia. Similarly, Kyrgyzstan can provide Pakistan with easy access to the Central Asian States. Therefore, strong trade and economic relations would be very beneficial for both countries and regions. He urged Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan to focus on diversification of trade to achieve better results.

He said that ICCI would consider taking a business delegation to Kyrgyzstan to explore business partnerships. ICCI Senior Vice President, Faad Waheed urged Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan to share expertise to benefit each other. He said that both countries should explore all untapped areas of cooperation to strengthen business relations.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th 2024.