Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan agree to boost trade, develop transport routes connecting Central, South Asia

Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan have agreed to increase bilateral trade turnover, attract investments, and develop transport routes that will link Central Asia with South Asian ports and global trade routes, Report informs, citing statements by President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov following talks with Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif in Bishkek.

"The economy must become the foundation of the Kyrgyz-Pakistani partnership. In this regard, we have agreed to take systemic steps to increase bilateral trade turnover, expand the range of traded goods, and attract investments," Japarov's press service quoted him as saying.

The sides expressed readiness to implement joint projects in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, light industry, tourism, the digital economy, virtual assets, and other sectors.

Special attention during the talks was devoted to the development of transport and logistics. According to the President of Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan's seaports can provide the country with access to South Asian markets and, through them, to global trade routes.

"In turn, Kyrgyzstan can serve Pakistan as one of the vital transport bridges, providing access to Central Asian markets and further into the broader Eurasian space," Japarov emphasized.

Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan will also continue cooperation in the energy sector. The parties attach particular importance to the CASA-1000 project, which connects Central Asia's energy potential with the growing needs of South Asia. Following the negotiations, an agreement was reached to intensify interaction in this direction.