Bishkek, Oct 15, 2024. /Kabar/. As part of a working visit to Islamabad, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers - Head of the Presidential Administration Akylbek Zhaparov met with Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif.
The press service of the Cabinet reported that Akylbek Zhaparov began his speech by thanking for the invitation to the meeting of the heads of government of the SCO member states noting the great potential for trade and economic cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan, which, "has not yet been fully realized."
"Trade turnover between our countries is still at a low level; in 2023, it amounted to about USD 20 million. I propose that we jointly increase it to at least USD 100 million next year, and to USD 500 million in the medium term," Akylbek Zhaparov said.
He said that Pakistan, China, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan have signed a quadripartite agreement on transit cargo transportation, which gives Kyrgyzstan access to the sea through Pakistan.
"In this regard, there has been an unprecedented increase in the cost of the Karakoram Highway. Unfortunately, for various reasons, this unique transport corridor is still in the initial phase of its operation, and we need to jointly bring this important highway to maximum capacity as soon as possible," he said.
The head of the Cabinet also noted the improvement of the investment climate in the Kyrgyz Republic, proposing to create a Kyrgyz-Pakistani business council in order to strengthen cooperation between entrepreneurs of the two countries, and to hold its first meeting next year in Kyrgyzstan. In turn, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to Kyrgyzstan for its support in voting for Pakistan's non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council in 2025-2026, noting the interest in developing mutually beneficial cooperation.
The parties also discussed cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including the exchange of experience in the field of education.
"I am confident that thanks to our joint efforts, Kyrgyz-Pakistani cooperation will reach new heights in the near future. Taking this opportunity, I invite you to visit Kyrgyzstan at a time convenient for you," concluded Akylbek Zhaparov.