Kyrgyzstan and China should move from trade to joint production, says Chamber of Commerce head

Kyrgyzstan and China should shift their economic focus from mere trade to establishing joint production and fostering industrial cooperation, according to Temir Sariev, president of the Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce. Speaking at a Kyrgyz-Chinese investment forum, Sariev emphasized that this strategic pivot is crucial for deepening economic ties and unlocking new avenues for growth.

Sariev put forth an ambitious target: the creation of 100 actively functioning Kyrgyz-Chinese joint enterprises. He stressed that the goal is not to sign numerous memorandums or letters of intent, but to establish tangible businesses operating within Kyrgyzstan. These ventures would leverage Chinese investment and technology, combined with Kyrgyz partners and a local workforce and expertise.

This proposed model of cooperation is expected to yield significant economic benefits for Kyrgyzstan. Sariev highlighted that launching new production facilities will attract vital investments and advanced technologies. It will also be instrumental in generating thousands of new jobs, thereby boosting employment. Furthermore, these initiatives are anticipated to build new economic value chains and foster the development of small and medium-sized businesses.

The ultimate aim of encouraging joint production is to enhance Kyrgyzstan's export capacity, particularly for products with high added value. By moving up the value chain, Kyrgyzstan can improve its trade balance and achieve more sustainable economic development through deeper integration with China's industrial landscape.