Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan aim to triple trade volume to $3 billion

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are setting an ambitious goal to triple their mutual trade volume to $3 billion, driven by a strategic expansion of transport, logistics, and industrial cooperation. Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeybek Kulubaev highlighted these plans in an interview marking Uzbekistan's 35th independence anniversary.

Kulubaev noted that relations between the two nations have reached an unprecedented high, with active development in trade, economic ties, and joint investment and infrastructure projects. A significant contributor to this economic collaboration is the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund. The fund has so far approved 37 projects valued at over $100 million, generating approximately 900 new jobs across various sectors including textiles, energy, logistics, manufacturing, utilities, and public transport.

Industrial cooperation is also intensifying, underscored by a memorandum on developing free economic and industrial zones. Both countries are committed to joint investment projects for diverse product manufacturing. Uzbek companies are also looking to engage in geological exploration and establish joint agricultural clusters in Kyrgyzstan.

Transportation links are a key focus, with the ongoing China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project poised to enhance East-West connectivity and reshape Central Asia's logistics landscape. Discussions are also underway for the multi-billion dollar Kambaratinskaya HPP-1 hydroelectric power station. Furthermore, plans include opening a Kyrgyz Consulate General in Andijan, Uzbekistan, to foster trade, tourism, logistics, and cultural exchanges.