Oriented on making people closer

In the city of Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul region, the VI meeting of the intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical and humanitarian cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and Turkmenistan was held in a narrow and expanded format.

During the meeting in a narrow format, negotiations were held between Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan - Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev with head of the Turkmen delegation - Minister of Energy Annageldy Saparov. The ministers discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation.

During the expanded negotiations, it was noted that trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan over the past four years has increased 7 times, amounting to $64 million in 2023. The parties considered ways to further enhance trade relations, the press service of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic reports.

In this context, Bakyt Torobaev emphasized the need to take practical measures to create conditions for joint activities and provide maximum support to the business community. He proposed to jointly consider the issue of opening a bonded zone in Turkmenistan in order to develop trade infrastructure and postal operations in the field of e-commerce. He noted that the provision of preferential tariffs for payment to Kyrgyz carriers for international cargo transportation through the territory of Turkmenistan, as well as simplification of visa policy for Kyrgyz drivers, will contribute to a significant expansion of trade exchanges.

The parties also emphasized that Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan have significant potential in the transport and logistics sector due to their geographical location. In particular, the launch of a transport corridor from China through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan using the capabilities of the Turkmenbashi seaport will provide access to the Caspian Sea and the Russian Federation, opening up new economic opportunities for both countries.

The meeting participants noted the need to continue work on the creation of the Kyrgyz-Turkmen Development Fund as one of the mechanisms for uniting the business circles of both countries and stimulating the creation of joint ventures.

Bakyt Torobaev noted that light industry is one of the key sectors of the economy of Kyrgyzstan and emphasized the importance of further steps to identify joint projects. He proposed combining the high quality of Turkmen textiles with the capabilities of the garment industry of Kyrgyzstan and continuing the exchange of advanced technologies and experience in the field of agriculture, as well as implementing joint scientific projects and cooperation in livestock farming.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the issue of a project for the construction of a Turkmen resort in the city of Cholpon-Ata, as well as projects in the fields of hydropower, healthcare, education and culture.

Minister of Energy of Turkmenistan Annageldy Saparov expressed confidence that the strong ties of friendship and brotherhood between Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, based on the historical, cultural, spiritual and linguistic commonality of the two peoples, will contribute to the fruitful development of their relations.

Reports from the heads of the relevant government bodies of both sides on the state and prospects of cooperation in the fields of energy, transport, trade and tourism were also heard.

Following the results of the VI meeting of the intergovernmental Kyrgyz-Turkmen commission, a final protocol was adopted, and a ceremony was held for the exchange of signed documents relating to the import of electricity from Turkmenistan to Kyrgyzstan in 2025.

ORIENT news

Photo: gov.kg