BISHKEK: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have pledged to bolster their economic partnership, aiming to significantly enhance bilateral trade and cooperation across various sectors. This development was revealed during talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov held in Bishkek, where they outlined a comprehensive plan to increase trade to $200 million and expand business interactions.

According to Radio Pakistan, the leaders discussed initiatives to improve trade mechanisms, foster joint investment projects, and strengthen industrial cooperation. They emphasized the importance of connectivity in achieving economic integration between South Asia and Central Asia, marking the signing of a transit trade agreement as a pivotal step towards facilitating trade and improving logistics.

Energy cooperation emerged as a key focus, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to the CASA 1000 project and establishing a joint working group to explore collaboration in electricity, hydropower, and renewable energy. The talks also highlighted the expansion of cooperation in education, science and technology, health, culture, and tourism, alongside strengthening security and defense ties to combat terrorism and other threats.

Kyrgyz President Japarov noted the importance of economic collaboration as a fundamental pillar of the Kyrgyz-Pakistani partnership, advocating for increased trade and investment. He acknowledged Pakistan’s strategic position, offering a route to South Asian and global markets via its seaports. Both nations expressed readiness to pursue joint projects in diverse fields, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and the digital economy.

The discussions culminated in the signing of several memorandums of understanding and agreements across various domains, reinforcing the commitment to regular political dialogue and cooperation on international platforms. The leaders’ joint statement and the establishment of sister city relations between Lahore and Osh symbolize a shared vision for the future of Kyrgyz-Pakistani relations.