Bishkek: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have formalized a commitment to significantly enhance their bilateral trade, setting a target of $200 million over the next two years. The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the Kyrgyz Republic’s Minister for Foreign Affairs. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov were present to witness the signing ceremony.

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the need for concrete actions to strengthen the trade relationship between the two nations, which he described as currently underdeveloped. The existing trade volume between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan stands at $16 million, a figure that both countries aim to expand. Prime Minister Sharif proposed setting a definitive target and transitioning from a Memorandum of Understanding to a formal agreement to ensure practical steps are taken towards achieving the trade goal.

The discussions leading to the agreement were characterized as productive, covering several key issues. Prime Minister Sharif noted that the formal agreement was concluded at the airport following a proposal discussion with President Japarov, highlighting the Kyrgyz leader’s cooperation in the matter. President Japarov’s swift approval facilitated the signing, which took place at the Bishkek airport, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries.