Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan agree to boost bilateral trade to $200m in two years

Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to increase their bilateral trade to $200 million within two years, following a signing ceremony in Bishkek. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the agreement, which was signed in place of the previous memorandum of understanding (MoU) that set the target. The prime minister emphasized the strong friendship and relations between the two nations, noting that current bilateral trade stands at around $16 million.

He highlighted several areas for improving trade mechanisms, promoting joint investment projects, strengthening industrial cooperation, and expanding direct business-to-business contacts. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to energy cooperation, education, science and technology, health, culture, and tourism. They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, including security and defence cooperation, and multilateralism to address global challenges.

The prime minister congratulated Kyrgyzstan on various achievements, including hosting the World Nomad Games, becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and its chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.