Kyrgyz Ambassador to Pakistan, Ulanbek Totuiaev, has said that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan should actively pursue economic revitalization programs under joint mechanisms to boost their industry. He said that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan were not trading at the potential level and that there was a need to enhance trading relations between the two countries.

The Ambassador said that his country exported 3,000 tons of coal to Pakistan this year, adding that more exports of natural hydrocarbons could be made from Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan. He said that Pakistan can export pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agricultural products to his country, adding that Pakistani mangoes and citrus fruits also have a great demand in Kyrgyzstan. 

He stressed the marble producers of Pakistan to try and export their marble products to his country, adding that the Kyrgyz industry was already procuring marble from India. The Ambassador was talking to the business community of Islamabad through the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

He said that a Kyrgyzstan House would soon be opened in Lahore to display the Kyrgyz products for Pakistani consumers. He added, “China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project would be extended to Peshawar through Afghanistan in the future to help boost trading relations.” He continued, “there will be an investment summit in Kyrgyzstan early next year and I invite Pakistani businesses to participate in it and showcase their products. I want regular business delegations from Pakistan visiting Kyrgyzstan.”

Vice President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Engineer Muhammad Zafar ul Islam Zafar said that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan was a meagre USD 8-9 million. He stressed the need to enhance bilateral relations so that both countries could find markets for their industry, while adding that diversification could help sustain the long-term relationship.

He continued, “Pakistan can provide easy access to Kyrgyzstan through its ports to many world markets. Kyrgyzstan embassy should share a list of potential areas for business and investment for Pakistan in Kyrgyzstan so that ICCI could form a delegation for Kyrgyzstan to take advantage of them.”

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk