Interstate economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan is entering a phase of active expansion. The focus is on the implementation of the Action Plan to increase the volume of mutual trade for 2024-2030, the discussion of which was the key topic of a recent meeting at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan. The goal is a steady increase in trade turnover, the removal of administrative barriers and the launch of cooperative industrial projects.
According to official data, the volume of bilateral trade in the first five months of this year ranged from $ 300-400 million. This indicator shows stable dynamics, but in the context of the stated ambitions, it is considered as an intermediate milestone that is subject to significant expansion in the coming years.
The plan adopted by the parties focuses on practical steps to boost commodity flows in strategically important sectors. Among the priority areas are the agro-industrial complex, the textile industry, the production of building materials and the supply of electrical equipment. These industries form the basis of current exports, while they have the potential for large-scale bilateral cooperation and value creation.
Special attention was paid to the effectiveness of the work of state bodies in implementing the approved points of the plan. Among the key tasks are the elimination of logistical bottlenecks, harmonization of phytosanitary and technical requirements, as well as the development of information exchange. Representatives of the Ministry stressed the need for a flexible response to emerging barriers, including prompt coordination of controversial issues in the field of certification and customs clearance.
Recommendations from the meeting include accelerating the implementation of planned activities and strengthening interagency coordination. One of the initiatives will be holding regular business forums aimed at strengthening ties between the business communities of the two countries. The practice of such a dialogue has already proved its effectiveness in the framework of past visits and fairs, where direct contracts were concluded between manufacturers and distributors.
The growth of mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan is of not only economic, but also strategic importance for the entire Central Asian region. Cooperation contributes to the formation of a common space of trust, simplification of transit procedures and integration of national economies into the broader market. Against the backdrop of global instability and a rethinking of supply chains, regional alliances are becoming a key driver of sustainable development.
The coming years will determine the implementation of the signed document. The effectiveness of the implementation of the current steps will determine whether the parties will be able to reach a qualitatively new level of trade and industrial cooperation by 2030.
