Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have announced plans to increase their bilateral trade volume to $3 billion. This was stated by Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev in an interview with the Dunyo news agency, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence.
According to him, in recent years, relations between the two countries have reached an unprecedentedly high level. Trade and economic ties are actively developing, joint investment projects and large-scale infrastructure initiatives are being implemented.
The Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund is making a significant contribution to economic cooperation. To date, it has approved 37 projects worth over $100 million. As part of their implementation, about 900 new jobs have been created. The fund supports projects in the textile industry, energy, logistics, manufacturing, public infrastructure, and public transport modernization.
The countries are also expanding industrial cooperation. A memorandum on cooperation in the development of free economic and industrial zones has been signed. The parties agreed to implement joint investment projects for the production of various types of products.
In addition, Uzbek companies plan to conduct geological exploration in Kyrgyzstan and create joint agricultural clusters.
Particular attention is paid to the development of transport links. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China are jointly implementing the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway construction project. According to Kulubaev, the new route should enhance transport connectivity between East and West and change the logistics configuration of Central Asia.
Another major area is the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1. The parties have already begun discussing projects worth billions of dollars.
Cultural and humanitarian ties are also developing. In particular, the number of cultural events, scientific and educational exchanges is increasing. The opening of the Kyrgyz Consulate General in Andijan is also planned, which should create additional conditions for the development of trade, tourism, logistics, and cultural contacts.
Earlier it was reported that Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are negotiating the resumption of the international checkpoint "Mamay". Its opening should expand trade, economic, and tourism ties in the border areas.
Source: podrobno.uz