Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan Aim to Increase Bilateral Trade to $200 Million
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan will work on a practical plan to significantly increase bilateral trade and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Speaking alongside Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov in Bishkek on Wednesday, the prime minister said both sides had discussed ways to move their economic relationship towards more practical and results-oriented cooperation.
According to Prime Minister Shehbaz, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan currently stands at around $16 million. He said the two countries should work towards increasing annual trade to $200 million within the next two years.
The proposed plan will focus on improving trade procedures, encouraging joint investment, strengthening industrial cooperation and increasing direct contacts between businesses in both countries.
Focus on Regional Connectivity
Prime Minister Shehbaz said improved connectivity would play an important role in strengthening economic links between South and Central Asia.
He welcomed the signing of an agreement on transit trade, saying it could help improve logistics, facilitate the movement of goods and create additional opportunities for regional commerce.
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan also agreed on the need to effectively implement existing arrangements related to traffic and transit. Both sides will work on simplifying transport, customs and other administrative procedures to make cross-border trade easier.
Cooperation in Energy
Energy cooperation was also discussed during the talks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the importance of completing the CASA-1000 project on schedule. The two countries also agreed to establish a joint working group to explore cooperation in electricity, hydropower, renewable energy, energy infrastructure and modern technologies.
Wider Areas of Cooperation
The prime minister said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan were also expanding cooperation in several other sectors, including education, science and technology, healthcare, culture and tourism.
He welcomed the establishment of sister-city relations between Lahore and Osh, describing the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
During his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked President Zhaparov and the Kyrgyz government and people for their hospitality. He also conveyed Pakistan’s congratulations to Kyrgyzstan on its independence celebrations.
The prime minister further congratulated Kyrgyzstan on hosting the sixth World Nomad Games, its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2027–28, and its successful chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation during 2025–26.
