Bishkek, November 21, 2024 – The Kyrgyzstan-Pakistan Business Forum was successfully held in Bishkek, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, in collaboration with the Kyrgyzstan Trade House Lahore and the Embassy of Pakistan in Bishkek.
A 14-member Pakistani business delegation, led by Meher Kashif Younas, Honorary Consul of Kyrgyzstan in Lahore, and Dr. Shahid Hasan, President of Kyrgyzstan Trade House Lahore, participated in the forum. The delegation represented key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, steel, agro-food, logistics, and tourism. On the Kyrgyz side, a large number of private sector companies, major chambers of commerce, members of the diplomatic corps, and media representatives attended the event.
Key Discussions & Agreements
🔹 Kyrgyz Ambassador to Pakistan, Avazbek Atakhanov, highlighted the growing trade and commercial links between both countries. He emphasized the need for stronger banking channels and reliable connectivity to enhance trade relations. He also announced plans for a Kyrgyzstan-Pakistan transit trade agreement, which would further facilitate bilateral trade.
🔹 Pakistani Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Hasan Zaigham, noted Kyrgyzstan’s impressive economic growth rate of 9.2% this year. He stressed the importance of business delegations and trade fair participation to increase trade volume. Additionally, he pointed out Pakistan’s plan to import 3 million bales of cotton, worth $1.9 billion, opening new opportunities for Kyrgyz cotton exporters, given their annual production of over 600,000 tons.
🔹 Vice President of the Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tolkunai Taalaybekova, emphasized the importance of collaboration in logistics, transport, technology, innovation, culture, education, and tourism. She highlighted that Pakistani companies in the textile, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors were already operating in Kyrgyzstan, benefiting from the Bishkek Free Economic Zone. Additionally, Pakistani firms are engaged in medical and industrial trade and logistics, strengthening business ties between the two nations.
🔹 Meher Kashif Younas, Honorary Consul of Kyrgyzstan in Lahore, stressed the need for enhanced business-to-business interactions. He invited the Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) to lead a trade delegation to Pakistan in 2025 to further expand bilateral business opportunities.
Strengthening Business & Cultural Exchange
To conclude the event, Dr. Shahid Hasan, Meher Kashif Younas, and the Pakistani delegation presented souvenirs, shields, and traditional Ajrak scarves to the Vice President of CCI Kyrgyzstan and the two ambassadors, symbolizing the growing friendship and cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan.
This business forum marks a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties, fostering investment opportunities, and boosting trade relations between the two countries.
