Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation and work towards increasing Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan bilateral trade from around $16 million to $200 million annually.
Speaking in Bishkek, PM Shehbaz said both countries would develop a practical, result-oriented plan to boost trade, promote joint investment projects, expand industrial cooperation and increase direct business-to-business engagement.
The two leaders also welcomed agreements on transit trade and regional connectivity, with a focus on simplifying transport, customs and administrative procedures. They reaffirmed their commitment to the timely implementation of the CASA-1000 energy project and agreed to expand cooperation in electricity, hydropower, renewable energy and energy infrastructure.
Several MoUs and agreements were signed during PM Shehbaz’s visit, covering trade, education, health, climate change, science and technology, virtual assets, postal services, tourism, security and defence cooperation. Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan also agreed to establish sister-city ties between Lahore and Osh.
President Zhaparov said economic cooperation should remain a key pillar of bilateral relations and highlighted Pakistan’s seaports as an important route for Kyrgyzstan to access South Asian and global markets. Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation at the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other international forums.
