By Naveed Miraj, Ahmed Mukhtar Naqshbandi & Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Pakistan, Ulanbek Totuiaev, has revealed an extraordinary surge of nearly 300% in trade between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan over the past five months. The bilateral trade volume has soared to a remarkable $12 million in recent months, marking a substantial stride in economic collaboration.
In an exclusive interview with We News, Ambassador Ulanbek Totuiaev emphasized the significance of this upsurge in trade, which is now accompanied by an impressive count of twelve thousand Pakistani students pursuing education in Kyrgyzstan. Both nations express a strong determination to foster not only trade but also cultural ties, fostering mutual growth and understanding.
Highlighting an intriguing historical connection, Ambassador Totuiaev pointed to the tradition of Kyrgyz Republic citizens participating in local festivals in Gilgit Baltistan without the need for visas, a practice that has endured for centuries due to shared ethnicity and heritage. Drawing from this historical link, the Ambassador drew parallels to the Kyrgyz people’s historical participation in Genghis Khan’s army, reflecting their common heritage and lifestyle. The capital city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, also hosts numerous such festivals, further cementing the cultural bonds.
The interview also shed light on various ongoing projects that hold the potential to deepen the collaboration between the nations. Among these projects, a railway link connecting Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan is under consideration, showcasing the commitment to fostering regional connectivity. Kyrgyzstan’s aspiration to leverage Pakistan’s sea ports, despite being a landlocked country, stands as a testament to the shared vision of trade expansion. Additionally, Kyrgyzstan’s involvement in the hydroelectric trade of the CASA-1000 project, harnessing the country’s significant hydro potential, offers further avenues for mutual growth.
Multifaceted Nature of Cooperation Between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan
Ambassador Totuiaev underlined the multifaceted nature of cooperation, encompassing trade, investment, bilateral tourism initiatives, and various other domains. The agriculture trade between the nations covers products such as beans, dry fruits, and leather goods, with Pakistan reciprocating by exporting mangoes, citrus fruits, and other agricultural products. The pharmaceutical sector also emerges as a robust area of collaboration, with Pakistan supplying substantial amounts of medicines to Kyrgyzstan.
Recent developments, including a joint economic commission held in Bishkek in March, have played a pivotal role in bringing the two nations closer, fostering enhanced trade and business ties. In this context, the potential for new airline routes, linking Islamabad and Lahore to Bishkek, holds the promise of further boosting cooperation. Existing weekly flights are already contributing to strengthening these ties.
Reviewing the trade dynamics, it is evident that the economic partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan has witnessed remarkable growth. In 2021 alone, Kyrgyzstan’s exports to Pakistan reached $1.21 million, driven by products like refined oil, dried pulses, and stone processing machinery. Over the past 26 years, Kyrgyzstan’s exports to Pakistan have displayed consistent growth. On the other hand, Pakistan’s exports to Kyrgyzstan in 2021 amounted to $7.68 million, dominated by packaged medicine, sports equipment, and bulk medicine. This upward trajectory in exports from both sides signifies the robustness of their trade relationship.
In the larger economic context, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan rank prominently in the Economic Complexity Index, underscoring their economic potential. As these nations continue to collaborate and capitalize on their strengths, they aim to further elevate their mutual growth trajectory. With Pakistan’s GDP at $346 billion and Kyrgyzstan’s at $5.4 billion, both nations are poised to harness their economic potential for the betterment of their citizens.
