According to an official statement released on Monday, the meeting, co-chaired by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and Kyrgyz Deputy Chairman Edil Baisalov, marked a renewed push to strengthen economic, scientific, and technical collaboration between the two countries. Trade between the two nations has declined from $11.2 million in 2022-23 to $5.18 million in 2024-25. Leghari stressed the need to reverse this trend. “We acknowledge the pressing need to revitalise our trade engagement and reaffirm our shared aspiration to elevate bilateral trade up to $100 million,” he said.
Both sides agreed to diversify exports and imports, revive the Pakistan-Kyrgyz Joint Business Council, and organise B2B exchanges, business forums, and trade fairs.
Three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. The first was between Kyrgyzstan’s Centre for Standardisation and Metrology and Pakistan’s Standards and Quality Control Authority to collaborate on conformity assessment, metrology, and quality systems.
The second MoU was between Kyrgyzstan’s National Investments Agency and Pakistan’s Board of Investment to promote investment, especially in textiles, minerals, IT, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. The third MoU involved Halal trade cooperation between Pakistan’s Halal Authority and Kyrgyzstan’s Halal Development Centre.
Energy and environmental cooperation were also discussed. Kyrgyzstan proposed joint work on a power transmission line linking Kyrgyzstan, China, and Pakistan. Both sides agreed to explore electricity imports, renewable energy, hydrocarbons, mining, and institutional partnerships.
Connectivity and logistics were key themes. Both sides agreed to strengthen postal services, cargo, civil aviation, and rail transport. Pakistan urged Kyrgyz airlines to shift from charter to scheduled flights. Kyrgyzstan proposed a new air route via China and invited Pakistani participation in a high-speed fibre-optic cable project.
On finance, the State Bank of Pakistan and the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic agreed to cooperate on Islamic banking, financial innovation, and training programmes through Pakistan’s National Institute of Banking and Finance.
Health and pharmaceutical cooperation were also advanced. The sides agreed to support Pakistani pharmaceutical exports to Kyrgyzstan, ease medicine registration, and explore joint vaccine production with the National Institute of Health. Discussions also focused on public procurement participation and regulatory alignment.
Cultural exchange was highlighted as essential to people-to-people ties. Both sides agreed to increase cultural events, sports participation, and content sharing between media outlets. Cooperation in cinema and broadcasting training was proposed.
Education and scientific collaboration were emphasised. Pakistan pledged continued support to Kyrgyz students through the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP). Joint research, academic exchanges, and training in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) will be encouraged.
The two countries also agreed to explore labour cooperation through a Joint Working Group.
Tourism and hospitality also featured in talks. Both nations agreed to finalise an MoU and promote tour operator exchanges, joint exhibitions, and marketing of natural and cultural heritage.
Agriculture cooperation gained momentum with the signing of an MoU on trade in Kyrgyz legumes and Pakistani Basmati rice. Veterinary and phytosanitary control collaboration will ensure food safety and efficiency in trade.
Pakistan welcomed Kyrgyz interest in investing in its mining sector, especially in copper and gold. Discussions also included digital commerce and implementing cargo operations under a 1995 transportation agreement.
Leghari called the At-Bashi Logistics Centre offer to Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation a model of enterprise-level cooperation and proposed enhancing online visibility of investment opportunities through updated SEZ and tax incentive information.
On energy, Pakistan reiterated its interest in the proposed 500 kV TorugartXUARGilgit Baltistan transmission line as part of a KyrgyzstanChinaPakistan electricity corridor.
In conclusion, both sides agreed to hold the 6th IGC session in Kyrgyzstan, with dates to be decided through diplomatic channels.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs called the session a key milestone in Pakistan’s engagement with Central Asia. “These initiatives will contribute to sustainable development, shared prosperity, and stronger people-to-people ties,” the ministry stated.
Leghari echoed this vision in his concluding remarks: “Let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering a stronger, integrated, and resilient partnership anchored in mutual respect, cooperation, and regional peace.”