NATIONAL NEWS
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has invited Kyrgyz entrepreneurs to identify new avenues of cooperation, boosting bilateral trade and encouraging joint ventures across multiple sectors of Pakistan’s economy.
Addressing the Pakistan–Kyrgyzstan Business Forum, the prime minister noted that Islamabad had welcomed a high-level delegation from Bishkek—led by the Kyrgyz President—after a two-decade pause. He expressed hope that frequent exchanges between the two sides would now help close this long gap.
Sharing details of his discussions with the Kyrgyz leadership, the prime minister said the two countries held “wide-ranging and constructive talks” covering economic collaboration, diplomacy, culture, and their shared aspirations for regional peace and prosperity.
He underlined that future connectivity between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan would receive a major boost through an upcoming rail link. “Kyrgyzstan will be connected through an efficient railway network from China and Uzbekistan. Pakistan has also signed an MoU with Uzbekistan and Afghanistan for this initiative, which will benefit both our countries and the broader region,” he said.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic location, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the country’s ports—Karachi, Gwadar and Port Qasim—offer Kyrgyzstan fast and cost-effective access to global markets. The National Logistics Cell, he noted, is already working on a road-link project to strengthen bilateral connectivity.
The premier encouraged Kyrgyz investors to engage actively with Pakistani businesses and explore collaboration in areas such as education, health, and technology. He also pointed out that nearly 8,500 Pakistani students are currently enrolled in Kyrgyz medical universities. Both sides have agreed to establish a joint certification system for these graduates to work in either country.
Shehbaz Sharif revealed that Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have signed an MoU aimed at raising bilateral trade from the current $5 million to $200 million within two years—“a substantial leap that will significantly strengthen economic ties.”
He praised the Kyrgyz President for his dynamic leadership and noted that both governments are keen to enhance cultural exchanges. “Sufism is deeply rooted in Pakistan, and we have agreed to host cultural events in both capitals and major provincial cities,” he stated.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the CASA-1000 electricity transmission project, applauding Kyrgyzstan for completing its portion of the work. Pakistan’s segment, he added, would be finalized soon.
Speaking about investment facilitation, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), established in 2023 as a one-window body for investors. He encouraged Kyrgyz businesses to approach SIFC for opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, IT, AI, mining, and industry.
He also pointed to Pakistan’s abundant natural resources and its youthful population, saying that the government is focused on equipping young people with modern skills through IT, AI, and technical training programs, including internationally recognized certifications.
The prime minister invited Kyrgyz entrepreneurs to explore joint ventures in Pakistan’s strong textile and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as agriculture and tourism.
Addressing climate concerns, he noted that both countries remain highly vulnerable to extreme weather. Pakistan, he said, is ready to cooperate with Kyrgyzstan to strengthen climate resilience. “We suffered significant human and economic losses in 2022 and again this year,” he remarked.
He concluded by urging both nations to convert longstanding goodwill into robust economic partnerships.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, in his remarks, said bilateral relations had grown stronger over time. He voiced full support for the “Uraan Pakistan Development Programme,” stressing that expanding international linkages is essential for economic growth.
Japarov said Kyrgyzstan’s central position in Eurasia provided it with a unique strategic advantage. By leveraging transport and transit routes, he said, both Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan could gain better access to global markets and unlock new economic potential.
Read more: https://nayakashmir.com/psx-opens-week-on-a-positive-trend-with-light-gains/
