Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan set $200m bilateral trade target

BISHKEK: Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to give their economic relationship a more practical push, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying the two countries are working towards gradually increasing bilateral trade to $200 million.

The announcement came on Wednesday after Prime Minister Shehbaz held talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov in Bishkek, where the two sides signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs). The discussions covered ways to turn longstanding political ties into stronger economic and commercial cooperation.

Speaking alongside President Zhaparov after the talks, PM Shehbaz said the two leaders had agreed that the countries’ economic partnership should move into a “more practical and result-oriented stage”.

He said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan would prepare a comprehensive plan focused on increasing bilateral trade, improving trade mechanisms, encouraging joint investment projects, strengthening industrial cooperation and expanding direct contacts between businesses.

The $200m trade target is expected to provide a clear direction for efforts to deepen commercial ties between the two countries, particularly by creating greater opportunities for businesses and investors.

Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked President Zhaparov, the Kyrgyz government and people for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation. He also congratulated the people of Kyrgyzstan on their Independence Day.

He praised Kyrgyzstan’s hosting of the sixth World Nomad Games and congratulated the country on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2027-28.

The prime minister also commended Kyrgyzstan for its successful chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation during 2025-26.

“We are also very happy that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and his team worked tirelessly for your election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council,” he said.

PM Shehbaz described Kyrgyzstan’s economic progress under President Zhaparov as impressive, particularly its efforts to improve public services and provide targeted support to vulnerable communities.

Earlier, President Zhaparov said Kyrgyzstan viewed Pakistan as a reliable and priority partner in South Asia, adding that bilateral relations were moving from high-level political dialogue towards practical cooperation.

The visit is taking place as Pakistan participates in the SCO leadership engagements in Bishkek. Islamabad has also assumed the SCO Council of Heads of State chairmanship for 2026-27.

For both countries, the latest talks signal an effort to translate diplomatic goodwill into trade, investment and business opportunities — with the $200m target now serving as a concrete benchmark for the next phase of Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan relations.